Great Lakes - BF Ride - Oct 1st (BFNIC) - Chicago-Rockford-Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee

I was thinking something more like this...
http://www.towsure.com/home/images/products/t139.jpg
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_30_109.gif

I was thinking something more like this...
http://www.towsure.com/home/images/products/t139.jpg

:roflmao:

I'm definately getting pumped about the ride. Count me in for the metric at least...possibly the century if I'm feeling particularly saucy.

Off to class. Anyone want to buy me one of those lovely houses we saw along the way on Sunday? It would really cut down on my commute time to and from Northwestern...

....(CyLowe and aham are probably getting a kick out of me throwing out all of this "I'll help you out stuff" because they know that even riding at the back I'll probably be struggling right along with whoever's with me....someone might have to sweep me....:D)

I aint buying what you are trying to sell. I am pretty sure that is you in this pic doing a monster pull into the wind...............:D


http://static.flickr.com/91/247888957_f3c8c46a84_o.jpg

Hey sdog, you gonna be buying us all houses with that Nwestern edumacation...Dont forget, I'm just an internet bachelors degree kinda guy, Im no rival big ten guy, (purdue, cough cough). Notice I didnt capitalize purdue, (oops, did it again).

Hey sdog, you gonna be buying us all houses with that Nwestern edumacation...Dont forget, I'm just an internet bachelors degree kinda guy, Im no rival big ten guy, (purdue, cough cough). Notice I didnt capitalize purdue, (oops, did it again).


That's because it's NOT the capital of Indiana....that would be Indianapolis...:rolleyes:

You see Purdue is just the "center of excellence" for the midwest, not the capital.

Oh, and S_Dog, I do have some really nice "Purdue Cycling" waterbottles that will go great with that Scott of yours. A Purdue jersey would just be perfect as well...:D

Off to class. Anyone want to buy me one of those lovely houses we saw along the way on Sunday? It would really cut down on my commute time to and from Northwestern...

Hey, come live with us down in South Evanston. Not many affordable houses, but some good big condos for cheap (for Chicago area). Of course, you have to deal with the colorful neighborhood, but I rode up to the North Shore Century start in about 10 minutes. Proximity has its benefits. :)

South Evanston.

Is that what they're calling Rogers Park these days???

:D

Is that what they're calling Rogers Park these days???

:D

Not as long as Ald. Joe Moore has anything to say about it. ;)

My alderman in Evanston was telling me that Joe Moore's monthly campaign contributions are about 3x her annual ones. So, if anything, it's that Rogers Park is trying to annex us, not vice versa.

Hey sdog, you gonna be buying us all houses with that Nwestern edumacation...Dont forget, I'm just an internet bachelors degree kinda guy, Im no rival big ten guy, (purdue, cough cough). Notice I didnt capitalize purdue, (oops, did it again).

I'm gonna be a high school teacher, so I won't be buying any houses anytime soon. No child left behind + IL budget = teachers get screwed.

Oh, and S_Dog, I do have some really nice "Purdue Cycling" waterbottles that will go great with that Scott of yours. A Purdue jersey would just be perfect as well...:D

Boooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! :p

Hey, come live with us down in South Evanston. Not many affordable houses, but some good big condos for cheap (for Chicago area). Of course, you have to deal with the colorful neighborhood, but I rode up to the North Shore Century start in about 10 minutes. Proximity has its benefits. :)

I'm living at home until I get a job...besides which I may be moving to NY (if my gf gets her way). If I'm not going to live in the Chicagoland than I would rather move out West though. We shall see...

I'm gonna be a high school teacher, so I won't be buying any houses anytime soon. No child left behind + IL budget = teachers get screwed.

"Leave a few behind and pay teachers more" that is my motto.

Kenal0

"Leave a few behind and pay teachers more" that is my motto.

Kenal0

Kenal0, "What Are You Thinking?"

This has been billed as a 'no-drop' ride.

Stop trying to play party politics when children's futures are at stake.



(This post brought to you by slanderers for what's-his-name...)


http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/bilder/130597.jpg

I have run into a few unforseen problems.
1. My son has hockey tryouts at 9:20 to 10:20- Oct 1
2. My daughter has a Taekwondo demonstration from 1:00 to 2:30
3. I am the coach of the hockey team and need to pick some good guys or risk going the season without a win.
4. I am not sure that my wife( who has not said anything all season about the Sunday rides) will take it if I tell her that she has to take the daughter to Taekwando not to mention that the daughter might not like it if I miss to ride my bicycle even more than I do.
I feel bad as I was one of the guys that voted for 10/1.
If I were to miss this ride, do you think I would ever be allowed to ride with this group again or is this a one time deal? One miss and you are off the team.
I just know that it is going to be a nice sunny calm day and I am going to feel bad all day long at other indoor events.
Kenal0

My vote is always "Family First."

I know its tough to imagine but you can live without cycling.

But can you live without your family?

My vote is always "Family First."

I know its tough to imagine but you can live without cycling.

But can you live without your family?

Yeah, my girls are heading out of state and leaving me behind for this ride.

I'll be the one with the keg in the Burley trailer.

:beer:

The more I ponder it, this ride format is an AWESOME idea. :D

I'd like to think that since I'm riding the last leg, I could just possibly maybe hang with you guys (and gals) who've ridden the prior 30 or 60 miles.

Eventually, (assuming we do this regularly - quarterly? semiannual?) I'd be able to pull that last leg.

At some point, I'll be convinced and confident enough to join the metric. This cycle (pun intended) will start over and eventually I'll be able to pull more than my fair share for those 60 miles.

Ultimately, I'll be able to earn the right to suffer with the century crowd and enjoy all the glory of being on the saddle for 6+ hours.

Gosh.

A guy can dream can't he?

:rolleyes:

Drag, as I responded to Voltman a bit earlier in the thread, this ride has been heavily influenced by the Southern California forum members who ride together all the time. The organize rides and folks show up.

Hopefully next year we'll have other Chicagoland folks setting us up for rides in their neck of the region. They don't all have to be 100 milers or in the format Psimet has set up.

It's kind of like Field of Dreams. Organize it and they will come.

Start mapping us a route on the south side!

:)

Gladly.

I actually live in DuPage County (Addison, Illinois) , but I'll see what I can find.

I'm pretty new at this though, getting into it after a 5+ year hiatus from which I was primarily on an MTB, so riding on roads is a pretty new concept to me. :rolleyes: LOL!

However, the roads and scenery further west along the Fox River and St. Charles and Geneva are outright gorgeous! Seemingly less traffic too.

I am already planning out a BFNIC Will County Flat, but not totally Flat, Corn Field Metric for 07!!

I am already planing out a BFNIC Will County Flat, but not totally Flat, Corn Field Metric for 07!!

Even I may do that one.
:)

Gladly.
However, the roads and scenery further west along the Fox River and St. Charles and Geneva are outright gorgeous! Seemingly less traffic too.

I was in downtown St Charles today and couldn't help, but think it would be a nice area to ride. I mean, they got some hills up there!

On a side note, on my way back home I stopped at the Pearl Izumi Outlet store. I was impressed with their prices and the guys knowledged of their products. Picked my up some long fingered gloves, shoe covers, and socks. Yep, some colder weather gear for our little Oct 1st ride :) Later.

" I was in downtown St Charles today and couldn't help, but think it would be a nice area to ride. I mean, they got some hills up there! "

Thanks for the kind words about my city. I enjoy my ride from the PD down the trail to Aurora and back, or my commute in from the Elgin Riverboat along the trail to the PD. Next time let me know you'll be nearby, I'll arrange a welcome wagon for you.:D

I just about got a divorce tonight when my wife told me that she had planned a night out with our neighbors on Sept. 30th. I toild her we could drive seperately, like we did to her reunion the night before the North Shore. Didnt go over to well, but what the heck, a man's got to have his priorities right? Can't help it that hers and mine dont match..

Oh well, so I'll be tired that day, no biggie. I'm probably gonna do the early 38 then spilt, got to return to Nwestern that afternoon.

On a side note, on my way back home I stopped at the Pearl Izumi Outlet store...
Screeeeeeeeeech!
Whoa!
Hold up!
What's this?
A Pearl Izumi Outlet Store???
Where?!?

I toild her we could drive seperately, like we did to her reunion ....
You're clearly a much braver man than I. LOL! :D

And yeah that area rocks! I took my newphew on a canoe ride down the Fox River a few weeks back. Great scenery! HUGE houses! That area is certainly beautiful! :)

Screeeeeeeeeech!
Whoa!
Hold up!
What's this?
A Pearl Izumi Outlet Store???
Where?!?

Out on 88 at the outlet mall. Farnsworth exit. Many of my hard earned washinton's have left me there...

I just about got a divorce tonight when my wife told me that she had planned a night out with our neighbors on Sept. 30th. I toild her we could drive seperately, like we did to her reunion the night before the North Shore. Didnt go over to well, but what the heck, a man's got to have his priorities right? Can't help it that hers and mine dont match..

Oh well, so I'll be tired that day, no biggie. I'm probably gonna do the early 38 then spilt, got to return to Nwestern that afternoon.

Just tell her you have plans the next morning with one of your other neighbors....:D

Next time let me know you'll be nearby, I'll arrange a welcome wagon for you.:D

Be careful on that, aham23.... by 'welcome wagon,' I think he's talking about Ye Olde Paddy Wagon....

:D

So...I was logging on just to get some friendly advice regarding trying my first century, the Pumpkin Pie Ride, in Ottawa IL, and I found this very cool option. The more I read, the more I thought it sounded like a good time. I thought an organized supported ride was my best bet (before finding this), but I don't know a soul doing the Pie ride. Of course, I also don't know any BF members either (yet). I rode about 95 miles yesterday, and feel pretty good today aside from a sore butt and neck. (Before that , my top rides have been 65, 60, 55, 50, and 45, all about one time each, and not all this summer in prep for a century). But I also took it really slow, taking about 8 hours to finish. Am I going to be dragging up the rear trying to stay with you guys? A half century is NOT an option for me, unless AD&D (accidental death or dismemberment) prevent me from finishing. I've been aiming for this since last May. I know I can ride a little faster, I just didn't want to fry out my legs with lactic acid (made that mistake big time on a half century, before I knew any better) and have to crawl or drag my bike the last30 miles. But I figure people support versus SAG and formal food stops will be much more helpful overall. Besides, I'd like to get to know some of the other locals to maybe do some future riding together.

Voldemort

Much easier to ride a long distance when you can stay on someones wheel. If these guys advertise a no drop ride then that is what it is. More of a social event combined with some excercise than an all out hammer fest. You will have a good time with this group. Give it a try.
Kenal0

voldemort - As Kenal0 pointed out I have stated it will be no-drop. That means if you are in the rear...I will be there with you. This century will not have as many stops as a normal organized century will, but I would agree with your assessment that having moral support is better than sag support. Besides the jury is still out I think we may end up with a sag vehicle at some point.

You'll be surprised at how much faster you will end up riding when you group ride. Drafting will greatly increase your speed with little to no extra effort.

Not only do I think you should ride our ride, but I look forward to seeing you there!

This century will not have as many stops as a normal organized century will

Huh? If you count the available convenience stores at intermediate points on the loops, as well as personal fuel/beverages back at the FP, this ride will have plenty of opportunity to refuel, on par with 'real' organized ride.


Just sayin'..... :o

Huh? If you count the available convenience stores at intermediate points on the loops, as well as personal fuel/beverages back at the FP, this ride will have plenty of opportunity to refuel, on par with 'real' organized ride.


Just sayin'..... :o

Yeah I guess you're right. 4 stops - technically. Besides...most of us bring too much stuff with us so we will have plenty available to share if need be.

Dont worry Voldemort, I'm slow, I'll help from the back.

I can already feel the love!

:D

I rode about 95 miles yesterday, and feel pretty good today aside from a sore butt and neck. (Before that , my top rides have been 65, 60, 55, 50, and 45, all about one time each, and not all this summer in prep for a century). But I also took it really slow, taking about 8 hours to finish...Hey Voldemort -

You sound like my kinda riding partner. I have yet to do a century or even a metric. I did do 50 miles once but that was back in 2000. I just started riding again in August from a 5+ year break. If anything, I can volunteer for the sweep role since I'm gonna be back there anyway. ;)

Hey, I will sweep the front! Anyone with me? :)

show off

I took most of the week off the bike but am still have sore ribs and tired but I want to get my passion back and consider the ride...If I do will I be the only one on a hybrid?

I took most of the week off the bike but am still have sore ribs and tired but I want to get my passion back and consider the ride...If I do will I be the only one on a hybrid?
Not sure...I have some co-workers that may come out that will be riding hybrids. They are thinking of doing the last 30 mile leg.

Long range forecast is dry but in the forties.




Brr.

I see scattered showers (30%) and high of 69....cold and wet....awesome.

Sounds like it's time to get me some wet weather gear! :)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a weather weenie.. If its not looking too good, I'm staying home..

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a weather weenie.. If its not looking too good, I'm staying home..
Remember it was supposed to pour on us at the North Shore Century....:rolleyes:

Just wait. We won't be able to tell what the weather will be like until the morning of....

I'm out the door in 5 seconds to ride up the trail....

I see scattered showers (30%) and high of 69....cold and wet....awesome.


I don't know why I insist on listening to Tom Skilling, maybe I think he is getting paid so much he better be right.

Thank you for the invitation, but I am taking a lady friend to her first organized ride in Ottawa on that day. I will think of you guys fifty miles away while I eat pumpkin pie at the Pumpkin Pie Ride.

" Thank you for the invitation, but I am taking a lady friend to her first organized ride in Ottawa on that day. I will think of you guys fifty miles away while I eat pumpkin pie at the Pumpkin Pie Ride ".

We're semi-organized, and if a pumpkin pie will change your mind, I'll bring one.