Northeast - Spring Metric in Hershey - registration open!

PA State Police Metric Century 2008 (http://www.pspmetriccentury.com/)

Registration is open - at $20.00 for a well-supported, beautifully rolling half- or full-metric, it's a bargain! (and if you're feeling frisky, ride one of the loops a second time and make it a full century:D)

This is a beautiful ride, folks. The route is comprised of two 32-mile loops, both beginning and ending in Hershey, PA. With proceeds going to the PA State Police historical, educational and memorial program, it is organized and supported by the Harrisburg Bicycle Club, as well as cadets from the State Police Academy here in Hershey (who have been known to occasionally swoop in on their very large motorcycles to provide traffic control - my favorite part)

Seriously, consider the drive to Hershey for this one. It's not a crowded ride. . . the rest stops are well-supported . . . the routes are beautiful . . . and it's a great goal as an early-spring metric.

I'll be happy to answer any questions about the ride/route/lodging, etc. Just post or PM and I'll be in touch.

Hope to see you there!

Beth

I'm registered for the metric

:beer:

I'm registered for the metric

:beer:

Nice! I'll be there. . . we'll catch up. Several of the groups I ride with regularly will be there . . . you can play along if you'd like.

Beth

PS Looking outside my window at the snow and ice makes a late April metric seem realllllly far away.

I'll be doing my yearly birthday ride on April 16, so I should be in good shape for the Hershey ride the next week. Of course it would help if Mother Nature would help and get rid of the ice and snow that I found on the roads today.

Scott

I'm registered.....:)

I'm hoping to make it as I had already signed up for the Tour de Carroll in Westminster Md that day, well before I knew of this ride....

...but it looks like the guy I was gonna ride with may have backed out....

Kim and I should be there, so long as we can find a puppy-sitter.

If im not working a race, i might go. That's usually the same weekend as the annual Porsche only swap meet at Hershey Park. When the weather's nice the really nice hardware comes out.

Looks like fun, thanks for posting. If I decide to go, then could I join a group with which to ride along?

Looks like fun, thanks for posting. If I decide to go, then could I join a group with which to ride along?

Yes. If there are enough people from BF we'll likely form our own group(s). If not, I'm sure someone will help you fit into their group. I'm guessing these things will be discussed further nearer the time.

After a biking hiatus, I'm slowly getting my legs back. How hilly/flat is this route?

Beth - what time you rolling out? We got season passes to Hershey Park this year so I could deposit the family at the park and come ride...then hit some rides post ride before the ride home....man that's a lot of rides. :D

Hi, guys -

I'm so glad so many of you are planning to come to Hershey for this! You'll be glad you did, I promise. And it will be great to see all of you again (or meet you for the first time :))

First, the route: based on last year's stats (this year's route is nearly identical), there were 1830 ft of climbing over 69 miles (yes, I know a metric is 62 miles but . . . whatever). Anyway, there is nothing really steep in there. Lots of little rollers, though. If it's a windy day, the wide-open rural areas can be challenging. But, it's all doable, with plenty of stops. Again, the two loops begin and end at the same place like a bow. So taking a break or choosing to do a half-metric is a pretty simple option.

Second, organizing a BF group or groups to ride together will be very manageble. I'm doing all of the pre-registrations, and will be there ready to ride the day of. There are several local groups I ride with regularly who will be there, and I'll be happy to help people find an appropriate group to join.

Grasschopper, very cool! I'd be honored to ride with you again . . . I'll probably try to roll out by 8:30 or 9 at the very latest. Possibly even earlier. The Park doesn't open til 10, but the start location is just a couple of miles from the Park. . . and I can steer your family to some good breakfast options if they want to drop you and your bike off at the starting point :)

It's awfully nice to be thinking ahead to this ride. . . as I sit here shivering (my daughter keeps going outside to monitor the eclipse, letting in all the cold air). Spring will be here!

Beth

Looks like a fun ride and the six (6!) rest stops on the metric would sure make life easy. The FAQ suggests they would like to see a lack of ``long pace lines,'' but are there still enough folks to make medium ones happen, or pick them up as they roll by?

^ I'm sure a mediocre pace line could ensue, however the last BF pace line ended in some tires out of true, a broken wrist, and mild road rash... we still blame ryanf.

EDIT: don't post after drinking a few beers... you start to think that tires can go out of true :D... *ahem*... wheels out of true... carry on.

I wish you all fantastic weather.

The last weekend in April is perpetually booked for me. I'll be canoing.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/StupidlyBrave/Canooooz/canoeQuarterKeg.jpg

^ I'm sure a mediocre pace line could ensue, however the last BF pace line ended in some tires out of true, a broken wrist, and mild road rash... we still blame ryanf.


:roflmao:

And it depends which group you're with, of course. The guys I most likely will head out with will pull together wherever possible . . . but I'm talking about a group of no more than 10 or so.

If you're looking to grab onto a line, plan to leave early -

And SB! Bummer . . . and remind me if you remember to: I have a few more Backpacker mags for you :)

Beth

I think I will sign up soon. I will probably do the harder of the two half metrics, and then decide if I am up to the second half. I have gained quite a bit of weight since my last real riding, so I will just do what I can.

I will be in the area for the Tour de Cure in May as well... I loved that ride a couple of years ago.

Any hotel/motel recommendations for Friday night? Cheapish would be good.

Thanks

I would like to go, but seeing as my limit this year is 3 events (set by the wife), and I have committed to riding the Chester County Cancer Challenge in May, I will not be able to make it.

Hopefully next year will be a go.

Any hotel/motel recommendations for Friday night? Cheapish would be good.

Thanks

Here (http://www.pspmetriccentury.com/accommodations.htm) is about the most comprehensive list you will find for the area. If you have any questions on the specifics, I'll do my best to help you out.

Beth

Thanks, Beth.

Wow... I haven't ridden since september. I was supposed to be out of town for most of april, but it now looks like I'll still be in the area. Have to check with the mrs. on this one.

Here (http://www.pspmetriccentury.com/accommodations.htm) is about the most comprehensive list you will find for the area. If you have any questions on the specifics, I'll do my best to help you out.

Beth

Thanks, Beth, that's indeed a very comprehensive list. Would you happen to have any specific recommendations to help narrow down the list, maybe motels you've tried previously which you would/would not recommend?

How large is this event, i.e. will the motels fill up fairly quickly, or could I just show up on Friday and easily find lodging?

Thanks!

Thanks, Beth, that's indeed a very comprehensive list. Would you happen to have any specific recommendations to help narrow down the list, maybe motels you've tried previously which you would/would not recommend?

How large is this event, i.e. will the motels fill up fairly quickly, or could I just show up on Friday and easily find lodging?

Thanks!

Living just outside of Hershey, I've never actually "tried" any of the hotels/motels.

If you're looking for comfort, surroundings, and have the $$$$ to spend, look at the Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge.

All of the recognizable names (Hilton Garden, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, Best Western, Comfort Inn, etc.) should be predictably fine. They all do a brisk business during the tourist season.

This event is not huge, and shouldn't stress the hotel business. This area is fortified with rooms to support Hershey tourism from May through September. Last year's registrations numbered just over 800, and this year is tracking similarly.

Beth

Beth,
I saw an article in the paper this week announcing the start of a six month repaving project for route 117 in Mt Gretna, do you know if that will have an impact on the Mt Gretna part of this ride?

Scott

Beth,
I saw an article in the paper this week announcing the start of a six month repaving project for route 117 in Mt Gretna, do you know if that will have an impact on the Mt Gretna part of this ride?

Scott

Thanks, Scott. I saw that in the paper this week too; in fact, WGAL had a piece on the local news about it tonight.

At this point, the only stretch that would need to be affected is the section between Mine Rd. and Mt. Wilson. We're checking into the time frames of the repaving project. I'll keep you posted!

Beth

is there a website I could go and register for this event ?

is there a website I could go and register for this event ?

http://www.pspmetriccentury.com/

<<bump>>

It’s not too late!

The 4th annual PSP Memorial Metric Century is coming up quickly. We’ve scouted the routes, made a few nice changes, and are busy preparing for the ride. Hopefully you’ve marked your ride calendar for April 26and are planning to join us!

Registering by this Friday, April 4th will guarantee availability of a commemorative T-shirt, as well as a $5.00 discount on your registration.

We will happily accept your registration up to and including the day of the ride . . . but why not save yourself $5.00, avoid spending time waiting in a registration line, AND score an event t-shirt? Bonus!

http://www.pspmetriccentury.com

See you on the 26th!

Beth

would this be ok for my first real ride thing?!

would this be ok for my first real ride thing?!

Absolutely!

The ride has several options. . . a full-metric, a half-metric, and a 15-mile course. All begin and end at the same location. If you should decide to sign up for one of the half-metric courses, you can always decide to add the second course onto the ride, getting the full metric. And vice versa, of course.

The routes are not flat; there are no lengthy climbing sections, but the terrain is rolling. It's a nice course.

Beth

Hmm can Grasschopper get in shape in 2 weeks?

Hmm can Grasschopper get in shape in 2 weeks?

Yes.

Think positively :)

Beth

*Bump*

Coming up next Saturday, the 26th - registration is open the day of the ride - and the long-range forecast looks good so far!

Beth

I'm all set. I got out several times this past week getting in some miles, I even included a spin through Mt. Gretna. (I did notice by the newly painted arrows that the route has changed a bit.)
Now the only question mark is the weather. I would prefer sunny and in the low 70's, which means it will probably be rainy and in the low 50's. Time will tell.

I'm already crossing my fingers for good weather. . .

Sure would be fantastic to have a day like we had Saturday!

Beth

Ok so I am back on the bike...no chance in hell I will be ready for this ride. Sorry Beth but I will have to catch you later in the year.

Beth - two questions from reading prior posts - one is are you sure on the 1800 feet of climbing in 69 miles? That sounds low to me for what I remember and secondly - are any of the roads torn up in Mt. Gretna? Thanks for your input.

Beth - two questions from reading prior posts - one is are you sure on the 1800 feet of climbing in 69 miles? That sounds low to me for what I remember and secondly - are any of the roads torn up in Mt. Gretna? Thanks for your input.

I was up in Mt Gretna last week on my bike and it looks like the PSP route avoids the torn up roads. Most of the road work that I saw was from Jiggers east, but the rides route comes in from the east on 117 and turns off onto old mine road before the construction so you should be okay, unless you miss the turnoff :)

Ugh... I'm not going to be able to make it now 'cause of work. *sigh* :(

PSPSarge: You're right. I messed up. The total ft of climbing is likely double my estimate of 1800 ft. I will blame it on menopausal brain fog (or a messed up spreadsheet). A couple of nice climbs on the Gretna loop, and nothin' but rollers on the Gap loop. As for the torn-up roads, we've made an attempt to bypass the mess by bringing the route down Old Mine, rather than all the way out 117. The only stretch I'm not sure of (depends on what Penndot does on Friday) is the one from Old Mine up to Mt Pleasant. Old Mine is, in my opinion, a much nicer route.
As for the Gap loop, I'll be riding it tomorrow night for a final check.

PAPedaler, thanks for the scouting report! The route was checked last weekend, and looks good.

Aww, Grahny - too bad. Work on a Saturday instead of a ride is just not right. I hope they're making it worth your time. If you feel like heading up this direction for a ride some weekend, just let me know - I have several groups with whom I do long rides most weekends.

And Grasschopper?? WTH. I mean really. No excuses. ;)

Beth

I'm thinking about making it out. I asked a few friends to come along.

Beth - we will have to compare footage of climb on the 69 miles after Saturday - I got a Garmin 305 over the winter - my friend is using a Garmin 705 that is either experimental or just out, not sure which - I saw it and it has a color monitor. It is amazing though, that even with all this tech, there are some fairly major variations in what these things measure. Hope you have a great and safe ride.

We rode the Indiantown Gap loop tonight . . . (with a few differences getting out of Hershey) . . . 34 miles, 1900 ft of climbing. Nothing big, all rollers.

Now I'm crossing my fingers for a little sunshine Saturday (or a least a complete absence of rain) :)

Beth

Beth - we will have to compare footage of climb on the 69 miles after Saturday - I got a Garmin 305 over the winter - my friend is using a Garmin 705 that is either experimental or just out, not sure which - I saw it and it has a color monitor. It is amazing though, that even with all this tech, there are some fairly major variations in what these things measure. Hope you have a great and safe ride.

So what did you come up with, PSPSarge? I'm not very trusting of my wireless computer . . . but it's giving me a little over 3800. After Thursday night's little hammerfest, and the testosterone levels in my group today, my quads are shot.

It was a great ride, though - no mishaps, no rain (Yea!). We did the Mt Gretna loop first, then finished up with the Gap loop. A couple of those wind gusts on the way back in tried to knock me over sideways, but it all feels great nonetheless.

PAPedaler, were you there? Not sure if I saw you or not . . .

Beth

Beth,
I made it out there. I started around 7:15 with the Mt Gretna loop and managed to miss a turn at around the 28 mile marker. Luckily there was another rider following me named Ron who was from Hershey, he knew the area so I let him lead us back to town. (It saved us from having to turn around and see where we went wrong.) We ended up doing an additional 4 miles, but on the plus side we didn't have to share the roads with any other riders:)
I started the Fort Indiantown Gap ride around 10 and was back a little before 12:30.
Now I'm trying to avoid taking a nap, or else I'll never be able to get to sleep at my normal time.
My compliments to the organizers. Everything was running perfectly.

Scott

So what did you come up with, PSPSarge? I'm not very trusting of my wireless computer . . . but it's giving me a little over 3800. After Thursday night's little hammerfest, and the testosterone levels in my group today, my quads are shot.

It was a great ride, though - no mishaps, no rain (Yea!). We did the Mt Gretna loop first, then finished up with the Gap loop. A couple of those wind gusts on the way back in tried to knock me over sideways, but it all feels great nonetheless.

PAPedaler, were you there? Not sure if I saw you or not . . .

Beth

Beth- I came up with almost 3900 feet which means if your 1800 was accurate on Indiantown, Mt. Gretna was about 2100. I thought the changes on the Mt. Gretna side might have made it a little easier but it was good I thought. You wished us good weather and were pretty successful I would say. Averaged 15.4 which is good for this old guy.

3800 sounds about right; guess my wireless computer is reasonably on target.

Actually, I don't think the change in the route lessened the climbing. . . if anything, it was a little steeper (going up to the intersection at Butler Rd), with a longer, more gradual descent. Much nicer road, don't you think?

We really did get lucky on the weather, didn't we? Finishing with the sun still shining through the clouds was a nice feeling. Our little group challenged my legs a bit yesterday, especially considering the cross winds we hit in our Gap loop. We finished with a 17 avg, stopping just once in each loop plus a short break in between. It was well worth the effort.

Scott, how did that nap-avoidance thing work for you? ;) No nap for me - a little extra coffee after the ride helped keep me going.

Thanks so much for your kind comments! This is quite an undertaking to put one of these events together; our bike club president was an incredible source of energy and creativity in doing this. And it couldn't have been done without the tremendous support from the PA State Police. We had over 30 of the cadets helping to set up Friday evening and Saturday morning, as well as running sags and rest stops.

Mark your calendars for next year!

Beth

Edit: Some of the photos have been posted on www.digiproofs.com - password "police08" - if you find yourself, let me know. I found a couple of our group and me . . . I'm on page 4, image #186. Our group continues on #217, 218, 220