WHAT: Open invitation to a ride for BF members (and lurkers)
WHEN: October 1, 2006. 8:00am, 10:45am, 1:15pm depending on your route.
WHERE: The location of the start of the ride will be the Hampshire Forest Preserve.
Map Showing Hampshire Forest Preserve
FORMAT: This ride will have a Century (100 mile) route, a Metric Century (62 mile) route, and a Half-Metric Century (31 mile) route.
The Century riders will start first at 8:00am. They will ride a 38 mile route ending back at the starting point. The Metric Century riders should be at the starting point, ready to leave with the Century riders at 11:00 am. This larger group will then ride the second leg (31 miles) and end up back at the start point. This group will then meet up with the Half-Metric riders for the final leg (31 miles).
No-Drop rule for the first 2 legs (could effect start times of second and third leg, but probably won’t – just be flexible). Faster riders will be allowed to ride at their own speed, but a sweep rider will be available for slower riders.
Only moral support is provided. You must provide your own fluid/food for the ride. There are optional stops (convenience stores) on the first 2 legs. The idea is that you bring your own and leave it in your car. Each time we return to the car you will then stock up for the next 30-mile ride.
Cue-sheets and maps will be provided. No road markings, but some of us know the route pretty well.
Currently we have no mechanical SAG support. If someone could bring a spouse or friend to help fill that role – it would be great!
WHY: This is meant as a social ride. It is an opportunity for Bike Forums members to get together and meet, and ride together in a group. It is also meant as an opportunity for riders to challenge themselves in a “safe environment”. If you have never ridden a century (Imperial, Metric, or even Half-Metric) before you will be surrounded by a lot of riders that have that can lend you support.
Feel free to bring non-BF riders as well, but remember this is not an “organized event”. This is simply a large group ride.
Please feel free to post any questions that you might have, and please spread the word to anyone else you think might be interested.