Introductions - Greetings from the Silver Comet!

Yes, Georgia folks, I do live ON the Silver Comet. :D Relatively new to road cycling and I'm doing it as I do most things... both feet in at once. I have a part-time job at a LBS and I've learned quite a bit over the past year, although the learning seems never-ending.

Doing my first real ride next month... BRAT (Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee). I have no idea why they don't use "Around" instead of across since we'll never get to the borders and we're cycling a loop. I think I just want to do it to be a "BRAT" without "BRAG"ging about it. :rolleyes:

I'm new too, and new to the Silver Comet Trail. I plan to be out there every weekend, hopefully all winter. I'm hoping it will remain cleared and dry, so as long as I bundle up, I'll be able to head out all year round. What do you think?

Welcome Roadchick. BRAT is a beautiful challenging ride, you should enjoy it. You'll have to plan to do BRAG next year.

You can try the Beautiful Backroads Century as a warm up for BRAT.

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1119946

I'd ride it year-round (but definitely bundle for cold weather including full-finger gloves). When I chicken out for weather though, I've got a trainer at home for indoor cycling. BTW, I've seen the '05 R1000 Feminine and I'm planning on waiting it out for it. I actually wanted a double and the '05 is one. :D

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/CUSA/large/5rw1cblu.jpg

Isn't the 2005 gorgeous??? I think I got the last 2004 R1000 out of the factory! I'm still debating staying with the triple of changing it out for a compact. That being said, my BF is talking about riding some of the 6-gaps course, and I'll probably be very happy with it.

I'm slowing gearing up for cold-weather riding. I spent three years on a stationary bike, so I don't wanna go back indoors. If it's rainy or snowy, sure. But if the sun is out, I plan to be riding. (Easy to say when it's 89 degrees outside!)

I've tried riding my trainer for the last few winters but gave up last winter because it was just TOOOOO boring, even while watching a movie. So I made the plunge and rode outdoors most of the winter last year. Any day it was in the high 20s or warmer I was able to get in at least 10-12 miles before I turned into a popsicle.
On cold days I wore layers and C'dale Wind Shredder gloves. On really cold days I wore more layers and glove liners under some PI skiing gloves (at least I think that's what they are??) I picked up at the PI store in Dawsonville.

It seems that we have several new members who want to do a "BikeForums group ride" on the SC Trail. If anyone wants to pick a date, time, and location to meet I'm up for it. Just post some details.
I usually start at the Floyd Rd or Florence Rd parking area.

Hi Guys,

I'm up for it - I'll be starting at the main trailhead (not sure how to get to the Floyd road place) tomorrow and maybe Sunday - although, I might do Stone Mountain for the hills.

I'm also new and probably slow. I started using a computer, so I'll know after tomorrow my average speed on the trail.

Hi Guys,

I'm up for it - I'll be starting at the main trailhead (not sure how to get to the Floyd road place) tomorrow and maybe Sunday - although, I might do Stone Mountain for the hills.
Floyd Rd is the first "big" parking area you come to if leaving from the trail head. It's mile marker is about 4.3. Florence Rd is around mile marker 8 or 9.

What time will you be leaving from the trail head. How many miles are you planning on doing?

I'll be doing Stone Mountain today. Haven't ridden since Tuesday. Had to do house-husband stuff Wednesday and Thursday. :crash:

I would like to go next Saturday if anyone is available. That would also give a weeks notice for anyone. I can start out any where but usually I park at the Florence Rd. trailhead. Anyone who might be interested is welcome to reply back or send me a private message.

looks like rain this weekend - I'll have to time my ride between thundershowers!

Welcome Roadchick. BRAT is a beautiful challenging ride, you should enjoy it. You'll have to plan to do BRAG next year.

You can try the Beautiful Backroads Century as a warm up for BRAT.

I've actually volunteered for BRAG the past three years in a row. Maybe I'll be up for it in the next year or two. Unfortunately the ride you suggested it is on the very same day that BRAT starts. Thanks for the suggestion though.

It seems that we have several new members who want to do a "BikeForums group ride" on the SC Trail. If anyone wants to pick a date, time, and location to meet I'm up for it. Just post some details.
I usually start at the Floyd Rd or Florence Rd parking area.
I'd be interested (if I can keep up with y'all). I get kind of slow even on small inclines, but average about 15-16mph. I live between the Floyd and Florence Rd parking lots. PM me when a decision is made. Saturdays are easier than Sundays for me.

Was anyone out there this weekend? What the heck was that SMELL???? Someone in the Floyd road parking lot warned me, but it was AWFUL! Something died next to the trail, and it was horrible! I hope it's gone next weekend. I'm pretty slow too, but I figure that since I ride solo, I'm pulling by myself the entire time, so I don't mind when groups pass me. Although it's more crowded, I'll probably go back to starting at the beginning. It just took too long to drive to the Floyd trailhead - I would rather ride than drive! Unless y'all are meeting someplace else. I'm flexible on which day, so whatever works best for the majority.