cpblue
03-05-08, 02:40 PM
I looked at the map for the Tour de Houston and it looks like it should be called the Tour de the Toll Road. What are the people who plan this ride thinking?????????
View Full Version : Tour de Houston
chinotex
03-05-08, 05:58 PM
Are they closing Hardy for this? It MIGHT be interesting to ride on a closed toll road, or it MIGHT be ridiculously boring, and you could get really sick of the segmented slabs of concrete as opposed to a nice asphalt county road.
froggmann
03-05-08, 06:10 PM
I rode the TDH two years ago and swore never to return. Poorly organized start, undermanned/stocked rest stops, poor traffic control on some very busy streets. Typical city of houston effort, overall a really crapy ride.
yeamac
03-05-08, 06:55 PM
This is the first organized ride I have ever seen as an out-n-back.
I was on the Hardy Toll road once and don't recall the scenery being all that exciting.
A friend of mine who rides a slower pace loves the Tour de Houston and wouldn't miss it for anything. I've never ridden it, so can't really say.
I was on the Hardy Toll road once and don't recall the scenery being all that exciting.
A friend of mine who rides a slower pace loves the Tour de Houston and wouldn't miss it for anything. I've never ridden it, so can't really say.
alohaboy
03-05-08, 07:10 PM
Hmmm, I'm signed up for the 20 mile ride, as this is my first "event" ride. I'm not sure if I should be excited or concerned now.
But, I am thinking about doing the 40 mile Space Race on April 6, which I've heard good things about.
But, I am thinking about doing the 40 mile Space Race on April 6, which I've heard good things about.
chevy42083
03-06-08, 06:39 AM
I'm signed up for the 70 mile route.
As for doing the 20, don't be concerned, how bored can you get on 20 miles? Now 70... I might get bored :eek: Atleast I've never driven it either, so it'll be completely new :D
Eh, whatever, I'll try it once to support cycling in Houston. The "nice country asphalt" has a way of being viscious sometimes also. I don't usually need much support at stops... I mean, I love the oreos and all, but could get along with out them. :p
As for doing the 20, don't be concerned, how bored can you get on 20 miles? Now 70... I might get bored :eek: Atleast I've never driven it either, so it'll be completely new :D
Eh, whatever, I'll try it once to support cycling in Houston. The "nice country asphalt" has a way of being viscious sometimes also. I don't usually need much support at stops... I mean, I love the oreos and all, but could get along with out them. :p
SpiderMike
03-06-08, 09:17 AM
After reading this, i looked up the route... snoooooooooore.
After seeing the map, I will be very happy to stay at home, on my trainer with (hopefully by then) my new born daughter.
As for the Space Race, this is what I can remember from last year... Was a little wet, and they could have thought of a better place for two of the rest stops, but it was worth it.
After seeing the map, I will be very happy to stay at home, on my trainer with (hopefully by then) my new born daughter.
As for the Space Race, this is what I can remember from last year... Was a little wet, and they could have thought of a better place for two of the rest stops, but it was worth it.
StephenH
03-06-08, 11:22 AM
I would much much rather cruise a closed freeway on a bicycle than to sit in the house pedaling, myself. Especially if several hundred other cyclists are out there.
I don't know about the Houston ride, but the Dallas ride seems to be set up to be a "see Dallas" ride rather than a "cruise through the country" ride. I plan to do the Dallas ride here in a month or so. Of course, I've been on part of the course already.
I don't know about the Houston ride, but the Dallas ride seems to be set up to be a "see Dallas" ride rather than a "cruise through the country" ride. I plan to do the Dallas ride here in a month or so. Of course, I've been on part of the course already.
kwrides
03-07-08, 06:49 AM
Just read in the Chron that they closed the Hardy that day from 6-2. I have a team ride that day or I would sign up just to say I did the TDH, but I have to admit, that route is horrible.
cycledorchy
03-07-08, 09:03 AM
I'm signed up for the TDH 40-mile ride. It's my first organized ride and I'm a bit nervous about the various feedback above. But, if I like it I like it if I don't I don't, I gotta start somewhere.
Any tips for a newbie to these sorts of rides?
Any tips for a newbie to these sorts of rides?
roadnoob412
03-07-08, 10:05 AM
I signed up too for the TDH 70 mile route. I agree that the route looks boring as heck - I've never been on a sponsored ride like this that's an out and back. Oh well, if nothing else, it should at least be well policed, right, since Bill White rides in it???
Cycledorchy, I'm a noob just like you, training for my first MS150 this year. I don't have much wisdom to offer yet, other than the fact that I've done quite a few of the recommended rides in the last 2 months for the MS150. Most of them have been pretty well supported. I can tell you that I've found that there's not much need for you to bring a lot of extra food/drink on the actual ride. All these rides have reasonably placed rest stops with at the bare minimum, bananas, oranges, water and gatorade. Even the worst planned rides have had this. The better ones obviously have more stuff.
If you pack anything extra, I'd just say to make sure you have a patch kit with some tire levers, at least one extra tube and some way to inflate that tube, and be familiar with how your inflation device functions. Please don't ask me how I know this.... Also, if you've never changed a tube/tire, a recommended ride like this is NOT the place to learn. Others may disagree, but I learned in my garage on a rainy day how to change road bike tires and tubes when I bought new tires and tubes and Velox tape for my rims. Fortunately, I've been changing MTB tires and tubes since I was a teen, but you'd be surprised how many of my buddies that got me INTO road cycling tell me they have no idea how to change a tire. I keep offering to show them outside of our rides, and they keep declining. I just know someday I'll end up teaching them on the side of the road.... :)
Good luck, and remember - just have fun with it. Go at your own pace and be sure to always say 'On your left' when you pass and I always say 'Thanks' to those folks passing me who call it out. Just a courtesy thing. NEVER pass folks on their right. I was on the Spring Breakaway ride last weekend with my buddy, and some jerk tried to pass a couple in front of us on the right. He ran out of road and went into the gravel, and when he tried to hop back up on the blacktop he almost wiped out and took about 5 people with him. Very disrespectful....
Let the Lance 'Wanna Be's' bonk out at 30 miles because they think they're on the Tour de France....
Cycledorchy, I'm a noob just like you, training for my first MS150 this year. I don't have much wisdom to offer yet, other than the fact that I've done quite a few of the recommended rides in the last 2 months for the MS150. Most of them have been pretty well supported. I can tell you that I've found that there's not much need for you to bring a lot of extra food/drink on the actual ride. All these rides have reasonably placed rest stops with at the bare minimum, bananas, oranges, water and gatorade. Even the worst planned rides have had this. The better ones obviously have more stuff.
If you pack anything extra, I'd just say to make sure you have a patch kit with some tire levers, at least one extra tube and some way to inflate that tube, and be familiar with how your inflation device functions. Please don't ask me how I know this.... Also, if you've never changed a tube/tire, a recommended ride like this is NOT the place to learn. Others may disagree, but I learned in my garage on a rainy day how to change road bike tires and tubes when I bought new tires and tubes and Velox tape for my rims. Fortunately, I've been changing MTB tires and tubes since I was a teen, but you'd be surprised how many of my buddies that got me INTO road cycling tell me they have no idea how to change a tire. I keep offering to show them outside of our rides, and they keep declining. I just know someday I'll end up teaching them on the side of the road.... :)
Good luck, and remember - just have fun with it. Go at your own pace and be sure to always say 'On your left' when you pass and I always say 'Thanks' to those folks passing me who call it out. Just a courtesy thing. NEVER pass folks on their right. I was on the Spring Breakaway ride last weekend with my buddy, and some jerk tried to pass a couple in front of us on the right. He ran out of road and went into the gravel, and when he tried to hop back up on the blacktop he almost wiped out and took about 5 people with him. Very disrespectful....
Let the Lance 'Wanna Be's' bonk out at 30 miles because they think they're on the Tour de France....
dr. nate
03-07-08, 03:14 PM
I was hoping to actually tour Houston.
-Nate
-Nate
chinotex
03-07-08, 03:24 PM
Nate! That was very funny, and almost punny, but I don't think it qualifies as a pun. It was, however, quite witty and sarcastic.
It is sad that they chose not to tour houston, when there are quite a few good rotes they could do, especially on a sunday. I suppose it is logistically easier to close hardy thhan to manage multiple busy intersections, but that is a pretty sad reason to choose such a route.
It is sad that they chose not to tour houston, when there are quite a few good rotes they could do, especially on a sunday. I suppose it is logistically easier to close hardy thhan to manage multiple busy intersections, but that is a pretty sad reason to choose such a route.
chevy42083
03-07-08, 06:24 PM
Eh... we can tour houston on our own ;) How's Sunday sound :D
We can't cruise town the toll road anytime we want though ;)
I think I'm gonna cruising our town while at school... I found a nice path along Braes bayou right behind UH that connects to the med center.
We can't cruise town the toll road anytime we want though ;)
I think I'm gonna cruising our town while at school... I found a nice path along Braes bayou right behind UH that connects to the med center.
chinotex
03-07-08, 08:31 PM
Duane, what time? I'm interested, and was planning on putting about 4 hours of overtime in at the office on sunday (downtown) so I'd like to ride in the morning, and then go to the office. What do you think?
cycledorchy
03-10-08, 07:30 AM
I doubt I will be passing many other riders, but yeah, I've gotten into the habit of saying "bike left" or "passing left" and so on. I can't ride the MS 150 this year, I couldn't get a spot and I need to train more, frankly. But next year I plan to do it.
I just plunked down a wad on new shoes, Sidi genius megas...jeez I spent more on my road shoes than on my first target POS MTB bike...or any other pair of shoes I've ever owned. LOL
I just plunked down a wad on new shoes, Sidi genius megas...jeez I spent more on my road shoes than on my first target POS MTB bike...or any other pair of shoes I've ever owned. LOL
bluebottle1
03-10-08, 08:18 AM
This is what I have heard from someone in the know (i.e. employee of the mayor's office who set the route in 2006 and 2007). Running the TdH as anything but an out and back dramatically increases the number of police officers needed and thus the amount of overtime the city winds up paying. This is the reason why last year's ride was basically an out and back to Clear Lake and why this year's will be the same but to the north. It's obviously far from ideal from a cyclist viewpoint, but I guess it's what the city could manage and still keep its costs reasonable.
Last year's ride was okay as far as the rest stops were concerned, at least I thought. They were quite well stocked and the start and finish went pretty smoothly, though it was obviously pretty crowded at the beginning. Despite the less than interesting scenery last year, I actually had a pretty good time, and I like supporting cycling in Houston. Besides, I've gotta get another ride marshal gig out of the way before the MS150, so I'll be there.
Last year's ride was okay as far as the rest stops were concerned, at least I thought. They were quite well stocked and the start and finish went pretty smoothly, though it was obviously pretty crowded at the beginning. Despite the less than interesting scenery last year, I actually had a pretty good time, and I like supporting cycling in Houston. Besides, I've gotta get another ride marshal gig out of the way before the MS150, so I'll be there.
wrobertdavis
03-12-08, 04:30 PM
This is what I have heard from someone in the know (i.e. employee of the mayor's office who set the route in 2006 and 2007). Running the TdH as anything but an out and back dramatically increases the number of police officers needed and thus the amount of overtime the city winds up paying. This is the reason why last year's ride was basically an out and back to Clear Lake and why this year's will be the same but to the north. It's obviously far from ideal from a cyclist viewpoint, but I guess it's what the city could manage and still keep its costs reasonable.
Last year's ride was okay as far as the rest stops were concerned, at least I thought. They were quite well stocked and the start and finish went pretty smoothly, though it was obviously pretty crowded at the beginning. Despite the less than interesting scenery last year, I actually had a pretty good time, and I like supporting cycling in Houston. Besides, I've gotta get another ride marshal gig out of the way before the MS150, so I'll be there.
Thank for your perspective. I signed my wife and I up for the TDH because I'm Houston proud and I felt like it would give me an opportunity to do something different. The MS150 last year gave me a perspective about riding on a large organized ride - the most uninteresting places or difficult roads become a lot of fun when you have traffic control and lots of people cheering and excited. That is what I expect on this ride. I expect kind of a rush of excitement. I am no novice rider by any stretch. I did 5000 miles last year and I've got three centuries under my belt, plus numerous 60+ mile rides. I like to ride at a 20-22 mph pace, but I also enjoy doing a 35 mile ride at 15 mph with my wife.
I just tried to pick up my packet and they were out. All of the banks ran out. Sun and Ski is rumored to have had no packets last weekend. What did I expect? Its the city government organization (low budget). <sigh> But I will remain optimistic and experience it once. I cannot think of any other way to get to go down the middle of Hardy toll road on my bicycle without getting run over.
Bob
Last year's ride was okay as far as the rest stops were concerned, at least I thought. They were quite well stocked and the start and finish went pretty smoothly, though it was obviously pretty crowded at the beginning. Despite the less than interesting scenery last year, I actually had a pretty good time, and I like supporting cycling in Houston. Besides, I've gotta get another ride marshal gig out of the way before the MS150, so I'll be there.
Thank for your perspective. I signed my wife and I up for the TDH because I'm Houston proud and I felt like it would give me an opportunity to do something different. The MS150 last year gave me a perspective about riding on a large organized ride - the most uninteresting places or difficult roads become a lot of fun when you have traffic control and lots of people cheering and excited. That is what I expect on this ride. I expect kind of a rush of excitement. I am no novice rider by any stretch. I did 5000 miles last year and I've got three centuries under my belt, plus numerous 60+ mile rides. I like to ride at a 20-22 mph pace, but I also enjoy doing a 35 mile ride at 15 mph with my wife.
I just tried to pick up my packet and they were out. All of the banks ran out. Sun and Ski is rumored to have had no packets last weekend. What did I expect? Its the city government organization (low budget). <sigh> But I will remain optimistic and experience it once. I cannot think of any other way to get to go down the middle of Hardy toll road on my bicycle without getting run over.
Bob
alohaboy
03-12-08, 04:50 PM
I went to Sun & Ski on Westheimer on Sunday to pick up my packet. The people in charge were supposed to start at 11, but didn't arrive until after 12. I'm thinking someone forgot to set their clocks. I was kind of aggravated because I had to wait around a while, but I did get a new jersey (Primal Leisure shirt jersey since I'm rockin' the '70s trucker/biker mustache right now :-))
cycledorchy
03-13-08, 06:41 AM
Thank for your perspective. I signed my wife and I up for the TDH because I'm Houston proud and I felt like it would give me an opportunity to do something different. The MS150 last year gave me a perspective about riding on a large organized ride - the most uninteresting places or difficult roads become a lot of fun when you have traffic control and lots of people cheering and excited. That is what I expect on this ride. I expect kind of a rush of excitement. I am no novice rider by any stretch. I did 5000 miles last year and I've got three centuries under my belt, plus numerous 60+ mile rides. I like to ride at a 20-22 mph pace, but I also enjoy doing a 35 mile ride at 15 mph with my wife.
I just tried to pick up my packet and they were out. All of the banks ran out. Sun and Ski is rumored to have had no packets last weekend. What did I expect? Its the city government organization (low budget). <sigh> But I will remain optimistic and experience it once. I cannot think of any other way to get to go down the middle of Hardy toll road on my bicycle without getting run over.
Bob
Yeah I was at the Guaranty bank on memorial yesterday twice, once in the morning and once at about 3:30, and they said that they were out and that all the other locations were out and that they were trying to get more packets from city hall. I actually stopped another rider on his way in and gave him the bad news. It is very depressing that my first organized ride in Houston is apparently so poorly planned!
I'm told we who registered in advance for the TDH can pick up packets at the event, but that sucks since I'll be driving in from Katy by myself. :-(
I really wanted to do this ride as training for my first century and then the MS 150 (next year) but now I'm feeling a bit apprehensive over the planning of it.
I just tried to pick up my packet and they were out. All of the banks ran out. Sun and Ski is rumored to have had no packets last weekend. What did I expect? Its the city government organization (low budget). <sigh> But I will remain optimistic and experience it once. I cannot think of any other way to get to go down the middle of Hardy toll road on my bicycle without getting run over.
Bob
Yeah I was at the Guaranty bank on memorial yesterday twice, once in the morning and once at about 3:30, and they said that they were out and that all the other locations were out and that they were trying to get more packets from city hall. I actually stopped another rider on his way in and gave him the bad news. It is very depressing that my first organized ride in Houston is apparently so poorly planned!
I'm told we who registered in advance for the TDH can pick up packets at the event, but that sucks since I'll be driving in from Katy by myself. :-(
I really wanted to do this ride as training for my first century and then the MS 150 (next year) but now I'm feeling a bit apprehensive over the planning of it.
cycledorchy
03-13-08, 06:42 AM
I went to Sun & Ski on Westheimer on Sunday to pick up my packet. The people in charge were supposed to start at 11, but didn't arrive until after 12. I'm thinking someone forgot to set their clocks. I was kind of aggravated because I had to wait around a while, but I did get a new jersey (Primal Leisure shirt jersey since I'm rockin' the '70s trucker/biker mustache right now :-))
I was there too at 11:00 and I also waited around, I am disappointed that they showed up apparently right after I gave up and left. But I did get my new road shoes, some Sidi Genius Megas...and I luv 'em. But now I have no packet and I'm really disgusted.
I was there too at 11:00 and I also waited around, I am disappointed that they showed up apparently right after I gave up and left. But I did get my new road shoes, some Sidi Genius Megas...and I luv 'em. But now I have no packet and I'm really disgusted.
chevy42083
03-13-08, 09:02 AM
I gave up on picking up packets ahead of time (for all rides). I just don't like going out of my way... never seems like the locations or times are convenient. I just arrive early, and get it at the event. I'm always pre-registered, so not worried about not getting it.
If it is convenient, or i know someone going to get it, I'll ask them to grab mine also... but rarely does that happen.
If it is convenient, or i know someone going to get it, I'll ask them to grab mine also... but rarely does that happen.
wrobertdavis
03-13-08, 10:22 AM
I actually stopped another rider on his way in and gave him the bad news. It is very depressing that my first organized ride in Houston is apparently so poorly planned!
Guess what. I'm the other rider you talked to at Guarantee Bank. I hope it goes well for us both. There are many great organized rides around Houston and some good clubs and a few store sponsored rides. Then there are those that should never be re-run. These forums are a good place to learn what works and has worked.
I recommend the Fort Bend Education expedition on 3/29 and Brookwood spirit rally on 4/26. They have been good in the past.
We'll exchange views on how TDH went after its done.
Bob
Guess what. I'm the other rider you talked to at Guarantee Bank. I hope it goes well for us both. There are many great organized rides around Houston and some good clubs and a few store sponsored rides. Then there are those that should never be re-run. These forums are a good place to learn what works and has worked.
I recommend the Fort Bend Education expedition on 3/29 and Brookwood spirit rally on 4/26. They have been good in the past.
We'll exchange views on how TDH went after its done.
Bob
alohaboy
03-13-08, 03:29 PM
Hey, I'm signed up for the Ft. Bend ISD ride, which is cool since I work for the district. This'll be my last 20ish miler before I ride the 40 mile Space Race, which I'm nervous about as it'll be the furthest I've ridden.
chevy42083
03-13-08, 03:29 PM
Agreed,... that's one of my reasons for writing "ride reports" after the ride is done. I also try to give a lot of info... not just opinions.
wrobertdavis
03-13-08, 05:32 PM
Hey, I'm signed up for the Ft. Bend ISD ride, which is cool since I work for the district. This'll be my last 20ish miler before I ride the 40 mile Space Race, which I'm nervous about as it'll be the furthest I've ridden.
I have fond memories of the first 35 mile organized ride my wife and ever did. She was riding and Electra Townie and I rode a Giant Cypress comfort bike. The wind was strong. We averaged 10+ mph. The furthest we had ever done was about 26 miles. We just took it slow and took advantage of the rest stops and made it. You'll do fine.
Bob
I have fond memories of the first 35 mile organized ride my wife and ever did. She was riding and Electra Townie and I rode a Giant Cypress comfort bike. The wind was strong. We averaged 10+ mph. The furthest we had ever done was about 26 miles. We just took it slow and took advantage of the rest stops and made it. You'll do fine.
Bob
cpblue
03-13-08, 08:17 PM
I hope I'm not the only one who is planning on sending a letter to the mayor's office regarding the crappy route. There are lots of great streets to ride on in the COH as well as great neighborhoods to ride through. Maybe the TDH could learn something from the folks who put on the Moonlight ramble.
alohaboy
03-15-08, 09:51 AM
Well, I'm pretty proud of myself after my first organized ride. I finished the 20 mile route at 9:06, which means I finished in under an hour and a half. I'm not sure what time we rolled out, I think it was around the planned 7:45 time, although I was in the last group they let go.
scattered73
03-15-08, 10:56 AM
I rather enjoyed riding the hardy nice to have lots of space and no cars to worry about, the way back on the hardy was sweet.
wrobertdavis
03-15-08, 06:45 PM
Agreed,... that's one of my reasons for writing "ride reports" after the ride is done. I also try to give a lot of info... not just opinions.
Well, speaking of ride reports, here's mine for Tour de Houston 2008. My initial impressions of the organization for this ride were negative because I pre-registered and was greated with "no packets available" at one of the packet pickup points. They told me all the Guarantee Bank locations had run out. So this left me with the onerous position to show up downtown at 6am on Saturday morning to pick up packets for me and my wife.
Getting downtown early proved to be a blessing. The ride included a free parking pass to theater district parking. We found one very small lot (# 3 I think) located right next to City Hall Annex and parked there for an unhurried preparation. The City Hall Annex was open and their restroom facilities were available. Other than having to walk through a metal detector to get to them, this proved to be really handy. It turns out this building is where Mayor Bill White prepared for the race and one of the riders in our parking lot caught a glimpse of him. By the way, I think Bill White is the best mayor this city has ever had. How cool is it to have a mayor to supports cycling and rides as well?
I had determined to ride the 70 mile route and my wife would do the 40 mile distance. Based on my registration experience, I was also apprehensive about a start time at 7:00a.m. when sunrise is 7:30a.m. I figured someone had missed daylight savings time. We picked up our packets without any difficulty. They had our names on the pre-registered list.
The music was blaring from loudspeakers and it was a classic big event start. They let us go in waves of about 100. That worked pretty well, but the various distance groups all fed into the same intersection. The long distance riders were supposed to be first, but many of the short distance riders were cheating and slipping into the start groups for long distance. I know because my wife showed up beside me a couple of miles into the ride. I was shocked. One thing nice about the long distance group is that they were all obviosly experienced riders and most behaved pretty sanely and rode consistently during the crowded first few miles of the route. The city lights turned out to be adequate to light our pre-sunrise start.
The entire northbound Hardy toll road was closed off and the route did out and back on that side of the toll road. We rode through parts of Houston that I normally would never go on a bicycle. But having a couple thousand riding companions with police everywhere made it feel a little safer.
About five miles into the ride, the danger of large group rides made itself evident. A pick up truck was purposely parked diagonally across two of the three lanes of traffic. Everyone had to slow down and weave around the pickup. As we passed, my heart lept into my throat when I saw a female rider down sprawled out on the road with other bikes around her. It was obvious she had had a major encounter and was hurt pretty badly.
The thrill of the ride began when we saw the sign to Hardy toll road and we were going onto it! The toll road looks enormously wide when you are on a bicycle and we had gobs of room to ride fast and safely. The day was gorgeous and most of us were moving briskly, despite the somewhat strong headwind.
All of the rest stops were extremely well run - very much like the MS-150. They had lots of volunteers and were well stocked, with plenty porta-cans lined up and mechanical bike support. I would rate all the rest stops A+.
I only stopped at rest stops at 20 miles and 40 miles. The 40 mile rest stop was really cool - right in the middle of Hardy toll road. At this point, you could fuel up, rest, then turn around and head back south. The volunteers at this stop (Discount Tires sponsor) were plentiful and exhubirant. They would take your water bottle and ask "Water or gatorade", then fill it to the brim for you. They had lots of ice in the mix and the water was ice cold.
The return leg of the long ride was an absolute blast. We had a tail wind and set up a 25 mph pace line. The monstor bridges and overpasses made for awesome hills. The roads were good (none of the concrete seams someone else posted about) and we flew down hill at 30 mph for long stretches. There was so much room that you never worried about conflicts with other riders. If we came up on a slow group, we just swung wide to the left a full traffic lane and did not get anywhere near them.
Coming into Houston on the elevated roadway and seeing the entire downtown city skyline was really cool. This is something you would never get to do on a bike except with this ride.
The weather was perfect today - no cool weather gear required, but not too hot and very sunny. Traffic control was superb. There were police everywhere controlling the traffic and letting us ride safely the whole time.
So, in summary, despite my early negative impressions, this turned out to be a unique, well organized ride that I would definitely do again. It will go on my A-list of organized rides.
Bob
Well, speaking of ride reports, here's mine for Tour de Houston 2008. My initial impressions of the organization for this ride were negative because I pre-registered and was greated with "no packets available" at one of the packet pickup points. They told me all the Guarantee Bank locations had run out. So this left me with the onerous position to show up downtown at 6am on Saturday morning to pick up packets for me and my wife.
Getting downtown early proved to be a blessing. The ride included a free parking pass to theater district parking. We found one very small lot (# 3 I think) located right next to City Hall Annex and parked there for an unhurried preparation. The City Hall Annex was open and their restroom facilities were available. Other than having to walk through a metal detector to get to them, this proved to be really handy. It turns out this building is where Mayor Bill White prepared for the race and one of the riders in our parking lot caught a glimpse of him. By the way, I think Bill White is the best mayor this city has ever had. How cool is it to have a mayor to supports cycling and rides as well?
I had determined to ride the 70 mile route and my wife would do the 40 mile distance. Based on my registration experience, I was also apprehensive about a start time at 7:00a.m. when sunrise is 7:30a.m. I figured someone had missed daylight savings time. We picked up our packets without any difficulty. They had our names on the pre-registered list.
The music was blaring from loudspeakers and it was a classic big event start. They let us go in waves of about 100. That worked pretty well, but the various distance groups all fed into the same intersection. The long distance riders were supposed to be first, but many of the short distance riders were cheating and slipping into the start groups for long distance. I know because my wife showed up beside me a couple of miles into the ride. I was shocked. One thing nice about the long distance group is that they were all obviosly experienced riders and most behaved pretty sanely and rode consistently during the crowded first few miles of the route. The city lights turned out to be adequate to light our pre-sunrise start.
The entire northbound Hardy toll road was closed off and the route did out and back on that side of the toll road. We rode through parts of Houston that I normally would never go on a bicycle. But having a couple thousand riding companions with police everywhere made it feel a little safer.
About five miles into the ride, the danger of large group rides made itself evident. A pick up truck was purposely parked diagonally across two of the three lanes of traffic. Everyone had to slow down and weave around the pickup. As we passed, my heart lept into my throat when I saw a female rider down sprawled out on the road with other bikes around her. It was obvious she had had a major encounter and was hurt pretty badly.
The thrill of the ride began when we saw the sign to Hardy toll road and we were going onto it! The toll road looks enormously wide when you are on a bicycle and we had gobs of room to ride fast and safely. The day was gorgeous and most of us were moving briskly, despite the somewhat strong headwind.
All of the rest stops were extremely well run - very much like the MS-150. They had lots of volunteers and were well stocked, with plenty porta-cans lined up and mechanical bike support. I would rate all the rest stops A+.
I only stopped at rest stops at 20 miles and 40 miles. The 40 mile rest stop was really cool - right in the middle of Hardy toll road. At this point, you could fuel up, rest, then turn around and head back south. The volunteers at this stop (Discount Tires sponsor) were plentiful and exhubirant. They would take your water bottle and ask "Water or gatorade", then fill it to the brim for you. They had lots of ice in the mix and the water was ice cold.
The return leg of the long ride was an absolute blast. We had a tail wind and set up a 25 mph pace line. The monstor bridges and overpasses made for awesome hills. The roads were good (none of the concrete seams someone else posted about) and we flew down hill at 30 mph for long stretches. There was so much room that you never worried about conflicts with other riders. If we came up on a slow group, we just swung wide to the left a full traffic lane and did not get anywhere near them.
Coming into Houston on the elevated roadway and seeing the entire downtown city skyline was really cool. This is something you would never get to do on a bike except with this ride.
The weather was perfect today - no cool weather gear required, but not too hot and very sunny. Traffic control was superb. There were police everywhere controlling the traffic and letting us ride safely the whole time.
So, in summary, despite my early negative impressions, this turned out to be a unique, well organized ride that I would definitely do again. It will go on my A-list of organized rides.
Bob
wrobertdavis
03-15-08, 06:49 PM
I hope I'm not the only one who is planning on sending a letter to the mayor's office regarding the crappy route. There are lots of great streets to ride on in the COH as well as great neighborhoods to ride through. Maybe the TDH could learn something from the folks who put on the Moonlight ramble.
Did you ride it? I felt kind of like you did about the route, but after having done it, I loved it. It was extremely low stress, high speed (if you want) opportunity to do a kind of ride that you simply could not do anywhere else. I love the positive atmosphere of group rides especially if they have great rest stops, good riding surfaces, and excellent traffic control. This ride had it all.
Bob
Did you ride it? I felt kind of like you did about the route, but after having done it, I loved it. It was extremely low stress, high speed (if you want) opportunity to do a kind of ride that you simply could not do anywhere else. I love the positive atmosphere of group rides especially if they have great rest stops, good riding surfaces, and excellent traffic control. This ride had it all.
Bob
alohaboy
03-15-08, 07:29 PM
As I said before, this was my first ride. I was really impressed. I did manage to get a packet early, so that wasn't an issue. I was initially worried about parking, but that turned out to be a non-issue as well because I just parked in the garage near Jones Hall. I loved having lots of space, as I'm not used to group rides, so this kind of eased me into it. I rode by myself, so imagine it would be even more fun with a friend.
Hopefully my upcoming rides will be just as good.
Hopefully my upcoming rides will be just as good.
wrobertdavis
03-15-08, 08:27 PM
Hopefully my upcoming rides will be just as good.
The Tour de Houston is "the way its supposed to be" with all rides. The one thing I will not tolerate on a ride is poor routing or poor traffic control. Those are totally under the control of the organizer. If I encounter a ride that has safety issues, I mark on my bad list and vote with my feet the next year. Novemberfest and West U Warmup won't have me riding next year for these reasons.
Bob
The Tour de Houston is "the way its supposed to be" with all rides. The one thing I will not tolerate on a ride is poor routing or poor traffic control. Those are totally under the control of the organizer. If I encounter a ride that has safety issues, I mark on my bad list and vote with my feet the next year. Novemberfest and West U Warmup won't have me riding next year for these reasons.
Bob
saintsfan342000
03-15-08, 09:37 PM
I did the 70 mile route (which was actually 64 per my friend's cpu), did the 40 last year. This year's route was absolutely awesome. Sure the Hardy Toll Road scenery was boring, but how often do you get three lanes + two shoulders all devoted to the cyclists? It was awesome, and the weather was great. Rest stops run extremely well, as were they last year. I pre-registered online on Tuesday and didn't get a tee, kind of bummed, but that's trivial for the most part.
Totally worth $25 bucks.
Totally worth $25 bucks.
kwrides
03-16-08, 06:16 PM
Well, speaking of ride reports, here's mine for Tour de Houston 2008. My initial impressions of the organization for this ride were negative because I pre-registered and was greated with "no packets available" at one of the packet pickup points. They told me all the Guarantee Bank locations had run out. So this left me with the onerous position to show up downtown at 6am on Saturday morning to pick up packets for me and my wife.
Getting downtown early proved to be a blessing. The ride included a free parking pass to theater district parking. We found one very small lot (# 3 I think) located right next to City Hall Annex and parked there for an unhurried preparation. The City Hall Annex was open and their restroom facilities were available. Other than having to walk through a metal detector to get to them, this proved to be really handy. It turns out this building is where Mayor Bill White prepared for the race and one of the riders in our parking lot caught a glimpse of him. By the way, I think Bill White is the best mayor this city has ever had. How cool is it to have a mayor to supports cycling and rides as well?
I had determined to ride the 70 mile route and my wife would do the 40 mile distance. Based on my registration experience, I was also apprehensive about a start time at 7:00a.m. when sunrise is 7:30a.m. I figured someone had missed daylight savings time. We picked up our packets without any difficulty. They had our names on the pre-registered list.
The music was blaring from loudspeakers and it was a classic big event start. They let us go in waves of about 100. That worked pretty well, but the various distance groups all fed into the same intersection. The long distance riders were supposed to be first, but many of the short distance riders were cheating and slipping into the start groups for long distance. I know because my wife showed up beside me a couple of miles into the ride. I was shocked. One thing nice about the long distance group is that they were all obviosly experienced riders and most behaved pretty sanely and rode consistently during the crowded first few miles of the route. The city lights turned out to be adequate to light our pre-sunrise start.
The entire northbound Hardy toll road was closed off and the route did out and back on that side of the toll road. We rode through parts of Houston that I normally would never go on a bicycle. But having a couple thousand riding companions with police everywhere made it feel a little safer.
About five miles into the ride, the danger of large group rides made itself evident. A pick up truck was purposely parked diagonally across two of the three lanes of traffic. Everyone had to slow down and weave around the pickup. As we passed, my heart lept into my throat when I saw a female rider down sprawled out on the road with other bikes around her. It was obvious she had had a major encounter and was hurt pretty badly.
The thrill of the ride began when we saw the sign to Hardy toll road and we were going onto it! The toll road looks enormously wide when you are on a bicycle and we had gobs of room to ride fast and safely. The day was gorgeous and most of us were moving briskly, despite the somewhat strong headwind.
All of the rest stops were extremely well run - very much like the MS-150. They had lots of volunteers and were well stocked, with plenty porta-cans lined up and mechanical bike support. I would rate all the rest stops A+.
I only stopped at rest stops at 20 miles and 40 miles. The 40 mile rest stop was really cool - right in the middle of Hardy toll road. At this point, you could fuel up, rest, then turn around and head back south. The volunteers at this stop (Discount Tires sponsor) were plentiful and exhubirant. They would take your water bottle and ask "Water or gatorade", then fill it to the brim for you. They had lots of ice in the mix and the water was ice cold.
The return leg of the long ride was an absolute blast. We had a tail wind and set up a 25 mph pace line. The monstor bridges and overpasses made for awesome hills. The roads were good (none of the concrete seams someone else posted about) and we flew down hill at 30 mph for long stretches. There was so much room that you never worried about conflicts with other riders. If we came up on a slow group, we just swung wide to the left a full traffic lane and did not get anywhere near them.
Coming into Houston on the elevated roadway and seeing the entire downtown city skyline was really cool. This is something you would never get to do on a bike except with this ride.
The weather was perfect today - no cool weather gear required, but not too hot and very sunny. Traffic control was superb. There were police everywhere controlling the traffic and letting us ride safely the whole time.
So, in summary, despite my early negative impressions, this turned out to be a unique, well organized ride that I would definitely do again. It will go on my A-list of organized rides.
Bob
Thanks for the review Bob. It sounds like I missed out due to skepticism. I did a great ride in Chappell Hill , but probably should have skipped it and shown some support for Houston cycling. Next year, I'll show up for this one.
Getting downtown early proved to be a blessing. The ride included a free parking pass to theater district parking. We found one very small lot (# 3 I think) located right next to City Hall Annex and parked there for an unhurried preparation. The City Hall Annex was open and their restroom facilities were available. Other than having to walk through a metal detector to get to them, this proved to be really handy. It turns out this building is where Mayor Bill White prepared for the race and one of the riders in our parking lot caught a glimpse of him. By the way, I think Bill White is the best mayor this city has ever had. How cool is it to have a mayor to supports cycling and rides as well?
I had determined to ride the 70 mile route and my wife would do the 40 mile distance. Based on my registration experience, I was also apprehensive about a start time at 7:00a.m. when sunrise is 7:30a.m. I figured someone had missed daylight savings time. We picked up our packets without any difficulty. They had our names on the pre-registered list.
The music was blaring from loudspeakers and it was a classic big event start. They let us go in waves of about 100. That worked pretty well, but the various distance groups all fed into the same intersection. The long distance riders were supposed to be first, but many of the short distance riders were cheating and slipping into the start groups for long distance. I know because my wife showed up beside me a couple of miles into the ride. I was shocked. One thing nice about the long distance group is that they were all obviosly experienced riders and most behaved pretty sanely and rode consistently during the crowded first few miles of the route. The city lights turned out to be adequate to light our pre-sunrise start.
The entire northbound Hardy toll road was closed off and the route did out and back on that side of the toll road. We rode through parts of Houston that I normally would never go on a bicycle. But having a couple thousand riding companions with police everywhere made it feel a little safer.
About five miles into the ride, the danger of large group rides made itself evident. A pick up truck was purposely parked diagonally across two of the three lanes of traffic. Everyone had to slow down and weave around the pickup. As we passed, my heart lept into my throat when I saw a female rider down sprawled out on the road with other bikes around her. It was obvious she had had a major encounter and was hurt pretty badly.
The thrill of the ride began when we saw the sign to Hardy toll road and we were going onto it! The toll road looks enormously wide when you are on a bicycle and we had gobs of room to ride fast and safely. The day was gorgeous and most of us were moving briskly, despite the somewhat strong headwind.
All of the rest stops were extremely well run - very much like the MS-150. They had lots of volunteers and were well stocked, with plenty porta-cans lined up and mechanical bike support. I would rate all the rest stops A+.
I only stopped at rest stops at 20 miles and 40 miles. The 40 mile rest stop was really cool - right in the middle of Hardy toll road. At this point, you could fuel up, rest, then turn around and head back south. The volunteers at this stop (Discount Tires sponsor) were plentiful and exhubirant. They would take your water bottle and ask "Water or gatorade", then fill it to the brim for you. They had lots of ice in the mix and the water was ice cold.
The return leg of the long ride was an absolute blast. We had a tail wind and set up a 25 mph pace line. The monstor bridges and overpasses made for awesome hills. The roads were good (none of the concrete seams someone else posted about) and we flew down hill at 30 mph for long stretches. There was so much room that you never worried about conflicts with other riders. If we came up on a slow group, we just swung wide to the left a full traffic lane and did not get anywhere near them.
Coming into Houston on the elevated roadway and seeing the entire downtown city skyline was really cool. This is something you would never get to do on a bike except with this ride.
The weather was perfect today - no cool weather gear required, but not too hot and very sunny. Traffic control was superb. There were police everywhere controlling the traffic and letting us ride safely the whole time.
So, in summary, despite my early negative impressions, this turned out to be a unique, well organized ride that I would definitely do again. It will go on my A-list of organized rides.
Bob
Thanks for the review Bob. It sounds like I missed out due to skepticism. I did a great ride in Chappell Hill , but probably should have skipped it and shown some support for Houston cycling. Next year, I'll show up for this one.
scattered73
03-16-08, 07:54 PM
It was a great ride really enjoyed it. Is it just me, would releasing people by their estimated speed be a lot better than by distance? I don’t do many organized rides so maybe I am missing something here but that seems like it would eliminate some of the passing and getting passed making the flow a little better and maybe safer. I am tempted to send an email to the organizers recommending this.
cycledorchy
03-17-08, 07:28 AM
Well, I ended up riding about 50 miles (I was signed up for the 40 but the route and my own odometer said more like 47 something) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit crowded in places and on the return leg the wind was an occaisional issue, but everyone I rode near were very polite. The rest stops were fine, the volunteers were very nice and the whole event was much nicer than I expected based on the packet/registration issues we'd all encountered. I was surprised by the route, taking us from one extreme in Houston to another, starting in a pretty poor neighborhood and then turning around way north in a fairly posh neighborhood. All in all, I wished I could have seen more of Houston, but what I experienced was really enjoyable. I got a lot of tips from more experienced riders and learned a lot about my own endurance and fitness level. This was the longest I've ever formally ridden and I was not nearly as exhausted as I thought I was going to be. I had a great time and really enjoyed tossing back a cold beer afterwards. Parking was not a problem and neither was locating the event. The pathways were clearly marked and all the other riders were very considerate. The ride marshals were very helpfull and really, I have to thank the HPD for their support. I was sure to say thank you to every Houston PD officer I passed.
Now I'm getting ready to do the Space City ride and then the Flatland century in July...I hope that those will be as much fun as this one turned out to be. I'm fairly new to cycling, I just bought my first road bike and brand new gear, and this was my baptism of sorts; I found it to be a great experience and I can't wait to do the next ride!
Thanks to the City of Houston, and all the other riders. :-)
Now I'm getting ready to do the Space City ride and then the Flatland century in July...I hope that those will be as much fun as this one turned out to be. I'm fairly new to cycling, I just bought my first road bike and brand new gear, and this was my baptism of sorts; I found it to be a great experience and I can't wait to do the next ride!
Thanks to the City of Houston, and all the other riders. :-)
cycledorchy
03-17-08, 07:29 AM
The Tour de Houston is "the way its supposed to be" with all rides. The one thing I will not tolerate on a ride is poor routing or poor traffic control. Those are totally under the control of the organizer. If I encounter a ride that has safety issues, I mark on my bad list and vote with my feet the next year. Novemberfest and West U Warmup won't have me riding next year for these reasons.
Bob
Bob, I'm glad you also enjoyed the ride. I hope to see you on some more coming up!
I loved it!
Cycledorchy *(aka Chris)
Bob
Bob, I'm glad you also enjoyed the ride. I hope to see you on some more coming up!
I loved it!
Cycledorchy *(aka Chris)
bluebottle1
03-17-08, 09:21 AM
I'd echo pretty much everything Bob had to say in his report. One place where I did have an issue was at the first rest stop. The "waiting area" to get into the porta-johns crossed the area where cyclists had to go through if they weren't making the stop. I could easily have seen someone getting blindsided. As it is, I don't think that happened, though.
One thing the TdH does very well is police support. (You can totally tell the mayor does this ride.) This year was no exception. The rest stops were well-stocked (or at least, the two I hit were) and staffed with enthusiastic volunteers. The route was a little less than scenic, but let's face it, Houston is a tabletop. There ain't that much to see in most of it. I'd love to see a tour that swings around Hermann Park and through West U and River Oaks but I doubt that will happen just because of the expense. Running a tour the way the City has done it allows it to be done on a cost-effective basis.
cycledorchy, glad your experience with the ride marshals was positive. I sometimes wonder if we don't sound like a bunch of nitpicking nannies out there. I try to be as helpful as I can and offer assistance to anyone I see stopped by the side of the road. (Incidentally, everyone I encountered seemed really well prepared for this ride. I heard no one complaining that they had no spare tubes or anything of that sort. Often I wind up giving away at least one tube on rides like this to someone who isn't properly equipped. Not necessary this time out.)
Anyway, aside from the lone issue I had with the first rest stop, I was favorably impressed with the whole ride. The run back to downtown on the Hardy was like a time trial. Even riding on my own with no benefit of a paceline, I was averaging something like 23 or 24. Riders were courteous, safe, and smart, and I think this was a really good showcase for cycling in Houston. I saw a bit of dangerous conduct on the way out Aldine-Bender just because some folks got impatient and moved farther left than they should have ideally. Still, the reason for it was the large number or riders and the crowded right lane. I couldn't really fault anybody too badly for that.
So, I will plan on riding this one again in 2009. I look forward to seeing what route the mayor's office cooks up next.
One thing the TdH does very well is police support. (You can totally tell the mayor does this ride.) This year was no exception. The rest stops were well-stocked (or at least, the two I hit were) and staffed with enthusiastic volunteers. The route was a little less than scenic, but let's face it, Houston is a tabletop. There ain't that much to see in most of it. I'd love to see a tour that swings around Hermann Park and through West U and River Oaks but I doubt that will happen just because of the expense. Running a tour the way the City has done it allows it to be done on a cost-effective basis.
cycledorchy, glad your experience with the ride marshals was positive. I sometimes wonder if we don't sound like a bunch of nitpicking nannies out there. I try to be as helpful as I can and offer assistance to anyone I see stopped by the side of the road. (Incidentally, everyone I encountered seemed really well prepared for this ride. I heard no one complaining that they had no spare tubes or anything of that sort. Often I wind up giving away at least one tube on rides like this to someone who isn't properly equipped. Not necessary this time out.)
Anyway, aside from the lone issue I had with the first rest stop, I was favorably impressed with the whole ride. The run back to downtown on the Hardy was like a time trial. Even riding on my own with no benefit of a paceline, I was averaging something like 23 or 24. Riders were courteous, safe, and smart, and I think this was a really good showcase for cycling in Houston. I saw a bit of dangerous conduct on the way out Aldine-Bender just because some folks got impatient and moved farther left than they should have ideally. Still, the reason for it was the large number or riders and the crowded right lane. I couldn't really fault anybody too badly for that.
So, I will plan on riding this one again in 2009. I look forward to seeing what route the mayor's office cooks up next.
dr. nate
03-17-08, 04:15 PM
I'd love to see a tour that swings around Hermann Park and through West U and River Oaks but I doubt that will happen just because of the expense.
Come ride one of our free agent rides, we hit those areas.
-Nate
Come ride one of our free agent rides, we hit those areas.
-Nate
wrobertdavis
03-17-08, 06:38 PM
The pathways were clearly marked
Oh, yeah that was something else I forgot to mention in my ride report. I am a big fan of turn lists with mileage marks. I've learned to use them and never get lost if they are well done. The TdH was the best marked route I have ever seen. My guess is that the streets department was involved in making the signs. Every single turn was well marked. The division between the 40 and 70 mile turns were crystal clear. There is nothing more frustrating than missing a turn or getting lost. No chance of it happening on this ride.
Also, regarding distance, I agree with others' comments. The TdH calculations were off considerably. The 70 mile route was really 63.5. The 40 mile route was really 46.5. At least that is what my computer and my wife's computer said. Both have proven to be very accurate on many rides, so I believe these numbers are representative.
Bob
Oh, yeah that was something else I forgot to mention in my ride report. I am a big fan of turn lists with mileage marks. I've learned to use them and never get lost if they are well done. The TdH was the best marked route I have ever seen. My guess is that the streets department was involved in making the signs. Every single turn was well marked. The division between the 40 and 70 mile turns were crystal clear. There is nothing more frustrating than missing a turn or getting lost. No chance of it happening on this ride.
Also, regarding distance, I agree with others' comments. The TdH calculations were off considerably. The 70 mile route was really 63.5. The 40 mile route was really 46.5. At least that is what my computer and my wife's computer said. Both have proven to be very accurate on many rides, so I believe these numbers are representative.
Bob
bluebottle1
03-18-08, 06:40 AM
The TdH was the best marked route I have ever seen. My guess is that the streets department was involved in making the signs. Every single turn was well marked.
True, but I did get a chuckle out of the signs on the Hardy saying "straight" with an arrow pointing ahead when I was on top of an overpass. I mean, where else am I gonna go?
True, but I did get a chuckle out of the signs on the Hardy saying "straight" with an arrow pointing ahead when I was on top of an overpass. I mean, where else am I gonna go?
bluebottle1
03-18-08, 06:41 AM
Come ride one of our free agent rides, we hit those areas.
-Nate
Y'know, I've been planning to for ages and after the MS150 is in the can, I probably will.
-Nate
Y'know, I've been planning to for ages and after the MS150 is in the can, I probably will.
chevy42083
03-18-08, 09:38 PM
Here's my take on the ride....
I showed up early and expected to park in one of the free parking garages.... only to find out that it wasn't free unless you had either picked up your packet, or printed out some pass from the website... so I payed the $6 event parking. It should be free or not... I mean, I showed up in a Jersey, drinking out of a water bottle, with my bike, and asked if it was free... she said, "Only if you give me this sheet of paper". Great. Remember my posts above? I pick up the packet at the ride... sounds like there was trouble getting them before the ride anyways.
I lucked out and parking the absolute closest corner I could have to the registration... I walked up the stairs, and was there... didn't get my shirt, and walked back down to get ready.
Is it wrong that I'm mad I didn't get a T-shirt? I mean, I don't think anyone did... but isn't that kinda expected for these rides? :D
Cruised through the garage and rode up the exit ramp... why were people walking up it? Worn out already? Too early? :D
I cruised up to the start and left with the front row. News even showed me front and center... but the Gaurantee Bank team got in my shot :D
I loved the route... only a few complaints.
Rest stop 1 at the toll booth. I didn't like the food being separate, then U-turning, going against traffic, merging back into the riders, and riding through the remainder of the stop (porta-lines). Not a fan of that setup, it all should've been on the toll-road. Was cool to grab a pic of my Bike in the EZtag lane :D
Rest stop 2, I didn't really care for the setup either. Same deal, everyone was told to ride through the rest stop... I didn't and u-turned. No reason to send us creaping through a stop with poeple hobbling around in roadie shoes when I didn't want to slow down, much less use the rest stop.
The Hills started to hurt a little getting close to the 40mile mark... wind+hills+fixed gear = tough
Rest stop at 40 was GREAT.... everything in one place, and didn't have riders going THROUGH it.
The whole way back south I was spinning at 21mph all by my self... pace lines had me spinning too fast for my 44x17 fixed gear. I got curious and sprinted a downhill... 34mph is my LIMIT... I bet I looked like a mad-man spinning my *** off down hill as others fought to get up in the other direction :D The return trip was AWESOME... I had so much fun cruising by everyone and trying to keep my speed up all the way into downtown... with 3 lanes to pass... there was no hold-ups.
Cruised by the finish, rolled around the block, and rode straight into the parking garage... AWESOME... air conditioned, shaded slow cruise up to a nice cool truck. Best finish of any ride to date.
Cons: rest stop layout, parking cost, T-shirt.
I'll DEFINATLY be back next year.
I showed up early and expected to park in one of the free parking garages.... only to find out that it wasn't free unless you had either picked up your packet, or printed out some pass from the website... so I payed the $6 event parking. It should be free or not... I mean, I showed up in a Jersey, drinking out of a water bottle, with my bike, and asked if it was free... she said, "Only if you give me this sheet of paper". Great. Remember my posts above? I pick up the packet at the ride... sounds like there was trouble getting them before the ride anyways.
I lucked out and parking the absolute closest corner I could have to the registration... I walked up the stairs, and was there... didn't get my shirt, and walked back down to get ready.
Is it wrong that I'm mad I didn't get a T-shirt? I mean, I don't think anyone did... but isn't that kinda expected for these rides? :D
Cruised through the garage and rode up the exit ramp... why were people walking up it? Worn out already? Too early? :D
I cruised up to the start and left with the front row. News even showed me front and center... but the Gaurantee Bank team got in my shot :D
I loved the route... only a few complaints.
Rest stop 1 at the toll booth. I didn't like the food being separate, then U-turning, going against traffic, merging back into the riders, and riding through the remainder of the stop (porta-lines). Not a fan of that setup, it all should've been on the toll-road. Was cool to grab a pic of my Bike in the EZtag lane :D
Rest stop 2, I didn't really care for the setup either. Same deal, everyone was told to ride through the rest stop... I didn't and u-turned. No reason to send us creaping through a stop with poeple hobbling around in roadie shoes when I didn't want to slow down, much less use the rest stop.
The Hills started to hurt a little getting close to the 40mile mark... wind+hills+fixed gear = tough
Rest stop at 40 was GREAT.... everything in one place, and didn't have riders going THROUGH it.
The whole way back south I was spinning at 21mph all by my self... pace lines had me spinning too fast for my 44x17 fixed gear. I got curious and sprinted a downhill... 34mph is my LIMIT... I bet I looked like a mad-man spinning my *** off down hill as others fought to get up in the other direction :D The return trip was AWESOME... I had so much fun cruising by everyone and trying to keep my speed up all the way into downtown... with 3 lanes to pass... there was no hold-ups.
Cruised by the finish, rolled around the block, and rode straight into the parking garage... AWESOME... air conditioned, shaded slow cruise up to a nice cool truck. Best finish of any ride to date.
Cons: rest stop layout, parking cost, T-shirt.
I'll DEFINATLY be back next year.
wrobertdavis
03-18-08, 11:17 PM
Is it wrong that I'm mad I didn't get a T-shirt? I mean, I don't think anyone did... but isn't that kinda expected for these rides? :D
Well, I guess I'll have to irritate you. ;) I got to packet pickup downtown EARLY. I think I was there right at 6:00a.m. They had Large shirts still available. I wear an X-large, but what the heck.
Well, I guess I'll have to irritate you. ;) I got to packet pickup downtown EARLY. I think I was there right at 6:00a.m. They had Large shirts still available. I wear an X-large, but what the heck.
bluebottle1
03-19-08, 01:10 PM
Well, I guess I'll have to irritate you. ;) I got to packet pickup downtown EARLY. I think I was there right at 6:00a.m. They had Large shirts still available. I wear an X-large, but what the heck.
I understand they wound up with about 1,000 more folks turning out for this than expected. The previous year, there were t-shirts left over. I know because that's how I got mine. I was a ride marshal last year as well, so I didn't have to pony up the ride cost. Often you don't get the bag of goodies as a result, but since there were leftovers last year, we did. No such luck this year, though.
I understand they wound up with about 1,000 more folks turning out for this than expected. The previous year, there were t-shirts left over. I know because that's how I got mine. I was a ride marshal last year as well, so I didn't have to pony up the ride cost. Often you don't get the bag of goodies as a result, but since there were leftovers last year, we did. No such luck this year, though.
chevy42083
03-20-08, 12:38 PM
Ok, now I have reason to be upset.... seeing as how i pre-registered way ahead of time, and did packet pickup at 6:10am. As far as more folks turning out than expected.... well, I was pre-registered... they shoulda "expected" me ;)
wrobertdavis
03-20-08, 01:19 PM
Ok, now I have reason to be upset.... seeing as how i pre-registered way ahead of time, and did packet pickup at 6:10am. As far as more folks turning out than expected.... well, I was pre-registered... they shoulda "expected" me ;)
Predicting rider turnout is like designing a paint job that will sell more bicycles. Its a shot in the dark - we are such a flaky bunch.
Bob
Predicting rider turnout is like designing a paint job that will sell more bicycles. Its a shot in the dark - we are such a flaky bunch.
Bob
CCFISH81
04-02-08, 08:46 AM
I am glad some of you really enjoyed this ride. I did it two years ago and had a bad-experience, and haven't been back. Perphaps next year.
bluebottle1
04-02-08, 09:10 AM
I am glad some of you really enjoyed this ride. I did it two years ago and had a bad-experience, and haven't been back. Perphaps next year.
I heard the ride wasn't very good a couple years ago. (I think that was the first TdH?) Anyway, I think they've gotten better at it since then. Give 'em another shot, CC. If future tours are as good as the last two (and in particular, the most recent one), you won't be disappointed.
I heard the ride wasn't very good a couple years ago. (I think that was the first TdH?) Anyway, I think they've gotten better at it since then. Give 'em another shot, CC. If future tours are as good as the last two (and in particular, the most recent one), you won't be disappointed.
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