Fifty Plus (50+) - A Proposal: 2nd Annual 50+ Forum Ride Weekend

It's vacation planning time for many of us who, sadly, are still employed. There's been nothing on this topic for almost three months, so I thought I'd start the conversation.

What are you doing for the weekend of June 11–13, 2010?

Three years ago BikeJournal.com (http://bikejournal.com/) held its annual reunion at the Great Finger Lakes Bicycle Tour (http://www.southerntierbicycleclub.org/fingerlakestour.html), put on by the Southern Tier Bicycle Club (http://www.southerntierbicycleclub.org/). It remains one of the more memorable reunions, and for those of us in the Northeast, it's become an annual get-together.

At BikeJournal, we found that tagging along with an existing event significantly reduced the work, leaving more time for cycling and socializing. So I offer the same to the BFN 50+ Forum. I'm willing to take the lead on this, if others think it sounds like a nice time.

While perhaps not as epic as the Rocky Mountains, the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York offers excellent cycling for riders of all calibers. The region is home to the toughest century in the East, September's Highlander Tour, and yet offers miles and miles of flat, railtrail riding just a short distance away.

The STBC takes advantage of it all by offering three days of riding that will suit any rider. This year, there's one ride on Fridaynight, a choice of 11 rides on Saturday (ranging from 15 to 101 miles) and three on Sunday (ranging from 22 to 58 miles). There's also a hiking option.

In the past three GFLBTs I've attended, the 50+ crowd is the predominant demographic, but the event is family-friendly. Last year an 8-year-old stoker and an 11-year-old solo rider each completed their first centuries.

The event is limited by the dining hall seating of 260. Camping on-site is free, or for an extra $5/night you can get a bunkhouse bunk. Motels and B&Bs are available in nearby Watkins Glen. Shopping, wine tours, hiking and sightseeing along the lakes are popular with non-cycling spouses. The nearest international airport is here in Rochester, a two-hour drive away. There are closer regional airports as well.

Oh, and it's cheap too. $78, or $88 with a bunkhouse bunk. That includes all, and boy can they tie on the feedbag in the dining hall! It's the only cycling event where you'll gain weight on a ride weekend.

Details and registration form are available at http://www.southerntierbicycleclub.org/fingerlakestour.html

I went a few years ago, coincident with the BikeJournal Reunion which which used the GFLBT as a springboard, and I enjoyed it immensely. The Finger Lakes area is one of my favorite to ride in. I did the Saturday Century ride to Cayuga Lake and through Ovid, and was apparently one of the few who rode the hill from Watkins Glen back up to the campground. I decided it wasn't worth 11 hours' driving each way to do it, though. For those of you who live a bit closer, it's an awesome weekend of riding.

I decided it wasn't worth 11 hours' driving each way to do it, though.

Oh c'mon! You got to meet me! :p

But there you have it. It's not everyone's cuppa, but I can't think of a ride that would be.

I would vote for putting it around the Ididaride and out of North Creek. The group could do hiking, rafting, canoeing, dinner boat rides on Lake George or Racquett Lake - lots of great venues. There are several B&Bs, condo rentals are abundent and several very nice motels. But I am partial to the Adirondacks...

I would vote for putting it around the Ididaride and out of North Creek.

That's fine for those of us who are roadies, and are up to a hilly 70-miler. But that leaves out everyone else. And it's just a one-day thing rather than a whole weekend.

I'm still planning to do that ride. Someday.

That's fine for those of us who are roadies, and are up to a hilly 70-miler. But that leaves out everyone else. And it's just a one-day thing rather than a whole weekend.

I'm still planning to do that ride. Someday.
I hope to see you there when you can make it.
What you may not realize - they offer a shortened version of the ride where they take the group to Indian lake and let them ride back from there - a screaming downhill and about 20 miles. I hear they may also offer a 40 mile version as well.
Out of North Creek there are several trail rides and over in Newcomb there is the 4 mile trail ride into Great Camp Santanoni - basically along a farm road. Also out of North Creek are great loops ranging anywhere from 15 miles to 100 miles and everything inbetween. Up at Gore Mountain there is ruggid downhill mountain biking and up at Garnett hill - more relaxed trail riding.

Now it was your idea first so I will withdraw my idea in favor of yur suggestion - besides, I don't object to the fingerlakes, besides there is always dinosaur BBQ - yum!

I really like the idea of meeting at an organized ride. This one appears to be right in length, offers several rides to fit different riding abilities, the price is certainly right and there seems to be several other attractions in the area. I checked and there are several hotels/motels nearby.....I camp but prefer indoors if available :)

Sounds like a great ride, just no way we can get to NY. anytime in the near future, still I hope all the BF 50+ folks that can make it have a excellent time! The ride should move to different parts of the country to be fair to all, jmho. have FUN!! :)

Sounds/looks good, tsl. We would be interested. A long drive again, but if it's anything like the 2009 50+ event, it will be worth it.

I would be interested if held where tsl suggested. My wife would want flat or very gentle rolling. I would love to see the finger lakes area - I was looking at a map the other day, and I have never been there. We are planning an Alaska Cruise May 16th, so it may interfere, but not sure. I agree - move it around the country so all have a chance. We would drive.

No promises, but interested.

We'd seriously consider it, but our bike group is planning a ride in Glenwood Springs, CO that summer (one of our principle members has a family reunion there almost every year). I doubt we'll be able to swing both events so close together.


It's vacation planning time for many of us who, sadly, are still employed.
Given the current unemployment rates, this sentence made me laugh out loud. But, I know what you mean.... :cry:

Very interested.

Sounds good altough I do vacation in the Outer Banks of N. Carolina right around that time and if not that I also go to a Streetrod event in York Pa. around that weekend as well. Both are either the week of, before or after that weekend.

I would ditch the Streetrod event though but OBX is locked!

I'm interested. It's been almost 30 years since I've ridden in that region. As I remember it was quite beauitful. Not sure if my calendar will allow it, but will pursue. Thanks for starting the conversation.

I checked and there are several hotels/motels nearby.....I camp but prefer indoors if available :)
Generally, so do I. I make an exception and use a bunkhouse here. It even caused me to buy a sleeping bag.


Sounds like a great ride, just no way we can get to NY. anytime in the near future,
Statute of limitations hasn't run out yet? ;)


I would be interested if held where tsl suggested. My wife would want flat or very gentle rolling. I would love to see the finger lakes area - I was looking at a map the other day, and I have never been there. We are planning an Alaska Cruise May 16th, so it may interfere, but not sure. I agree - move it around the country so all have a chance. We would drive.
The Friday night ride is hilly. Just about killed me the first time I rode it. That's what convinced me of the need to for hill training.

The Saturday rides change a little every year, but last year's Windmill Loops were there especially for bike path riders. They don't start at camp. It's a drive-to-the-ride thing. All the Saturday rides, BTW, go past the Windmill Farm and Craft Market (http://www.thewindmill.com/), which is a nice stop for a break and lunch. There are several food vendors. And plenty of bathrooms.

The Sunday ride around Keuka Lake is very flat. There's one hill that can't be avoided, and a real monster on a optional, extra portion of the ride. The ride around Keuka Lake is--hands down--my favorite ride in all of Upstate NY. There are plenty of places to stop, so even those riders unused to a 45-mile ride can rest up and make it.


Given the current unemployment rates, this sentence made me laugh out loud. But, I know what you mean.... :cry:
I thought about rewording it to "unretired" or "not yet retired", but was going for the laugh. Glad it worked. :)


Thanks for starting the conversation.
And that's all it is so far, a conversation. I'm still open to other suggestions. I do this ride every year anyway, so it's no skin off my nose if we end up at another venue.

But if the consensus goes for the GFLBT, there are plenty of extras. For those who can come early or stay late, I can direct you to other rides and sightseeing too. (Although I'm not very good with wineries, being in AA and all, they're sort of off my radar and I'd like to keep it that way.) My club (http://www.rochesterbicyclingclub.org/) has day rides almost every day in-season. As you might expect, most day riders are retired, so the terrain and pace are appropriate to our group.

You might be able to be talk me into leading a sightseeing ride or two here in Rochester. There's the lake, three waterfalls in the Genesee River gorge right through the city (all on a bike path!), and enough museums to choke a horse. And of course, the legendary Dinosaur BBQ (http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/rochesterIndex.php), which is right on a bike path, and is bike friendly.

I would certainly be interested. Would be great for terrain varied from the Outer Banks!

Like BluesDawg, "no promises but interested". Unemployed and likely to stay that way for awhile here in MI.

As the last BF 50+ meet was out West AFAIK, one in the East seems fair. And I've been wanting to visit the Finger Lakes too. Might even convince the non-cycling Mrs. to join me as there would be plenty of diversions in the area to keep her busy.

Sounds intriguing. And the Finger Lakes area is not that far from western Mass. Not a bad place for stocking up the wine cellar, too! I'll be watching for details if this comes to pass!

Originally Posted by bjjoondo http://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=10088290#post10088290)
Sounds like a great ride, just no way we can get to NY. anytime in the near future,
Statute of limitations hasn't run out yet? ;)

LOL, well it's strickly "MONEY", as in ain't got enough! ;)

No promises, but I am interested. I have been thinking of going to Normandy at about that time, but if not ...
In 1980 I went to a bike rally near there, in Geneseo NY, and this would be the 30th anniversary. It is about a 4-hour drive for me.

Definitely interested! I'll have to check to see how close I could get on Amtrak. That would be a fun trip up from the sunny south!

I'll have to check to see how close I could get on Amtrak.

Fellow Amtrak fan here. I think the best you can do is leaving from New York's Penn Station (NYP) aboard either the Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited or Maple Leaf trains to Syracuse (SYR) or Rochester (ROC) . Both cites are Checked Baggage stations, so no trouble with your bike. Would you take the Crescent overnight to NYP?

I'm in ROC not far from the station and only a few hundred yards from the mainline. I commute under it daily.

Sounds like a good excuse for a vacation. I will have to decide probably in mid May. Daughters planning a 65th birthday weekend and I'm moving into a new home/selling old in same time frame. Could be a very busy May/June.

Very interested. My wife has a renewed interest in the tandem and it'll be an excellent excuse to see my brother who lives on Canandaigua Lake.

I'm definitely interested. It's a 7+ hour drive through the USA, probably somewhat shorter through Canada via Detroit and Buffalo.

I'm definitely interested. It's a 7+ hour drive through the USA, probably somewhat shorter through Canada via Detroit and Buffalo.

I'm not so sure about that any more with having to cross borders twice. It's been a couple of years since I've been through there myself. As I recall, an hour was about average. I've heard the backups at Niagara Falls and Buffalo can still be pretty mean. Of course, all you hear are the horror stories.

On the other hand, most of my crossings are at the 1,000 Islands. Holiday weekends excepted, that's improved tremendously in the past two years with all the new hires at DHS.

I'll be on a cross country bike ride next June though the Finger Lakes sound nice.

+1 Tagging along with an existing event is a great idea. Been doing that in the motorcycle world for many years.

The Highlander Tour is the toughest century in the East? I would have thought the "Assault on Mount Mitchell" here in NC is tougher. Either is way too tough for me for sure.

The Highlander Tour is the toughest century in the East? I would have thought the "Assault on Mount Mitchell" here in NC is tougher. Either is way too tough for me for sure.

I haven't ridden either one, so I can't say from experience.

Assault (http://www.polkcounty.org/mitch/assault.htm) looks like a nice flat course up until the end. And granted, the end is a whopper. Highlander (http://www.highlandercycletour.com/highlander.htm) is 18 major climbs of up to 23% grade. On the Highlander page is the following quote:

"I've done the assault on Mt. Mitchell, and this was way tougher." - John Price from NC
Dunno, it could all be hype.

The point is that just because it's not in the mountains doesn't mean there's no serious climbing here, for those who are interested in a climbfest. Grades may not be long and unrelenting, but they can be steep. I've ridden 18%, and I've looked down Bopple Hill (the 23% grade in Highlander) from the top and I wouldn't want to do that--in either direction. But just for added psyche, there's cemetery at the top of that climb, and during Highlander, a lone bagpiper plays.

At GFLBT, for those who aren't into climbfests, there are plenty of other roads. And then there's still the bike path rides.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that 50+ is already the largest demographic at GFLBT--easily half the riders. And most riders are repeats. That shows there's something for almost everyone, from those looking to leave their lunch on a hillside, to those looking for a nice little bike ride in the country.

Myself, I like the challenge of the Friday night ride. It's nearly all climbing, then nearly all descent. Three years ago on that ride is when I learned the joys of each half. And it's before dinner, so you can really work up an appetite. (Did I mention how the catering service knows how to tie on the feedbag?)

I typically do the half-century or the metric on Saturday, returning to camp in mid-afternoon for a nice hot shower and a nap. The Saturday rides change a little every year. On last year's half I recorded 3,653 feet of climbing. Most of that was along rolling hills, but there were a couple of long grinders. Up between the lakes, though, it's nearly all flat, and that's where the shorter road rides and railtrail rides are.

And as I said before, the 45-mile Sunday ride around Keuka Lake is my favorite ride in all of Upstate. It's scenic, along good road, traffic is light and most of it is protected from the wind. It's also right along the shore so it's flat except for one long 5% grade, and one monster in an 11-mile optional section. (I recorded only 1,608 of climbing in 45 miles last year.) There are also plenty of places to stop along the way. It goes through three villages for food and bathroom breaks.

tsl,

Are showers and restrooms available for those of us who prefer camping?

Are showers and restrooms available for those of us who prefer camping?

Of course.

There are showerhouses in the two sections of camp, with additional restrooms in the dining hall. The showerhouse I typically use seems never to run out of hot water either--at least not that I've heard of. It's also fully wheelchair accessible.

The club rents the whole of the Hidden Valley Group Camp, part of, but separate from the rest of the park. I'm no judge of real estate so I'm likely well off the mark, but I'd say it's around ten acres. A little stream runs through and there's a swimming hole. There are two sections of bunkhouses totaling maybe two dozen, and two sections for camping--one in the center of things, and the other off and away. There are no camping "spots", so to speak. Just plop your tent wherever you please.

The dining hall sits in the center of the whole place and seats 250 or 260. They manage to serve everyone in about an hour--or about one rider every fifteen seconds. It's simply amazing. The only thing I don't care for are the acoustics in the dining hall. It's very "live" so I have trouble sometimes hearing my tablemates over the roaring echoes of 240 other voices in the room. I just smile and nod a lot. And that's the worst of the whole weekend, IME.

This will be the 30th anniversary of the ride, and over the decades the club has ironed-out all the wrinkles. There are certainly fancier events, but none run quite so smoothly.

tsl,
looks good and it is no big deal but it looks like you would have to join the club to ride in the event?
It looks to be a few bucks to join for the year.

What is the weather like there in June? I would guess (hope) it is somewhat cooler than what we have here in Georgia at that time of year.

I just might do this. I spent four of the best years of my life in Ithaca, and I would be great to get back there for some riding.

I'm not so sure about that any more with having to cross borders twice. It's been a couple of years since I've been through there myself. As I recall, an hour was about average. I've heard the backups at Niagara Falls and Buffalo can still be pretty mean. Of course, all you hear are the horror stories.

On the other hand, most of my crossings are at the 1,000 Islands. Holiday weekends excepted, that's improved tremendously in the past two years with all the new hires at DHS.

My experience with Detroit crossings is pretty good, maybe 15 min max. I don't have any experience with crossing at Buffalo.

tsl,
looks good and it is no big deal but it looks like you would have to join the club to ride in the event?
It looks to be a few bucks to join for the year.

Yes. Three dollars per household. $3 for a couple or family is peanuts. For us single people, man it's hard to justify. :p

That's what covers the club's liability insurance, BTW. You may recall this being an issue on last year's 50+ ride weekend.

FWIW, you can opt-out of the club directory and emailings.

I just might do this. I spent four of the best years of my life in Ithaca, and I would be great to get back there for some riding.

Too bad it's the wrong time of year for sledding downhill on cafeteria trays.

Ssssh.....you had me at food.

I'm mulling it over. It looks like a very attractive ride. The drive should be just a bit longer than going to Toronto so it's within reason.

What is the weather like there in June? I would guess (hope) it is somewhat cooler than what we have here in Georgia at that time of year.

It can be all over the place.

From my BikeJournal ride log (http://www.bikejournal.com/journal_public.asp?rname=brucew):

2009

Friday: Sunny, 70s, light wind.
Saturday: Clouding over, about 60 to the lower 70s, light winds. Near perfect, except for the light shower in the last five miles or so.
Sunday: Perfect. Sunny, big puffy clouds, warming to the lower 70s, light breeze.


2008

Friday: Didn't ride, left my shoes home and had to go get them. :twitchy:
Saturday: Sunny, lower to mid 90s, winds favorable
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, mid-upper 80s, winds SW @ 15 (est), 15 minutes of rain on the southbound side.


2007

Friday: Sunny, muggy, 90, headwinds out, still return.
Saturday: Clear, sunny, a few puffy clouds, Cool to start warned to nice, room temperature, winds NW 10 (Headwind out, yea!)
Sunday: Didn't ride because my ride to the ride hadn't told me his wife said he could stay only the two days. :notamused:


EDIT:

Coverage in my blog is incomplete. But here's what I've written about my previous GFLBT weekends:


2007 (http://www.brucew.com/blog/2007/06/15/358) Remember here that I'd never done any climbing before. And that I'd just quit smoking six months before. Another Edit: Oh, and I'd crashed hard the Monday before.
2008 Huh. No report.
2009 Part 1 (http://www.brucew.com/blog/2009/06/14/642) Part 2 (http://www.brucew.com/blog/2009/06/15/652) Part 2 has some words about the catering.

What about the nighttime temperature? That is where I would expect the biggest difference from here.

What about the nighttime temperature? That is where I would expect the biggest difference from here.

It's above freezing, so no problem. :p

I can go only by my memory, which is unreliable at best. I seem to recall 50s and 60s.

It's above freezing, so no problem. :p

I can go only by my memory, which is unreliable at best. I seem to recall 50s and 60s.

June camping in Georgia, the temps sometimes seem closer to boiling than to freezing. :eek:

I'm not so sure about that any more with having to cross borders twice. It's been a couple of years since I've been through there myself. As I recall, an hour was about average. I've heard the backups at Niagara Falls and Buffalo can still be pretty mean. Of course, all you hear are the horror stories..

I crossed at Sarnia / Port Huron on the weekend and there was no line going into USA, perhaps 15 minutes returning into Canada.

tsl- In the FWIW camp, I think the quote you referenced regarding the Assault on Mt. Mitchell may in fact be the brother of our own jppe! If that's true, John knows the climbs here in the Carolinas pretty well, so it suggests you have one tough ride there!

Heh heh! nice pic of Friday night's ride (2007.) That's me in the blue jersey sitting on the recumbent at the uphill end of the group, with Merckx-Duerks and the Mrs right behind me.

The route through Canada looks to be *much* shorter, so that even an hour at each border would leave a reasonable drive. I still wouldn't do it alone, but I might think about it if I can convince my riding buddy to double up. If not him, who knows - RoadFan only lives an hour from me...

TSL you missed Sunday's PERFECT ride that year. I put up some pics in my photobucket account, here:

http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/blazingpedals/RU07%20pics/

There are separate folders for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I crossed at Sarnia / Port Huron on the weekend and there was no line going into USA, perhaps 15 minutes returning into Canada.

Try it in the summer, especially on a weekend! :mad: We do it pretty regularly and it can get pretty snarled.

But back to the OP: tsl, keep us posted! The more I think about it the better it sounds. As long as the White Bike Cult doesn't show up. :)

And maybe the MI delegation can convoy and/or carpool.

+1 Tagging along with an existing event is a great idea. Been doing that in the motorcycle world for many years.

The Highlander Tour is the toughest century in the East? I would have thought the "Assault on Mount Mitchell" here in NC is tougher. Either is way too tough for me for sure.

Mixing with an existing larger event just doesn't appeal to me that much, FWIW. Otherwise a visit to NY is not totally out of the question.

tsl-Conceptually I really like what you have offered. It provides a variety of routes that should meet a broad range of riding skills and interests. Plus the basis for the organization is already in place. I know the first of June next year will be pretty busy for me so right now I'm not sure I could join you. The drive doesn't bother me.......I just got back from driving in downtown NYC. I certainly don't want to do that again!

And yes-I've known the fella you quoted comparing the Highlander and Assault rides for 45 years. What he didn't say was he got lost the day he did the Highlander and did a lot more miles than the route was scheduled to do-plus I think he said the chips one the chip and seal roads were very bountiful!!

Definately interested, I would need to check the dates at work, and with DH. He would probably come as well.