Charity Events - LiveSTRONG Challenge – Philadelphia, PA 2008

does anyone have the route so i can download it to my garmin?

does anyone have the route so i can download it to my garmin?

I have last year's still (same route) - I'll pm you

While out on the Lancaster covered bride ride yesterday I was wearing my liveStrong shorts and was asked several times by different riders if I was going to be in Philly next week. All of the riders that asked me said they would be there as well. It is always nice to hear from all those willing to support such a great cause. Less than a week to go, see you all there.

While out on the Lancaster covered bride ride yesterday I was wearing my liveStrong shorts and was asked several times by different riders if I was going to be in Philly next week. All of the riders that asked me said they would be there as well. It is always nice to hear from all those willing to support such a great cause. Less than a week to go, see you all there.

I did a nice hard 53 mile ride yesterday and will be doing all my rides this week in a nice easy Zone 1 or 2, so that I have fresh legs for Sunday. With all those hills coming at me, I am going to need fresh legs!!:eek::eek:

I tested out the legs at the Lancaster CBM metric this weekend and voluntarily pulled for quite a while. Finished with a 19.02 mph average. Felt great on the hills, so I'm hoping it carries over to this sunday :)

My guads are barking today, but I got in a short recovery spin this morning. I'll still get in a 50 mi tempo ride this week and some hill repeats. We'll see how the legs feel. As of yesterday's performance though, I think I'm ready for sunday.

FYI... there are bibs now online. I may pick up a full kit come saturday, but I've gotta check out the chamois first (I'm sure it'll all be available for purchase at the LS village). It says it's an OF chamois, which is what giordana uses in their silverline bibs... not sure if it's the same thing though.

Felt great on the hills, so I'm hoping it carries over to this sunday :)
What hills? I only saw one hill just before lunch. From what I understand the LSC has a whole lot of hills. It kind of has me a little worried. My garmin had the total climbing for the Lancaster CBM at 2800' of climbing, the century in Philly is said to be around 8000'.

What hills? I only saw one hill just before lunch. From what I understand the LSC has a whole lot of hills. It kind of has me a little worried. My garmin had the total climbing for the Lancaster CBM at 2800' of climbing, the century in Philly is said to be around 8000'.

The rolling inclines maybe then? There was a hill somewhere in there, and a short one before the lunch stop, then another small one towards the end. None of them compare to the LSC climbs, but I'm just saying given my effort yesterday, I'm confident I'll be able to hold a decent pace this sunday.

So to compare the two rides, take the hill before the lunch stop, make that 2'ish miles long (if I remember correctly), done twice, and you've got the two big climbs on the LSC. Then take that same pre-lunch stop climb, done, I don't know, 10 times of varying degrees of grade (from 7-22%, there's one 22ish% grade for a very short distance... 1/5 of a mile maybe? I remember leaning all the way over the front of my bike and the front wheel was still lifting off the ground :D), plus rolling terrain, and there's the rest of the climbing. My garmin read 2,741 yesterday. It read about 7,900 at the LSC last year.

I rode a 53x39 w/ 12-25 on the Lanc ride and never even hit my 23T cog. I'll be sporting a shiny new IRD 12-28 for the LSC and will be using the 28T for sure at some point (last year used a 12-27 and used the 27T a few times). I just need to remember not to cross chain or my RD will explode :eek: :)

I'm just hoping I make it to the finish on Sunday. I felt good in Lancaster but there wasn't that much climbing. Lancaster was my first metric and Philly will be my first century. I guess I should have picked an easier century and to think I gave up my triple last week, oh the pain. Sometimes I leap before I think.

I rode a 53x39 w/ 12-25 on the Lanc ride and never even hit my 23T cog. I'll be sporting a shiny new IRD 12-28 for the LSC and will be using the 28T for sure at some point (last year used a 12-27 and used the 27T a few times). I just need to remember not to cross chain or my RD will explode :eek: :)

Hmmm... I've got a 12-25 cassette, with a 39x53. I'm hoping that doesn't mean I'm screwed! I know I'm not as strong as you are, but I'm hoping that pacing myself will be sufficient.

Well, I have concluded I'm not going to get in any more shape than I already am.
We'll be on our way to PA around 12pm Saturday and should get there in about 2 hours or so.

I have one noobie question before all this goes down - what happens if you have to go to the bathroom during the ride, with that "I can't hold it" feeling? Should I expect the same answer that I might see in the Road Racing Forum? :eek: That should make things a bit more interesting...

Also, what's the deal with the showers I read about on the challenge website?

I have one noobie question before all this goes down - what happens if you have to go to the bathroom during the ride, with that "I can't hold it" feeling? Should I expect the same answer that I might see in the Road Racing Forum? :eek: That should make things a bit more interesting...

Also, what's the deal with the showers I read about on the challenge website?

They have port-o-potties at the rest stops along with drinks and food. If you can't hold it till the next rest stop you can just get off and use the side of the road. I think they have showers available back at the gym at MCCC where the start/finish is.

Hmmm... I've got a 12-25 cassette, with a 39x53. I'm hoping that doesn't mean I'm screwed! I know I'm not as strong as you are, but I'm hoping that pacing myself will be sufficient.

I think I could do the LSC with a 12-25... I just figure the extra gear can't hurt. I really got it as insurance since I didn't think I was riding all that well, but I'm feeling a little more confident now.

They have port-o-potties at the rest stops along with drinks and food. If you can't hold it till the next rest stop you can just get off and use the side of the road. I think they have showers available back at the gym at MCCC where the start/finish is.


There is port-o-johns at all the rest stops. If #1 - just move clear off the side of the road (into the bushes if possible) and do your thing. Just make sure no one can see you, don't want to upset the locals.
If #2 - start pedaling alot faster and get to the next rest stop ASAP haha.

Showers - there are showers at the back of the gymnasium at MCCC, but there aren't many. For sure if you bring a towel you can get back there and clean up a bit before you enjoy the rest of the day with your family.

Gearing - man up you wussies! Nah I'm glad to have my 11-25 for the century this weekend, considering the few climbs and the 87* heat that we're supposed to have the 25t will be nice.

Hope everyone is getting excited! Think I'm going to have to skip lunch a few times this week to make weight, haha...some of those climbs burn a little. "Its called a challenge for a reason"

Gearing - man up you wussies! Nah I'm glad to have my 11-25 for the century this weekend, considering the few climbs and the 87* heat that we're supposed to have the 25t will be nice.


Brutal... just brutal my featherweight friend. You guys may end up guilting me into using the 12-25 and just sucking up the pain. Heavier bike this year, heavier grahny this year... let's ditch the gearing advantage and make it a real challenge :twitchy: :)

As of today there's a 30% chance of rain for sunday - which actually would be nice given the potential high temp.

Gearing - man up you wussies! Nah I'm glad to have my 11-25 for the century this weekend, considering the few climbs and the 87* heat that we're supposed to have the 25t will be nice.


Did I say I was using a 39x53? I'm sorry, that was a typo. I have a 53x56: a big ring, and a bigger ring. :thumb:

Now, where can I find a 10 speed cassette with a 36 tooth low? :eek:

Where's this steep section with the 20% grade that I've heard about? How long is that section, and how long is the total climb?

There is port-o-johns at all the rest stops. If #1 - just move clear off the side of the road (into the bushes if possible) and do your thing. Just make sure no one can see you, don't want to upset the locals.
If #2 - start pedaling alot faster and get to the next rest stop ASAP haha.
OK - for some reason I had that vision in my mind in the first place but I wanted to make sure! I know I can go a couple hours without having to go too bad so that's a bit of a relief for me.

I guess it would be just as good to quickly go back to the hotel (5 min away from the college), clean up, and run back for the rest of the afterparty.

Thanks Dan!

Anybody else thinking of using Sportlegs? I was, but didn't bother to order the sample packs. Dopers suck anyway. :lol: (But so do people who aren't... they suck WHEEL! :D )

Guess I should go out and do some wussy NJ hill repeats.

Where's this steep section with the 20% grade that I've heard about? How long is that section, and how long is the total climb?

I think it's fairly early... around the 28ish mile mark maybe... and it's short. It's a nice shock to the system but it's over with quickly.

Here's the graph from my garmin after last year's ride:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii66/grahny/LSC/Picture1.png

I think it's fairly early... around the 28ish mile mark maybe... and it's short. It's a nice shock to the system but it's over with quickly.

Here's the graph from my garmin after last year's ride:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii66/grahny/LSC/Picture1.pngThis was definitely the wrong week to give up the triple.

This was definitely the wrong week to give up the triple.

That reminds me of Lloyed Bridges for some reason....

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines"

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1127/mccroskeyhk7.jpg

:D

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines"

Or a good week to start them! :twitchy:

Brutal... just brutal my featherweight friend. You guys may end up guilting me into using the 12-25 and just sucking up the pain. Heavier bike this year, heavier grahny this year... let's ditch the gearing advantage and make it a real challenge :twitchy: :)

As of today there's a 30% chance of rain for sunday - which actually would be nice given the potential high temp.

No worries, grahny, I'm running my 12-27 with compact cranks and will be wishing for another lower gear!:eek:
Hopefully, the temps won't be too rough on us.

I think it's fairly early... around the 28ish mile mark maybe... and it's short. It's a nice shock to the system but it's over with quickly.

Here's the graph from my garmin after last year's ride:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii66/grahny/LSC/Picture1.png

The 20% section is about 1/4 mile long, after some serious 12 - 15% climbs, around the 50 - 60 mile mark. Don't worry, there is a rest stop immediately after you reach the top.:cry:

By itself, it's not a bad climb ... add it to the dozen or so climbs before it, and it seems a lot steeper.

The real challenge with the LAC, is that the climbing is relentless. They put all of the climbing in the middle of the ride, one after another. You barely get a break between them. Some places you think your getting some breathing room, and BAM, the route turns left, up another wall.:twitchy: Should be lots of fun ...

Last year was awesome pain and suffering ...:love:

I believe that short steep section is on Hill Road, right before the 40/70/100 split off (near the rest stop)...you make the left turn and it pitches up pretty steep for a bit, no? It's not that bad.

Your daily HTFU moment: last year there was a 65 year old gentleman who did the entire 100 mile ride fixed. No, not neutered. On a fixed year...one gear, constant motion. I can't even fathom how hard it was for him to walk the next day, I think he was on a 42x17 or something comparable. Absolutely insane.

I believe that short steep section is on Hill Road,
Oh, the deceit! :lol:

Or a good week to start them! :twitchy:
Just what I was thinking

It is Carl's Hill Rd. at mile 40.5 ... 1/4 mile long, and all of 20%. Last year I passed about 6 people walking up. My speed was only about 3 mph on that climb ... I didn't walk up, but thought I'd fall off a few times.

I just went back and checked my notes from last year ... as I was driving my re-con, I specifically noted Carl's Hill Rd. as the steepest (at least 20%), and remember it well.

Also, another bad-ass hill, long and steep, is Oysterdale Rd. at about mile 54.

From Hill Rd. at mile 20.95 (right after the Green Lane rest stop), through about mile 60, is climb after climb. After that, you get some tough climbs, but a little more room to breath between them. The problem is, that by mile 60 you feel like you have cement blocks for shoes.

For the first-timers ...
This ride is do-able, but, PACE YOURSELF!

Don't get caught up at the beginning, keeping pace with the jack rabbits passing you in the first 20 - 30 miles. Some of them may be doing a shorter ride, or have done it at THERE pace in the past. Last year, I forced myself to ride my pace (which is only 12 - 14 mph on a hilly century), and for the last 30 miles, I was passing many of the riders who were racing past me in the first 30. Remember, this ride is not a race ... the objective is to finish.

PACE YOURSELF!!!;)

Your daily HTFU moment: last year there was a 65 year old gentleman who did the entire 100 mile ride fixed. No, not neutered. On a fixed year...one gear, constant motion. I can't even fathom how hard it was for him to walk the next day, I think he was on a 42x17 or something comparable. Absolutely insane.

He was not a happy camper towards the end from what I hear. I'm willing to bet he thought it was the same route as in 2006 which was almost dead flat compared to this route. I think it was Tasr who came up on him and asked how he was doing and the guy wasn't in the best of moods.

SUNDAY: I'm just going to throw it out there that if anyone wants to meet up, say hi, then have a pre-ride discussion concerning the onslaught of pain and misery that is about to take place, I say we meet up at the front/right side of the 100 mi staging area (fast). It's just a parking lot, so anyone can come on over. I'm planning on being there by 0715.

This is me (somewhere in there - HigherGround is in the BF kit):

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=7290494&postcount=209

I'll probably be in a white giordana jersey w/ white specialized helmet (maybe a livestrong jersey - not sure yet), on a lynskey sans decals (see sig).

SUNDAY: I'm just going to throw it out there that if anyone wants to meet up, say hi, then have a pre-ride discussion concerning the onslaught of pain and misery that is about to take place, I say we meet up at the front/right side of the 100 mi staging area (fast). It's just a parking lot, so anyone can come on over. I'm planning on being there by 0715.

This is me (somewhere in there - HigherGround is in the BF kit):

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=7290494&postcount=209

I'll probably be in a white giordana jersey w/ white specialized helmet (maybe a livestrong jersey - not sure yet), on a lynskey sans decals (see sig).

I'll see if I can find you. I'lll be wearing a Livestrong jersey (last year's) - I know, real helpful, eh? Me and 6000 other riders. But I'll be on a silver Cannondale, and I weigh 245. :D Maybe that will help.

I'll be wearing my LIVESTRONG kit (who woulda thunk....) and riding my white 08 Specialized Allez. (I WISH THEY CARRIED JERSEYS IN SMALL!)
Sort of like this:
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3413/10011681md7.jpg

So if you see me, don't forget to wave. :lol:

I will look for you guys ... I'll be in my 2007 Livestrong Jersey, but I'll sport my Livestrong shorts as well. I'm on a black Cannondale ... I weigh in at 235.:innocent: ... easy to spot.

there is a map of the venue on the site i think that there should be an area where we can meet. I am going out with the fast 100 black bmc assos bibs the new LS jersey for the ride... so i think we would be ok to meet from 7 - 7 20 .. http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/atf/cf/%7Bd1308cbf-efd6-4efe-8fa1-66fa00e28177%7D/PHILLY%20VENUE%20MAP.PDFmaybe by the breakfast tent?

I'll be at the red X come 7:15'ish... area between the lines is the staging area lanes... fast 100 is closest to the start:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6735/snap1mx5.jpg

I'll be at the red X come 7:15'ish... area between the lines is the staging area lanes... fast 100 is closest to the start:

Does that mean there's a "fast" 100 corral, and a "not so fast" 100 corral?

And is the 100 the only one with separate fast and not so fast groups?

How much riding are you doing before the century? I was wondering if I should be resting or training today and saturday. My plan is to ride today and tomorrow but easy short rides. Should I be doing more?

How much riding are you doing before the century? I was wondering if I should be resting or training today and saturday. My plan is to ride today and tomorrow but easy short rides. Should I be doing more?

I would opt for easier rides, especially on Saturday. I think that hard training this close to the event would not produce any major fitness gains, but it could easily inhibit your recovery and cause much more harm than good. At this point I think it is better to go in to the event well-rested and recovered, rather than trying to eek out a little more fitness.

Unfortunately I was having problems with restricted breathing last night when I went to bed, so I'm going to the doctor this afternoon to see what's up. :rolleyes:

How much riding are you doing before the century? I was wondering if I should be resting or training today and saturday. My plan is to ride today and tomorrow but easy short rides. Should I be doing more?

Brother if you don't have the fitness by now, there isnt much you can do!

Rest up, stay off your feet as much as possible, hydrate, eat alot.
If anything, take today and tomorrow to just keep your legs alive; an hour and a half of easy spinning, maybe hit some hills at an easy pace just to get the blood flowing.

I'll try to meet you guys on Sunday morning at the spot, I'm going to be there at about 5am to help with setup. FYI I'll be in the new livestrong jersey, blue Philadelphia Ciclismo bibs, white bell sweep, livestrong edition oakleys, and my signature lime green sweatband on my wrist.

Thanks guys. Your right, if I'm not ready now there isn't much I can do to change that. I look forward to a great ride on Sunday. See you there. I will be wearing a team LOVEstrong jersey not LiveStrong with livestrong shorts and riding a specialized roubaix. If you see me dead on the side of the road just leave me there. :D

Hello everybody, I'm riding the 70 on Sunday but was a bit confused about registration & packet pickup. On the livestrong challenge website under the "events" link the packet pickup states:

LIVESTRONG Village & Packet Pick-Up
Saturday August 23, 2008
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm

---------------------

I was assuming I can pickup my packet early Sunday morning before the ride starts @ 7.30 am, correct?

Hello everybody, I'm riding the 70 on Sunday but was a bit confused about registration & packet pickup. On the livestrong challenge website under the "events" link the packet pickup states:

LIVESTRONG Village & Packet Pick-Up
Saturday August 23, 2008
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm

---------------------

I was assuming I can pickup my packet early Sunday morning before the ride starts @ 7.30 am, correct?
From the latest newsletter:

Sunday Packet Pick-Up -
Packet Pick-up will be available from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. at Montgomery County Community College.

Brother if you don't have the fitness by now, there isnt much you can do!

Rest up, stay off your feet as much as possible, hydrate, eat alot.
If anything, take today and tomorrow to just keep your legs alive; an hour and a half of easy spinning, maybe hit some hills at an easy pace just to get the blood flowing.

I'll try to meet you guys on Sunday morning at the spot, I'm going to be there at about 5am to help with setup. FYI I'll be in the new livestrong jersey, blue Philadelphia Ciclismo bibs, white bell sweep, livestrong edition oakleys, and my signature lime green sweatband on my wrist.

Dan... I hate to be the one to tell you, but you wont be winning any OCP awards on sunday with that color combination kit :D ;)

+1 to if you don't have it by now there's nothing you can do. I rode twice this week not including sunday's metric - 1hr spin, 2.5hr tempo w/ hills, and I'll do an hour or so of very light spinning reeeeeaaaallly early tomorrow morning. I'm starting to get ansy.. I want to ride!!!

And is the 100 the only one with separate fast and not so fast groups?

Does that mean there's a "fast" 100 corral, and a "not so fast" 100 corral?

I don't see anything saying there's any 'fast' & 'slow' groups this year - but I'm saying it just incase it's a surprise when we get there. Last year you had to designate it in your profile and there was communication about doing so in the emails that came out. I guess they figured it wasn't needed. Last year I think they did it because the majority of riders attempted the century so that group was really big.

Dan... I hate to be the one to tell you, but you wont be winning any OCP awards on sunday with that color combination kit :D ;)



OCP is dead. Thats right...Anti-OCP is the new cool.

I'm actually not feeling so hot today, been laying in bed all morning with the cold sweats and sniffles...think I might have caught a cold or something. I did foolishly ride for 4.5 hours yesterday, think I might be overcooking myself. Nothing a day off can't fix

I'm so excited for sunday though, its going to be a blast

Ditto on this. You should be going into taper mode. I have been all week, actually! Eating plenty, resting plenty, riding just enough to wake up the muscles, then back into resting and eating. Come into the LSC with legs that are ready and rarin' to go. You'll be much happier out there when the road keeps turning up, and up, and up!

I would opt for easier rides, especially on Saturday. I think that hard training this close to the event would not produce any major fitness gains, but it could easily inhibit your recovery and cause much more harm than good. At this point I think it is better to go in to the event well-rested and recovered, rather than trying to eek out a little more fitness.

Unfortunately I was having problems with restricted breathing last night when I went to bed, so I'm going to the doctor this afternoon to see what's up. :rolleyes:

I'm right with you, man! Getting the butterflies of anticipation already!

I'm starting to get ansy.. I want to ride!!!

I have been reading all of these posts with interest. I rode the last 2 year's and last year's ride was hilly and difficult but not impossible. Now I know what to expect

Drink and rest the next 2 days

I will be in the fast 100 ring also

Light blue Trek Madone with Discovery Channel decals
White TDF young rider jersey (Discovery Channel)
Descente black shorts
Blue Giro Helmet
Black Oakleys

See you guys Sunday

man, these posts are getting me nervous & anxious about the 70 mile ride. This coming from a non-roadie cyclist. I'm up for the challenge on my mtb, i think!!

man, these posts are getting me nervous & anxious about the 70 mile ride. This coming from a non-roadie cyclist. I'm up for the challenge on my mtb, i think!!'

respect man, respect!