Hancock Horizontal Hundred - who's in?

[chipcom]

Sunday, Sept 9, 2007, Findlay, OH.
http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH%20Splash%20Page.htm
One of the oldest and flattest centuries in the US.

I'm pretty sure Mariner Fan and Tom Stormcrowe said they would be there, anyone else?

[redneckwes]

Me, going to try for my first century. My home area too.

[Road Fan]

I have been thinking of it; any experience with it? How is it?

'n tell us about Wussyville, OH, your home town.

Road Fan

[chipcom]

The biggest 'hill' is a freeway overpass near the beginning and end of the ride. The feed stops have good munchies and watered down gatorade (and just plain water). The route is well-marked, the roads are decently paved, low traffic and swept clean prior to the ride, through mostly soy bean and corn country. The winds can be a pain if they get to kicking up. They have a pancake breakfast at the HS before the ride and Findlay isn't a bad little town...even if it is a part of greater Wussyville (which is pretty much the whole state). There are usually some vendors set up at registration the day before, including Chuck Harris and his great handmade mirrors (best helmet mirrors you can get). It's the perfect 1st century and, since it happens on or the week of my b-day, I have been riding it for years...one of the few organized rides I do each year.

[half_bent]

I'll be there with my 13 year old son, for his first century.

[Caliente]

I'll be there. It'll be my first century ride-looking forward to it!!

[nocondorfx]

mmm... i haven't rode much this year, and it would be my first century. I haven't even ridden over 55 miles this year though... i'll see how much riding i get done this month.

[Road Fan]

Mrs. Road Fan and I will be in, but probably for the 35 or 62. We're working on doing a 62, but probably can't train up for a 100 by then. We might also bring some other Michiganders, and I don't know what they'll want. Team Road Fan is sometimes a bit too democratic, we really need a good sergeant!

Road Fan
Commandant in charge of scheduling, Team Road Fan

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Sunday, Sept 9, 2007, Findlay, OH.
http://www.hancockhandlebars.org/HHH%20Splash%20Page.htm
One of the oldest and flattest centuries in the US.

I'm pretty sure Mariner Fan and Tom Stormcrowe said they would be there, anyone else?

Yep, I'll be there!

[Blue-Shamu]

I had a friend email me last week about this ride. He used to live here in Southern Illinois and now is somewhere around Findlay, OH....I may make the trip over, too.

[chipcom]

Mrs. Road Fan and I will be in, but probably for the 35 or 62. We're working on doing a 62, but probably can't train up for a 100 by then. We might also bring some other Michiganders, and I don't know what they'll want. Team Road Fan is sometimes a bit too democratic, we really need a good sergeant!

Road Fan
Commandant in charge of scheduling, Team Road Fan

Michiganders! In Ohio! During football season! I hope you don't think it rude of me not to ride too close to you...I don't want to take one of the stray bullets. :eek: ;)

[colorado dale]

did it once never again !! last 30 miles on century were due west directly into a killer headwind

best ride in the region is hope, in sept 22 www.mustdorides.com (http://www.mustdorides.com)

that ride I've done more years than i can count

[Mariner Fan]

I'll be there. Hope they don't have to sweep my dead carcass off the road! ;)

[chipcom]

I'll be there. Hope they don't have to sweep my dead carcass off the road! ;)

No worries, I'll use a shovel...carefully, since you'll be the main ingredient for our after-ride road-kill stew dinner!

Speaking of dinner, Tom and I discussed some possible dinner plans for Saturday night...meeting up at the HS registration area...I'll PM details when we get a little closer in.

[Beverly]

Mrs. Road Fan and I will be in, but probably for the 35 or 62. We're working on doing a 62, but probably can't train up for a 100 by then. We might also bring some other Michiganders, and I don't know what they'll want. Team Road Fan is sometimes a bit too democratic, we really need a good sergeant!

Road Fan
Commandant in charge of scheduling, Team Road Fan

I've signed up to do this ride. I'll only be doing the century if there are no strong headwinds. If there's lots of wind I'll be doing the 62 also.

[Turtle Jack]

I'll be there but I will be working at the last rest stop or something. (torn rotator cuff in my shoulder).

[redneckwes]

Are there any plans to have a get together the night before the ride? I'd like to meet some of the forum family face to face if possible.

[Road Fan]

Michiganders! In Ohio! During football season! I hope you don't think it rude of me not to ride too close to you...I don't want to take one of the stray bullets. :eek: ;)

I thought this was Wussyville!

I'll just watch for a male 50-plusser in a wig wearing a Playboy jersey.

Road Fan

[Mariner Fan]

Chip,

I was just looking at the link to the ride. Where in Findlay do you go, and when does it start?

[Road Fan]

Michiganders! In Ohio! During football season! I hope you don't think it rude of me not to ride too close to you...I don't want to take one of the stray bullets. :eek: ;)

We will have to remember not to wear maize and blue jerseys, i.e. bullseyes!

Actually we're both Northwestern grads and Cubs fans, so we are used to stealthy living.

Road Fan

[Turtle Jack]

Chip,

I was just looking at the link to the ride. Where in Findlay do you go, and when does it start?



I'm not Chip, but if I might answer, it is off the route 224 exit of I75. How ever you get there from Indiana take 75 north to the 224 exit and go right (east) it is right there, on the right (you will see it as you exit. Take a right at the first light and then turn right into the school.

If you go up to 224 and come in it will be on your right as you cross I75.

They advertise the start at 7:30 am, but everybody just leaves when they are ready.

TJ

[chipcom]

Chip,

I was just looking at the link to the ride. Where in Findlay do you go, and when does it start?

Go to Findlay High School to check in and get your packet on Saturday afternoon, usually between 4 and 7ish. They usually have free ice cream (good hand-dipped stuff) and some vendors set up. I'll hang around and meet you and Tom there, then we can go to dinner across the street at a place I have eaten at the last two years the night before the ride.

In the morning just park at the high school...we'll plan a meet up time the night before at dinner. Sound like a plan?

Findlay HS is at 1200 Broad Ave. If you come in on 75, just take the 224 exit, The HS is 1 block east of 75 on the southeast corner of Broad and 224.

[Motorad]

Considering the century is on flat turf, be mindful you don't exceed the interstate speed limit. In 2001, I rode my current silver Grand Marquis from SE Michigan to SW Arkansas ... then back to SE Michigan in a week's time. My Mercury dropped the Star Ship Enterprise when I entered Ohio from the South, but got nailed by a State Trooper in Findley. The trooper didn't even have to chase me. He was standing by the road, pointed his finger at my car, and made hand-gestures that clearly meant for me to pull my car over ... which I did. That is what you call State Trooper confidence.

Other than that, Findley is a great area, and the scenery would make for a great biking ride.

[Motorad]

Michiganders! In Ohio! During football season! I hope you don't think it rude of me not to ride too close to you...I don't want to take one of the stray bullets. :eek: ;)

Hmmm, wear bullet-proof vest because I live in Michigan ... or ... wear my college's Arkansas Razorback jersey to conceal my Michigan residence. Decisions ...

[Road Fan]

I've signed up to do this ride. I'll only be doing the century if there are no strong headwinds. If there's lots of wind I'll be doing the 62 also.

Beverly, I hope I meet you there!

Road Fan

[Beverly]

Beverly, I hope I meet you there!

Road Fan

I'll PM you before I leave. I would love to meet you and Mrs. Road Fan.

[Mariner Fan]

Go to Findlay High School to check in and get your packet on Saturday afternoon, usually between 4 and 7ish. They usually have free ice cream (good hand-dipped stuff) and some vendors set up. I'll hang around and meet you and Tom there, then we can go to dinner across the street at a place I have eaten at the last two years the night before the ride.

In the morning just park at the high school...we'll plan a meet up time the night before at dinner. Sound like a plan?

Findlay HS is at 1200 Broad Ave. If you come in on 75, just take the 224 exit, The HS is 1 block east of 75 on the southeast corner of Broad and 224.

Sounds good. Guess I better find me a motel before they get booked up.

[chipcom]

So does anyone want to set up a meet time at registration...or at the start and maybe ride as a group for all or part of the ride?

[Road Fan]

So does anyone want to set up a meet time at registration...or at the start and maybe ride as a group for all or part of the ride?

Sounds good, but Team Road Fan probably will drive down the morning of the event, so we probably won't be real early.

[Beverly]

So does anyone want to set up a meet time at registration...or at the start and maybe ride as a group for all or part of the ride?

A meet at the evening registration times would be good for those who will be arriving Saturday.

[Blue-Shamu]

Soooooo......

Will I need to bring my Louisiana webbed feet for this particular ride????

How about my Cajun Reeboks? (aka - white rubber boots)

Hope all are safe in Hancock County.

[redneckwes]

Reporting in from Hancock county here......

By September 9th everything will be as back to normal as it ever gets. We got a 100 year flood, no question, both the LBS's that I deal with are under water. But...and I've lived in the area my whole life, the river should be back in it's banks by Sunday or so and everyone will be cleaning up.


I'm up for a Forum meeting Saturday night, don't know if I can keep up with everyone else on the ride part (I'm wicked slow):( but I'd like to start with the group.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Reporting in from Hancock county here......

By September 9th everything will be as back to normal as it ever gets. We got a 100 year flood, no question, both the LBS's that I deal with are under water. But...and I've lived in the area my whole life, the river should be back in it's banks by Sunday or so and everyone will be cleaning up.


I'm up for a Forum meeting Saturday night, don't know if I can keep up with everyone else on the ride part (I'm wicked slow):( but I'd like to start with the group.

I'll be there if my knee cooperates! I'll be coming up from Lafayette, Indiana for it.

[chipcom]

The team CSC wristbands have finally come in. I'm gonna bring one for you, Tom...so when your knee hurts you can just read the inscription: "Harden the F__k up!" :D

[Tom Stormcrowe]

The team CSC wristbands have finally come in. I'm gonna bring one for you, Tom...so when your knee hurts you can just read the inscription: "Harden the F__k up!" :D

Sounds good!:D

[areles]

I'm in for the 62. Low and slow on my GTO!

Ron

[Mariner Fan]

Reporting in from Hancock county here......

By September 9th everything will be as back to normal as it ever gets. We got a 100 year flood, no question, both the LBS's that I deal with are under water. But...and I've lived in the area my whole life, the river should be back in it's banks by Sunday or so and everyone will be cleaning up.


I'm up for a Forum meeting Saturday night, don't know if I can keep up with everyone else on the ride part (I'm wicked slow):( but I'd like to start with the group.

I was just reading about this. Did you go from a drought to a flood? Bummer.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070823/ap_on_re_us/flooding

[redneckwes]

Pretty much, the drought ended a couple of weeks ago, and it's been raining pretty steady lately. Earlier in the summer it was very dry. Like they say, when it rains it pours.

[redneckwes]

I went into town today to check on some friends. Findlay is not Wussyville this week, but it is Soggyville! Pumps were out in force, the river is retreating back to it's banks, and all of Hancock county is pulling itself back together. Both Lbs's got between 6-10" of water inside, and both were in full cleanup mode.
There is a lot of damage around, lots of people will need major repairs done to their homes, and a lot of buisineses took damage.

[chipcom]

I went into town today to check on some friends. Findlay is not Wussyville this week, but it is Soggyville! Pumps were out in force, the river is retreating back to it's banks, and all of Hancock county is pulling itself back together. Both Lbs's got between 6-10" of water inside, and both were in full cleanup mode.
There is a lot of damage around, lots of people will need major repairs done to their homes, and a lot of buisineses took damage.

What's the area around the HS look like? It seems like I recall 224 being higher ground on that side of the Interstate, but pretty low on the other.

[redneckwes]

Chip,
It was pretty wet around the school, but all that area is pretty well, not dry, but not innundated either now. 224 West is still closed (As of 12pm today) because of several low spots to the west and the flooding in Ottawa. Everything North and East of Findlay is clear, and 75 is back to normal.

[chipcom]

Thanks for the on-site reporting. ;)

I got this email earlier today from active.com

"Registration for the 37th Hancock Horizontal Hundred Bicycle Tour ( in Findlay Ohio) is open for a few more days. All of the facilities we use, the motels and restaurants close by our operation were not adversely affected by the flooding you may have seen on the National News programs lately. Everything is still a go for our 37th HHH! So, if you haven't registered yet, rest assured the event is still up and running."

[lowracer1]

I'll be there trying for a new personal best time on the course. In 2003 the last time I did that ride, I ended up with a 4:27 total time. Got a faster bike now, so I'll see how it goes. Depends on weather conditions now.

[redneckwes]

Got a question for those riding the HHH, I'm a noob to the whole, organized riding thing, (Other than my last (bike-a-thon in 1985!) How fast you guys ride?..not top speed, but a general average.

I honestly hope that there is another forum member I have a chance of keeping up with.

[nocondorfx]

I'm trying to get off work to do the metric. I would like to try the my first 100, but really don't feel like failing.

[Blue-Shamu]

Got a question for those riding the HHH, I'm a noob to the whole, organized riding thing, (Other than my last (bike-a-thon in 1985!) How fast you guys ride?..not top speed, but a general average.

I honestly hope that there is another forum member I have a chance of keeping up with.

Wes...ride at a pace that allows you to finish the ride. Do you currently train with other people on centuries? What kind of pace do you normally ride on those? That's the speed you need to ride. Watch your heart rate (if you have a heart rate monitor). That's what generally let's me know how fast and how long I'm going to ride. If I can keep my heart rate down, I'm going to ride forever...regardless of the speed. I could be drafting in a peloton on flat ground or solo effort with the wind...low heart rate=long day on the bike!

[redneckwes]

Wes...ride at a pace that allows you to finish the ride. Do you currently train with other people on centuries? What kind of pace do you normally ride on those? That's the speed you need to ride. Watch your heart rate (if you have a heart rate monitor). That's what generally let's me know how fast and how long I'm going to ride. If I can keep my heart rate down, I'm going to ride forever...regardless of the speed. I could be drafting in a peloton on flat ground or solo effort with the wind...low heart rate=long day on the bike!

Have never ridden a century, never ridden much with other people, (Not in a looong time) have never trained for anything. Don't have an HRM. I did put a $8 bell speedometer on my bike the other day, I checked it between mileposts on the local rail trail too, so I know I have it set in the ballpark. Most of the time it said I was doing 15mph.

(I'm a Dorky, 30 year old, farmer-built redneck with health problems on a 18 year old bike built from spare parts)

[chipcom]

If I ride my Bianchi, my frame is older than yours. :p

[Road Fan]

Hi, all. I'm really sorry to say that Team Road Fan will not be appearing at HHH this year. Mrs Road Fan, the Team Road Fan Chef de Sportif and one of the greatest high school choir directors ever, is seeing a big workload getting school going this time of year, and needs to be home taking care of school. We'll 99% sure ride, maybe even 40-50 mi, but we need the flexibility of bein closer to home. My role as Commandant in Charge of Scheduling, does not give me authority to challenge this. I still get to ride, anyway.

So I'm sad about this! Beverly, we would still like to meet up, but probably will need to do it some other time, with regrets. Pm me to talk.

Redneckwes, a lot of us ride bikes that are carefully made out of spare parts, properly installed, lubed, aligned, and maintained, same idea as yours, so no shame on your part. As far as riding at speed (or not), I am just up in Ann Arbor, and would be glad to ride with you sometime. You might be faster than I, in which case I get a workout. You might be slower than I, in which case I get a so-called recovery partner. Mrs. Road Fan doesn't slow down too well, so I need a recovery partner. You, too, pm me if you want to talk or ride together.

[nocondorfx]

UPDATE: I signed up.

Even though my longest ride has been 75 miles, and a few 50 milers this year, i may have to harden the f up and try my first 100. I sprung for all the goodies, t-shirt, pancakes, and towel. Hopefully i'll be able to meet some people here, as all of my riding has always been alone.