Hey

I'm riding my first 200k at the end of August. It is a mostly urban ride with lots and lots of turns to be made. How does one deal with a cue sheet while riding. I certainly don't want to be digging around in my pockets every couple of kilometers. Is it permissible, or even possible to use the GPS feature of a Garmin? How does one manage the paperwork?

Also ... I'm riding 140k tomorrow ... in the upcoming 3 weeks before the ride, should I try for more long distance rides, or just do more frequent shorter rides (50k or so)? I'm reasonably sure I can ride the 200k, just not really comfortable with the preparation beforehand.

Thanks!

I don't know about the Garmin Question but here is a link to a more traditional solution: http://www.cycoactive.com/bike/default.htm

Good Luck & Enjoy the Ride

Get a bar Bag with a map holder on top.

Hey thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. :thumb: Sorry if I asked something that's been asked ad naseum. :(

For your second question, I'd suggest one or two longer rides -- perhaps a couple of rides of 100 to 130 km. Try riding some steep hills on your 50k.

Here is the solution I devised for cue sheets, depending upon how far you go with it, it will cost anywhere from $3 - $20 to implement. The main thing I wanted to do with this was to create a solution to the following:

1 - Simple
2 - Cheap
3 - Allow changing/refolding of cue sheets without stopping.
4 - Allow storage for additional cue sheets that can also be accessed while riding.

Instructions in a nutshell...
Go to a local hardware store pick up a refrigerator magnet "clip".
Zip-tie this thing to your stem.
Add a top tube bag for additional storage and use also as an added platform for the cue sheet to rest upon.

Here are some pics of my implementation.

Top Picture of Clip
http://ebrady.net/velodistractions/images/ExternallyLinked/CueClip/CueHolder1.JPG

Bottom of clip has magnetic base which helps it sit still on the stem, however this is not required.
http://ebrady.net/velodistractions/images/ExternallyLinked/CueClip/CueHolder2.JPG

Attached to the stem very tightly with a zip tie.
http://ebrady.net/velodistractions/images/ExternallyLinked/CueClip/CueHolder3.JPG

Clip in action, note I also will wrap the cue sheet in a zip lock back if it looks like rain is going to occur on the brevet.
http://ebrady.net/velodistractions/images/ExternallyLinked/CueClip/CueHolder4.JPG

I also added a top bar bag to have a convenient place for additional cue sheets.
http://ebrady.net/velodistractions/images/ExternallyLinked/CueClip/CueHolder5.JPG

I plan to post this on my website, as soon as I get time. (Bad weather returns to Ohio and I don't spend all my free time riding...).

i use a ziploc bag & clips to hold that on to your brake cables.

simple yet effective.

Definitely put the cue sheet(s) in a ziplock bag if there is any chance of rain. A wet cue sheet is a bad thing, especially if it was printed on an ink jet printer.

Using a GPS is perfectly acceptable. For a route with a lot of turns, it can really help, though you need to be positive that the GPS calculates the correct route for the waypoints you enter.

My new cue holder.
Recycled Honjo fender strut and mounting hardware, mounted to a small piece of plexi, velcro or zip tie to the stem.
I use an aloksak (http://www.watchfuleyedesigns.com/index.cfm?do=list&categoryid=1) for the cue. Worked great with all day rain for my recent solo 300k ride through the ADKs.
Fender strut fits around the back of the stem (I have another version that fits under the stem) and has been coated with heat shrink tubing (electrical) to keep it from sliding / scratching.

This version fits a trimmed 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper folded in 4. I have a larger version in the works.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/mike.beganyi/SJZZSKitrII/AAAAAAAAFyU/loT-R0_v9mY/s800/IMG_5271.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/mike.beganyi/SJZZHmXXMpI/AAAAAAAAFzg/bFTkHz5Q-y4/s800/IMG_5233.JPG


I tried the zip tied clip to the stem and hated the baggie flapping around.

I don't know about the Garmin Question but here is a link to a more traditional solution: http://www.cycoactive.com/bike/default.htm

Good Luck & Enjoy the Ride

i've tried 2 different sizes of these. worked well when i mounted them to my aerobars, but i hated it when mounted over the stem as they show. i'd hit my knees when climbing.

these are not waterproof or even water resistant. the velcro leaks - so put your cue in a baggie before putting it into the holder.

I'm a zip-lock-in-the-jersey-pocket guy but I have also tucked the cue sheet in the leg of my shorts when going through sections with a lot of turns. Only a problem if you need to keep pedaling while trying to read it :)

I just use two bulldog clips (like bmike's) looped with #64 rubber bands. Then I loop the assembly onto the handlebar. Works great to hold a half eaten gel too.