Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - first charity/fun ride

I'm not sure if this counts as a charity ride or just a group fun ride. It is an event designed for all riders out from the serious to the ones who haven't ridden in awhile. There are two courses a one mile and a 21 mile course. They plan on having rest breaks with food and entertainment along the way. I'm hoping for a big turnout. I'm not worried about the course as I have ridden most it before and tomorrow I'm not going to try to set any time records just enjoy the company of other riders. I usually don't need a break for a 21 mile ride, but I plan on taking some just to meet with other riders.

I'll post a recap tomorrow.

Outstanding. I have my first group/charity ride next weekend and I can't wait.

I'm looking forward to the recap/ride report.

The ride started in River Front park home of the 74 World's fair. It was a nice sunny day, with very little wind, I would guess by the time of the start it was around mid 50s, which was comfortable. There was a pancake breakfast which was included in the entry fee. As you can see from the photos there was a great turn out. This was the first ever event of its kind and hopefully will be an annual event. It was advertised as designed to promote training but not require it.

I started at the very back of the start group, I thought we were heading out in a different direction. The first few miles were mostly downhill. During this time it was slow going and you had to be patient. Once we got to the first hill it was easier to pick a pace that was comfortable. I tried to pick a couple of riders to maybe follow, but there were none at my pace. There were 3 break points, about every 7 miles:p

I stopped at all 3, but that was to take additional photos for my BF friends. Starting at the back had it advantages I passed a bunch of people and was only passed 3 times. In each case I caught up and rode with the person until we got to the next rest point. In each case they had to wait for someone, so I went on alone (as alone as you could be in the mass group ride).
In the park
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0507copy.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0509copy.jpg

the locals refer to this as the million dollar shower for the homeless
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0515copy.jpg

your tour guide
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0523copy.jpg

back of the start line
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0524copy.jpg

I have some people to pass:eek:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0528copy.jpg

I had a blast. I didn't see any crashes and everything seemed to go smooth. Maybe later groups might have more problems. I noticed by the 3rd rest break not many people were stopping, I think this was because I had started to catch up to the more conditioned cyclists;)

now on the ride
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0529copy.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0530copy.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0533copy.jpg

the big hill about a mile incline, tried to show all of it, it actualls starts below the bridge
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0541copy.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0543copy.jpg

One last one in the park at the finish line
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/lastimpressions/IMG_0544copy.jpg

I have more photos, but didn't want to bore you with all them, but give you a sample of the area we rode in.

Wow, that looks like fun! Beautiful too. Glad it was a success.

I have to admit taking the time to take the photos made me appreciate how beautiful it is. So often I just ride and glance around without stopping and appreciate it.

Damn, I wish I had known that was going on today. I have been rather hermit like the last few weeks designing an online version of a class I teach. I would have loved an excuse to spend the morning riding my bike! The only drawback to that ride is doomsday hill. For me, it is not the steepness, it's just so damn long! Yikes, I get shivers just thinking about riding up that thing. Give me Southeast Blvd. any day. Not nearly as steep or long plus a lot fewer cars.

Wow - What an incredible ride! On my rides we see a lot of fields/farms and cows. Which are nice...but your ride had some really nice views! Looks like you had a blast! COngrats on your ride!

Nice write up! Wish I could have join in the fun. Your pictures are great! The Monroe St bridge shot is priceless. And how did you get that shot of the bridge at bowl and pitcher?Sounds like it was a great day.

ddmann, where is Southeast Blvd? I always go up doomsday, but like to find alternate routes. I'm north of town and don't get down that way enough to go exploring. LAB

What a great looking ride !!!! I noticed one of the riders on a recumbent, which is one of the great things about organized rides, you never know what kind of bikes are going to show up.

Nice photos!

longarm, I got the shots of bowl and pitcher by getting off the bike and walking through the grass to the edge of the cliff. I missed the shot of b&w that I wanted I rode past the point I should have stopped for the best photo. But it was down hill and against heavy traffic. SE blvd is just east of downtown and goes up south hill. If you know where Sherman is, bridge across I-90 it leads to SE Blvd.

Hill-pumper - the dad of the year award goes this guy. He has a tandem recumbent and tow trailer behind.

I'm not sure if this counts as a charity ride or just a group fun ride. It is an event designed for all riders out from the serious to the ones who haven't ridden in awhile. There are two courses a one mile and a 21 mile course. They plan on having rest breaks with food and entertainment along the way. I'm hoping for a big turnout. I'm not worried about the course as I have ridden most it before and tomorrow I'm not going to try to set any time records just enjoy the company of other riders. I usually don't need a break for a 21 mile ride, but I plan on taking some just to meet with other riders.

I'll post a recap tomorrow.

Thanks for the story, and the photos. It looks like a beautiful time on the bike.