Fifty Plus (50+) - This weekend's ride

I am really looking forwards to this weekend's race. It is being held on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. That is the same venue as the IRL, SCCA and Gran Prix Moto races. The surface is silky smooth as well as the hills and turns are made for cars going a lot faster than our bicycles. I did the race last year and we had to warm up in a parking lot or on facility driveways because there was car racing going on. When it was time to race we all went to the Pit Area and waited for the race cars to exit, then we went out onto the track for our turn racing. My wife got to sit on top the pit wall next to the track to watch the race. Even if someone didn't want to race bikes, the entry fee would be worth it just to get a 35+ mile ride on the tarmac. One thing while watching the car race's on TV the long hill, just past the pits, seems less of a hassel to the cars because they have to use their brakes to make the roundhuse turn at the top.:D

Here is the race link: http://www.truesport.com/teamcolumbus/flyers/memorial.pdf

That race looks ubercool and it's for a great cause. Good luck and I hope you podium!

What a beautiful venue! I've driven the course a few times in my '58 MGA, ridden at a little more speed in a BMW Z3, and attended many races, from go-karts to vintage NASCAR to open-wheeled racers and AMA Superbike. While you will be going substantially slower, you might find it interesting that drivers consider it to be one of the most techically demanding tracks in the US.

That race looks ubercool and it's for a great cause. Good luck and I hope you podium!

Thanks, I'll be racing with the Cat 4/5's and intend to race to podium and not just "hang on" with the Master's. I'll also be sure to take a toothbrush to get the bugs out of my teeth after the race, due to riding with a big wide grin the whole race.:D

Enjoy it, have a great time

I have two experiences of bicycle riding/racing on car racing tracks.

Earliest (40 years ago) was on the lotus car test track in Norfolk UK in the national finals for the English Schools Cycling Association road racing final. Yes, I was a national finalist (cos I came 10th out of 10 in the qualifying heat!). Good lord, that was miserable. 360 degree headwind around a flat track where the constant headwinds began in Russia and gathered speed on their way. Warning signs for racing car drivers showing the shape of the bend and a suggested maximum speed of, typically, 120 mph didn't help at all

More recent, on the Bahrain GP circuit. That was fun, non-competitive, and with Mrs Spouse on the tandem. One of the bends followed a downhill run where we clocked 48 mph - whoo whizzy. The cars do that one at 150!

You do know, of course, that the scenery on the second and subsequent laps will be exactly the same as on the first lap.

You do know, of course, that the scenery on the second and subsequent laps will be exactly the same as on the first lap.

Possibly, if I'm racing as planned the scenery I'll be looking at may only change to different colored tires and shorts.;)

Oh wow. I am so envious! Mid-Ohio holds a special place in my heart: many years ago, after several seasons racing sprint karts, I was able to drive an enduro (similar to the one in the pic) for the first time at this track. One of the finest thrills - and memories - of my life... over 100mph with my eyeline less than a foot off the ground.

It's a world class layout and will be a wonderful venue for you. Have a great time! I'll be pulling for you in my daydreams.

S.

I took the opportunity to ride my bicycle on the track at Road Atlanta before the Team Time Trial stage of last year's Tour de Georgia. The turns seemed much less tight and the hills much steeper than when watching cars and motorcycles race on the track or from when, years earlier, I had ridden motorcycles there. I bet your race will be a lot of fun. Enjoy.