Great Lakes - North Shore Century Anyone?

Does the Garmin use rechargeable batteries?

Hmm...I was thinking about getting the Cateye CD300DW but maybe I will cash in my overdue birthday present for a Garmin instead.

How do you like the Garmin?

I have the CD300DW. It has it's nice points, but if a Garmin is on your radar of possibility then....you gotta get it.

I have the CD300DW. It has it's nice points, but if a Garmin is on your radar of possibility then....you gotta get it.

Psimet2001, what do you not like about the CD300DW? Some honest negative points will help me in my decision. It has everything I need function wise, just not the bells and whistles of the garmin.

"Bells and Whistles are good, grunt"

Direct quote from the Man Encyclopedia

:(

Aham23 - Garmin
Kenal0 - Garmin
Kimbercop - Garmin



Just ride along side them and ask for updates on your speed and pinpoint location every mile or two.

Saves a lot of money.

:D

:(

Aham23 - Garmin
Kenal0 - Garmin
Kimbercop - Garmin


...Psimet2001 - No Garmin....(notice I am green)

Add my name to the list of Garmin users. My heart rate montior stopped working last week however, and I am hoping it just needs a battery replacement in the chest strap. :mad:

Just ride along side them and ask for updates on your speed and pinpoint location every mile or two.

Saves a lot of money.

:D
True...if I got onethen we wouldn't be able to make any more "Judy from OnStar" comments...

True...if I got onethen we wouldn't be able to make any more "Judy from OnStar" comments...

Fine.... I'll cool it with the Judy comments.... Sheesh. What a killjoy!

Psimet2001, what do you not like about the CD300DW? Some honest negative points will help me in my decision. It has everything I need function wise, just not the bells and whistles of the garmin.
It's a good unit. I had cross-talk between it and my HRM (affected my HRM not the computer), and it will ocassionally lose signal when I'm out of the saddle climbing (due to the rear triangle flexing far enough to get drop out).

Not the computer's fault. If you get one then get it off of E-Bay. I can always find one on there for $98.

I've had the Garmin 305 for a few weeks now. This thing ROCKS! :D

I use the donation-ware SportTracks application. IMO, it's a much better application than Garmin's packaged TrainingCenter. For one thing, SportTracks gives better overhead maps of your route, and you can also track equipment usage.

I attached a link of a screenshot from a past ride.

SportTracks Screenshot link (http://www.cianperez.com/Photo/Exposed/album_Cycling/images/ST_2006_0902.jpg)

I've had the Garmin 305 for a few weeks now. This thing ROCKS! :D

I use the donation-ware SportTracks application. IMO, it's a much better application than Garmin's packaged TrainingCenter. For one thing, SportTracks gives better overhead maps of your route, and you can also track equipment usage.

I attached a link of a screenshot from a past ride.

SportTracks Screenshot link (http://www.cianperez.com/Photo/Exposed/album_Cycling/images/ST_2006_0902.jpg)

I think I tried to get that software running on my machine and had some problems. Did you have any issues with it?

Do you have a link to download the software?

I didn't have any problems with the application. However, I did install the Garmin TrainingCenter application first, so that may have installed any required drivers. Every time I plug in my 305, the TrainingCenter application launches, then I launch SportTracks and simply import the data from my last ride through its import interface.

Here's the link for the download:

http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/

I attached a link of a screenshot from a past ride.

SportTracks Screenshot link (http://www.cianperez.com/Photo/Exposed/album_Cycling/images/ST_2006_0902.jpg)

Ahh!! Busse Woods crazy MUP! Lovely little loop, save for the multitudes of dog-walkers, folks carrying fishing poles, rollerbladers, and generally not-observant young couples off for a trist in the woods.....

Haven't ridden there since my work moved away from Scumburg. Used to work right across 53 from there.

Watch out for those penned elks!

I am so Psyched about this thing, and I really dont have time to ride until Sunday at the earliest,:( . But Ive been pouring thru the manual and other stuff, looking forward to putting it to use..

SportsTracks looks cool, but I really like the fact that MB is web based and your can make you rides/routes/what not public via the net. Can not wait to get home and check my mail!!! Later.

Ahh!! Busse Woods crazy MUP! Lovely little loop, save for the multitudes of dog-walkers, folks carrying fishing poles, rollerbladers, and generally not-observant young couples off for a trist in the woods.....
LOL! All your observations are correct, even about the elk! Believe it or not, I have lived near here since 2001 but this is the first time I traversed this "park" and only because I started cycling again just a month ago.


I am so Psyched about this thing...
It really is way cool! I can't recommend it enough. But do look into the SportTracks application. I haven't used MotionBased but their subscription fees are too high IMO.

And for comparison's sake, here's a compilation of the views that Garmin's packaged TraningCenter application provides for the same exact ride: Training Center Screenshot (http://www.cianperez.com/Photo/Exposed/album_Cycling/images/TC_2006_0902.jpg)

This Garmin 305 really makes riding so much more interesting knowing that you can go back and critically analyze every stroke of your workout/performance. Well, that is, if you dig that kind of stuff. I was using a Polar heartrate monitor for a couple weeks prior, but after having used the 305, I can't see myself using anything else while on the bike. :D I actually have to return an unopened VDO 3DS wireless bike computer to Performance since I can't foresee myself ever using a normal bike computer now that the 305 is here.

7:00 meeting at registration with a 7:15ish departure work for everyone??
Weather is going to be excellent.
Kenal0

7:00 meeting at registration with a 7:15ish departure work for everyone??
Weather is going to be excellent.
Kenal0
Timing will work. See everyone there!

Sounds good. Just looked up directions and it should take me about an hour to get there that time in the morning. Are most people parking in the Garage? I already registered so I just need to get my butt there on time!! Later.

Sounds good. Just looked up directions and it should take me about an hour to get there that time in the morning. Are most people parking in the Garage? I already registered so I just need to get my butt there on time!! Later.
Yup. Planning on the garage. Top. There was plenty of room last year.

So what's the roll call for this ride?

Kenal0 Century
aham23 Century
Psimet2001 Century
CyLowe97 Century
jtm1631 Century (I Hope!)
Kimbercop 50 miles
S_DOG34 50 miles
Drag 25 miles

Did I miss anybody?

Anybody else out there signing up for this one?

Where the heck are the Dave's to set the pace for us????
Without them I might be able to talk and ride at the same time.

Kenal0

I may have a friend from work with me, the "Fred" I wrote about awhile ago. 50 wont be a problem for him I think, its me I'm worried about. I'll be there at 0700, but my wifes HS reunion is the night before, than k God I dont drink anymore, (or anyless, badda bump)

Im sooo excited, I actually FINALLY get to try my Edge 305 :D

Wow, I've been training so much I totally spaced on looking for local posters about the ride. I'm in, riding the full century. Count me as an Edge 305 owner as well. I'm also hoping to get some good Linux/Google Earth connectivity going with the puppy.

Also, it's my first century, so go easy on me. :) Actually, I'm pretty happy. On my 68 mile (68.21) training ride, I did it in 4 hours 24 min & change, with a 17 minute stop at 35 miles. Assuming these possible gusty SSW winds they're talking about don't trash me, I think I have a good shot of coming in around 6 hours 30 min. I'm thinking about changing out my 32c tires for my thinner 24c ones on my road bike, but I'm kinda jumpy about making last minute changes to my bike.

Anyone dig up a previous map? I'm curious not only to how we're going, but where the rest areas are. I wanna stop only at two, and I need to figure out which two.

We wind our way through Evanston into Wilmette, shoot up west Wilmette into Northfield up Happ Rd to Skokie past Dundee to Clavey. Clavey to Ridge up to Everett. Take Everett West to St. marys and go almost straight up t Gurnee, Then a little east and continue up Delaney to Wisconsin and on to Kenosha.
On the way back is by the lakefront past Abbott labs in Waukegan, down the bike path in Lake Bluff, side streets in Lake forest and into HP on Sheridan road and pretty much down Sheridan back to Evanston.

Last year first rest stop is off of Ridge just north of 22 and south of Everett. Just around 20 miles. Next rest stop is in Gurnee just as you turn from O Plaine onto Old Gurnee Rd. about another 15 miles.
3rd rest stop is near halfway point at a park in Kenosha.
4th rest stop is on the way back down the lake front at a park in Waukegan I think.
Last rest stop is off of Sheridan in north Highland Park at around mile 80.
I personally will be stopping at each and every one to refuel and enjoy the fine quisine. Not for long but I would not want to skip one.
Going out and up we will have a wind. This is okay because it has longer less scenic straight roads. Just grind away single file.
When we make the turn for home we will have a wind to fight but there is more scenery and nicer route for the last 30 miles. Not so much single file paceline riding necessary as we are on some side streets.
Kenal0

Here's the map (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below&addr=Church+and+Sheridan&csz=Evanston%2C+IL+60201&country=us&Get%A0Map=Get+Map) to the starting area. Where exactly is this "garage" that you all speak fondly of? An intersection would help me out greatly.

I'm not yet 100% if I can make this (got family coming in from NYC this weekend), but I am certainly looking forward to meeting and riding with you gents. :)

Here's the map (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below&addr=Church+and+Sheridan&csz=Evanston%2C+IL+60201&country=us&Get%A0Map=Get+Map) to the starting area. Where exactly is this "garage" that you all speak fondly of? An intersection would help me out greatly.

I'm not yet 100% if I can make this (got family coming in from NYC this weekend), but I am certainly looking forward to meeting and riding with you gents. :)
About 2 blocks North of the start. Just inside campus on the right (towards the water).

Thanks for the directions, Kenal0. Sounds a lot like we're paralleling the trails a bit. My 68 was Green Bay to North Shore to Des Plaines.

Just one question: do we have clear markings taking us around the ravine on Sheridan, or do we get special dispensation to be able to ride it?

Thanks for the directions, Kenal0. Sounds a lot like we're paralleling the trails a bit. My 68 was Green Bay to North Shore to Des Plaines.

Just one question: do we have clear markings taking us around the ravine on Sheridan, or do we get special dispensation to be able to ride it?
We need to cut over on Scott to Old Greenbay and then back at Tower. No special dispensation. I rode down the Ravines all last year until a cop pulled me over this May and told me it was illegal to go on bicycle.
I never saw the signs.
Kenal0

The parking garage is mapped over at the Evanston Bike Club site. I think we got a link earlier in this post. It is 3 blocks from the start.

Finally got my Edge!! Hope to get it hooked up and tested today. Weather looks good for a nice afternoon testing/training ride. Lets hope work cooperates. Later.

The potential for the strong southerly wind is starting to psych me out. :mad: There is nothing my knee hates more than a strong headwind at the end of a long ride when my legs are tired.

I'm going to need some help if I attempt this century. I'm not too proud to sit on somebody's wheel for the entire 100 miles.

The potential for the strong southerly wind is starting to psych me out. :mad: There is nothing my knee hates more than a strong headwind at the end of a long ride when my legs are tired.

I'm going to need some help if I attempt this century. I'm not too proud to sit on somebody's wheel for the entire 100 miles.

Do not worry I will be right behind you the whole way!

kenal0

I was worried about the wind until I see that the chance of storms is looming ever closer. It's only a 30% chance according to weather.com, but they keep hedging and talking about them earlier and earlier in the day. I hope that they hold out until later, but I'm seriously considering getting there at 6 to try and get started early enough to dodge anything.

My plan with the winds is to take it easy the first half because I'm anticipating gusty winds on the way back. The aero bars have helped with that so far, but my back still can't take 6+ hours down in them, so I'm assuming I'll save going down until we turn back south.

You just need to check different weather sites until you find the one you like.

accuweather.com is still looking pretty good. Well good except for the 27mph wind gusts! :eek:


Details for Sunday Sep, 17

Sunday Day
Breezy with intervals of clouds and sunshine; chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm
High 78°F
RealFeel®: 76°F
View the Hour-By-Hour™ Forecast
Winds: SSW at 13mph
Wind Gusts: 27 mph
Max UV Index: Moderate (4)
Thunderstorm
Probability: 25%

Make sure you have sufficient lights if you plan to start at 6:00AM. It will be pitch black at 6:00 on Sunday.

I am hoping the storms stay away until later in the afternoon.We should be back in Evanston by 2:15 or so.
Kenal0

Cue the cheesy electric piano....

"Riders on the storm.....Riders on the Storm.... "

"....into this world we're thrown...."

http://www.primalwear.com/images/clothing/DRGFJERL_sm.gif





So Psimet, do the RAIN jerseys ward off the rain or do they tempt Thor to hurl bolts at us?

So Psimet, do the RAIN jerseys ward off the rain or do they tempt Thor to hurl bolts at us?

I don't know....hasn't rained once while wearing one.....I could be talked into wearing this one....
http://www.bloomington.in.us/~bbc/tours/rain/RAIN_05/RAIN12.jpg

I am hoping the storms stay away until later in the afternoon.We should be back in Evanston by 2:15 or so.
Kenal0

2:15?!? :eek: Let's see, leave at 7:15, 5 rest stops at about 10 minutes each...call it an hour, that leaves 6 hours for riding.

Yeah, I'm thinking you guys are going to be way too fast for me. Maybe I will just hang back with Kimbercop on the shorter route.:rolleyes:

2:15?!? :eek: Let's see, leave at 7:15, 5 rest stops at about 10 minutes each...call it an hour, that leaves 6 hours for riding.

Yeah, I'm thinking you guys are going to be way too fast for me. Maybe I will just hang back with Kimbercop on the shorter route.:rolleyes:

Hey now...6:00 - 6:30 is about right for us. Believe it or not that will end up a lot slower than what we rode in the Udder (thank god!). Remember....you're riding in a group. It is a TON faster.

2:15?!? :eek: Let's see, leave at 7:15, 5 rest stops at about 10 minutes each...call it an hour, that leaves 6 hours for riding.

Yeah, I'm thinking you guys are going to be way too fast for me. Maybe I will just hang back with Kimbercop on the shorter route.:rolleyes:

I am only going by the last century that was way hillier. We did start out at a blistering pace but it slowed at the end. I am in no hurry and will go as fast or slow as the guy in front of me. 2:15, 3:15 whatever.
No time frame for me. Just looking for a nice ride on hopefully a nice day.
Kenal0

I think I'm starting to convince myself that I can't ride a full century. You guys are going to need to become abusive towards me around mile 60 to keep my a$$ going. ;)

I put Psimet in charge of riding next to me screaming in my ear to pick up the pace and keep moving. The rest of you can feel free to chime in at any point in the ride if you feel I'm slacking.

I plan on taking a nice easy 20 - 25 mile ride today and tomorrow and than Saturday off.

Who knows, maybe I'll even have a couple shots of whiskey and a beer Saturday night. :D

I put Psimet in charge of riding next to me screaming in my ear to pick up the pace and keep moving.
http://www.eps.mcgill.ca/monteregian/_files/movies2_files/drill-sergeant.jpg

:D


Who knows, maybe I'll even have a couple shots of whiskey and a beer Saturday night. :D

...and Sunday night....;)

Latest weather from weather.com (I picked Waukegan because it's just a bit north of half way):
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/60085?begHour=23&begDay=259

Ug. Although I'll take 30%-40% chance of storms. Those are decent odds. It's that stiff, gusty wind out of the south that I'm not looking forward to.

Accuweather seems to be a bit more optimistic about the storms, but the south wind is unavoidable.
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecast-hourly.asp?partner=accuweather&zipcode=60085&metric=0&hbhday=3&hbhhour=6

Either way, prepare for a tough ride on the way back. A peloton on the way back might be a VERY good idea.

A Peloton then it must be I declare!! I got dibs on the second position in this Peloton. Later.

9-10 mph winds aren't going to be all that bad....it's the 15-17 they're forecasting for the last part of the ride (into the wind) that will be enjoyable....


...can we make this a South Shore Century and ride to Gary and back? Might need that vest I was talking about earlier though...

I don't mind winds, but I prefer them on the first half, not the second.

We'll see where the winds are. If they get gusty and storms do accompany them, it could be nasty, but hopefully that would be short lived.

To continue the R. Lee Ermey theme:
http://www.madopal.com/images/ermey2.jpg
You WILL ride hard into that wind, numbnuts! You look like the type of rider who would suck a man's wheel for 25 miles and not even give him the common courtesy of an "on your left!" It looks like the best part of you ran down the crack of your momma's saddle and wound up as a brown stain on her water bottle! I've got your name! I've got your bib number!

Madopal:

That was freaking awesome.. I am a FMJ freak....

9-10 mph winds aren't going to be all that bad....it's the 15-17 they're forecasting for the last part of the ride (into the wind) that will be enjoyable....


...can we make this a South Shore Century and ride to Gary and back? Might need that vest I was talking about earlier though...

Certainly will not be bad for me as I plan to tuck behind the Pres and VP to just follow their lead :) !!

That would be you Psimet and CyLowe. Later.