Flying Wheels - anyone going?

[smurf hunter]

I'm going with a least 2 other people, but we haven't decided if we want to the full century or not. I rode 100 miles on the daffodil classic (last 60 solo) and did a 75 mile loop of the may day metric.

I climb about 400 feet every day as part of my commute - so I know I could survive all the climbs, but not sure if I want to blow the whole day riding circles around Redmond when there's cold beer to be had.

[Mash Master]

I'll be there, I'm doing the century. I'm playing for no rain....

[mactin]

I'm in it for the century. Hopefully the weather will be just like today (with just a little less wind).

[East Hill]

(with just a little less wind).

I won't make it (I think my husband's re-thinking the folly of the 50 mile Tour de Pierce as it is :p ), but I would need a LOT less wind than yesterday. There were times when I was debating if I should just get off the bike and walk--it would have been faster :eek: .

East Hill

[smurf hunter]

This is interesting:
( from http://www.cascade.org/EandR/flying/FW_Details.cfm )

Start line opens:
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Start Line Open for 100 mile riders
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Start Line Open for 50/65 mile riders
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Start Line Open for 25 mile riders
11 a.m. - Start Line Closes

Does that mean I may not begin the century ride before 8:00am? If I'm preregistered, why should they care when I start pedalling? I like to get an early start, beat the crowds and the heat.

[mutantdunk]

I'll be there for 100 miles. Might make it 150 if I pedal from my house.

[Daveyboy]

Thinking about doing most of it, although I may start up north vs. Marymoor Park. And yes, I certainly hope there aren't any gail force winds like yesterday. I swear going over the highway 2 cycle path with the wind, sand and grit whipping my face, I thought I had incurred the wrath of the cycling gods by attemping an extra 10 miles!

[andamod]

There were times when I was debating if I should just get off the bike and walk--it would have been faster :eek: .

East Hill
Yikes. I haven't been riding long and I have been told the 50 has some pretty big hills. Maybe I will ride the 30 miles to it and home and do the 25 mile ride =)

[Skyler_WA]

Does that mean I may not begin the century ride before 8:00am? If I'm preregistered, why should they care when I start pedalling? I like to get an early start, beat the crowds and the heat.

Smurf, I'll be starting early too -- between 7:00 and 7:30. I think they just say that to establish when the rest stops will be ready for riders to arrive, so we can't complain if we get there before they open. That's OK -- I won't need any food or water (besides what I'm carrying) for the first couple hours anyways.

Skyler

[smurf hunter]

Smurf, I'll be starting early too -- between 7:00 and 7:30. I think they just say that to establish when the rest stops will be ready for riders to arrive, so we can't complain if we get there before they open. That's OK -- I won't need any food or water (besides what I'm carrying) for the first couple hours anyways.

Skyler

I figured that out as well. I can survive the first couple hours with the water in my cages and a cliff bar in my jersey pocket.

[Mash Master]

Looks like we are in for rain.... fun :-)

[East Hill]

Yikes. I haven't been riding long and I have been told the 50 has some pretty big hills. Maybe I will ride the 30 miles to it and home and do the 25 mile ride =)

Oh no, the Tour de Pierce has only one small section of about 4 miles with hills. The rest of it is flat. If it were to be windy that day (as it was the day I wrote originally) it would be miserable getting up that section.

On the other hand, if it's mild, or raining slightly, that will be perfect! As long as it's not WINDY :eek: !

East Hill

[jcarp]

Forecast calls for rain and 10-20 mph winds - will summer never arrive!

[East Hill]

Forecast calls for rain and 10-20 mph winds - will summer never arrive!

Not if the rest of the summer's like today :D .

Yes, it's wet out there. It's VERY wet out there...

East Hill

[mitchel]

I'll be there rain or shine.

Suggestion: start a little later. If you start early, you'll be ahead of everyone and will just keep getting passed by faster riders. There won't be anyone slower in front of you. Psychologically, it makes you feel better to pass people than to keep getting passed.

[stringbreaker]

There can be no folly when riding the TDP:) its really a nice ride, some really different scenery for you folks that reside north of Auburn. There is actually some farming going on in the Puyallup valley though not for long if Mr. Ladenburg has his way.

[smurf hunter]

I'll be there rain or shine.

Suggestion: start a little later. If you start early, you'll be ahead of everyone and will just keep getting passed by faster riders. There won't be anyone slower in front of you. Psychologically, it makes you feel better to pass people than to keep getting passed.

We've formed impromptu pacelines this way in the past.

I really hope it's not horribly wet. While I commute year round rain or shine, this is a recreational event. Besides, I love bombing down hills as fast as possible - which can be made more risky when wet :(

[smurf hunter]

UPDATE: If any one is curious, here are some images I captured using my Garmin 305 data from the ride.

http://www.yunt.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/Flying%20Wheels%206-16-2007,%20route.jpg

http://www.yunt.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/Flying%20Wheels%206-16-2007,%20Elevation%20-%20Distance.jpg

[East Hill]

Looks as if it was fun! I'm going to have to drag my husband out for one of these long rides...or just do it myself!

East Hill