Northeast - 2010 Lancaster Covered Bridges Metric Century (Pennsylvania)

The Lancaster (PA) Bicycle Club's Covered Bridges Metric Century (http://www.lancasterbikeclub.org/cbm10.php) has been a traditional "meet & greet" for members of Bike Forums in the past. It's nice to be able to put faces to names of Bike Forums members. Who is interested this year? I may not be able to attend due to work, but I figure I can at least get the thread about it started.

The ride is a scenic 62 loop, but options of 31 and 15 miles are also available. The course is predominantly flat to rolling, although the wind, heat, and humidity can make it more challenging as the day wears on.

Please note that the registration will be capped at 3,000 riders, or July 5 at 9:59 pm, whichever comes first.

2009 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?521862-Covered-Bridge-Metric-Century-2009)

2008 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?406053-2008-Lancaster-Covered-Bridge-Metric)

2007 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=298962)

Another 2007 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?298963-Lancaster-CBM-2007-Aug-19th...who-s-in)

2006 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?201628-Covered-Bridge-Metric-Lancaster-PA)

2005 thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?126420-Covered-Bridge-Metric-thread-Lancaster-PA)

If you're planning to attend, please send me your name via PM and I'll add your name to the roll call list below:

HigherGround
Consularrider
TrekDen
telebianchi (definite maybe, kind of)
KevinB
BillyBob
cornflakes

I've signed up, but don't know if I'll actually attend.

I'm going to be asking some of my club members if they would be interested. I personally love doing this ride, and have enjoyed meeting other BF members over the years. BF interest has seemed to fade a bit, but I'll bet there will still be a few of us showing up. I'll probably reserve a room just in case.

I'd like to do this one again....was also considering the Ramapo Rally in NJ on the same day.

I'm going to be asking some of my club members if they would be interested. I personally love doing this ride, and have enjoyed meeting other BF members over the years. BF interest has seemed to fade a bit, but I'll bet there will still be a few of us showing up. I'll probably reserve a room just in case.

I live about 90 minutes away, so I'll probably force myself to be a morning person and drive out that day. Of course we know how well that worked out last year when I overslept. :rolleyes:

I think we're doing this again.

This is the part of the world where I grew up-- the beauty of the land led me into long distance cycling when I was very young, 11 and 12 years old.

Took this ride off my calendar last year and probably won't ever be doing it again after having done it more times than I can remember. Just getting into the parking lots can be a nightmare. (Glad to see that they are limitting the number of riders.) The heat, humidity, wind and lack of shade can combine to create what I think are misrable riding conditions. The route has not changed much since I first did it back in the mid or late 90s. And the same ham and cheese and BP&J and cookies and grapes and oranges lunch has not changed at all. I am close enough to Lancaster Country that I can ride there any time I choose.

IMO, spring is a much nicer time to ride out that way. Just did a fabulous 73 mile ride out of East Earl (Shady Maple Market) to the storybook town of Mount Gretna in Lebanon County and back last Saturday. Did a portion of it back in May. Saw lots of horse-drawn plowing activity and so many of those cute Amish kids that I swear must be turned out in a secret factory somewhere.

When you were in Mt Gretna did you stop at Jiggers for some ice cream? That makes the trip all the more worth while.

I did close to 40 miles in and around Mt. Gretna this past Tuesday (week ago today). My in-laws have a cottage in Mt. Gretna so it is a great place to use as home base for some fun riding. The Jiggershop is a mandatory stop for me after the ride.... so good

When you were in Mt Gretna did you stop at Jiggers for some ice cream? That makes the trip all the more worth while.

Go there every year as part of that ride. Had a frosted mug of birch beer and a burger. Last year I had a milkshake and it didn't sit well climbing up Pinch Rd.

If you're planning to attend, please send me your name via PM and I'll add your name to the roll call list below:
Consularrider

Is this it so far?

We're still debating and the deadline to register is coming up fast.

Just registered, and booked a hotel for Saturday night.

Took this ride off my calendar last year and probably won't ever be doing it again after having done it more times than I can remember. Just getting into the parking lots can be a nightmare. (Glad to see that they are limitting the number of riders.) The heat, humidity, wind and lack of shade can combine to create what I think are misrable riding conditions. The route has not changed much since I first did it back in the mid or late 90s. And the same ham and cheese and BP&J and cookies and grapes and oranges lunch has not changed at all. I am close enough to Lancaster Country that I can ride there any time I choose.

IMO, spring is a much nicer time to ride out that way. Just did a fabulous 73 mile ride out of East Earl (Shady Maple Market) to the storybook town of Mount Gretna in Lebanon County and back last Saturday. Did a portion of it back in May. Saw lots of horse-drawn plowing activity and so many of those cute Amish kids that I swear must be turned out in a secret factory somewhere.

I did this ride two years in a row and the pal I went with said enough for her. Too hot, no shade. Wayyyyyyyyy too many people many of whom don't ride with any type of etiquette. However I really liked the lunch stop. Carbs, protein and fruit and plenty of water and Gatorade to refill bottles along with packaged trail mix to throw in your jersey for later. Plus if you didn't want a sub you could have PB and J. What would you have them serve? It's a bike ride, you need to fuel for the finish, not gorge on pizza or hamburgers :)

That said I heard someone from a local club needed a roomie and was thinking about it till I had a heat/dehydration episode 3 weeks ago. I think I'll pass on the August ride through farm country where there is no shade. It is a beautiful ride, for early May or late September.

Is this it so far?

We're still debating and the deadline to register is coming up fast.

Consularrider and TrekDen are the only two who have replied to me so far. I'm expecting to be there, as long as I don't have a work conflict. I think that posting this in the Northeast forum has contributed to less exposure, so I'll create a thread in the road forum referencing this one. I used to live in Lancaster County, and I still have friends there, so I always enjoy going back for this ride. Yes, it is often hot and humid, but that's riding in PA in the summertime.

Just saw the post in the Road forum. I've wanted to do this ride in the past but never made it. Consider me a maybe; need to check with gf who is a non-rider (as of today at least :D ).

Any tent camping options other than the one campgrounds listed on the Lancaster Bike Club website?

Just saw the post in the Road forum. I've wanted to do this ride in the past but never made it. Consider me a maybe; need to check with gf who is a non-rider (as of today at least :D ).

Any tent camping options other than the one campgrounds listed on the Lancaster Bike Club website?

Here you go (http://http://www.800padutch.com/mem-camp.shtml), hope to see both of you in August!

Have a great ride everyone. I will not be able to make it as it is a long drive from Toronto, and I will have friends up for that weekend. I would love to give this ride another go since my firsat experience did not go so well.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Have a great ride everyone. I will not be able to make it as it is a long drive from Toronto, and I will have friends up for that weekend. I would love to give this ride another go since my firsat experience did not go so well.

Cheers,

Brian J.

You'll get back for the ride one of these years Brian. Hopefully mishap free this time out. :thumb:

On another note: Registration is up over 1500 folks last time I checked. Not a bad idea to cap the amount of riders, but I think they should have made the deadline August 1st instead of July 1st. That would still have given the club a full 2 weeks of available pre-ride time to do the prep work.

I'm considering going again, but probably won't be able. I just have a bunch of things going on around that date that would make it logistically difficult, and physically draining. The ride though is a good time and if I had nothing else happening, I'd be out there again no question.

If anyone wants the route from last year for a saturday social ride (20'ish miles), just PM me and I can send garmin files.

What would you have them serve?

Something different for a change would be nice. After about 15 years of the same thing I have become bored. Probably the only other event I have done more frequently is the City-to-Shore. This year will be 19 in a row. That event has changed over the years. Markedly different routes and rest stop locations. Varying food and drink options.

Over 1700 registered riders as of 6/27. Only a couple days left to register. I wonder if they will extend the cutoff date if they dont reach capacity!

According to Active.com, the registration cut off has been extended to Monday July 5, 9:59 pm. (The club's web site still lists July 1st as the cut off though.)

I am in!

Me too! Hope to meet some of y'all there.

I am in!


Me too! Hope to meet some of y'all there.

:beer:

Alright!! A couple more forum folks in for the fun, Excellent!! As the event draws nearer, the talk about possible meeting spots usually cranks up.

Hopefully with the extension, a few more forumite's will sign up.

Over 2000 pre-registered now.

Registration is officially closed, and I found the reason they wanted to limit the numbers plus why they had this early cut off date. Link to reasons below.

Clicky (http://www.lancasterbikeclub.org/CBMCRegCutOff.htm)

Ride packet arrived in the mail today. I noticed on the metric cue sheet that the route has changed slightly. They eliminated that semi-circle loop right after the 42.5 mile point that has been in effect the last few rides. I'm thinking it's more along the original route that was there. I think there was some construction going on there the last couple years which caused that little loop. Anyways, here's the link to my Map-My-Ride take on the ride.

Lancaster Covered Bridges Route (http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/pa/lancaster/312127974843318958)

Denny

Thanks for the updates Denny! I used to live in Lancaster County, and this ride goes within a mile of my old apartment. I'm looking forward to riding in the area again, and seeing everyone from Bike Forums!

Thanks for the updates Denny! I used to live in Lancaster County, and this ride goes within a mile of my old apartment. I'm looking forward to riding in the area again, and seeing everyone from Bike Forums!

I enjoy riding in the area as well. The rolling landscape is a real nice change for me. I still have all my vacation days left. I'm considering coming out on Friday, and doing some exploring on the bike. I'll definately be riding late afternoon on Saturday. I have Grahny's Saturday Social file from last year, so I'll definately do that one again.

Countdown: 3 weeks

Hi, I'm new too the forum. I am doing the Covered Bridge ride this year. First time since I was 16 I think? I finally got a nice road bike. Had mountain bikes for many years, but never got a good roadie til this April. Just did the 80 mile leg of the MS PA Dutch on Saturday and it was awesome!

I grew up in Lancaster. I might bike from my parents' house to the start to avoid the parking issues. But perhaps I'll see you guys there.

Doug

Hi, I'm new too the forum. I am doing the Covered Bridge ride this year. First time since I was 16 I think? I finally got a nice road bike. Had mountain bikes for many years, but never got a good roadie til this April. Just did the 80 mile leg of the MS PA Dutch on Saturday and it was awesome!

I grew up in Lancaster. I might bike from my parents' house to the start to avoid the parking issues. But perhaps I'll see you guys there.

Doug

I might bike from my hotel to the start. I've done it before, so I know it'll only add a few miles to my day. Since I've done this ride quite a few times, I'm very familiar with the back roads into the start. I've had great success driving those same back roads into the starting area. The main arteries into the parking area can be a test of patience. Knowing me though, I'll be there extra early to avoid it either way.

Hopefully we will see you there, and get to say hello. Keep an eye on the thread here. It may become a little more active as the ride gets closer.

Denny

Love Pittsburgh!

I am down for meeting people on this ride. I tend to keep a 14 mph avg pace and can go up hills at a decent cadence.

Psssssst! Remember me?

I'll be there again... signed up, packet received... LBC did a fine job of limiting the numbers on this.

This past weekend was our local MS ride, covering many of the same routes. Road conditions are good, and it's as beautiful as always. Home for me :-)

Hope to see some old friends, and perhaps meet a few new ones! (waves HI to Brian!!!!! How're those 8 toes, Navin?)

Beth

Beth, I was hoping you'd show up for this thread! Hopefully you'll join us for at least the start of the ride. :thumb:

Love Pittsburgh!

I am down for meeting people on this ride. I tend to keep a 14 mph avg pace and can go up hills at a decent cadence.

We usually come up with a designated meeting spot prior to ride start. Used to be behind the registration tables, but seems they won't be there this year. We'll figure something out though.

Psssssst! Remember me?

I'll be there again... signed up, packet received... LBC did a fine job of limiting the numbers on this.

This past weekend was our local MS ride, covering many of the same routes. Road conditions are good, and it's as beautiful as always. Home for me :-)

Hope to see some old friends, and perhaps meet a few new ones! (waves HI to Brian!!!!! How're those 8 toes, Navin?)

Beth

Yaaayy! Beth is in da' house! I was wondering if you were going to be there, and I hope to see ya! I agree with you on the limits the LBC has set up on entries. Originally, I didn't understand the early cutoff date. I do now though, with the mailing of everybody's packets. I really like the idea of just showing up, meeting folks, and getting on the road. I already have my packet in my weekend bag, so I don't forget it, LOL!!

Denny

Countdown: One & a half weeks. And a bump. Wednesday is Bump day afterall!!

Well I gave the legs a good warm up today with an organized 54 miler. My legs are more than ready for next weekend. I still had plenty in the tank when we finished today.

The thread's not very active! Oh well, I'm still showing up!!

I did the Philly Gran Fondo ride last Sunday, and I made it through the 100 mile course despite my longest training ride being only 60 miles. It wasn't pretty, but I made it! The Lancaster course will be a welcome change of pace.

What time does everyone want to meet and roll out? I'm thinking a 7:45 meeting, and a group photo and rolling out at 8:00. Any thoughts?

Sounds good,the time works for me. What about location? I have not had a lot of saddle time this summer, so this may be a solo ride for me. I will just have to see how it goes and how tall those rolling hills are. :eek:

I did the Philly Gran Fondo ride last Sunday, and I made it through the 100 mile course despite my longest training ride being only 60 miles. It wasn't pretty, but I made it! The Lancaster course will be a welcome change of pace.

What time does everyone want to meet and roll out? I'm thinking a 7:45 meeting, and a group photo and rolling out at 8:00. Any thoughts?

Meeting time sounds good to me. We're going to have to come up with way to spot each other. The last couple times we met behind the registration tables. Hmmmm, no registration tables this year. Maybe they will still have them set up for t-shirt & jersey distribution. Only a few of us are familiar with that meeting area, but I guess that's a good start.

I'll be wearing this Livestrong jersey pictured below, but I'm sure several others may as well.

The bike: Scott CR1 Black & Yellow as in my avatar

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/laf-store_2119_5271658

Sounds good,the time works for me. What about location? I have not had a lot of saddle time this summer, so this may be a solo ride for me. I will just have to see how it goes and how tall those rolling hills are. :eek:

Those rollers are really pretty tame. The overall ride gradient is only 2%, which is rail-trail average. There are a couple of hills of course just to keep us honest :D There are riders of all types on this, so you'll never really be solo out there. Just enjoy the day, and ride at a pace you're comfortable with. The first year I did this ride my fitness wasn't real strong, but I was able to complete it by riding at my own pace.

Oh, and for all the first timers. Bring snacks, or gels you can carry along with you. The lunch stop is well stocked, but you never know what may be left at the regular water stops. They will have water, or Gatorade for refills at all of them.

Okay gang, how's this for something to look for at the start?! Not the best sign, and certainly not the best looking character, but ya get the gist of it!!

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o175/TrekDen/IMG_0194.jpg

I definitely will not be making it this year, ah well. I'm out west and won't be back in the area for a bit.

However, this is what I'm doing, so I'm ok with it:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii66/grahny/35947_431000792016_681237016_4978802_106765_n.jpg

Denny, I'm digging the jersey, I think I may need to pick one up myself. :thumb:

That is all. Carry on. As you were.

I definitely will not be making it this year, ah well. I'm out west and won't be back in the area for a bit.

However, this is what I'm doing, so I'm ok with it:

Denny, I'm digging the jersey, I think I may need to pick one up myself. :thumb:

That is all. Carry on. As you were.

Hey Steve,

You'll be missed, but from the looks of that pic I think we all understand. :D Some rather aggresive rollers you've found!! :eek:

Have fun out there!!

I'll be there with a Bike Forums kit and uber-pasty white legs. Oh yeah, and a red and white Merckx steel bike.

Denny, thanks for making up the sign, and Steve, I hope you can make it next year!

So? How'd it go? Any pics? I need to live vicariously through my PA LCBM pals... chop chop ;)

Rich, next year this time I'll be a permanent resident of Colorado, but I'll be out for the Livestrong ride for sure... LCBM will be a tough one to make again, but we'll see. I'd definitely like to get out there again for it.

So? How'd it go? Any pics? I need to live vicariously through my PA LCBM pals... chop chop ;)

Rich, next year this time I'll be a permanent resident of Colorado, but I'll be out for the Livestrong ride for sure... LCBM will be a tough one to make again, but we'll see. I'd definitely like to get out there again for it.

Well, for starters I left that darn sign I made back at the house. Ooops!! :bang:

I figured maybe my advertised jersey, and bike would stand out enough. Plus I wasn't losing that prime parking space I had right across from the starting area. It seems it wasn't though, as I saw no one at the start. HigherGround had called me to inform me he was running behind, but he understood if I wanted to get on the road. The skies were not looking very friendly, so I heeded his advice. I figured we would probably see each other at the lunch stop at the very least. What I didn't realize was I was keeping a rather high pace prior to that lunch stop (as noted by the first 7 laps on my Garmin file below). I don't wear my scrip glasses while riding, so I can't see any of that close up info until the ride is over. Along with that, and me still wanting to dodge the rain we never did see each other. I did get wet in the last 3 miles, so it was all for nothing Ha-ha! Oh, and HigherGround did call me out on the road, but I guess my hearing aint so good either.

Sorry I missed you out there HigherGround. I hope you had a good ride.

Oh, and the LBC putting a cap on registration really worked out great. Still a lot of folks on the road, but pretty easy to navigate around folks moving a little slower. A couple changes in the route helped with that also.

Also, I did our Saturday route from the file you sent me. First time following a preloaded course, and it worked great. Only ran into one slight problem. Remember that little farm road we went through, and made a left at the end across the creek bridge? Well that little creek bridge was being replaced. I was like Oh Shizzle, Now What!? I decided to look, and see if I could navigate the creek by foot. Upon further invesigation, I found the Amish had built a temporary wooden plank crossing which I gladly used. I waved a friendly thank you to the Amish kids I saw on the other side. I guess they don't like detours much either!!!

So anyhoo, that's pretty much it man. Hope you're still having fun,

Denny

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44680706