View Full Version : Ride suggestion:
OK, people who are interested! I just found out my cabin (which is part of a family "compound") will be kept open through September.
Which means that maybe I'll be able to bike around Mille Lacs this September when the Park Service has its ride.
It's flat, it's windy, it's almost 70 miles, and it starts and ends a few miles from my cabin, which means we a nice leisurely meal and if there's not too many of us, I'm sure people can overnight both nights, but if that's not possible there's a campground just a few miles away at the park, and lots of hotels and cabins. My brother will not be up then, so I could stay with any Athenas in his place and any Clydes could bunk in mine. I have 2 beds and 2 shorter couches. There's also a guest cabin that may or may not be booked.
Autumn is gorgeous up north, and it would be good training for RAGBRAI! I can't cook well, but I do have a kitchen.
Any interest?
Tom Stormcrowe
07-24-07, 12:00 PM
Sounds interesting! Let's see what the date shakes out to be, because I'll be in Fall Semester then.
Caincando1
07-24-07, 12:02 PM
Do you have more info on this park service ride? I'm only a 3.5 hour drive from Mille Lacs
BRAML/Bike Ride Around Mille Lacs
Date: September 17, 2006
Event Description
Annual trail ride that takes the rider around beautiful lake
Mille Lacs on the Soo Line trail and policed county roads. Take the 12 mile family ride, the 35 mile ride or the 70 mile full ride. Sag wagon and snack stops along the way.
Event Location
Register online at www.millelacs.com or at McQuoid'sInn the day of the ride. T-shirts available for pre-registered riders.
Contact Information
Judy Cain
Fees/Admission
$20--variable with or without shirt. Packages ava
Caincando1
07-24-07, 12:17 PM
Hay that sound cool! That's really close to my 1st year wedding anniversary. I'm not to sure what the new bride will think of that. She's love a weekend at Mille Lacs, but she's not much of a biker and I'd be riding for a lot of the day. She is one hell of a good cook though! Which is another reason why I used to weight 350lbs. HMMM lets keep thinking about this.
It's only a few days from my birthday, too. I can't think of a better way to start my 47th year than to ride 70 miles. I only hope I can build up my stamina between now and then.
Pupsocket
07-25-07, 09:55 AM
Sept. 17 looks to be a Monday. If I can snag the day off I just might do this.
Karl
Caincando1
07-25-07, 09:59 AM
She posted last years info, so it was september 17 last year(2006). I'm assuming it will be on a weekend again this year.
v1k1ng1001
07-25-07, 11:28 AM
This sounds pretty cool.
This sounds pretty cool.
Viking, I'd love* to meet you. Bring the GF. You'll drop me like a stone a mile out, but it would still be cool!
She posted last years info, so it was september 17 last year(2006). I'm assuming it will be on a weekend again this year.
I'll call when I recover from this dang root canal. I'm taking a bicycle maintenaince class tonight (Hey! I can help with bikes during RAGBRAI!) and the instructor lucked out because I won't be able to talk much.
Caincando1
07-30-07, 07:51 AM
This years info. It's on Sept 16th.
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/festivals/event.aspx?EntityID=18915
EDIT: Here's the entry form
http://millelacs.com/events/bramlbro.pdf
Pupsocket
07-30-07, 11:56 AM
Okay, let's do this thing. First off, roll call. I'm in (weather permitting) for the whole circle. Wife may be interested in driving as a personal sag.
Who else?
KingTermite
07-30-07, 12:01 PM
Looks like a blast, but that's a long ways away from me. I doubt I'd be able to make it.
Caincando1
07-30-07, 12:11 PM
What kind of accommodations do you have up there solveg? Do you have a place for me to park a 24ft motorhome with and electrical outlet near by?
No! There's no RV room. In the middle of the summer there is a spot, but by September the dock will be there.
There is a campground at Kathio State Park, I see lots* of Rvs there, but I don't know what the services are. I'll check next time I'm there.
Depending on how many show up, people can crash at my place. I have a double bed, a single bed, a small couch, and a single futon/couch on the screen porch. The cabin is small, but the porch is normal sized, so we could get rid of the the table/chairs and put a foam topper down for a couple people. I guess there's not a lot of clyde-sized sleeping places, esp* if you're tall.
I'll take photos when I am able to get up there. Maybe today. I'm still down and out from the systemic infection I picked up when I got my root canal. I'll probably be back to 3 miles when I start riding again.:(
I can stay in my brother's cabin, along with any loose Athenas we get. (Loose as in unattached--get your minds out of the gutters!)
There's also cabins for rent that are within a couple miles. They're hurting now with the new Muskie limits, and they'll be dirt cheap in Sept. As will the 2 hotels nearby. I'll bet you could get a room for $35 then, and could still hang out at my place but not sleep on the floor!
Tom Stormcrowe
07-30-07, 12:44 PM
Tent space?
I can provide my own guest room if I can make the ride!
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/UP2/UpperPeninsulaII090.jpgNo! There's no RV room. In the middle of the summer there is a spot, but by September the dock will be there.
There is a campground at Kathio State Park, I see lots* of Rvs there, but I don't know what the services are. I'll check next time I'm there.
Depending on how many show up, people can crash at my place. I have a double bed, a single bed, a small couch, and a single futon/couch on the screen porch. The cabin is small, but the porch is normal sized, so we could get rid of the the table/chairs and put a foam topper down for a couple people. I guess there's not a lot of clyde-sized sleeping places, esp* if you're tall.
I'll take photos when I am able to get up there. Maybe today. I'm still down and out from the systemic infection I picked up when I got my root canal. I'll probably be back to 3 miles when I start riding again.:(
I can stay in my brother's cabin, along with any loose Athenas we get. (Loose as in unattached--get your minds out of the gutters!)
There's also cabins for rent that are within a couple miles. They're hurting now with the new Muskie limits, and they'll be dirt cheap in Sept. As will the 2 hotels nearby. I'll bet you could get a room for $35 then, and could still hang out at my place but not sleep on the floor!
v1k1ng1001
07-30-07, 12:52 PM
I also have a tent and/or I can sleep on the floor.
chunkyd
07-30-07, 03:18 PM
Sounds like a amazing time.. i'd be in depending upon my schedule.
If we get enough people, I recommend camping at Kathio. I'd camp there, too! The problem with tents at my place is... well, I'll just have to take photos.
If we get only a few people, we can pull it off with a couple cabins. But, the truth is that camping sounds more fun.
v1k1ng1001
07-30-07, 03:37 PM
I have to admit that 7:30-9:00 is early for me!
It's not too early when that big sun rises on the lake and all the loons sing....
It's a totally flat ride, with lots of cute little fishing cabins. Although we wouldn't have to worry about heat in Sept, I have to say I've never been hot on the shore. Lots of little restaurants selling walleye sandwiches and beer.
v1k1ng1001
07-30-07, 04:28 PM
Oh god, I love fresh walleye.
Caincando1
07-30-07, 08:13 PM
I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to do this and afford it. I have a house warming party the day before north of the cities, so we couple hit that on the way up. But the next weekend is my one year anniversary, which will be a big weekend in La Crosse WI. The the next weekend we are suppose to go to Lake of the Ozarks Missouri. It's going to be tough to get this all in a short period of time. But I'd love to do this because it's so close and I love the area and I'd love to ride with you all.
I won't be able to commit to anything right now. I won't be able to give a definate answer till the date gets closer.
Well, we can do this any time... it's just that it's spooky (for me, at least) to ride on 169. It would be nice to do that with a large group. But we can get a group ride going any* time.
I got the brochure for the ride... Ride ends at 4 pm, starts between 7-9, there's a 30 mile route, too.
Camping: there are electic hook-ups. $22. Camping without elect ranges 11-15 dollars, group site $45 for 15 or fewer people. There are showers there. But this would only be necessary if there was a lot of interest, or if you want to bring an RV.
v1k1ng1001
07-31-07, 04:11 PM
Group site!
Shoot, I'll pay for and reserve the group site if you guys are willing to travel.
Although, this was my first ride in a week, today. Granted the humidity was about 70% (for real!) and the temp was mid 80's, but I was slow*, and only went 10 miles. More hot than tired, though. But not much energy. Hope I'm ready in 6 weeks to go all the way around. If not, I suppose I can do the short route.
Here's what my car looks like on the way up...
Tom Stormcrowe
07-31-07, 04:37 PM
Shoot, I'll pay for and reserve the group site if you guys are willing to travel.
Although, this was my first ride in a week, today. Granted the humidity was about 70% (for real!) and the temp was mid 80's, but I was slow*, and only went 10 miles. More hot than tired, though. But not much energy. Hope I'm ready in 6 weeks to go all the way around. If not, I suppose I can do the short route.
I'm willing to travel, but don't know about the time available yet!:(
This sounds so fun... but it's so far!!! 12 hrs away for me. :(
I don't suppose anyone else will be coming through Kansas City and wants to share a ride from there? Would make the drive cheaper and it would seem SO much shorter with company.
I may be a last-minute "yes," but can't say yet for sure. I'm open to camping, floorspace, hotel... whatever.
Edit: If I make it, it'll probably be the short route for me. I don't think I can build up that much mileage that quickly!
Halthane
07-31-07, 07:05 PM
man, i'd love to go, not really likely though, getting there from kansas would be a bit of a problem I think. But if somebody made the trip I'd split gas. And I'd definitely cook... Honestly I'd come just to cook...
Halthane
07-31-07, 07:14 PM
This sounds so fun... but it's so far!!! 12 hrs away for me. :(
I don't suppose anyone else will be coming through Kansas City and wants to share a ride from there? Would make the drive cheaper and it would seem SO much shorter with company.
I may be a last-minute "yes," but can't say yet for sure. I'm open to camping, floorspace, hotel... whatever.
Edit: If I make it, it'll probably be the short route for me. I don't think I can build up that much mileage that quickly!
I'd be willing to link up with you in KC as I'm only two hours from there, my car isn't an option, but if I can go I'd be up for splitting the gas cost.
Oh wow.. that was quick, Halthane! You mentioned "if you go," and I guess this means I have to make a decision too. I'll PM you.
Caincando1
07-31-07, 08:35 PM
Great compound you have there! I'm sooooo jealous.
v1k1ng1001
07-31-07, 09:05 PM
I'd probably end up riding the 30, unless someone talks me into the 70. It wouldn't be hard.
I just forgot that I don't have a car with a roof rack anymore. I'll figure something out.
Like I said, I'm ok to camp if other people want to share a group spot.
man, i'd love to go, not really likely though, getting there from kansas would be a bit of a problem I think. But if somebody made the trip I'd split gas. And I'd definitely cook... Honestly I'd come just to cook...
What's a bummer is that I was going to try to get to Conway Springs in KS for a week or two right when this ride is! If you two were trying to get to* down south from MN, it would be perfect. But it doesn't help going the other way. I probably won't get down there until October, now.
Halthane, how far from Wichita are you? I'm 1/2 hour SW. (Oh! Never mind! I see you're in Manhattan...)
Personally, I think it's way too small a bike trip to drive further than Wisc or ND...... Stop and figure out the cost at $3.xx/gallon. For mileage, just use "Brainerd, MN" in Mapquest. If everyone wants to get a group ride going that's smaller, just to meet each other, then I think we should meet somewhere that isn't out of just about everyone's way. I mean, this is only a 30 or 70 mile ride. There are tons of these across the US all the time. It would be fun and everyone is totally welcome, but northern MN is just not convenient for, like, anyone on the planet! The only benefit to this* ride is that if there's not too many people, we can crash at my place. If we're setting up group sites, then we could do that anywhere.
As far as Halthane and Becky go, we can get together pretty easily down south, or we could all meet up in Iowa where the northerners could jaunt down pretty easily. You're welcome to come up, but it doesn't seem practical for such a little ride. It's likely to be a small, low key event. I don't know anyone in the Twin Cities that has done this ride.
But*, it would be very fun if you just have gas money burning and love driving...
I'd probably end up riding the 30, unless someone talks me into the 70. It wouldn't be hard.
I just forgot that I don't have a car with a roof rack anymore. I'll figure something out.
Like I said, I'm ok to camp if other people want to share a group spot.
You could check Craig's list for a detachable car rack. They're awfully cheap there sometimes.
I used to have great "crashes" at the cabin we had growing up.
I was working at a large residential group home/shelter for kids, and they had a summer camp really close to the cabin. I finagled an entire summer working at the camp. In the winter, I had a week-long thing, where people came up on their days off. There was one weird day where lot of people carpooled up after their shifts, and the rest were leaving the next morning. The place was just packed.
That night we had a surprise blizzard, and everyone got stuck there. It was really rough on the place we worked, because they had to maintain minimum staffing, but they couldn't with all the people up north. Everyone who was stuck back in the cities had were forced by law* to stay at work. Took us about 4 hours to get plowed out.
I've got a friend in Minneapolis I'd like to see, so I'm thinking of making this a dual-purpose trip. That, unfortunately, means I'll be driving up a couple days ahead of time, so probably making the trip on my own.
As for a 35 mile ride (which is the route I'll be doing) not being worth driving for... I'm thinking that for me, right now, it is. There's no way I'd be ready to attempt such a ride anywhere NOT FLAT! :) But I think I can do it, so I'm going to ramp up my training so I'll be ready. Plus, I'd love to meet some of you now - it'll be great motivation over the winter to keep training for RAGBRAI.
Solveg, I thought of the same thing - you, me, Halthane (if he can/wants to), whoever else lives in the "mid-south" (what people in NW Ark call this region - AR/MO/KS/OK) - maybe get together for a casual ride or two this fall.
Well, it would sure be cool if you can come up! If you want to go on a little spin in the cities we have some people who would love to do it (right pupsocket?) We could go down on the river path and it would be stunning* in the fall. You can crash at my place if there's no room at your friend's.
Pupsocket
08-01-07, 11:21 AM
I'd be up for a group camp (I have a nice, large tent) or may reserve a single space, at least for Saturday night.
As for local rides, I'm all for it. I'm just not much an organizer. :o
Karl
CastIron
08-13-07, 05:31 PM
Just saw this. I might be able to do it and drag the missus on one of the shorter options. Heck, I could ride to this thing from the in-laws place if I wanted a full century. Flat as a pancake and fresh from MT, I could just kill this thing. <diabolical laugh>
Well, yeah, then, come on up!
But you still* have a scary Avatar...
LOL! Of couse, pupsocket's is the most benign and he's* a crazy bent rider!
Is anyone else planning on doing the 35 mile route?
Edit - oops. nevermind.. just saw the other thread.
Me... I don't think I'll be ready for the big one.
I'm doing about 20 miles as my regular ride now-4 days a week, but I'm just not finding the time to go on a really long one each week. I think I'll try to get in a 30 mile this week, and bump it up 5 miles each week... but that still only puts me at 50 by the time the race gets here, and that's if all goes well.
I don't know if there's any plateaus that occur... I've heard that rides over 35 are a whole different story than shorter ones.
I did 16 on Saturday, plan to try to hit 20 next week. I found a flat-ish route to ride (7 mile loop), and want to hit 30 at least once before the event.
BTW, what's the plan for who'll be where, when? I assume everyone will be up at/near the park Saturday evening/night... what about Sunday evening? Heading home?
Pupsocket
08-13-07, 11:37 PM
But you still* have a scary Avatar...
I don't think we should be talking scary, Ms. 80's Hair...
Viking, I'd be interested in the camp thing. We could all do a bit of carboloading around the campfire. Solveg, you bring the guitar. Hope you can play. :D
:D
He's referring to a photo a friend sent me last week when he found out I was biking again. I have a lot of hair... I went riding with it wet and it looked funny. So I used it as an avatar as a joke. I think my caption was something like "why you should wear a helmet" or whatever fit.
But no one laughed. No one commented. I think they were being polite! So I took it off.
This is real photo... not photoshopped.
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