MeMyth
I know its early but I was wondering if any of yall are considering this ride? It will be my first time for this one was planing on doing the 42 or 50 miles...
Tour d'Italia
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jim10040
I did the 30 last year. It Rained. It didn't get out of the 70s all day. It was beautiful. I'm doing it again. Don't know how far, but definitely farther than 30.
Here's a link (http://www.lonestarcyclists.org/tour/tour.html).
Here's a link (http://www.lonestarcyclists.org/tour/tour.html).
RoyIII
Great ride. I'll do it this year
frameteam2003
I like it(went once)--plan on going this year--we usualy go to the Louisiana Bicycle festival at the UCM Museum on this date but plan on staying closer to home this year--gas prices!!!---sam
cuda2k
Hoping to make it to this one as well this year. One of the few larger organized rides I haven't made it to yet.
jim10040
I stayed at the Exxon Tiger Mart the first time I went several years ago, but it's never on the list of places to hotel for this ride. How is it lately? It was fine when I went...?
aikigreg
I do a 200k out of there a couple times a year, so I don't think I'll end up paying for it this time :) It's a good flat course though you can really open up on the sucker!
DTSCDS
The wife and I are signed up for the 30 something miler. This will be our second big "group" ride. We have heard this is a really good one and are looking forward to it. We are planning on taking our tent down there and sleeping at the high school on Friday night. That should be a hoot as well.
idig
My wife and I just signed up for the 62mi. There aren't any June rides in our neck of the woods, and this one fell on a good weekend for us. I'm burning some Hilton points at the Hampton Inn in Hillsboro. After what I've ridden the past couple of weeks, flat sounds good.
DTSCDS
I have a couple of questions about this ride and others in general.
The wife and I have signed up for the 33 mile ride but we are thinking that we can do more. So, even though we have signed up for one distance, can we change our minds and do the 42? In general, is this allowed at these type rides? Do we need to re-register or just let them know? And, do we need to tell them now or just let them know at the event?
I would assume this is not an issue but I was thinking they might want an idea of how many are riding each length so they can cancel one distance if there isn't enough participation in that one. So what I don't want to happen is this: We are one of very few signed up for the 33, we decide to go 42 and they would have canceled the 33 if we had told them ahead of time. Now they have to support the 33 even though no one is riding it. I know that is highly unlikely but just wondering about the etiquette in this type of situation.
Now about this ride specifically...They say there are showers at the high school. Does anyone know what type of facilities they have there. Is this a huge open, everybody showers in front of everybody or are they individual type stalls? I'm pretty private and don't like the idea of the huge open shower situation. We would find other facilities if this is the case.
The wife and I have signed up for the 33 mile ride but we are thinking that we can do more. So, even though we have signed up for one distance, can we change our minds and do the 42? In general, is this allowed at these type rides? Do we need to re-register or just let them know? And, do we need to tell them now or just let them know at the event?
I would assume this is not an issue but I was thinking they might want an idea of how many are riding each length so they can cancel one distance if there isn't enough participation in that one. So what I don't want to happen is this: We are one of very few signed up for the 33, we decide to go 42 and they would have canceled the 33 if we had told them ahead of time. Now they have to support the 33 even though no one is riding it. I know that is highly unlikely but just wondering about the etiquette in this type of situation.
Now about this ride specifically...They say there are showers at the high school. Does anyone know what type of facilities they have there. Is this a huge open, everybody showers in front of everybody or are they individual type stalls? I'm pretty private and don't like the idea of the huge open shower situation. We would find other facilities if this is the case.
idig
Lots of people change their distance after signing up. Some ride less, some more. Don't worry about it. Some rides have a lot of overlap between distances, but others have completely different routes. That's the only thing you need to watch out for. It's nice to be able to decide mid-ride, but you don't always have that luxury.
I don't know the shower situation, but I've never known a high school to have private shower stalls. Granted it has been 25 years since I've seen one, so things may have changed. You're in Dallas, so you are less than an hour from your own shower. I'd just go with that unless you have some after ride plans
I don't know the shower situation, but I've never known a high school to have private shower stalls. Granted it has been 25 years since I've seen one, so things may have changed. You're in Dallas, so you are less than an hour from your own shower. I'd just go with that unless you have some after ride plans
George Handy
Don't worry-There will be plenty of support on all routes. As for the showers, they are 'open'. The showers have some of the highest water pressure I've ever seen!! Looking forward to a great (and dry!) Tour this year. I'm only co-director this year, but still plenty of work!
LSHD
BTT w/ the ride less than a week away.
I'm in, and bringing 3 others with me.
:beer:
I'm in, and bringing 3 others with me.
:beer:
RoyIII
I'll be there. This ride has the very best t-shirts of any ride I have done. 100k probably. I'll be on the (group buy) Pedal Force RS2 just to see how it does in the heat.
truman
Looks like this year will be dry. How weird. Maybe I'll get down there with the kid and the tandem.
crdean1
Don't worry-There will be plenty of support on all routes. As for the showers, they are 'open'. The showers have some of the highest water pressure I've ever seen!! Looking forward to a great (and dry!) Tour this year. I'm only co-director this year, but still plenty of work!
This the same George from Mountain Sports? I was just in there like half an hour ago buying a hammock...I noticed a pic on the website and recognized you.
Ryan
This the same George from Mountain Sports? I was just in there like half an hour ago buying a hammock...I noticed a pic on the website and recognized you.
Ryan
jim10040
I was going to go Friday night, but will leave early Saturday from Dallas. I hope it isn't hot like it's been in years past, but also don't need the rain (RAIN) like last year. Actually, I'm hoping for dry and in the 70s. Yeah, right. Ain't gonna happen. ;)
George Handy
Ryan-That's me! I can't even hide on the internet!! Just a few more days and maybe I can start to unwind from planning this ride! Weather looking pretty good for Saturday. Stop and say 'hi' to me if you see me at the ride.
jim10040
I'll be heading out of Dallas about 5:30 in the Ayem. Don't know which distance, but I'll be taking my camelback for the weather. Looks to be way different from last year!
MeMyth
Dude what was up with all the hills? I heard this was a somewhat flat ride...
George Handy
How many BF members made it Saturday? Hope you had a great ride. Friday I worked from 7 AM to 11 PM getting things ready, and Saturday started at 5 AM and I was back home at 6:30 PM. Just a bit tired that night.....
RahTx
My brother and I went. It was our first organized ride and despite the fact that we over-extended ourselves (felt pretty good at the 50/62mi turn off and kept going) and ended up getting picked up shortly after the 4th rest stop, we had a good time. We were very impressed by the route, organization, volunteers, constant patrols of support vehicles, and of course a big thanks to the couple that picked us up. Unfortunately I didn't get their names, but they said they were from Arlington...
Towards the beginning of the ride, there was some pretty rough chipseal that was starting to make me wonder if I had made a huge mistake as it was my first time on it and it was really fatiguing. But, that let up after a while.
The wind was driving me a little crazy, everytime we'd turn I'd think to myself, "finally out of that headwind" and then before I knew it we were somehow back in a headwind, going uphill. Speaking of which, after reading how flat the route is, I have to admit I was a little unprepared for some of the rollers and a couple long sections of false-flat inclines. But, now I know what to expect and that I need some more training over in Canyon Creek and on Palisades, which have some short but relatively difficult inclines close to where I live/work...
We'll definitely be back next year and attempt to finish a route under our own power ;)
Towards the beginning of the ride, there was some pretty rough chipseal that was starting to make me wonder if I had made a huge mistake as it was my first time on it and it was really fatiguing. But, that let up after a while.
The wind was driving me a little crazy, everytime we'd turn I'd think to myself, "finally out of that headwind" and then before I knew it we were somehow back in a headwind, going uphill. Speaking of which, after reading how flat the route is, I have to admit I was a little unprepared for some of the rollers and a couple long sections of false-flat inclines. But, now I know what to expect and that I need some more training over in Canyon Creek and on Palisades, which have some short but relatively difficult inclines close to where I live/work...
We'll definitely be back next year and attempt to finish a route under our own power ;)
rule
Rah...I had pretty much the same reaction and ride in Italy Saturday too. Everything about getting down to the high school, getting registered and out on the ride was really smooth. The town, the high school and all of the volunteers really know how put on a great event. They even beat out Livestrong Challenge in terms of organization and execution, which is saying something about how hard they work to make this a fun weekend.
They warned us that the start of the ride would be pretty bumpy and it was until we cleared the side roads heading out of town. The chip and seal at the first part of the ride from there wasn't new and not all that bad. But for whatever reason it turned out to be the kind that wore on me a bit too. As for the wind, I think we hit the wind shift out on the course, so that we were riding out into the wind, and then back into town heading into it too. It felt like it for me anyway so I can relate. The lead pack had some really strong riders and took off like they were shot out of a gun, mostly doing in the 25-28mph range when their pack pulled away. I settled back into the second pack which was doing closer to 21-23mph and stayed with them through to the lake rest stop where I pulled in to cool off a bit and refill my bottles. That was the only place that I stopped but I will say that the guys along the road handing up bananas to the lead group at the earlier stops were a welcomed sight if you were trying not to stop.
Everybody at the lake rest stop was really friendly and they had a full spread all laid out. They even had one guy who was there just to give out ice, and they had plenty, which was great. There was also lots of shade too. When the wind shifted around out of the north, it felt really good hanging out in the shade overlooking the lake, chatting with the volunteers and other riders. In all the rallies and organized rides that I have done, I haven't ever really taken the time to relax and enjoy a rest stop like that. It was fun. A group of us hooked up for the rest of the 50 mile route and shared the work from there on in. That distance worked out to be just right for me on Saturday and I had a really nice fast ride in. Climbing up from the lake back into Italy into the wind had me noticing all the rollers too. If this route is flat, I would call it sneaky flat then. On the 50 route my Garmin showed there to have been a bit under 1,600 feet of climbing. We actually pulled back onto the main route right about the same time that the lead group was coming back in from the long route. Their group had shrunk down quite a bit but they were still motoring. Seeing the guys that they shelled on the way through those last rollers coming back to town made me glad that I backed off and chose the 50 route. I handed out a jersey pocket full of gels to a few guys who had fallen out of that lead group and were cramping up on that last section of road back into Italy.
I was really impressed with the sag and ride control out on the routes. There were volunteers to call out clear and wave you through most intersections. But there were also a few uncontrolled intersections, so you had to slow and or stop to check and clear on-coming traffic before crossing through a couple of the major roads. But there were plenty of large signs and volunteers warning you ahead of time on those too. I also spotted two or three DPS cruisers working the route keeping the drivers from getting too touchy. But there really wasn't ever that much car traffic and even the few truckers we encountered were waving and friendly.
From the spaghetti dinner and music the night before, to the pancake breakfast, high school restrooms and showers, and the snow cones, cookout and music at the end of the ride, this was really a fun trip. I am really glad that I made it down to Italy. Thanks for the heads up on this one. ;)
They warned us that the start of the ride would be pretty bumpy and it was until we cleared the side roads heading out of town. The chip and seal at the first part of the ride from there wasn't new and not all that bad. But for whatever reason it turned out to be the kind that wore on me a bit too. As for the wind, I think we hit the wind shift out on the course, so that we were riding out into the wind, and then back into town heading into it too. It felt like it for me anyway so I can relate. The lead pack had some really strong riders and took off like they were shot out of a gun, mostly doing in the 25-28mph range when their pack pulled away. I settled back into the second pack which was doing closer to 21-23mph and stayed with them through to the lake rest stop where I pulled in to cool off a bit and refill my bottles. That was the only place that I stopped but I will say that the guys along the road handing up bananas to the lead group at the earlier stops were a welcomed sight if you were trying not to stop.
Everybody at the lake rest stop was really friendly and they had a full spread all laid out. They even had one guy who was there just to give out ice, and they had plenty, which was great. There was also lots of shade too. When the wind shifted around out of the north, it felt really good hanging out in the shade overlooking the lake, chatting with the volunteers and other riders. In all the rallies and organized rides that I have done, I haven't ever really taken the time to relax and enjoy a rest stop like that. It was fun. A group of us hooked up for the rest of the 50 mile route and shared the work from there on in. That distance worked out to be just right for me on Saturday and I had a really nice fast ride in. Climbing up from the lake back into Italy into the wind had me noticing all the rollers too. If this route is flat, I would call it sneaky flat then. On the 50 route my Garmin showed there to have been a bit under 1,600 feet of climbing. We actually pulled back onto the main route right about the same time that the lead group was coming back in from the long route. Their group had shrunk down quite a bit but they were still motoring. Seeing the guys that they shelled on the way through those last rollers coming back to town made me glad that I backed off and chose the 50 route. I handed out a jersey pocket full of gels to a few guys who had fallen out of that lead group and were cramping up on that last section of road back into Italy.
I was really impressed with the sag and ride control out on the routes. There were volunteers to call out clear and wave you through most intersections. But there were also a few uncontrolled intersections, so you had to slow and or stop to check and clear on-coming traffic before crossing through a couple of the major roads. But there were plenty of large signs and volunteers warning you ahead of time on those too. I also spotted two or three DPS cruisers working the route keeping the drivers from getting too touchy. But there really wasn't ever that much car traffic and even the few truckers we encountered were waving and friendly.
From the spaghetti dinner and music the night before, to the pancake breakfast, high school restrooms and showers, and the snow cones, cookout and music at the end of the ride, this was really a fun trip. I am really glad that I made it down to Italy. Thanks for the heads up on this one. ;)
idig
I think rule covered the specifics of this ride really well. We also did the 50. The first half of the ride was fast and enjoyable, especially once we got past the chip and seal section (I think I lost a filling through there). The last 20 miles were miserable for me. I don't normally have so much trouble with the wind, but it combined with the heat really wore on me. I was with my wife who was doing fine, but she won't ride in a pace line, so there's no opportunity to share the load. I tried drafting some off of her, but she can't hold a pace, so I was either braking or struggling to keep up. Thus it was just me on the wide open road, feeling like I was riding in a blast furnace. We saw more than a few people pulled over on the side of the road, unable to finish. I felt bad for them, as there wasn't any shade anywhere to be found, so when they bonked, they just had to sit there in the blistering sun. It reminded me a bit of the MS150 (San Antonio to Corpus) ride a few years ago. There was more carnage in that ride than any I have ever witnessed. This wasn't as bad, but you hate to see anyone waiting on the side of the road because they simply can't go on.
We had one poor woman go down right in front of us, almost taking my wife with her. She was very wobbly as we approached her, then just went over. She claims that she was trying to put her water bottle back in her handlebar bag. I think we had less than 5 miles to go at that point.
The rest stop fare was pretty standard stuff, save for the delicious nectarines and plums, but I found myself missing the PB&J sandwiches that some rides offer. That said, I need to start carrying more of my own nutrition stuff on longer rides when it is this hot.
Speaking of rest stops, the singer at the last stop was...let's just say that he was doing a good job of motivating people to get back out on the road and ride away briskly.
We had one poor woman go down right in front of us, almost taking my wife with her. She was very wobbly as we approached her, then just went over. She claims that she was trying to put her water bottle back in her handlebar bag. I think we had less than 5 miles to go at that point.
The rest stop fare was pretty standard stuff, save for the delicious nectarines and plums, but I found myself missing the PB&J sandwiches that some rides offer. That said, I need to start carrying more of my own nutrition stuff on longer rides when it is this hot.
Speaking of rest stops, the singer at the last stop was...let's just say that he was doing a good job of motivating people to get back out on the road and ride away briskly.
RahTx
I felt bad for them, as there wasn't any shade anywhere to be found, so when they bonked, they just had to sit there in the blistering sun.
Yeah. I still seriously question whether I could have finished the full 62, but there was a point between stops 3 and 4 that all we wanted to do was get off the bikes for a few minutes to cool off, but there was no shade to be found out there, so all we could do was keep slogging along, barely reaching 13mph :eek:
We had one poor woman go down right in front of us, almost taking my wife with her. She was very wobbly as we approached her, then just went over.
I'm not particularly comfortable riding in large groups, but I don't freak out when someone passes me or something. We got a late start and were some of the last riders out, and the people we encountered were, overall, pretty courteous, predictable and safe. There were a couple people in particular, however, that were all over the road that we ended up having to hammer past early on to keep from getting stuck behind them again...
That said, I need to start carrying more of my own nutrition stuff on longer rides when it is this hot.
That's definitely one thing I'm taking away with this experience. Sometimes you can't rely on being able to make it to the next rest stop to refuel. My bike only carries one water bottle, plus a small one in my jersey. In the future I'll probably use a camelback (plus a bottle) and get some gels. I'm used to only doing about 45min-1hr15min rides, so when looking at a 3+hr ride, I need to pay more attention to hydration and nutrition...
Yeah. I still seriously question whether I could have finished the full 62, but there was a point between stops 3 and 4 that all we wanted to do was get off the bikes for a few minutes to cool off, but there was no shade to be found out there, so all we could do was keep slogging along, barely reaching 13mph :eek:
We had one poor woman go down right in front of us, almost taking my wife with her. She was very wobbly as we approached her, then just went over.
I'm not particularly comfortable riding in large groups, but I don't freak out when someone passes me or something. We got a late start and were some of the last riders out, and the people we encountered were, overall, pretty courteous, predictable and safe. There were a couple people in particular, however, that were all over the road that we ended up having to hammer past early on to keep from getting stuck behind them again...
That said, I need to start carrying more of my own nutrition stuff on longer rides when it is this hot.
That's definitely one thing I'm taking away with this experience. Sometimes you can't rely on being able to make it to the next rest stop to refuel. My bike only carries one water bottle, plus a small one in my jersey. In the future I'll probably use a camelback (plus a bottle) and get some gels. I'm used to only doing about 45min-1hr15min rides, so when looking at a 3+hr ride, I need to pay more attention to hydration and nutrition...
DTSCDS
(Just a warning: this turned out to be a VERY long ride report--sorry!)
The wife and I did the 30 mile route and REALLY had a great time.
We came down of Friday night and set up a tent on the School lawn. There were probably 20 or so tents set up by the time we went to bed about 11pm. The temp was down in the low 70's so it was pretty comfortable but a little breeze would have made it perfect--it was dead calm on Friday night. I wondered if it was worth the effort to tote the whole camp down there for one night instead of just driving down from Dallas early Saturday--ABSOLUTELY! It was a small beating needing to set up and tear down camp for just a few hours sleep but it is the way to go!!!!
Having access to the school overnight was great. I walked in with the wife and a friend so they could go potty before bed. We asked a couple of nice ladies inside the building about where to pick up our packets the next morning and they said they would give them to us right then! Pretty great! The T-Shirts were AWESOME! We got up at 6am, when the music and announcements from the loudspeakers started. We broke camp, took showers (NO hot water so the shower was a bit "brisk!) and ate breakfast and were ready to roll by 8.
The start went pretty smooth but the combination of the crowd and the broken streets made the first 1/2 to 1 mile a little adventurous. Once the mass started to thin out a bit we settled in and were able to set just about any pace we would have wanted. The chip seal section was a bit of a pain but it ended soon enough. It was old enough that the main "ruts" in the lane were sorta smooth. We just settled into the right wheel "rut" and went single file--it wasn't too bad but we were happy when we got out of it.
The wife had trouble with the first big "hill". She had to walk her bike the last 1/3 or so. It just so happened that the top of this hill was where the photographer was set up. So, he got a nice shot of her walking her bike. Why not set up on a nice long downhill and get shots of everyone flying like the wind!?
:speedy:
Since we did the 30, we only hit 2 rest stops but both were well stocked and staffed. The first one was in a place with no shade so we didn't stay too long. We were a bit concerned that some of our fellow riders didn't seem too concerned about getting them/their bikes off the roadway. The few cars that came through had a tough time weaving their way through the riders standing around on the roadway. Hey folks, how 'bout a little courtesy? Because of our massive numbers there is no way not to inconvenience the motoring public but lets not make it any worse than it has to be. (Another courtesy related note--Is it so very hard to announce yourself as you come up along side another rider!?!? Maybe these folks are so out of breath they can't manage a "On your left". I had a couple of close calls because someone came up close on my left and never bothered to announce themselves! Come on folks, help a brother out! BTW--thanks to everyone who DOES call out as you pass!)
Between that rest stop and the next I had a couple of mechanical issues. First, I started having front derailleur issues. It just wouldn't shift smooth between the little and middle ring. I tried some quick adjustments but decided to just live with it. Well, shortly after that decision it threw the chain when I tried to shift from the little ONTO the middle ring. Stopped and re-mounted the chain and was back on my way. Less than a mile later I had a flat. It was my first time using a CO2 cartridge to change a flat and it worked well. Just as I was putting the CO2 in a SAG wagon showed up and said they would air it up so I could save my cartridge! Just a little too late! Anyway, I finished with the CO2 and he checked the pressure since I didn't know how much pressure one of those little guys would give me. It was 110! Pretty nice! Got the tire back on and away we went.
The second stop we hit--the one with the Elvis/Karaoke singer--was nicer than the first. It had a few trees and a couple of canopies so there was nice shade. Again, tons of food/fruit and ice and water. We stayed here a bit longer enjoying the fruit and icy cold wet rags.
I didn't mind the number of rollers but I did hear a few folks wondering what was up with the "flat" description. I didn't think it was too bad. The wife may have a different opinion!
One of our friends had a small mishap at the last rest area and apparently there was quick medical assistance to get him bandaged up and on his way. They were really happy with all aspects of the ride as well. They said they would definitely be back next year.
When we got back the showers were pretty crowded so I just did a quick sink wash-up and changed clothes before heading back home.
So, here is the synopsis of this novella/ride report:
Facilities 8.5--if there was hot water for the early morning shower it would have been higher.
Organization 10--the staff/volunteers were very nice and helpful
Route: 10--well marked, easy to follow, nice countryside, not too much traffic.
Rest stops: 10--well stocked and well staffed.
SAG: 9+--the only way it would have been better is if they had shown up about 2 minutes earlier so I could have saved my CO2 cartridge. I guess the $2 replacement isn't going to kill me...
We will DEFINITELY be back next year. And, we will be camping again--it really made the morning nice and easy.
Thanks to everyone involved in setting this up and running it. You all did a GREAT job!!
:thumb::beer::thumb:
The wife and I did the 30 mile route and REALLY had a great time.
We came down of Friday night and set up a tent on the School lawn. There were probably 20 or so tents set up by the time we went to bed about 11pm. The temp was down in the low 70's so it was pretty comfortable but a little breeze would have made it perfect--it was dead calm on Friday night. I wondered if it was worth the effort to tote the whole camp down there for one night instead of just driving down from Dallas early Saturday--ABSOLUTELY! It was a small beating needing to set up and tear down camp for just a few hours sleep but it is the way to go!!!!
Having access to the school overnight was great. I walked in with the wife and a friend so they could go potty before bed. We asked a couple of nice ladies inside the building about where to pick up our packets the next morning and they said they would give them to us right then! Pretty great! The T-Shirts were AWESOME! We got up at 6am, when the music and announcements from the loudspeakers started. We broke camp, took showers (NO hot water so the shower was a bit "brisk!) and ate breakfast and were ready to roll by 8.
The start went pretty smooth but the combination of the crowd and the broken streets made the first 1/2 to 1 mile a little adventurous. Once the mass started to thin out a bit we settled in and were able to set just about any pace we would have wanted. The chip seal section was a bit of a pain but it ended soon enough. It was old enough that the main "ruts" in the lane were sorta smooth. We just settled into the right wheel "rut" and went single file--it wasn't too bad but we were happy when we got out of it.
The wife had trouble with the first big "hill". She had to walk her bike the last 1/3 or so. It just so happened that the top of this hill was where the photographer was set up. So, he got a nice shot of her walking her bike. Why not set up on a nice long downhill and get shots of everyone flying like the wind!?
:speedy:
Since we did the 30, we only hit 2 rest stops but both were well stocked and staffed. The first one was in a place with no shade so we didn't stay too long. We were a bit concerned that some of our fellow riders didn't seem too concerned about getting them/their bikes off the roadway. The few cars that came through had a tough time weaving their way through the riders standing around on the roadway. Hey folks, how 'bout a little courtesy? Because of our massive numbers there is no way not to inconvenience the motoring public but lets not make it any worse than it has to be. (Another courtesy related note--Is it so very hard to announce yourself as you come up along side another rider!?!? Maybe these folks are so out of breath they can't manage a "On your left". I had a couple of close calls because someone came up close on my left and never bothered to announce themselves! Come on folks, help a brother out! BTW--thanks to everyone who DOES call out as you pass!)
Between that rest stop and the next I had a couple of mechanical issues. First, I started having front derailleur issues. It just wouldn't shift smooth between the little and middle ring. I tried some quick adjustments but decided to just live with it. Well, shortly after that decision it threw the chain when I tried to shift from the little ONTO the middle ring. Stopped and re-mounted the chain and was back on my way. Less than a mile later I had a flat. It was my first time using a CO2 cartridge to change a flat and it worked well. Just as I was putting the CO2 in a SAG wagon showed up and said they would air it up so I could save my cartridge! Just a little too late! Anyway, I finished with the CO2 and he checked the pressure since I didn't know how much pressure one of those little guys would give me. It was 110! Pretty nice! Got the tire back on and away we went.
The second stop we hit--the one with the Elvis/Karaoke singer--was nicer than the first. It had a few trees and a couple of canopies so there was nice shade. Again, tons of food/fruit and ice and water. We stayed here a bit longer enjoying the fruit and icy cold wet rags.
I didn't mind the number of rollers but I did hear a few folks wondering what was up with the "flat" description. I didn't think it was too bad. The wife may have a different opinion!
One of our friends had a small mishap at the last rest area and apparently there was quick medical assistance to get him bandaged up and on his way. They were really happy with all aspects of the ride as well. They said they would definitely be back next year.
When we got back the showers were pretty crowded so I just did a quick sink wash-up and changed clothes before heading back home.
So, here is the synopsis of this novella/ride report:
Facilities 8.5--if there was hot water for the early morning shower it would have been higher.
Organization 10--the staff/volunteers were very nice and helpful
Route: 10--well marked, easy to follow, nice countryside, not too much traffic.
Rest stops: 10--well stocked and well staffed.
SAG: 9+--the only way it would have been better is if they had shown up about 2 minutes earlier so I could have saved my CO2 cartridge. I guess the $2 replacement isn't going to kill me...
We will DEFINITELY be back next year. And, we will be camping again--it really made the morning nice and easy.
Thanks to everyone involved in setting this up and running it. You all did a GREAT job!!
:thumb::beer::thumb:
idig
Good report, DTSCDS (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=118588). I probably understated the quality of the stops a bit. The cold towels were a very nice touch, as were the the volunteers who filled up my bottles with ice. I usually have to make do with tepid hydration during the home stretch, but had very cold beverages throughout the entire ride this time. Having really cold water to douse my head periodically probably prevented me from overheating.
I'm confused by some of the hilly comments as well. I found it to be relatively flat. Even the "big hill" with the photographer was mild compared to every other ride I've done this year. Of course, most of my other rides have been in the Hill Country, so I guess that's to be expected.
I'm confused by some of the hilly comments as well. I found it to be relatively flat. Even the "big hill" with the photographer was mild compared to every other ride I've done this year. Of course, most of my other rides have been in the Hill Country, so I guess that's to be expected.
George Handy
Thanks for all the nice remarks on the ride! I'd say the ride went as smooth as is possible, given the large number of cars, bikes, and people crammed into that High School. We spent a good bit of time Friday figuring the best way to get the riders out of the school and onto the highway. If you thought the streets were bad, you should have seen them a few months ago-they were REALLY torn up.
LSHD
Had a great time at a great ride!
Anyone see themselves? (Couple of random pics at the start...)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_0262.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_0263.jpg
Anyone see themselves? (Couple of random pics at the start...)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_0262.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_0263.jpg
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cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.