I'm doing Hotter-n-Hell instead. Count for anything? anything? is this thing on?

You could be riding the Vuelta and I'd still give you sheeot. It's our way.

You could be riding the Vuelta and I'd still give you sheeot. It's our way.


Respek.

burp.

I mean

bump.

I was looking for a ride to do in August but was looking for a century, however I have spent some time up there in Lancaster photographing the bridges and it is really beautiful countryside. I'd also enjoy meeting some BF members from the MD - DC - PA - DE areas too. The Cheat Challenge seemed like a great hill climbing challenge though and would really let me see if I can handle that amount of climbing. I just finished the century at Lake Tahoe but it had much less total climbing involved.

What is the BF ride pace typically at the Lancaster Ride? Looks like fun.

I was looking for a ride to do in August but was looking for a century, however I have spent some time up there in Lancaster photographing the bridges and it is really beautiful countryside. I'd also enjoy meeting some BF members from the MD - DC - PA - DE areas too. The Cheat Challenge seemed like a great hill climbing challenge though and would really let me see if I can handle that amount of climbing. I just finished the century at Lake Tahoe but it had much less total climbing involved.

What is the BF ride pace typically at the Lancaster Ride? Looks like fun.
If your going to be with the BF group, consider the pace as recreational / friendly :D This isn't treated as a race, it's more of a meet-n-greet.

If your going to be with the BF group, consider the pace as recreational / friendly :D This isn't treated as a race, it's more of a meet-n-greet.

Meet-N-Greet works for me!!!

I'm looking forward to this...though getting there is challenging without a car. Will probably leave from Philly.

Meet-N-Greet works for me!!!

I was considering the Cheat Challenge. But Really hard mountainous century probably alone vs. easier BF.net ride with 20-30 other peeps? More fun. Plus if it is anything like last year there were times where a group put the hammer down and spit me right off the back. that was fun :D


Good times.

-D

I think you are right. the BF ride will be a lot more enjoyable! I'm trying to get some of my Team in Training riding buds to do this too! The wife and I stayed in a nice hotle up there, last fall, but the name escapes me. I'll have to do some backtracking and figure out where it was we stayed. I am leaning heavily to doing this ride right now.

thanks for the heads up.

Hey -D and Don,

Maybe we can coordinate the ride up if I can be talked into going. At this point, my arm won't need too much twisting.

If your going to be with the BF group, consider the pace as recreational / friendly. This isn't treated as a race, it's more of a meet-n-greet.
Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)

Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)

OMG, you better stay home...do you want to kill us all with your evil Tri bike? :eek:

You'll be fine, kiddo...but in case some weenie does object, what size frame do you ride? I imagine one of us might have a bike you could ride...provided you bring your own pedals. ;)

I don't care about the bars, but if you think you are going to ride with me on a Felt you are out of your mind.






j/k. I'm sure I won't even notice you have tri-bars, or a Felt, or a bike for that matter :D

Hey -D and Don,

Maybe we can coordinate the ride up if I can be talked into going. At this point, my arm won't need too much twisting.

No problem I have room for 3 additional people plus bikes in my car.

-D

Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)

Last week in Tahoe there were all kinds of TriBikes doing the century. Lots of TriFolks passin' me too!
I guess those fancy bars are to rest on, and take a nap while the rest of us have to keep peddling!!

Serioulsy though, there were tons people riding MTBs, and comfort bikes, and even several folks riding unicycles. I was really surprised by the range of fitness and bikes on a 100 mile ride at elavation.

No problem I have room for 3 additional people plus bikes in my car.

-D
NoRAcer and -D

Sounds like a very plausible scenario. I'm going to see what is up with two other folks I ride with frequently, they also expressed an interest this morning in the Lancaster ride.

On another note... are there any BF Jerseys availabel anywhere?

If I can get a ride from Central NJ I'd be there. Anyone from my neck of the woods going?

Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)


No problem here, either, as long as you don't mind me riding my commuter. ;)

Or, should I ride my race bike, too? :D

NoRAcer and -D

Sounds like a very plausible scenario. I'm going to see what is up with two other folks I ride with frequently, they also expressed an interest this morning in the Lancaster ride.

On another note... are there any BF Jerseys availabel anywhere?

On my back :D The last couple BF Jersey deals that happened I believe they just did a group order for the number of people who wanted them. Due to the lead time I dont think it could get done in time for Lancaster.

-D

Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)
Not a problem at all :D We had all kinds of bikes represented on this ride last year. A different bike setup is always something cool to look at. Also, once you get about 15 -20 miles out, you'll probably have no problem dropping on those bars if you like. The crowd starts to thin out after the first couple rest stops. There will still be other riders around, but it's easier to move around when it becomes less congested. Our group doesn't ride like a peleton, we just ride to get to the finish line. Hopefully for some ICE-CREAM this year.

Im planning on going but...
I only have my Felt that I race with, Ive never done long distance ( only sprint races)
question for you guys..
is that going to be a problem that Im going with a bike that has areo bars? I know how much roadies hate those, but I only have one bike! ( I wont drop on them)
OK, first off. If you need our help in justifying a new road bike without aero-bars, you got it! :D

Secondly, if you show up with aero-bars on a social ride, no one will care (but expect some good natured ribbing). If you happen to use the bars and crash, we will photograph the evidence and post it all over the forums (subject to blackmail terms).

:D

Is anyone going to this ride from in or around Philadelphia, or South Jersey? I will gladly cover gas and tolls and anything else necessary. I would love to do this ride this year, after work forced me to miss the last two.

Cheers,

Brian

There is a slight chance I can make this ride. I will be in Lake Placid the week before and heading back towards NC on the 18th. It may be possible to lay over a day to do this ride. It all depends on whether we fly or drive up there.

OK, first off. If you need our help in justifying a new road bike without aero-bars, you got it! :D

Secondly, if you show up with aero-bars on a social ride, no one will care (but expect some good natured ribbing). If you happen to use the bars and crash, we will photograph the evidence and post it all over the forums (subject to blackmail terms).

:D
:lol:
Ok thank you all, the bars wont be a problem, I promiss! I wont show up with the zipps and totally embarass you:p
I look forward to it, just a nice social ride for a change is something to look forward to! :)

:lol:
Ok thank you all, the bars wont be a problem, I promiss! I wont show up with the zipps and totally embarass you:p
I look forward to it, just a nice social ride for a change is something to look forward to! :)


I'm looking forward to it too- it's really beautiful country out there, and it will be great meeting everyone! Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing the Zipps IRL :p

Is anyone going to this ride from in or around Philadelphia, or South Jersey? I will gladly cover gas and tolls and anything else necessary. I would love to do this ride this year, after work forced me to miss the last two.

Brian, don't believe I'm quite in the right area for you, but I can get another body and bike in the Vibe for you or another. I always drive, otherwise I get car sick as a passenger. I'm about 2 miles north of Pottstown, PA. But can certainly drive a few miles out of my way. Although Phily or South Jersey is a bit too far.

OK - it's a done deal, I'm committed now. I'm doing it too, and got three of the gals that I ride with for Team in Training to come along too. I'm hoping to pull in a couple more as well.

OK - it's a done deal, I'm committed now. I'm doing it too, and got three of the gals that I ride with for Team in Training to come along too. I'm hoping to pull in a couple more as well.

JUst to wet your appettite a little bit, here is a link to a few photos I took while there last year on another outing.

http://www.pbase.com/biggrizzly/lancaster06 (http://www.pbase.com/biggrizzly/lancaster06)

JUst to wet your appettite a little bit, here is a link to a few photos I took while there last year on another outing.

All of these shots are really nice (and inviting) Don, but the last one (7248) is simply spectacular! Thanks for sharing.

OK - it's a done deal, I'm committed now. I'm doing it too, and got three of the gals that I ride with for Team in Training to come along too. I'm hoping to pull in a couple more as well.
Cool, and tell you what. Next year we can setup a BF.net Cheat Mtn challenge ride. I should be ready for it next year.

-D

A couple of clydes are interested in going (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=308824). I went and registered (http://www.neilfein.com/2007/06/covered-bridges-metric-century.html) myself... There will be fat cyclists there, blonduathlongrl, so you won't be mocked for the aero bars, since people will be distracted by our beautiful body fat and impressed by our unstoppable inertia.

I see that a few Maryland BF peeps, some of whom I have actually met IRL :), are signing up. I've always wanted to do this ride, but I may be in Las Vegas over that weekend . . . I won't know for sure until either the the 25th of June or the 2nd of July.

JUst to wet your appettite a little bit, here is a link to a few photos I took while there last year on another outing.

http://www.pbase.com/biggrizzly/lancaster06 (http://www.pbase.com/biggrizzly/lancaster06)

so was this a biking trip? if so, you carry a tripod on your bike?

so was this a biking trip? if so, you carry a tripod on your bike?

Sad to say it was not a biking trip. My other hobby is playing around with my camera and that was one our outings last year. I think it will be awesome on bike!!
I'm looking forward to it.

dh

I still don't know for sure if I'm in yet. Today is the day I'm going to ask for the day off. We'll see how that goes. Can't wait to see all the old friends and new faces.

BDG, if you bring your Zipps, I'll bring my brakeless track bike ;)

A couple of clydes are interested in going (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=308824). I went and registered (http://www.neilfein.com/2007/06/covered-bridges-metric-century.html) myself... There will be fat cyclists there, blonduathlongrl, so you won't be mocked for the aero bars, since people will be distracted by our beautiful body fat and impressed by our unstoppable inertia.

Neil- Just linked to your blog- great pics of your Schuylkill ride! I ride that path all the time (I'm in Philly), and did a metric 2 weeks ago out to Collegeville (the Perkiomen path, which continues past Valley Forge, takes you there and beyond) and back. If you come back this way, I highly recommend it- the Perkiomen's a bit gravelly, but if I could handle it on my 'cross you could on your bike. The scenery on the Perk is gorgeous and definitely worth the effort.

How are you getting to the CB Tour? I was thinking about Amtrak (some of their cars handle bikes, according to their website)...

Neil- Just linked to your blog- great pics of your Schuylkill ride! I ride that path all the time (I'm in Philly), and did a metric 2 weeks ago out to Collegeville (the Perkiomen path, which continues past Valley Forge, takes you there and beyond) and back. If you come back this way, I highly recommend it- the Perkiomen's a bit gravelly, but if I could handle it on my 'cross you could on your bike. The scenery on the Perk is gorgeous and definitely worth the effort.

I've ridden in Philly with another BFer, and we're posting our rides in the Clydesdale forums. I'm sure we'll do Philly again sometime soon.

How are you getting to the CB Tour? I was thinking about Amtrak (some of their cars handle bikes, according to their website)...

If I can't get a ride from anyone I'll probably take Amtrak as well, it looks like they're on the ball with regard to bikes. Any idea if they have time restrictions on that? (NJ Transit and SEPTA do, for example.)

If I can't get a ride from anyone I'll probably take Amtrak as well, it looks like they're on the ball with regard to bikes. Any idea if they have time restrictions on that? (NJ Transit and SEPTA do, for example.)

It looks like you have to make a reservation in advance if you want to bring your bike on board- see this (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1080080554487&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FSimple_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy).

Does anyone here have experience traveling on Amtrak with a bike (not as checked baggage)?

Post in the SoCal forum about bikes and trains. They have done a couple of rides where the return trip was on Amtrak and might be able to offer some info.

Me and the Mrs. have made our arrangements to do this ride. We never turn down a reason to go to Lancaster.

Post in the SoCal forum about bikes and trains. They have done a couple of rides where the return trip was on Amtrak and might be able to offer some info.

Thanks for the tip- I just did that, and I'll report back.

Got the day off, so I'll be there. My mother may come again this year as well.

Got the day off, so I'll be there. My mother may come again this year as well.

Try not to break anything immediately prior to the ride this year, mmmkay? :p

Got the day off, so I'll be there. My mother may come again this year as well.

Sweeeeeeeeet!!!! Mirona, I got first dibs on your draft :D

Beth

Wow, we've got a nice big group forming for this year's ride!! Spongedad/Mirona - I'll be happy to collect cell #'s/real names, etc. for a day-of contact list. And I think I still have last year's sign as well, complete with signatures.

BDG, no one is going to boot you aside for riding with your aero bars. There will however, be a consequence for using them: you'll have to ride up the grassy knoll for lunch.

Seriously, there are all sorts on this ride - we rode in morphing groups all day long. Some frisky stretches, some chatty ones - and we always regrouped at the rest stops.

For anyone who's unsure of whether to make the trip or not, take a look at this happy, fabulous BF group from 2006 - how could you resist? :D

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0017-2.jpg

The Spongedads:
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0023.jpg

JugglerDave (better have ice cream left for him this year!), DEX, and Higherground (dang, thought I had a shot of those legs. . . )
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0021.jpg

Grasschopper and The Sign (is Grasschopper joining us this year?
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0010.jpg

(? the name escapes me - sorry!), Cycle17, psuaero, Jess:
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/IMGP0011.jpg

If anyone needs more convincing, guess I'll have to find a coupla shots of bridges and the one I took of Grasschoppers buff calves . . .

Beth

Brian, don't believe I'm quite in the right area for you, but I can get another body and bike in the Vibe for you or another. I always drive, otherwise I get car sick as a passenger. I'm about 2 miles north of Pottstown, PA. But can certainly drive a few miles out of my way. Although Phily or South Jersey is a bit too far.


Thanks for the offer. I will look into possibly getting out to Valley Forge or the surrounding area, if that'll be close enough (unless someone from closer to my area can help me out). I would SOOOO hate to miss this ride this year.

Cheers,

Brian

Look at all those people last year that are feeling so sad without me there ;)

Look at all those people last year that are feeling so sad without me there ;)

We were smiling through our pain, honest. For real, you'd better be there this year!!! No crashes allowed.

This is the photo I carried in my jersey pocket, all sweaty and tear-stained: :D

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/btfitz90/MironaMike.jpg

Beth

Look at all those people last year that are feeling so sad without me there ;)
But now we get to rejoice with you being there this year. Glad you could get off work.

thanks for the pics and the welcome roadtonowhere!
it makes me want to go even more seing all these friendly faces!