Southeast - Charlotte NC area riders

OMG! :eek:

I need to put my route on one of those Internet mapping sites. My Garmin battery finally died about 2 miles into my ride. :mad: First time I've had to recharge it since I got it in November! :eek:

Last night, I dreamed I was cresting hills, then practically headed straight back down the other side, almost like free-falling! Over and over and over.... Woke up at 3am, exhausted and exhilerated! :D

Out Like A Lion RR (http://onlocationphotography.yourproimages.com/mp_client/pictures.asp)

Password = mrc

I saw a few photos of others in my race. But, Nnnnooooooo! Couldn't hit this godly, manbeast with a few snaps.

Maybe they haven't put them all up yet, dunno.


Sweet; They got me front and center in pic 82. I would have liked to seen a sprint finish pic.. got 9th.

Who all will be in rock hill for the omnium?

keep up these ride reports. inspiring!

I think everyone racing in this area should meet up one Saturday for a ride together. As the only woman, I'm sure I'd be much slower than you guys, but I can take my turn at pullin', just maybe not for as long as each of you.

Who else is ridin' in the TT on Tuesday evening? Just curious as to whether we all might be able to meet and give moral support. It's my first! :eek:

Thomspins, I'm planning to be at the Omnium. I think substructure is going, too. I want to do the road race on 4/15, but am seriously considering the sprints on Friday night also. I'll have my new roadbike by then, and should be able to really take off, given that I usually sprint pullin' my 29-pound steel beater along....

I use Global Mapper and free USGS data for these profiles of late. They do not have the strange holes like the online sites. It is not as easy to use but atleast it works and I do not have to wait on slow internet sites. any more. If your Garmin does not store your data does that mean you really did not ride?

If I was in town Tuesday, I would come cheer you on. But gotta be in Knox town for work.

What is your goal for the TT? That way when it is over we know if we need to celebrate or get out the whip and work you harder. :)

I use Global Mapper and free USGS data for these profiles of late. They do not have the strange holes like the online sites. It is not as easy to use but atleast it works and I do not have to wait on slow internet sites. any more. If your Garmin does not store your data does that mean you really did not ride?

If I was in town Tuesday, I would come cheer you on. But gotta be in Knox town for work.

What is your goal for the TT? That way when it is over we know if we need to celebrate or get out the whip and work you harder. :)
I'll try those two sites out. I'm just curious about grades and elevations since it was rather hilly. Check out this first little hill. :eek: There were many like that. :eek: I also have maps for 55- and 70-mile routes in that same area. Gonna try the 55-miler next weekend. If I'm feeling good by the end, I may just add on another few miles for my first metric century! :D

Anyone want to join me?

Trust me, I know I did the ride. I'm still a little tired today. Which makes me realize that I have a lot of work to do before TWO long back-to-back rides in the mountains! :eek:

I'm hopin' I can average 20mph over the 10 miles. That's the goal, and, while I've achieved this on my trainer, I doubt I'll be able to do it outdoors. There is some headwind at the track, I'm told. But, I'll to my best. Maybe having a lighter bike for the second TT will make the difference. After that, all improvement will come from the engine, and not from the train. ;)

Crap. Just spent half an hour on MapItPronto! where I'd done some mapping before for some routes in Stanly County. Lost my map! :mad:

Before I lost it, the "30-mile" route appeared to be right at 28 miles, except that I missed a few turns during my ride, and had to backtrack, so maybe I actually rode only 33-34 miles, and not 35 miles. Also appeared that the elevation changes weren't more than 100'-150' either up or down. Can't remember the total ascent. <shrug> Sure felt like more than what that map was showing. Probably just the long low grades....

For now, I give up. I need to go do other stuff before tomorrow. :(

If any of you are interested, I got the maps/cuesheets from here:
http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/CueSheets/Harrisburg_Elementary_30MileRoute.pdf
http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/CueSheets/Harrisburg_Elementary_70-55MileRoutes.pdf

I definitely want to try out the 55-mile route next weekend. :D

I know you can do it. You have the will. Now get out there and hurt yourself!!!!

I'm trying to figure out what to do for next weekend. My kids will need a sitter (if my in laws are gone) so it's up in the air right now. But I need to get some good miles in before the race the following weekend.

Who else is ridin' in the TT on Tuesday evening? Just curious as to whether we all might be able to meet and give moral support. It's my first! :eek:... won't be able to make it; but i'll be there in spirit pulling for you. follow my wheel!!!

I have two good friends showing up tomorrow night for this - a couple Shelby boys. One is doing fixed gear.

Cool guys! Thanks for the good wishes. I really hope to meet more BF'ers through these events. :)

bsma, hurry up, baybuh! :D And thanks for the wheel. You'll probably hear me *suuuuuuuckin*! I start at 6:30pm, so that will probably be about 6:55pm! ;)

Sub, baybuh. TT screams for you! You were made to do TT.... <hypnotic Vega voice>

Sub, are you gonna try to ride the Rock Hill race route once before the race? I would really like to do it, even if I have to go by myself. Or, maybe there are others who won't be racin' who'd want to do it as a training ride? <curious Vega look>

I'd like to if time works out for me.

Most of the time, though, I take the que sheet and profile and sprinkle holy water on them praying for any form of help once I get there.

:roflmao:

Looks like your method helped for the 3/24 race! Eighth place = not bad in that wicked field. What was your bib number?


BTW, I see that Men's Cat 5 has two flights takin' off at 10:20am and 10:30am. Women's Cat 4 starts at 10:40am. If <snort> I catch up with you, we can work together <snort>. :D

:roflmao:

Looks like your method helped for the 3/24 race! Eighth place = not bad in that wicked field. What was your bib number?


BTW, I see that Men's Cat 5 has two flights takin' off at 10:20am and 10:30am. Women's Cat 4 starts at 10:40am. If <snort> I catch up with you, we can work together <snort>. :D


By all means. What you'll need to do though is start shaving so you can get a rough stubble worked up by then. When you catch us hang on and growl.

I'll be doing the Cat 4&5 35+ age group (not sure of the departure time). I will be doing everything to keep up. My goal is to finish with the group. Because I have a feeling that this is going to be fast and furious. Gulp!

:lol:

I'll be growlin', whinin', cryin', and hammerin'. :D

You leave out at 9am! Heh, I start at 10:40am.

It just occurred to me that I will have to weave around all the downed Men's Cat 5's who start during that 20-minute period before my start! Ewwwww! :eek: At least the only women ridin' at that time will be the Cat 4's. Maybe I won't feel so smoked if I can't see the 1-3's leavin' me in their dust! :)

Watch out for the skin on the pavement, it's slick.

Peace. I'm heading home - on the bike. :)
I'll have over 60 miles today doing a round trip commute.

You da man, sub! If anyone's got th' base miles, it's you! :beer:

And thanks for the heads-up. <makin' note of "skin on pavement: beware"> ;)

Who else is ridin' in the TT on Tuesday evening? Just curious as to whether we all might be able to meet and give moral support. It's my first! :eek:


I'll be there. My start time is 7:20 bib #301. I'll be the guy riding the red Fuso converted to fixed.

I'll probably be checkin' my time when you take off, but I'll look for ya! I'll be on my old navy blue Schwinn LeTour, white bar tape, dork disc, straps, wearing red Voler jersey and PI shorts. Red lid. Bib 101. Heh. :)

[Female, BTW. Don't let the avatar throw ya.]

I'll be there probably around 5 or so. I drive an older red Chevy truck with GA wildlife plates.

What a ride last night. It hurt - hurt bad.
I had to carry my backpack (which I did on the way in as well) because of all the stuff I carry home. Never before has my back felt like it did. I had a small twinge on the right side that slowly made its way to the left by the end of the ride. When I got to Pinnacle Road in Crowders Mountain I was standing on the pedals to get over the top. But man, it was a struggle. When I got over the stupid thing my legs were shaking and my heart was pounding like I've never been on a bike before.

But - But! I was expecting my average speed to be aroung 18mph for the 31 miles it takes. I actually had a 19.8mph average. I was stoked. I couldn't believe it. As much as I was struggling and hurting I really thought I was going a lot slower.

Well enough about me. Good luck to all you who are heading to the TT tonight. You make me proud by just being there.


You best represent, fools!!! ;)

Newbie here.
Found this thread yesterday, and spent most of my free work time reading it. Excited to see some locals talkin' 'bout bike riding. Live in the Lake Wylie area, and ride in York and Gaston counties a lot.
Substructure, you have my reapect and admiration for tough commute yesterday. Wish my work schedule/location would allow me to commute regulary. Need to rethink the possiblity, maybe come up with some alternate plans.
Look forward to hearing about more rides in the area.
Rick

Newbie here.
Found this thread yesterday, and spent most of my free work time reading it. Excited to see some locals talkin' 'bout bike riding. Live in the Lake Wylie area, and ride in York and Gaston counties a lot.
Substructure, you have my reapect and admiration for tough commute yesterday. Wish my work schedule/location would allow me to commute regulary. Need to rethink the possiblity, maybe come up with some alternate plans.
Look forward to hearing about more rides in the area.
Rick


Hey man.
Where in Gaston county do you ride? My commute takes me through Shelby, Kings Mountain, Crowders Mountain, Gastonia, Lowell, Ranlo, McAdenville, and Belmont. When I do a full on commute it's 43 miles one way, but yesterday I drove to W. Gastonia and biked from there to Shelby and Back (31 miles one way). So, you can do something like that if you ride is relatively long.

Hi ridinfool,

Welcome, there are a lot of good roads in your area that the GCC (Gaston County Cyclists) ride. I am about ready to start the Monday night rides. Been away from the south part of Gaston County for the last few weeks., trying some new routes in the northern half of the county.

Welcome, Rick! Maybe we can organize a BF ride in Gaston County sometime. There are certainly some sweet routes out there! CM and FU could come down from Hicktown and join us! :)

Sub, baybuh, take it easy with the back. I'm counting on seeing you at the Omnium! :eek: But congrats on the increase in average speed. :beer: You're gettin' stronger with every commute!

warrenl, aren't you supposed to be in Knoxville today? And still on BF! :rolleyes: :p

polar426ish, not sure when I'm arriving, but probably about the same time. I have a Honda Accord with UNCC plate on the front. I'm sure your truck is more readily visible! :p

Oh, I'll be there. Like, for sure.

One more full commute this week. Intervals this weekend. One to two shorter rides with small efforts the week before. Then rest. Wait. Relax. Ponder. Then ........................... POUNCE!

I'm gonna go ride that route this weekend. :eek: In spite of the fact that I've read on the forums of the Rock Hill Bike Club that there's a guy on Brattonsville Road whose dogs are chasers! :eek: I think he is restraining them for the race, and this week because of the number of cyclists training there right now.

Anyone care to join me, even if you're not racin'? <curious Vega look>

Substructure: I have a short commute, only 13 miles, but some of the roads are really heavy with traffic. Specifically, I have to cross the narrow bridge across the river on Wilkinson Blvd just east of Belmont; that freaks me out even not during rush hour. Also, I must have my vehicle during the day quite often to visit project sites. You have inspired me to think about alternatives, though.

WarrenL: Have done lots of rides with the Gaston County group. Did the Monday ride last evening. By riding from home, and back, got in a good 40 miles. We averaged about 18mph. Plan to do the Wednesday ride from the same place this week. It usually breaks into 2 groups, and be quite fast.

Vega:Would love to organize a ride out my way sometime. There are some good roads for riding in southern Gaston county and York county. There are lots of organized rides around here during the week, but not a lot of weekend activity.

All: Would like to get in a long (>50 <60 miles) moderate (18mph) ride this Saturday, if anyone is interested. The weather is supposed to be great. Where is everyone riding Saturday morning?

Substructure: I have a short commute, only 13 miles, but some of the roads are really heavy with traffic. Specifically, I have to cross the narrow bridge across the river on Wilkinson Blvd just east of Belmont; that freaks me out even not during rush hour. Also, I must have my vehicle during the day quite often to visit project sites. You have inspired me to think about alternatives, though.

WarrenL: Have done lots of rides with the Gaston County group. Did the Monday ride last evening. By riding from home, and back, got in a good 40 miles. We averaged about 18mph. Plan to do the Wednesday ride from the same place this week. It usually breaks into 2 groups, and be quite fast.

Vega:Would love to organize a ride out my way sometime. There are some good roads for riding in southern Gaston county and York county. There are lots of organized rides around here during the week, but not a lot of weekend activity.

All: Would like to get in a long (>50 <60 miles) moderate (18mph) ride this Saturday, if anyone is interested. The weather is supposed to be great. Where is everyone riding Saturday morning?


Do you live in Belmont or near?

I don't know what I am doing this Saturday, but I'll keep you informed. I would certainly like to have a group ride locally if we can organize one.

Hi, spinquick! Welcome to BF! :)

I need to start ridin' with a group that averages about 16-18mph. Think the Monday ride would be too fast for me? I really don't care about gettin' dropped as long as I know the route. Still learning GC, so I'd either need a map or a cuesheet, or a few riders in sight.... I'm currently averaging about 16-17mph, but want to work at gettin' stronger and faster, and can do that best in a group of stronger, faster riders.

I do like the idea of an all BF ride, at least once, some weekend, trying to pull as many of us into it as possible. You can see I've been on this idea since about page 2 of this thread. I think we're all gettin' to know each other at this point, and there is now a critical mass. We just need to PM the locals who haven't been participating on this thread in a while, and let them know date/meeting point. Or, we could do like msheron did, and post a poll thread with two different weekend dates....

I want to ride this upcoming race route this weekend, 45miles: http://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/pdf/RHBC_PatriotsRRCourse07.pdf

Again, if anyone wants to join me, let me know. I just like to try to ride a route before racin' on it. Recon. Since this race is fairly close-by, I figure it's worth ridin' once prior to the race.

VV. I'll check with the wife and mother in law. If M in law is here this weekend (as she has been) then I may be able to step out to Rock Hill. We'll see. What time were you thinking?

I'm flexible, as it's just me here. ;)

I'll leave the time to those who are more time-constrained. Early, late, middle of the sun-scorchin' day. All the same to me. I have no headlight, but I have a rear blinkie that will blind you. :eek:

Let's stay in touch this week as it unfolds....

Will do. I'll ask my wife tonight.

Except change the word "ask" with "manipulate." ;)

:roflmao:




But, seriously, I hope you can ride. I know you'll drop me, but it's just nice to know that someone else I know is "out there," too. :)

And if you can't ride, I'll go it alone. No one ever said that training would be easy. ;)

If you're planning on Saturday I'll be up for it. I'll have to break out one of my bikes with those derailer thingies on it though. The fixie is right around 90 inches right now, probably not very good for hills.:)

Hi, spinquick! Welcome to BF! :)

I need to start ridin' with a group that averages about 16-18mph. Think the Monday ride would be too fast for me? I really don't care about gettin' dropped as long as I know the route. Still learning GC, so I'd either need a map or a cuesheet, or a few riders in sight.... I'm currently averaging about 16-17mph, but want to work at gettin' stronger and faster, and can do that best in a group of stronger, faster riders.

I do like the idea of an all BF ride, at least once, some weekend, trying to pull as many of us into it as possible. You can see I've been on this idea since about page 2 of this thread. I think we're all gettin' to know each other at this point, and there is now a critical mass. We just need to PM the locals who haven't been participating on this thread in a while, and let them know date/meeting point. Or, we could do like msheron did, and post a poll thread with two different weekend dates....

I want to ride this upcoming race route this weekend, 45miles: http://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/pdf/RHBC_PatriotsRRCourse07.pdf

Again, if anyone wants to join me, let me know. I just like to try to ride a route before racin' on it. Recon. Since this race is fairly close-by, I figure it's worth ridin' once prior to the race.

You will be OK on either the Monday or Wednesday ride. One thing about the GCC routes, they are all well marked. You just need to know which route to look for. Monday is 25 miles and follows the "B" route http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/CueSheets/Monday_night_25.html. Wednesday is 35 miles and follows the "W" route http://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/CueSheets/wednesday_night_35.htm.
I plan to be there tomorrow night, so let me know if you plan to ride and I will look for you.

As for the weekend, the race course looks like a great ride. I have been on some of the roads lately. Part of the route passes within a few miles of home, so I could suggest some places to meet if needed.
As for time, the weather is supposed to cool quite a bit by then, so late morning would be great.

CRAP IT!!!!

I just got off the phone with my wife. The in-laws are going back home. The only time I don't want them to leave so I can go ride Saturday (wife works on Saturday, kids need supervision or our house will go up in flames). I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me. I love my children - love them to pieces. But my Saturdays have been shot for over a year. My long rides are a thing of the past. I miss them.

CRAP IT!!!

Hey Vega, how'd you do tonight? I finished in 27:33. The headwind going from T4 to T1 was killer. I probably should have geared down. 52 16 was not the appropriate gearing for me tonight.

polara426sh and spinquick, so far, Saturday sounds good to me. Late morning doesn't require that I get up before it's light, either! :eek:

sub, sorry you can't join us. That really bites. But there'll be other weekends. Can you get out to any of the weekday evening rides with GCC? I'm thinkin' about the Monday night ride....

polara426sh! Congrats, baybuh! :beer: I finished in 32:21 :mad: Fell short of my goal of 30:00. :( I rode some in my 52-16 on the backside, and went to 52-14 over that last 3/4 mile! Heh,heh, but I was in 52-23 to 52-16 on the headwind side. I put a ride report on Foo, BTW. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=284324

I enjoyed meeting you, and would be curious as to where you normally ride. I recently found a great route in Harrisburg. Would also like to talk fixed gear possibiltites, too. Maybe we can meet at the Flying Saucer sometime over a beer?

VV
Monday night might be doable. I'll have the day off for Easter and I may be able to step out that night for a ride. It's a short ride isn't it? Have you done a Monday night ride with them? And if so, how's the group etiquette?


edit:
Btw, I read your TT report. Those second winds are a blast. I'm that kinda guy. Our Shelby group will do 70 milers on Saturday and I'm feeling good on 50 miles when everyone else is pooped.

I know you can do better - you know it too. Next time is just around the corner. Remember, you gotta growl!!!!! :)
But, I'm proud of you for giving it your all. Just to be there - whether or not you met your goal - is tops in my book.

VV
Monday night might be doable. I'll have the day off for Easter and I may be able to step out that night for a ride. It's a short ride isn't it? Have you done a Monday night ride with them? And if so, how's the group etiquette?


edit:
Btw, I read your TT report. Those second winds are a blast. I'm that kinda guy. Our Shelby group will do 70 milers on Saturday and I'm feeling good on 50 miles when everyone else is pooped.

I know you can do better - you know it too. Next time is just around the corner. Remember, you gotta growl!!!!! :)
But, I'm proud of you for giving it your all. Just to be there - whether or not you met your goal - is tops in my book.


I have done the GCC rides lots of times. The Monday ride is 25 miles and usually easy. Wednesday is 35 I think, and can be fast if you want, but there is usually a slower group too.

VV - The ride on Saturday sounds like just what I am looking for. Have you established a meeting spot? The area is quite rural - don't think there is a Starbucks in downtown McConnells:D -

I enjoyed meeting you, and would be curious as to where you normally ride. I recently found a great route in Harrisburg. Would also like to talk fixed gear possibiltites, too. Maybe we can meet at the Flying Saucer sometime over a beer?

I was at the Saucer last night. They play trivia there every Tuesday night at 9, first place is a $50 bar tab, so I'm usually there trying to win it. Normally I ride out by the Rocky River Rd. area.

polara and vv-glad you were able to come out last night and do the TT's. The wind is always the big unkown and last night was pretty typical from what we've seen the last several years.

Any feedback you two would like to share on what you liked and didn't like about the event? While it's totally put on by a group of volunteers, efforts are made to try and it make it a safe and enjoyable event for all.

The only complaint that I have is that they didn't play my theme music when I got to the start line.:D
Seriously though, It's a very well run event. The only thing that I could think of that could use improvement is the PA system. Some places in the infield parking area it's nearly impossible to hear. Are you one of the volunteers?

The only complaint that I have is that they didn't play my theme music when I got to the start line.:D
Seriously though, It's a very well run event. The only thing that I could think of that could use improvement is the PA system. Some places in the infield parking area it's nearly impossible to hear. Are you one of the volunteers?
+1 You could take requests from riders who are lining up to start. :roflmao:

Seriously, maybe it's my cheapie helmet, but when warming up or ridin' on the track, I couldn't make out what was being said on the PA, though I could hear things being said. Kept stopping my bike or slowing so I could make it out, especially as it got close to start time. I was bib 101. :eek:

If you're a volunteer, jppe, you all did great! :beer: I said so to the volunteer helping finishing racers cross back over pit road. :)

That was just my first TT, so let me do a few more, and I'll let you know if I see anything that might be improved upon. I doubt I'll find anything. Unless it's to have a webcam at the start/finish and one on the track so that folks on BF can watch us killin' ourselves! :p

ridinfool, I would assume the meeting spot would be at the start/finish. As for Starbucks, we might all have to load up the bikes and drive to civilization afterward. I'd be game for that! And some pie. :D

So far, looks like ridinfool, spinquick, polara426sh and me for a weekend (Saturday late morning?) ride on the Rock Hill race route. Correct?

I was at the Saucer last night. They play trivia there every Tuesday night at 9, first place is a $50 bar tab, so I'm usually there trying to win it. Normally I ride out by the Rocky River Rd. area.
Maybe I'll show up some Tuesday night. Sounds like fun!

Maybe you can show me where you ride sometime. And if you ever want to do a weekend ride in Harrisburg, I'd love to join you. There doesn't seem to be an organized ride, but there are other cyclists out and about.

The only complaint that I have is that they didn't play my theme music when I got to the start line.:D
Seriously though, It's a very well run event. The only thing that I could think of that could use improvement is the PA system. Some places in the infield parking area it's nearly impossible to hear. Are you one of the volunteers?

Thanks for all your feedback on the PA system! I'll put this on the list of things to consider. We actually upgraded the PA last year but obviously we need more watts or speakers!! We joked about using the track PA system but Humpy and team are so generous as it is!!!!

I really like the webcam idea as well. We'll just have to keep it from panning towards the chip retrieval area where riders that have finished are leaving their lunch on the ground!!

I do volunteer at the TT's....just my way of giving a little back to the cycling community.

VV-I had figured out you were 101 from starting 2nd-we know you as "JS" or Just Superfast". You got to pave the way for the rest of the whole field! Seriously, great results for the first time out and the conditions.

I worked up until just about 15 mins before my time, did a very quick warm-up and rode. It was my worst time in two years but what can you say.....we were riding our bikes!!!

^ awesome

Thanks for all your feedback on the PA system! I'll put this on the list of things to consider. We actually upgraded the PA last year but obviously we need more watts or speakers!! We joked about using the track PA system but Humpy and team are so generous as it is!!!!

I really like the webcam idea as well. We'll just have to keep it from panning towards the chip retrieval area where riders that have finished are leaving their lunch on the ground!!

I do volunteer at the TT's....just my way of giving a little back to the cycling community.

VV-I had figured out you were 101 from starting 2nd-we know you as "JS" or Just Superfast". You got to pave the way for the rest of the whole field! Seriously, great results for the first time out and the conditions.

I worked up until just about 15 mins before my time, did a very quick warm-up and rode. It was my worst time in two years but what can you say.....we were riding our bikes!!!
I think Humpy is the guy who dropped me on my fourth lap. :mad: And then accelerated so I couldn't catch him! :o

I saw a gal leave some skin in the chip retrieval area when she failed to clip out. Ouchie! We're in the same age category as it turns out. I suspect she is "Just Superfast." Not to be confused with me: "Just Superslow"! :D

JP, where were you working as a volunteer? Did I actually see you or speak to you? <curious Vega look>