"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Vuelta a Miami - Link to the course Route

Here is the link to the course map. Pay no attention to the double counting of mileage in certain sections...that's due to the "auto-routing" function in map my ride. Anyways, 70 miles through the streets of Miami (actually more like West and South Greater Miami). If you are not registered already, there is a 200 rider limit due to the rolling enclosure travelling with the race. Also, not cat 5s are permitted to race. Sorry. November 8th. This one will be interesting... one way or another!

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/fl/miami/147125685004723934

If I had any form, I'd be there in a heartbeat. Sounds too cool to pass up. Talked to some of the guys down there and training seems to be going as usual in prep.

I'm not in top form but I know I can complete the race and have a shot at some money (they pay down to 14th). Endurance is not an issue for me. I have begun transitioning into base miles mode with some intensity (mostly SST training and a group ride one day a week) but the intervals etc are gone. It will be fun nontheless and a memorable experience one way or the other! I''ve been looking forward to this one for a while now...

Sounds interesting. I used to live down there, so I was intrigued when I saw it advertised a while back. Too bad there's not more of Miami -- tho I suppose Vuelta a Kendall doesn't sound quite as sexy.

Anyway, it will be interesting to get a race report

Also easier to do a rolling caravan in that part of the city.

And you'll want to go as fast as you can through S. Miami Heights.. Do they provide you with bulletproof vests? :)

Now what would have been cool is a jaunt down Cutler Road maybe to Goulds, then cut west over through the Redlands.

It looks interesting though.. And the wife will always go back to the old hood at the drop of a hat. What's the date again?

That route looks like it would be a good time.

How does this race play out? I will be in Vero on the 7th, and will be bringing my bike. 1234 all together seems like a weird race . Is it a sprinters race?

I used to live in S. Miami Heights back in 1977 when I was in the 3rd grade. The guy who lived across the street sold pot and coke. Like pounds of the stuff.

I used to live in S. Miami Heights back in 1977 when I was in the 3rd grade. The guy who lived across the street sold pot and coke. Like pounds of the stuff.

Then you should watch the documentary 'Cocaine Cowboys' (abou the Miami coke trade in late 70s and 80s), pretty interesting.

Then you should watch the documentary 'Cocaine Cowboys' (abou the Miami coke trade in late 70s and 80s), pretty interesting.

Saw it. Growing up in Miami in the 70s and 80s, I pretty much saw all of that stuff in real time.

Wow, quick TD. Go gators!

How does this race play out? I will be in Vero on the 7th, and will be bringing my bike. 1234 all together seems like a weird race . Is it a sprinters race?

This is the first running. My guess is the legnth will cause some splitting in the field. They are putting everyone together b/c of the rolling caravan/baricade. My guess is that it will end with a breakaway of maybe 6-9 guys and a sprint for the money spots but not a huge field sprint. Of course I could be wrong...but the wind should play a factor in this one.

The race is on the Nov. 8th. (Next Sunday).

South Miami Heights aint that bad...But that's my city perspective... I live in the area of Coconut Grove that people tell tourists not to go... we have BMWs/mercedes/Lexus etc parked on the street and French/Argentinian/White/Black/Mexican neighbors. Its just the city as far as I'm concerned...

Does it look like a gated community with McMansions everywhere... No, but that's why I live in Miami and not Sarasota where my mom and grandma live. I used to live on the Near south side of Chicago too in a "gentrifying" neighborhood. They were building 700k plus townhomes right around the corner from knocked down projects. Again, that's the city baby!

I think we have a pot dealer on our block too, and he's some guy who goes to college at UM. You'd be surprised (or not) what your neighbors do behind closed doors...

South Miami Heights aint that bad...But that's my city perspective... I live in the area of Coconut Grove that people tell tourists not to go... we have BMWs/mercedes/Lexus etc parked on the street and French/Argentinian/White/Black/Mexican neighbors. Its just the city as far as I'm concerned...

[snip]

I think we have a pot dealer on our block too, and he's some guy who goes to college at UM. You'd be surprised (or not) what your neighbors do behind closed doors...


When I was 15 I used to ride my moped down Grand Avenue at 2AM on my way home from the grove.

I think I used to buy pot from your neighbors dad.

When I was 15 I used to ride my moped down Grand Avenue at 2AM on my way home from the grove.

I think I used to buy pot from your neighbors dad.

LOL. So that's what my neighbor meant by "the family business"...

LOL. So that's what my neighbor meant by "the family business"...

Heh. I really should plan a trip down there to see the god kids sometime soon.. They live off Ludlam and between Miller and Hardee, I suspect you'd know exactly where that is. Perhaps we can meet up @ the pinecrest ride?

Heh. I really should plan a trip down there to see the god kids sometime soon.. They live off Ludlam and between Miller and Hardee, I suspect you'd know exactly where that is. Perhaps we can meet up @ the pinecrest ride?

I do... and just let me know.

When I was 15 I used to ride my moped down Grand Avenue at 2AM on my way home from the grove.

I think I used to buy pot from your neighbors dad.

I think I had like 4 dealers in my hall freshman year.

:innocent:

I think I had like 4 dealers in my hall freshman year.

:innocent:

I was never much of a pothead myself. If it were legalized, I'd probably get high 3 or 4 times a year tops.

I just got an e-mail from what appears to be some USA cycling official saying that the Vuelta permit was cancelled... I think the race is still going on though.



This email is to inform you that The Vuelta A Miami (2009-1209) will not be sanctioned by USA Cycling.

The permit that was assigned to this event has been cancelled.

USA Cycling apologizes for any inconvience.

Sincerely,
USA Cycling
Theresa Johnson
Vice President of Membership Services
USA Cycling, Inc.
210 USA Cycling Point, Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
P (719) 434-4205
C (719) 229-4037
F (719) 434-4305
tjohnson@usacycling.org

I don't know how they'll be able to run it without USAC sanctioning.
I love that the plug got pulled the day beforehand.
No way that race should have ever had approval from what I heard.

It was. And it went off without a hitch. The rolling enclosure was FANTASTIC! In fact on the road, we had the best protection from drivers I've ever personally had. I mean, they basically shut down four lane roads for 20 minutes at a time! Incredible. I understand why the permit was pulled, but don't be fooled. This race was awesome... And hard as #$%&! Take a look at my post on the race report for details.

It was. And it went off without a hitch. The rolling enclosure was FANTASTIC! In fact on the road, we had the best protection from drivers I've ever personally had. I mean, they basically shut down four lane roads for 20 minutes at a time! Incredible. I understand why the permit was pulled, but don't be fooled. This race was awesome... And hard as #$%&! Take a look at my post on the race report for details.

Sounds like you had some fun! Good job out there.

If fun can be considered snot running down your face, salt stains on your face and kit, and driving it at your max HR... then yes, I had a blast!

If fun can be considered snot running down your face, salt stains on your face and kit, and driving it at your max HR... then yes, I had a blast!

Wait, that happens to me every time !!! lol