Fifty Plus (50+) - Touring Ride in Rural Indiana

After much debating I registed for this seven day ride during the third week in June. I had debated Oklahoma Freewheel and Bike Across Kansas but decided on this for several reasons. It is a three legged tour, with two day stops. So, every other day you can ride or not ride.

Sweet wife will be prepping for a state exam during that week, so she doesn't even need me around.

I've never been to Indiana.

I've been all over Oklahoma, and this year the tour doesn't even go from Texas to Kansas and is in western Oklahoma. Flatter country...but I've seen it.

Bike Across Kansas seems like its a little more "roadie" than I'm ready to do this year. Also, I've been all over Kansas (well most of it).

So...TRIRI it will be for me. Anyone else?

This looks like a good ride. We looked at it before we decided on doing XOBA this year and another in Michigan. I think the two tours this summer will keep me busy:) I hope to see a ride report as this is one I would like to do in the future since it's not too far from me.

Must confess that Blackberry's (aka Jet Travis) crazyguy story convinced me that it would be a fun tour.
Have already aligned with the bike shop to ship my bike and they promised me it will show up on tour morning with a new tune-up and lube. Everyone has been most helpful. I'll let you know how it goes.

The only question is which bike to take !:)

Lived in Ft Wayne for 14 yrs. That is a beautiful part of the state. I've never done that ride but have done the one noted at the bottom of the home page for it, and going back to do it again this year.
RAIN (http://www.bloomington.in.us/~bbc/tours/rain/rain.html): July 14, 2007 - One-way, one day, 160-mile bicycle Ride Across INdiana

Lived in Ft Wayne for 14 yrs. That is a beautiful part of the state. I've never done that ride but have done the one noted at the bottom of the home page for it, and going back to do it again this year.
RAIN (http://www.bloomington.in.us/~bbc/tours/rain/rain.html): July 14, 2007 - One-way, one day, 160-mile bicycle Ride Across INdiana

Wow! I can't imagine doing that many miles in one day. It took me 7 hours to finish my first century. I don't think there are enough hours in one day for me to do 160 miles:eek:

I see the ride finishes near Richmond. This isn't too far from my house. Maybe I'll go over and see what people look like when they finish this ride:)

Let's stay in touch, Mono. I plan to do it again this year. It's a wonderful, well-organized, fun ride. Lots of great people, beautiful quiet roads, and good times ahead. Looking forward to seeing you down the road.

Yeah baby, we'll forsake the group and go hunt for pie if necessary. Will probably get room at the inn for two nights in the middle of the week. I might get more. Don't get me wrong...I like to camp, but also like to soak in a hot tub and have an air conditioner. I'm hoping the trip weather is cool, but of course June can be rather hot in Indiana. Warm over 85 degrees. Hot = over 90'. Real hot is in upper 90s to 110 or so.

I'm shipping my bike, when I decide what to take, and arriving fairly early on Saturday before the ride starts. Now must decide upon a bike.....decisions decisions.....

Must confess that Blackberry's (aka Jet Travis) crazyguy story convinced me that it would be a fun tour.

Yes, I read Jet's (aka Blackberry) trip account & thought it sounded quite civilized & fun.


Have already aligned with the bike shop to ship my bike and they promised me it will show up on tour morning with a new tune-up and lube.

May I inquire as to what the shop is going to charge you? My wife & I have discussed participating in rides far away from TX but worried about expense of shipping our bikes. That seems a better way to travel than driving all over the country to do rides - unless one were to string together 2 or 3 within a week of each other...

thnx

C'Woody

May I inquire as to what the shop is going to charge you?

C'woody--the bike shop quoted me $45 to unpack and assemble and then repack and ship at the end of trip. Tune-up services may be extra. This is a group rate, I'm sure, owing to the tour.

I also should be able to get it packed and shipped for $25 to $30...but haven't got that worked out yet. No bike shops within 60 miles. I've got to find a box somewhere.

Thanks for response: not a bad charge, it seems to me, a the 'ride' end of things. It's getting the bike there that would seem the challenge.

As someone who always 'tries' and never succeeds in getting my bike where I travel, the best two sites I've seen are:

http://members.shaw.ca/boxyourbike/ (this one was recommended by Richard Brown from BF50+ Rogue's Gallery, I think)
http://www.sherpapacker.com/packinguide1.html (from a company that does SAG services)

There may not be a bike shop but surely you have a WalMart or Target? Or your local hardware store. But I seem to remember you are an engineer (& therefore a problem-solver) so you'll get this sorted.

Even out in your stretch of the Tamaulipan brushlands, UPS picks up, doesn't it?

I envy your opportunity to ride this tour - maybe in '08 I'll get the chance!

Wow! I can't imagine doing that many miles in one day. It took me 7 hours to finish my first century. I don't think there are enough hours in one day for me to do 160 miles:eek:
I see the ride finishes near Richmond. This isn't too far from my house. Maybe I'll go over and see what people look like when they finish this ride:)

Great to have a cheering section! Hope I 'm looking alive at that point. We will have a 5-7 member group riding this year, many from Chicago, I'm coming from the sunny South. Trying to finish in the same time I did 15 yrs ago, 8hr 43min. Spending A LOT of time training for this event, hoping to use it as a way to get invited to ride on a 4 member RAAM team in 2008. I keep telling myself just finishing is accomplishment enough, but the competitive gremlin in me sez, "Don't give up!"

Yeah baby, we'll forsake the group and go hunt for pie if necessary. Will probably get room at the inn for two nights in the middle of the week. I might get more. Don't get me wrong...I like to camp, but also like to soak in a hot tub and have an air conditioner. I'm hoping the trip weather is cool, but of course June can be rather hot in Indiana. Warm over 85 degrees. Hot = over 90'. Real hot is in upper 90s to 110 or so.

I'm shipping my bike, when I decide what to take, and arriving fairly early on Saturday before the ride starts. Now must decide upon a bike.....decisions decisions.....

Worry not, amigo. There should be pie aplenty in America's heartland. And plenty of riders stopping to enjoy it enroute. And, yes, I admit to going for the hotel option. I've camped a zillion times in my life and, at my advanced age, don't mind a soft bed and a hot tub these day. But book NOW. The inns fill up pretty quick.

But book NOW. The inns fill up pretty quick.

Today I booked a room for nights three and four. I may be a weenie and book some more rooms. I was figuring Saturday at the hotel after I get in, camp on Sun and Mon, Tues and Wed at the park inn, then camp again Thurs and Friday, then motel or airport hotel on Saturday after the ride before flying back home on Sunday.

:D I'm rethinking it.