Charity Events - Livestrong Challenge - Philly

There's threads for the Portland and Austin rides, so here's one for the philly ride.

http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.2580371/k.43F3/2007_Philadelphia.htm

August 25-26th

I'll be doing the century ride in honor/memory of my cousin who passed away this past easter morning (25yrs old) from liver cancer. If you'd like to donate, my link is below. Or you can participate by registering using the above link.

http://philly07.livestrong.org/srd42

Grahny,

I will be riding my first ever Century in the Philly ride.

I am riding for a friend Dan who is a survivor of prostate cancer, and my sister who is undergoing chemo and radiation for a cancer behind her eye.

I know others who have been touched by, and taken by, cancer, but I think two is enough.

I am also seeking donations, anyone interested, use the link in my signature.

Hopefully more BikeForums,net riders will join in as well. I rode the shortest ride last year due to a comedy of errors, but it was still fun... even if the ride was done about the time I had finally warmed up well. :D

i decided to sign up for this ride after seeing this thread, in lieu of doing bikephilly.

looking forward to it.

Grahny,

I will be riding my first ever Century in the Philly ride.

I am riding for a friend Dan who is a survivor of prostate cancer, and my sister who is undergoing chemo and radiation for a cancer behind her eye.

I know others who have been touched by, and taken by, cancer, but I think two is enough.

I am also seeking donations, anyone interested, use the link in my signature.

Hopefully more BikeForums,net riders will join in as well. I rode the shortest ride last year due to a comedy of errors, but it was still fun... even if the ride was done about the time I had finally warmed up well. :D

Very cool... Last year there were a TON of riders for all the distances it seemed. A great turn out it seemed.

Last year I ended up having to switch off the century ride and walk the 5K last instead 'cause I destroyed my wrist two weeks before the ride (9 screws & a plate in my wrist). This year I'm hoping things turn out differently and I'll be on the bike instead :)

I was very happy to see the ride back in Philly this year... kind of like a 2nd chance. Although I wasn't all that excited about the location of the walk - walking through a couple community college parking lots isn't all that interesting. At least the rides get people actually over into Philadelphia.

i decided to sign up for this ride after seeing this thread, in lieu of doing bikephilly.

looking forward to it.


Good call! :)

How is the Philly route? I have done the Ride for the Roses and then last year the Livestrong ride in Austin and plan on doing the Livestrong ride down there again...but maybe I will do Philly as well.

Not 100% sure since I wasn't able to ride it last year. I looked over the cue sheet though and it's basically a lot of the same roads I ride anyway. Through the city has got to be a pain though - you end up going through manayunk, down into the city through the usual bike paths (kelly drive), and then down to the Naval yard in south philly... I'm sure the areas up in montgomery county are a little nicer with less traffic.

I'll be riding 100 miles in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia, too.

http://philly07.livestrong.org/scottjoy

I hope to see many of you there!

I am also doing the Livestrong Challenge in Philly. It is my first century ride. I can't wait.

If anyone would like to donate here is my link.

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=219860&lis=0&kntae219860=5C01357FFF0747FB8157CA47A18DB2EC

Thanks for the Philly thread.

This will be my second year for the Philly ride. Again this year I'll be riding in memory of my mother and her two sisters who lost their battles with cancer. Here is the link to my page.

http://philly07.livestrong.org/bowens

Some basic info was updated with a mildy vague course description... hard to tell now if any of the routes will actually even go into the city or not. The century ride will have 8,000 ft of climbing though :D

Philadelphia Route Description

The LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia routes are a cyclist's dream, providing a combination of incredible climbs, descents and views. The wooded scenery, historic landmarks and pristine road conditions make the 2007 route one to remember. The course sets out from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA in scenic Whitpain Township and heads west on Morris Road into beautiful rural surroundings. It then proceeds west and traverses the Green Lane Reservoir before continuing further northwest up Kutztown Road into Berks County, home of picturesque vineyards, historic monuments and preserved farmlands where the likes of George Washington once camped. The 100-mile course turns south for home once in Dryville and winds through the scenic countryside of Oley and Boyertown before returning to MCCC for the Post Event Party.

Overall, all the course distances for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia encompass moderate to difficult terrain with some steep climbs. The 100-mile course will ascend a total of 8,000 ft. before finishing at MCCC. Because of the terrain, tandem bikes are not permitted on the 100-mile course. Ride and 5K course maps, profiles and logs will be placed on the website soon.
*All courses subject to change.

I'll be riding 100 miles in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philadelphia, too.

http://philly07.livestrong.org/scottjoy

I hope to see many of you there!

I will see everybody there! I'm so excited myself, I can't wait!

Thanks for the Philly thread.

This will be my second year for the Philly ride. Again this year I'll be riding in memory of my mother and her two sisters who lost their battles with cancer. Here is the link to my page.

http://philly07.livestrong.org/bowens

Good for you Beverly. I'm sorry to hear about your mother and your aunts. You must be a pretty strong and courageous person. You will do it again and you will succeed! Thumbs up!

This will be my first century ride as well, though I've done a few 90+ mile charity rides. It'll be nice to finally get to that magic 100 mark. Plus, I have a close uncle who is a cancer survivor so this ride will definitely have a lot more personal meaning.

The folks at LIVESTRONG Challenge recently posted details about the Philly ride. Unfortunately, it doesn't go through Center City at all - the whole ride will be in and around Montgomery County. They've got detailed maps of the course and updated info at:

http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2715135/k.AB8B/Philly_Event_Info.htm

Also, for anyone who is fundraising, you can get some free promotional materials (stickers, magnets, 3-ring binders) that you can include/handout when making solitications to potential donors. It took about a week or so to get them, but they're really neat. Check it out at:

http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2662843/k.427/LIVESTRONG_Challenge_Materials_Request/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=khLXK1PxHmF&b=2662843&en=jkJOL0OPJiLNK0MNKhJOJ1PLKlKZJ5NRKjLUL9MVIuJbH

See ya in Philly!

Hello All,

It’s good to see so many people “Do’ing More” to help in such a good cause. I have been affected by cancer my whole life. Love ones I have lost due to cancer; childhood best friend age 22, grandfather age 72, mother age 62, father age 64 and just this past December my father in-law age 78. This does not paint a pretty picture for my future. So I have finely decided to “Do More” by getting off my ass and raising a little money to help the cause.

I am taking part in the Philly Livestrong challenge and will ride the 100 mile ride in memory of my father in-law Albert E Stefancin (Alby). Seventeen years ago I hung up my racing shoes. With the passing of my father in-law I have decided to get totally fit again, as a cyclist goes. My Kestrel 200 SC was set up for flat roads with a 42/53 chain rings and 12-21 cassette. Yes it’s a seven speed and regardless I still ride up to 75 mile in around 4hr and 45min with average speeds of 18-19 miles hr with about 1500 ft elevation total trip. Not too bad after 17 years for a 45 yr old. O’well I do have some gearing changes coming. I put on a 39 tooth inner chain ring and now can stay seated for most of my climbs. Now I am getting a new 13-25 cassette. It was tuff to find a Shimano 600 UniGlide (Pre Ultegra Groupo) cassette. I found it at The Third Hand/Loose Screw (www.thethirdhand.com). (http://www.thethirdhand.com)

I am really looking forward to that 100 miles with the 8000 feet of elevation. I want to feel the suffering as it’s only a millionth of what people with cancer will suffer. I will LiveStrong for them.

I’m really not very good at raising money and I think this is the first time since selling church candy as a kid. Well I hope to see and meet some people at the event. Take care. :)

My fundraising efforts web page is here:

http://philly07.livestrong.org/jrokowski

James

I lost my father to Cancer on June 12 of this year, and my mother-in-law in 1998. I can't leave it up to the "other guy" anymore. I am riding the 100. I will raise money every year from now on for the LAF, whether they have a ride in Philly, or wherever I have to go.

We have to do something, because anything is better than nothing ... and my Dad was my best friend, and worth everything to me. The evil monster that cancer is :mad: will fuel my drive up the 8000 feet of climbing. The suffering that I will experience, is a small fraction of the suffering, and challenge, of those who are fighting cancer.:(

http://philly07.livestrong.org/alronan

Would anyone be interested in carpooling from the New Haven, CT area? I'm doing the ride, but as of right now, I'm flying solo.

Please PM me if you're interested. Thanks.

Dave

I'll be doing the Philly Ride also!
Anyone coming from NYC, same car pool offer applies

Cue sheets are up...

http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2715135/k.AB8B/Philly_Event_Info.htm

EDIT: I've mapped the ride out and have tcx & gpx GPS files for the 100 mile route if anyone wants them (for Garmin). According to the file, the ride is 96 miles and 8,343ft of climbing, with the big climbs in the 8-9% grade range... lots of 3-5% climbs. PM me if you'd like the files.

I am new to the site here, but figured I should post on this thread. I have a friend who may die from cancer just before I do the Philly Livestrong Challenge. She is not expected to make it, so she will definitely be on my mind during that ride. Sorry to put such a negative note in here, but that is why I ride. My website also has a link for donations.

Well I never even thought to check in here for everyone doing the Philly Challenge.

I'm the course marshall coordinator / SAG Vehicle coordinator this year for the Philly Challenge. Everyone at the LAF is really excited to see how the new route turns out, alot of research and help went into making this year much better than last year (major thanks to Medalist Sports, the third party organazing the whole thing this year).

If you see one of the SAG Wagons drive by this year, that is me or someone on my team. Chances are I will be harassing everyone via megaphone on the big climbs, but mainly because I'm jealous that I can't be out there riding with you.

Make sure you report back with feedback as to what you think about the course and the LiveStrong Village. It's going to be a blast! Any questions shoot me a PM and I'll be glad to help you out

See you next weekend!
-Dan

How is the Philly route? I have done the Ride for the Roses and then last year the Livestrong ride in Austin and plan on doing the Livestrong ride down there again...but maybe I will do Philly as well.

Hi everyone,
I will be riding the century course next week for the Philly Challenge. I am a pediatrician who does cancer research at the national institutes of health, and I am riding in honor of the oncology patients at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

I previewed the course last week and here are some thoughts if you are interested...
It is, as you would imagine with >8000 feet if climbing, a tough course. I tend to average about 20+ mph on flat rides and 17-18 mph on hilly rides when I am by myself, faster in a group. My average speed for this course (I was alone) was 15.9 mph, if that gives you an idea of the difficulty. And with all the climbing I doubt drafting will help all that much. I (sadly) spent a good amount of time riding at 5-6 mph at max heart rate. So it is a difficult course but obviously the tradeoff is that it is a very rewarding ride to complete, and let's face it, this is the kind of challenge most of us are looking for.

There are those 2 or 3 really big climbs that you can see on the elevation chart, but the even more challenging part of this ride (I think) is that there is almost no flat. There is barely any time to recover from one climb before you are on another one.

Sadly, the ride does not go through Philly at all, but a lot of the course goes through absolutely beautiful areas. Once you get past the first 5-10 miles it is very nice scenery for the most part. The tradeoff here is that there are a lot of turns, one almost every 1-2 miles, some sharp blind curves on uphills and downhills, and some shady pavement, so you have to stay on your toes, especially in a large group ride.

I ran into a guy who was also previewing the course who is one of the organizers-he told me that there will be the jumbotron and all kinds of fanfare at the finish line just like the big races, so that should be cool.

Looking forward to suffering up those climbs with you all, it's going to be a tough day on a great course, and something all levels of riders will find challenging. To the organizers-thanks a lot!!!! Let's keep this ride coming back to Philly!

See you there!

I did a recon of the century route today (by car). It is very hilly, and will certainly challenge anyone who is riding it.

BEWARE !!! Landis Store Rd. ... it has been freshly oiled and chipped, and at about mile 55 begins a descent down to Hill Church Rd. This descent is very dangerous due to the loose gravel.

Anyone doing the 100 mile route, please be careful.

Thanks, Jack, for the preview. I'm looking forward to it!

Well, the final week before the big ride...any of you veteran cyclists have any recommendation for a newer rider on how to make best use of the next few days? Rest up? Ride a little? Do my normal drill? And what about food? Is loading up on carbs the night before worth it?

See y'all in Philly!

Thanks, Jack, for the preview. I'm looking forward to it!

Well, the final week before the big ride...any of you veteran cyclists have any recommendation for a newer rider on how to make best use of the next few days? Rest up? Ride a little? Do my normal drill? And what about food? Is loading up on carbs the night before worth it?

See y'all in Philly!

I'm just going to get a couple of tempo rides in this week and maybe 1 day of hills (although the weather may dictate that).

Food wise, don't do anything that you wouldn't normally do. Don't carb load the night before if you aren't used to doing it. You're better off eating sensible the several days before (getting enough carbs, but no need to overdo it) and then just make sure you eat/drink on the bike and you'll be fine.

Lots of hills, so remember not to kill yourself on the first half so you save your legs. I plan on spinning/drafting as much as I can :)

Yeah, take at least two rest/recovery days prior to the ride 3 works best for me but everyone is different). If you are going to do hills, intervals, or a hard ride do them today and tomorrow so you have plenty of time to recover. Eat a relatively normal mean the night before like grahny said if you are not used to 'carb-loading' or have never done it before it can cause problems. Just eat something good the morning of with protein and carbs.

My best advice is this: don't eat something really spicy the night before-I made that mistake before previewing the course a couple weeks ago.

Also, I don't think that I stressed this as much as I meant to in my previous post-The engine is right-this can be a very dangerous course, so BE CAREFUL!!! Take it easy on the down hills, there will probably be a lot of riders not used to group rides on a lot of narrow roads with poor pavement and a lot of sharp blind turns. Let's keep it safe!

BTW I heard a rumor that Lance will be riding...

Also, I don't think that I stressed this as much as I meant to in my previous post-The engine is right-this can be a very dangerous course, so BE CAREFUL!!! Take it easy on the down hills, there will probably be a lot of riders not used to group rides on a lot of narrow roads with poor pavement and a lot of sharp blind turns. Let's keep it safe!


I'll 2nd this... a lot of times on these mass group/charity rides there are a lot of people who have never been in a group before. Plus throw in the possibility of rain along with the rough roads, turns, downhills etc, and you're just asking for disaster. Keep the focus, pay attention out there, and be safe. It's not a race, so there's nothing to prove other than getting to the finish line in one piece.



BTW I heard a rumor that Lance will be riding...

It would be cool if he rode it at a casual pace and hung back all day to give motivation to those of us who are going to be suffering :)... hopefully he won't just hammer it with the fast paced riders up front if he does ride.

Rode the Tour of Hope a few years ago and Lance started at the very front with some Bristol Myers riders as they were chief sponsor

Then he dropped off after a few miles

Hope it is a longer time on Sunday to try and catch up and ride alongside him

EDIT: I've mapped the ride out and have tcx & gpx GPS files for the 100 mile route if anyone wants them (for Garmin). According to the file, the ride is 96 miles and 8,343ft of climbing, with the big climbs in the 8-9% grade range... lots of 3-5% climbs. PM me if you'd like the files.

Grahny,

I have a Garmin 305 and would like to get a copy of your gpx file. I was mapping it out on mapmyride.com for over a hour and lost connectivity. I too have a Garmin 305 so I guess I can upload the gpx file to it. I’ll pm you my email address, thanks.

My long rides on the weekend are between 70-85 miles with the accent elevation being between 5000-6000 feet. Most of that is at 8-10% with some steep climbs at 13-16%.

I read some other post that people said some of the 100 mile Philly course climbs where higher grade than 8-9%.


James

Grahny,

I have a Garmin 305 and would like to get a copy of your gpx file. I was mapping it out on mapmyride.com for over a hour and lost connectivity. I too have a Garmin 305 so I guess I can upload the gpx file to it. I’ll pm you my email address, thanks.

My long rides on the weekend are between 70-85 miles with the accent elevation being between 5000-6000 feet. Most of that is at 8-10% with some steep climbs at 13-16%.

I read some other post that people said some of the 100 mile Philly course climbs where higher grade than 8-9%.


James

Just sent you the file.

Yeah, I'm guessing the bigger climbs just average around 8-9% with sections of them higher than that. It'll be challenging for me I know :) I'm running a standard crank (53/39) but put a 12-27 cassette on.

Tasr,

I've put some quality time into mapmyride.com as well, only to have the work unexplainably go to waste due to some technical problem. Anyway, I found this to be a good option - just search in the location box, "Blue Bell, PA," and you'll find someone already mapped it out: LiveStrong Challenge Philadelphia 2007.

This link might take you directly there:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/pa/blue-bell/712240395

I can't attest to its accuracy, but it'll probably be faster comparing the route to the cue sheet than trying to plot the thing from scratch.

Cheers,

John




I was mapping it out on mapmyride.com for over a hour and lost connectivity. James

I mapped out mine out following the cue sheet... It's pretty accurate (albiet a gazillion track points :))

I just checked that one on mapmyride and it's just about exactly the same, so it should get you along the route just fine.

Picked up my # and stuff this morning... I'm #410, so if anyone is out there on the century route, feel free to say hi.

I'll be looking for you, grahny. I'll be wearing my Pink Fatcyclist.com jersey. I think my number is 876 or 867.

I'll be looking for you, grahny. I'll be wearing my Pink Fatcyclist.com jersey. I think my number is 876 or 867.

Cool... I keep an eye out. I'll be wearing a white giordana jersey... actually, just like this guy (wait, that's me! :D):

http://www.digiproofs.com/ecom/product_select.pl?select=11109554&p=1pAC6dh

Just got home. I would officially like to say that that course was F'N BRUTAL. I surprised myself and did it in 5:55 including stops. About 90% solo too 'cause everyone was so spread out due to all the climbing (haven't done a century in over a year too... not too shabby :) )

My abridged ride report:
-Miles 0-21 were relatively fast, with the first group (I was up front, near LA, but not close enough to test him for doping). The first 21 miles were done in just under an hour.

-Miles 22-35 were good, but that climb just before 35 left me ready to puke at the rest stop just after it, and left me wondering if I was even going to be able to finish. I found out however that cantelope still tastes good when you're ready to blow chunks :)

-Miles 36-51 I don't remember. I know that 35-48 felt like FOREVER.. and the last really big climb around mile 51 I was out of all liquids. Not fun.

-Lunch... yum yum, hot dogs. Some lady said "how much longer for you guys? you've been out here a couple hours, what? like and hour more or so?" HAHAHAHAHAHA... I said. More like 3+.. She gasped in horror.. I headed off :)

-Miles 52-80 were awesome. A lot of hills still, but I had wind #7,561 and was flying on the few flats with no draft (25+mph easy). I spent most of the day in zones 3 & 4 (HR) and all the climbs at the top of zone 5. Kept running into a few of the same folks from time to time for a quick chat and then a hill would hit and either I'd lose them, or they'd lose me. It was around mile 60 or so that I knew for sure I was going to make it, and close to mile 80 I realized I could do it in sub 6hrs... the adrenaline started to flow at that point.

-Miles 80-95 were even better. We merged at some point with the 70 & 40 mile riders, and I was blowing past them one at a time, trying to give words of encouragement as I went.

-Miles 95-end was a full out sprint at about 27mph (ok, a sprint with whatever I had left in me :)) to the finish, with a sudden stop at the stop light right before the community college.

I think the event itself was organized fairly well, other than the late start. The local & state police were awesome in stopping traffic for everyone and the volunteers were always encouraging. SAG seemed to be around every turn, which gave a feeling of comfort knowing help was there if you needed it. The route was very difficult, and some of the roads SUCKED (fresh chip seal anyone? bah!).

Personally though, I think they made it too hard for the general cycling population. I know there's probably a lot of people out there who would take a big event like this as an opportunity to complete their first century and the LAF should recognize that in their planning. 100 miles is difficult enough, but throwing in 8,000+ ft and several very steep climbs caused a lot to call in SAG or reroute to the 70mi route. I saw a lot of people walking their bikes. It could be disheartening to those people, especially if they can't complete it. I saw someone calling it quits around mile 40 and calling in SAG. Stopped halfway up a climb, and he seemed really disappointed in himself (I would be too). For a lot this was more a nightmare than a challenge and the fun was sucked right out of it. The LAF could make it hilly and challenging without making it brutal... make it so that no one will have to walk, and everyone should be able to complete it. There are other century rides out there to sign up for for those that want the sh*t kicked out of them. I found it to be challenging at my skill level, and could have even done more climbing, but I'm glad it ended when it did. I was thinking at one point how nice it would have been to have a triple :D.. I ran a 53-39 w/ 12-27... used my 24 a lot, and my 27 on the tough ones.

Hope everyone had a good ride and no crashes/incidents to report.

Just got home. I would officially like to say that that course was F'N BRUTAL. I surprised myself and did it in 5:55 including stops. About 90% solo too 'cause everyone was so spread out due to all the climbing (haven't done a century in over a year too... not too shabby :) )

Congratulations! You should be very pleased with your time on that course. I agree 100% with your description of the course:eek:


-Miles 80-95 were even better. We merged at some point with the 70 & 40 mile riders, and I was blowing past them one at a time, trying to give words of encouragement as I went..

One of those riders might have been me....thanks for the encouragement. I chose to do the 40 (really 44.7) due to old age, high humidity and a drive back to Ohio after the event:rolleyes:


I think the event itself was organized fairly well, other than the late start. The local & state police were awesome in stopping traffic for everyone and the volunteers were always encouraging. SAG seemed to be around every turn, which gave a feeling of comfort knowing help was there if you needed it. The route was very difficult, and some of the roads SUCKED (fresh chip seal anyone? bah!).

Personally though, I think they made it too hard for the general cycling population. I know there's probably a lot of people out there who would take a big event like this as an opportunity to complete their first century and the LAF should recognize that in their planning. 100 miles is difficult enough, but throwing in 8,000+ ft and several very steep climbs caused a lot to call in SAG or reroute to the 70mi route. I saw a lot of people walking their bikes. It could be disheartening to those people, especially if they can't complete it. I saw someone calling it quits around mile 40 and calling in SAG. Stopped halfway up a climb, and he seemed really disappointed in himself (I would be too). For a lot this was more a nightmare than a challenge and the fun was sucked right out of it. The LAF could make it hilly and challenging without making it brutal... make it so that no one will have to walk, and everyone should be able to complete it. There are other century rides out there to sign up for for those that want the sh*t kicked out of them. I found it to be challenging at my skill level, and could have even done more climbing, but I'm glad it ended when it did. I was thinking at one point how nice it would have been to have a triple :D.. I ran a 53-39 w/ 12-27... used my 24 a lot, and my 27 on the tough ones.

Hope everyone had a good ride and no crashes/incidents to report.

A couple times I tapped my Garmin because I thought the grade reading was stuck in the 7-10% range. I even saw one 17% reading:eek: I have a triple on my bike and I used every one of those gears. Even the 40 mile course was a little tough for the average rider. I do a lot of riding and rode the event last year so I was prepared for hills. We encountered the 17% hill after the 40 mile cutoff from the 70/100 mile route.

There was no chance I would catch LA on the course but I did have him pass me in the other direction. I was spinning up one of those hills when a SUV and a couple motorcycle policemen approached me with a rider behind them. Yep! It was LA on his return route. I got a smile and wave as he passed:)

The volunteers and residents along the route were fantastic. Near Harleysville in the middle of one of those long gradual climbs was a father and his 3 young daughters passing out iced bottled water to riders. I didn't need water but I welcomed the break from the heat and the climb and enjoyed chatting with the family and others who had stopped.

I think it was a great day overall, I did the 70. and I got off on 3 occasions and walked to the top of the hill. I figured that if spent all my energy on the last half of the climb on those three particular hill then i couldn't finish, two of the hills were just brutal and the 3 i was in the wrong gear when ai got to pedaling that I lost all my momentum to try to get up...Oh well... where i live in south jersey there arent any hills. I think i did pretty good for starting riding in April. The people were nice, The cops and state police guys were all world, the sag and the rest stop volunteers were great... also the national guard did a great job. all in all a great event where do i sign up for next year?

It's Monday morning ... I'm a little sluggish today.

I thought the ride went well. It was the toughest century I've ever done. Usually I average around 15 mph on a hilly 100 mile ride ... I averaged 12.2 on this one. The hills were brutal, especially a few 20% climbs, or sections that were out there. I saw alot of people walking their bikes up many of the climbs. Especially the many climbs after the "monster" at mile 55. It was very long, and very steep in spots, and I think it just knocked the hell out of everybody. I never got off and walked, and for a 245 lb. guy, that ain't bad. I love climbing, and have lived in hilly areas all my life, but to carry my weight up-hill, is where I lose time on these kinds of rides. On the flats, I keep up with the rabbits, on the descents I am a rabbit, but on the climbs I'm a turtle for sure. I saw 3 mph. on my cyclometer many times on this ride ... I was down in my 34/27 ... I took my granny gear off for one season, I'm glad I put it back on, and I'm not afraid to use it. There was one climb the locals called "Carl's hill". I don't remember the exact mileage of it, but it was 20% for about a 1/4 mile ... I was doing 2.7 mph. The people walking up, were climbing at the same speed as I was.

This ride was certainly a challenge, and I finished slow, but the last 10 miles I was hammering, and still had something left when I crossed the finish. I'll be back next year, even if it's the same course. I hope for the sake of the casual riders that get involved in an event such as this, the organization makes it easier, so more people can finish ... that is what this type of ride is really all about. It is important for the participants to have a great experience, and want to come back, and raise funds for LAF the next year. This coarse was not fun. Until you passed under the yellow balloon arch, and heard them anounce your name as you crossed, this couse was a study in pure cycling brutality.

BTW, I delivered my Dads eulogy on Saturday. He died from cancer. I was not sure how this ride would go for me, but he was with me every pedal stroke. I am also proud of the $2,705 I raised for LAF in his memory. This event was the beginning of a foundation that my wife and I will start, in order to support LAF throughout the year. It is only in the planning stages now, but we hope the AlRoNan Foundation (http://philly07.livestrong.org/alronan) will soon be able to boast of our support of the LAF ... we are looking at producing a concert in the Philly area next year as our first charity event.

I'll start my training for the 2008 Livestrong Challenge tomorrow ... my bike needs a rest day, today.

Yeah, my thighs are so sore, I am not getting up from my desk today if I can avoid it.
I did the 70 also, and those hills were just brutal. I am not used to that much climbing. I swear that triple ring saved my life a few times. I almost never use the baby ring when I ride, and this is probably the first time I have ever used it multiple times in one ride. My future bikes will ALL have triples now after this experience.
Flatted out once, and nearly ate it when I dipped off the pavement onto the grass but managed to recover.
Did the 70 in about 5 flat- not impressive, but a hell of an accomplishment by my personal standards.

Overall it was a great time, a real challenge, and I was able to surpass my fund raising goal of $1000 easily. I was really inspired by the number of survivors on the ride ranging from little kids to elderly folks- it was truly an experience.

Also +1 on the SAG Cars, course workers and local police- they were really excellent in making sure we had a safe ride throughout the course.

BTW, I delivered my Dads eulogy on Saturday. He died from cancer. I was not sure how this ride would go for me, but he was with me every pedal stroke. I am also proud of the $2,705 I raised for LAF in his memory. This event was the beginning of a foundation that my wife and I will start, in order to support LAF throughout the year. It is only in the planning stages now, but we hope the AlRoNan Foundation (http://philly07.livestrong.org/alronan) will soon be able to boast of our support of the LAF ... we are looking at producing a concert in the Philly area next year as our first charity event.


So sorry to hear that. Congrats on finishing though. Post back when you have your foundation started. I'll be more than happy to attend/donate to any events you have.

I remember thinking two things along the way:

1. Why oh why do I not have a compact or a triple on my bike right now
2. I should have rode my cross bike through this fresh chip seal... everyone will be getting new tires on Monday

My front hub is toast too. The left side bearings took a beating and started grinding somewhere around mile 60 yesterday. I feel pretty good today all things considering... if it wasn't for the hub, I'd be out on a recovery ride... albeit I'm a little sore :)

I just filled out the survey they emailed out and made comments about the course. For me it was tough, but more than doable. They need to cater it to the masses though so that people can walk away feeling accomplished and no one walks away disappointed in themselves. There were waaaaaay too many people walking... and not enough smiles out there.

Congrats to everyone who participated.

I agree, that was (as I knew it would be) brutal. I think the sentiment here is right on-it was too tough and too dangerous for the masses. I managed the 100 mile in 5:59, and I saw some nasty crashes along the way and heard about even more. There were definitely too many people walking, especially towards the end of the 40 and 70 mile rides. I also just filled out that survey they sent out this morning.

I have to say that I really loved the challenge, there were a few times that I also was wondering why I did not have a compact.

Did anyone else see the guy doing the 100 on a single speed? He was keeping up pretty well, at least through 50 or 60 miles, I did not see him after that. He kept passing me on the climbs and then I would pass him on the descents On one climb, as he passed me, I said "how ya feeling?", he gave me a dirty look and said "things are not going so well right now." Then I told him he was a wuss for not riding a fixie...he didn't seem to have a sense of humor about it at that point in time.

Two years ago, a guy named Dave Hickey, who is associated with Roadbikereview, did The Ride for the Roses on a fixie. I came up on him at about mile 50 and we had a pleasant conversation. He didn't seem to be having any problem. I think he finished in a little over 6 hrs.

Toughest Century I ever did

The hills kept on coming but I am a good climber so it was not too much of an issue

I do agree they have to make it easier for the masses as too many people were walking up the hills

My biggest issue was the rest stops. You rely on them for food and drink that agrees with you. I like fruit punch gatorade and chocolate gels. I can't carry all that with me and the lemon/lime and watered down Blue stuff made me sick

Also showed up with empty bottle to fill up at the beginning but they did not provide this as they have always done in the past

All that being said I will be there next year for sure

Also feel Lance should have started with first group and dropped on back through same riders

Him starting 5 minutes before everyone was curious

Well awesome is the best way I could describe that 100 mile course! The course was great, the people were great and the event was beyond great! The course marshals and police kept the traffic stopped at all the intersections I came through. They were the best. All the volunteers and Lance’s staff were fantastic. The host facility MCCC was fantastic. Yes there were some spots with bad road conditions but nothing worse than any of my long training rides. That course was not for the novice. I think that was well stated. I know I read it. My train and my conditioning were right on the money for this ride.

I started in the back of the fast 100 miler’s and quickly realized that I need to move up. The first 30 miles were smoking for me. Then I settled in for my ride. I had a missed cue at Carl’s Hill Rd and Foxs Rd which added about another 5 miles for me. :rolleyes: That was around the 40 mile mark. That point was not marked. I just followed the road which turned to the left. This was at the top of the first part of the hill on Carl’s Hill Rd which was a nice little 17% garde :D according to my Garmin. A SAG vehicle redirected me to turn around a few miles down the road or up the hill which ever you want to look at it. I know there were others that missed this cue too.

My gearing is a 14 speed 53/39 chain rings and 13-25 rear cassette. Some of those wet climbs were rather interesting. When I had to get out of the saddle to climb, shifting my weight was a key to not spinning out on the wet road or leaves. Any way I had averaged speed of 16.5 mph with a max hr of 192 bpm. :eek: I’m lucky I’m not dead. Over 3 hrs of my ride was in hr zone 5 160-178 bpm. I stop three times to fill my water bottles (24oz and a 28oz). I ate a total on the ride: 5 gu packs, 5 oranges wedges, 4 bananas, ½ pbj sandwich and about 10 dates. My ride total was 99.17, I finished in 6 hr and I felted great. I am a 45 yr old male at 180lbs and my bike (Kestrel 200sc) is over 17 years old and hasn’t cracked yet. :rolleyes:

So my post ride was kissed my wife :love: and drinking some water. I ate another ½ peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I chatted with a few folks. Drank some more water. I got a shower which was like getting presser washed. Then I got veggie burger, protein drink and a lot more water. :) We left at around 4:30 for the 2 hr drive back home, I drove.

Monday I felted great. I took the dogs for a run. We have 3 German Shepherds. I fix the leaky bath faucet and mowed 2 yards. I did plan to take the day off just because of being away for the weekend.


I think Grahny passed me on Morris Rd heading for the line. :p Grahny I got that file you set me. Something was wrong with the upload or down load and it was not useable for me. Thanks any way! I was on a black Kestrel my number was 1326 and I was wearing the new United LiveStrong jersey. So if you remember passing that black Kestrel that was me.


-Miles 80-95 were even better. We merged at some point with the 70 & 40 mile riders, and I was blowing past them one at a time, trying to give words of encouragement as I went.Although I can’t remember the merge point. I do remember looking ahead and seeing mountain bikes and thinking man those guys were hammering. :rolleyes: Then it dawn on me that they were on a shorter course. I also gave lots of encouragement to those I was passing. :) Most seemed to be doing fine but some really looked to be suffering.


Engine sorry for your lost and it must have being exhausting for you to do that ride with your lost. I picked up a yellow scarf; I put all the names of my loved ones and of the “In Memory Of” from my donators on it. I rode in the entire 100 mile course with it wrapped around my handles bars where I could touch it. I thought about each and every one of them over the course. I drew strength from it.



Two years ago, a guy named Dave Hickey, who is associated with Roadbikereview, did The Ride for the Roses on a fixie. I came up on him at about mile 50 and we had a pleasant conversation. He didn't seem to be having any problem. I think he finished in a little over 6 hrs.I think I gave this guy a huge pull on some flats a few mile before the Landis Store climb at around the 50 mile make. He said thanks for the pull and then answered his cell phone so I left him only to see him pass me on the next hill. Then I think I even started another 17% grade climb right before Landis Store with him. This was around 54 miles and was right before the Landis Store rest stop. Which buy the way was my favorite stop; they were rocking! That was a great hill!!! :)

In October I’m doing a ride from Mechanicsburg to State College PA with about 10K in climbs at around about 120 miles. It is going to be a one way with a ride home, it should be a nice one ride. Got to keep doing those hills.

Well sorry for the babble. I hope you all can understand how I felted about this Challenge. I would do it again next week if I could. Now I’m tired.

Later.

tasr I remember the black kestrel! Was that you I was chatting at the beginning and end of the ride? I think I mentioned something about finishing in under 6hrs, and we went by the rider that hit the deck around a turn. I ran into a few of the same people a couple of times throughout the day but am having a hard time remembering who was who :p oh wait... was morris road the long road up to the college? I think I remember now.

Weird about the Garmin file. I was able to upload it no problem and it worked out great, although the LAF had a good deal of signage up and around and people directing. I think I know that turn you missed too. It's probably the one spot that I was very unsure of and had to reference the garmin to make sure I was still on course.

WOW, what a great ride, for a great cause! First off...my condolences go out to you, Engine, and to your family for the passing of your father. It must have been both a difficult and redeeming ride for you on Sunday. I hope that your plans for setting up Alronan get to a good start.

For me, I thought the ride and ride were appropriately named - a "challenge." On the one hand, I agree with most of you, in that I thought it was much too difficult (climbing wise, down hill wise, and road-condition wise) for the average charity cyclist. I'm sure a lot of people came to Philly pumped up on Saturday, got their registration packets, ate their pasta dinners, and fell asleep looking forward to Sunday. And many must have had the thoughts of loved ones in mind too, as they pedaled across that starting line. But, man-oh-man, I bet those hills left a lot of people feeling more defeated and not-strong-enough, than feeling encouraged to livestrong. In my opinion, there were too many people that were left having to walk up the hills, or having to calculate whether not-walking up the hills would mean they might not be able to finish the ride. The course should not have forced the riders/contributors to make that kind of an assessment...they should have felt that they could get through the ride in one piece and either finished strong or simply finish.

On the other hand, I don't think the ride was entirely impossible. As I said above, it is called the LS Challenge, not the LS EasyRide. I guess the route planners had to weigh: A) making it harder than expected because it is, after all, a ride put on by Lance Armstrong and his foundation, with B) not making it hard enough and having people riding in a Lance Armstrong sponsored ride leave thinking, "man, what a wimpy ride that was." I just got back into more regular riding earlier this year and I considered it to be just the right level of difficulty...the harder hills made me huff and puff, the downhills were awesome, and all those rollers in between were managable. I rode the "not to fast" 100 along with two buddies of mine - Kur and Joon - who both started cycling this year too. (Awesome ride fellas!) One dude switched from mountain biking to road, but the other was a complete noobie who had torn his ACL this past April, had surgery, flew through rehab, and then crammed in a month of training before the ride. All three of us finished, though not in some of y'all sub-6 hour times. Anyway, my point being...it was doable.

What was missing from the LSC website (which I'll make note of in my feedback to them) was a more accurate description of how difficult the course was. I think people would have been more-OK with the ride if they knew what was to come, even if it is hard. But if that kind of a description would have deterred registration, then another good approach would have been to provide a training program/schedule for those who want to ride. For example, a 10-week plan to train for the LSC. I've seen this type of thing provided in another great charity ride I've done - the Hyannis Port Challenge benefitting Best Buddies International - and thought it allowed novice riders to train enough for a century ride...so long as they followed the training regiment.

But I'm rambling now. All in all, I thought it was a great ride and I'm glad to have had this opportunity to engage in the Foundation's efforts. Sign me up for next year...me and my granny gear will be ready to roll!

Thank you for your condolences. It was a tough ride for me on many levels ... the least of which was the difficulty of the course. I had done a recon the previous Monday, and knew what to expect, and had been training on hilly rides for about a month. I also spent the last thirty years riding in the foothills of the Appalachians, so climbing is something I'm used to. Unfortunatly, I live an hour away from any real climbing now days. I'm 245 lbs., so climbing for me is slow, but I've NEVER found a hill I had to walk up ... including this ride.

You can check out pics of me "ready for the ride" at:
http://homepage.mac.com/gabworx/PhotoAlbum2.html

That rest stop after the Landis Store climb (mile 55) was the best. It was great to hear the bullhorn just after getting to the top of that monster. Someone said that climb had parts at 20% ... I don't have a Garmin, so I can't confirm it. There was another climb of 20% on Carls' Hill. I could not catch the people walking up those climbs, even on my granny gear. I saw 2.7 mph. on my cyclometer. I think I'm lucky I didn't fall over from going too slow.

I can't wait for next year.