Texas - Ride For Heroes 28 March 2009

Anyone here doing (or done) this Aledo, TX Ride? (http://www.rideforheroes.org/ If done before, can you offer some comments/thoughts on the ride, organization, support? I signed up for the 40-miler.

Thanks.

I've done them before and they seem pretty good for support and organization. Since it benefits the local FD, all the local PD and sheriffs are out in force on every corner.
Three years ago, going up a tough early hill, some folks were on the side of the road cheering us on. Holding signs including "Hey, your granny called, she wants her gear back!"

Last year was cold and windy, but good food and support. I can't do it this year because of a conflict, even though I live nearby. Weather looks to be much better this year.

Get there early. Ride careful at the start.

Bring your climbing legs. Dependent upon the route, there are LOTS of hills.

it's a very good ride. I'll probably get in there for the 100 this year.

Thanks all. This will be my first group ride. I normally cycle-commute 11mi each way, 2-3x/wk. Though I've been off bike lately for maintenance (to bike and body). I pulled quad tendon and had some patello-femoral syndrome about three weeks back. So I plan to go "easy" for the 40-mi; goal time is under 3.25 hrs.

I've never done the shorter mileages on this ride, but the longer one have some good hills, so take that into consideration.

I did the 66 mile route last year and it looks like the route might be different than last year but I'm familiar with the roads. Yes, you will have hills. As far as support goes, it was great last year.

Did the 40mi route last year. It's a good/fun ride, well supported and staffed. Last years route had a total climb of 2072 ft. I'm planning on doing it again, if I can get over this dang cold.

I signed up on Saturday and the ladies at registration were warning about the construction going on in the area. Be warned. Go early. She even recommended following the directions on the flyer talking about arriving from the West instead of the regular directions. It comes in on the back side of the High School, presumably away from the construction.

PS, I'll be the really tall dude with too much hair with two kids on the 40 miler.

I'm nervous about the temperature that morning! They are calling for around 40 overnight in the metroplex... that should mean even cooler in Aledo.

If that temperature goes up a little, a bunch of us from my church are heading out (at least 5 of us). Some of us will have The Church on Rush Creek jerseys on.

Looks like I'm doing a 300k that day, so you guys are on your own!

What about parking in the commuter lot and pedaling to the HS? Or, is that out of the question unless I sleep in the car?

Weather looks like windy hi 30s to start.

Looking forward to the ride. Got my arm warmers, thermal bibs, cold weather gloves, and wind vest out. Fun fun fun.
Now if the shop can finish re-pressing my headset today or tomorrow, it'll just be peachy.

Well, it was cold and very windy!

Still had a good time.

That wind and cold kicked my butt. I take Crestor (for cholesterol), and a side-effect is muscle cramping. I stopped on two hills to stretch and massage out the cramping. Still, I got back on the bike and rode to finish the "40"-miler. At mile 8, I had to use the Willow Park Police Station restroom. I was there a lo-ong time. (OK, TMI) Anyway, I was alone the rest of the ride. I had fun, and I was really impressed with the rest stops, directions, volunteers, and traffic policing. I think there would have been a better turn-out if today had been like last Saturday.

Wow you sound like my riding partner... He had the worst muscle cramps of his life. It started about mile 10 and he was out before mile 30. Never seen him like that. It must of had something to do with the cold.

The turnout was pretty bad. I would guess about 20% of last years attendance. The only good part about that was the way they were giving food away. They had way too much and I took full advantage of it. :D

Hope the bad turnout does not discourage the organizers from giving it a go once again next year.

It was a little brutal out there...I agree that the ride was very well put together and supported. I managed the 66 mile route and felt bad for all the people at the rest stops. They looked chilly.

Stopped for a few pics:

The first big hill (and 1 of 3 back to back) at about mile 25:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/JokerRN/RFH1.jpg

Tried not to stop too much, but didn't have much of a choice on this one:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/JokerRN/rfh3.jpg

Here's what the wind looked like:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/JokerRN/RFH6.jpg

I managed the 100, but it took me all day. It was my first attempt at a century. The wind was brutal.


I wish I had managed to snap a few pics....