Fifty Plus (50+) - Ann Arbor, Michigan, 3rd Annual 50+ Summer Ride, "One Helluva Ride" Invitation

I'm setting up this new thread for this ride. It's been discussed in several threads, most notably in one titled "3rd Annual ... Ride."

I'm inviting any 50+er or BFer (and any friends/family) to come to Ann Arbor Michigan and participate in the 1-day organized ride, "One Helluva Ride." It will be held rain or shine on Saturday, July 9 2011. On-line registration has begun, at www.aabts.org/ohr. You can see all the riding and pricing options there on-line. Several of us have already signed up for the 64 mile option (good opportunity to do that birthday-distance ride!), and I'm hoping we'll to some degree ride together.

The route and all of the (really rather extensive) supporting functions are set by the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Participation is unlimited - registration is not cut off up to and including day-of-event. Significant and generally adequate food and water stops are provided by AABTS as part of the event fee. The route is always well-marked with little pitchforks spray painted on the ground, and the variety of route distances are indicated by pitchfork color. Local LEOs monitor the route and assist with controlling significant traffic crossings.

The AABTS prides itself on choosing the best-condition roads for these rides, within of course the constraints of designing closed loops. Because of this, they don't release current event maps until the day of event. All registered riders will be given the correct map - if they forget, ask. I can sketch up last year's maps on MapMyRide if anyone is interested. There is usually a lot of repetition, but not total repetition from year to year. The routine of the event has been developed for 35 years, so most possible problems have been discovered already.

I've been asked for hotel and restaurant recommendations, and I can provide some favorite restaurants, but I don't really know the hotels. Commonly Ann Arbor people recommend the LampPost Inn for a locally-owned low-cost motel that is reasonably clean and capable, but has no food or other amenities. You do get a decent room. Much higher on the service scale is Weber's Inn. I suggest we focus on rooms in Ann Arbor or within 10 miles, making our other activities as a group more convenient.

Camping may seem a good option, and of course it's always fun. But the suggested campgrounds are Waterloo Recreation Area and Hell Creek Ranch. Both are 30 to 40 miles from Ann Arbor, and in different directions. Recreating in a group might not be possible. OTOH, if me and Mrs. Road Fan are the only ones 50 miles from the BF 50+ers, I'll suck it up. Either way, biking to the event start is probably not a good proposition, from Waterloo, Hell, or Ann Arbor. There are some lodgings in Chelsea itself.

There's been a tradition (?) in the annual 50+ rides to dine together when possible and to do some shorter rides as a group. I can block off Thursday and Friday before the event as vacation days and hence be available. I'll come up with some specific options after I get an idea where people want to sleep. As I said before, right now it's potentially a 50 mile span.

There is still a problem in hotels nationally, that of bedbugs. I don't think it's ever been a huge problem in Washtenaw County, but anyone who's considering staying in a hotel or motel here or anywhere should check it out on www.bedbugregistry.com.

Copying and pasting from the last thread on this (post #147, with additions from more recent activity), currently interested parties include:

rtool
billydon
JimfromBoston
Road Fan and Mrs. Road Fan
Beverly (with friends from Dayton?)
Freedomrider1
BlazingPedals
Louis (with friends?)

PAlt, it would be good to meet, but it looks like it won't happen this year.

My back yard is small, but I think two parties could set up tents in it. My driveway could in addition take a moderate RV. Got a nice charcoal Weber kettle, too.

Depending on the preferences of those who show up and are looking for added riding, I'll invite you all to join me in rides on Thursday and a recovery/pre-event/taper on Friday. Probably 20 miles each. Maybe the Hills of Ann Arbor on Thursday and a flat country ride on Friday. Sunday we can discuss.

I'd also suggest group dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, with brunch on Sunday before us workin' folks have to get back in place for toil.

So far those who are registering are selecting the 64 mile option. Mrs. Road Fan and I rode that last year, and we loved it.

Anyone who knows enough law to add some concrete information, please contribute in this space or at least in this thread. I'll try to multiquote it all together. BF 50+ needs to build an understanding of these issues - it comes up anytime organizing is mentioned.

This brings back the memories. I was a grad student at U of Mich from 1975 to 1980, and I went on the Helluva Ride at least twice. I also went on most of the Saturday club rides. What a great place for riding.

I remember a Saturday ride in which one guy had one of the first Bell Helmets:

http://www.bellbikestuff.com/images/bellbiker.jpg

On that ride, he hit a St. Bernard, and fell on his head, but was OK.

The next week, six of the riders had Bell helmets.

Come join us and bring your Bell. Helmets are required, btw.

I ride the 75 route and its not too bad with the nice break stops provided. That being said, a couple of times it started heating up pretty good in the afternoon and it was all I could handle. I am open to whatever, if there is anyone who would perfer the 75, I would do that with them.

I would consider the 75, depends on my training, starting, well, now, really! Not sure wehave to decide absolutely, do we?

I dont think we do have to decide, that last part of the 75 is interesting with some rolling hills, I have never done a century, it seems when i get to the cut off point for the century i always think naw i have had enough.Have you ever been to a Irish pub in Chelsea named Cleary's? Saw it on OHR website looked like good food and drink.

I dont think we do have to decide, that last part of the 75 is interesting with some rolling hills, I have never done a century, it seems when i get to the cut off point for the century i always think naw i have had enough.Have you ever been to a Irish pub in Chelsea named Cleary's? Saw it on OHR website looked like good food and drink.

I think I have been there, but quite a long time ago. Worth another try? Maybe we should test it and report back to 50+.

I would like to test that out Road Fan, we will keep that in mind. Right now i am training for The Glass City Half marathon which is April 17, by the way iam not a fast or graceful runner just want to get it done and get on the bike. So after that...

Ok. I plan to be in Chicago for the Chicago C&V ride held by iab on teh 16th. I should be in need of added hydration.

Right now I would most likely arrive a couple days early and stay at the Weber Inn in AA. The 64 miler will likely be enough for me.

Edit: On review of the room rates, I suggest the Lamp Post Inn for 50+ headquarters for those not camping. I am open to other ideas though....

Link: http://www.lamppostinn.com/ann-arbor-map.html

I gotta stay hydrated better this year. Last year I was flirting with heat stroke when I got to the last rest stop. I stayed ahead of the Wolverines until a innocent-looking hill just south of Grass Lake. Hitting that was just like hitting a wall. After limping a few miles into town, I stayed in the shade drinking lemonade for about 45 minutes before I was fit to ride again. The 75-mile route is a good one, and it gets us to the watermelon faster than the century route!

I'm still planning on coming up too! However - I interview this week for a different position at work, so depending on whether or not I get the job will determine what happens next, as I'll be going back on swing shift. Lots of pros and cons involved each way! I'll definitely keep you informed.
Oh, the 64 miler is about as much as I'd be interested in. After that it starts to feel too much like work!

Good luck, Seenowevil!

I gotta stay hydrated better this year. Last year I was flirting with heat stroke when I got to the last rest stop. I stayed ahead of the Wolverines until a innocent-looking hill just south of Grass Lake. Hitting that was just like hitting a wall. After limping a few miles into town, I stayed in the shade drinking lemonade for about 45 minutes before I was fit to ride again. The 75-mile route is a good one, and it gets us to the watermelon faster than the century route!

If you were staying ahead of Wolverines you were doing a lot better than me, since for one thing, they paceline!

I remember a bunch of placid, wind-killing hills coming east out of Grass Lake!

After recovering at Grass Lake, I figured I'd take it easy the rest of the way back. I sort of loafed until we hit the last eastbound stretch. It must have been a tailwind, because even at my reduced power, it was very fast.

I Know what you are sayin Blazing, at Grass lake thats when the heat starts to get to you,but what a nice rest stop there to get you fixed up,it is still a ride to the finish. also that is where they cut off for the century i think.

I think that's correct, Freedom. One year I had an amazingly fast run east back into Chelsea, after the hot area that has no trees - Kept up and passed my friends on their tandem Rans, riding my Mondonico. I still haven't quite figured that one out.

Sure wish we could join you -- the 1st annual ride still stands out as one of my favorite events in recent memory. Wishing you all a great time and looking forward to the pictures!

Well then, it's Yen!

I really wish you could join us, too.

I'm a little worried that the campers and hotellers will be a long distance from each other.

Have you started riding again?

Just sayin, 50+ers, you all don't have to forgo having a nice summer gathering. Somebody else can set on up on the West Coast, and another in the south or southeast, perhaps.

With today's gas prices I don't blame anyone for not driving to Michigan.

Ken - I still can't ride :( or do other things I enjoy without pain. The tennis elbow is the most painful, and even if the doctor didn't restrict me from riding then the elbow pain would not allow it ----- it would hurt a lot just squeezing brake lever.

This sounds like a fun ride... we'll talk about it. :)

Hey, Beverly i may be interested in camping with you and your friends,let me know on what you find out, have you ever done any of the GOBA rides in Ohio?

Hey, Beverly i may be interested in camping with you and your friends,let me know on what you find out, have you ever done any of the GOBA rides in Ohio?

Yes, I've done GOBA the past two years and will be doing it again this year. Nothing could be as hilly as last year....could it:eek:

We'll probably camp at the Waterloo camp area. I've tried to access their website but the camping option doesn't seem to work for me...guess I'll need to call them. I'll post what I find out from them. I know rtool will be with us and maybe John. I think Louis plans to camp, too.

Since so many of you are planning to camp at Waterloo, I want to suggest that those who plan to stay in hotels/motels choose a motel not too far from Waterloo. The town of Waterloo is miniscule (has pizza and ice cream), and nearby Munith is rather depressed. The campground (50+ center of gravity) appears to be the 50+ Official Hotel, and it won't make sense (except for the hearty partiers) to sleep in or near Ann Arbor. It really is 45 miles away, one way.

Since so many of you are planning to camp at Waterloo, I want to suggest that those who plan to stay in hotels/motels choose a motel not too far from Waterloo. The town of Waterloo is miniscule (has pizza and ice cream), and nearby Munith is rather depressed. The campground (50+ center of gravity) appears to be the 50+ Official Hotel, and it won't make sense (except for the hearty partiers) to sleep in or near Ann Arbor. It really is 45 miles away, one way.

Doesn't the ride start in Chelsea, MI?

Yes, Goba was very hilly,but alot of fun. I wont be doing Goba this year. I think what Road Fan is saying is camping is west of Chelsea and Ann Arbor is east so that is where the distance comes in. Ann Arbor offers alot of things to do,it is a fairly large town with a nice feel to it.The Lamppost inn looked like a pretty good deal.You were to be able to walk in the big house (football stadium) though the back gate,we did this once and being N.D. fans it was neat to see where the Rocket ran back to kicksoffs for T,D.s:lol: but anyhow we will figure it out.

Doesn't the ride start in Chelsea, MI?

Yes. I recall being asked abuot supplemental rides, dinner(s), and more in some cases. Such things would be easier if we are not so far away. Most people weren't interested in coming to Michigan just for the OHR.

We don't all have the same idea, and vive la difference.

Yes. I recall being asked abuot supplemental rides, dinner(s), and more in some cases. Such things would be easier if we are not so far away. Most people weren't interested in coming to Michigan just for the OHR.

We don't all have the same idea, and vive la difference.

We plan to spend additional days for riding with the others in the group. It looks like the Waterloo Recreational Area is about 23 miles from Ann Arbor and that wouldn't be a problem. I don't get a chance to camp too often and it's one of my favorite things to do.

We plan to spend additional days for riding with the others in the group. It looks like the Waterloo Recreational Area is about 23 miles from Ann Arbor and that wouldn't be a problem. I don't get a chance to camp too often and it's one of my favorite things to do.

Yup, plus my retiree's budget won't allow multiple days at a motel/hotel. Also...I retired my old worn out tent and splurged for a new one.

Notice I didn't say "don't camp." I did read the distances wrong, by at least a factor of two, so I am sorry about that. I also am well aware of the economic advantages of camping. That's one of the reasons I didn't say "don't camp." What I did say is to suggest that perhaps the people who want a hotel/motel should consider finding one in the vicinity of the campground.

Assuming you and friends are going to stay in at the campground and some others are going to stay in town in Ann Arbor, is it acceptable for me to consider ride routes that are in Ann Arbor? Or is it a necessity for me to find ride routes that are in the area where you'll be? I had some good ones in mind for AA. I'm less familiar with the area where you'll be, in terms of the best choices.

I'm interested in being able to coordinate the side events so that it's possible for all of us to have a good time. My only point is that would be easier, even if the distance is in the twenties rather than forties, if we were not very far separated. I'm the one who knows the roads in the dark since I live here, so proximity to me is less important than proximity to each other.

I was asked about nightlife. Ann Arbor has a lot. Chelsea has a little. Waterloo and Dexter have next to none, except for some Harley bars that are NOT the downtown lawyer/professor/doctor-in-black type. No discussions of Knuckleheads, surgery and torts over beers. I've never been in any of them, myself. Well, Dexter has a decent town pub/grill. But Waterloo and Munith are more the biker type.

On Thursday I'd like to take you all on a climbing warm-up in Ann Arbor. The route is called "The Hills of Ann Arbor." You'd see a LOT of the town, and we'd all get a strong leg warm-up. On Friday I haven't selected a suggested route, but I was thinking of one of a relatively flat 20-miler. One idea is to run one of Ann Arbor's most classic rides, Huron River Drive round-trip between Ann Arbor and Dexter, or even Chelsea to Ann Arbor and back (about 35 to 40).

If I make it, I expect I'll be staying with relatives in Ypsilanti. The only thing I remember about Chelsea was stopping in a bar/pub for a late lunch in the early 80's and playing Space Invaders. Good food too, but can't remember the name.

Hi, Consularrider, hope you can make it, Wow Road Fan those are some interesting routes,i am going to see if i can get a couple of vacation days that week.

Welcome, Consullarider!

On Thursday I'd like to take you all on a climbing warm-up in Ann Arbor. The route is called "The Hills of Ann Arbor." You'd see a LOT of the town, and we'd all get a strong leg warm-up. On Friday I haven't selected a suggested route, but I was thinking of one of a relatively flat 20-miler. One idea is to run one of Ann Arbor's most classic rides, Huron River Drive round-trip between Ann Arbor and Dexter, or even Chelsea to Ann Arbor and back (about 35 to 40).

Those sound like good rides. I'm looking forward to the trip.

I wonder if we can find a restaurant to meet at after the ride? In either direction.

Um... by "the ride" I mean the main event: OHR.

ZuZu's in Chelsea. Or will we want a big meal right after a metric?

Right now I would most likely arrive a couple days early and stay at the Weber Inn in AA. The 64 miler will likely be enough for me.

Edit: On review of the room rates, I suggest the Lamp Post Inn for 50+ headquarters for those not camping. I am open to other ideas though....

Link: http://www.lamppostinn.com/ann-arbor-map.html

Well, if you bring a tent you can pitch it in my back yard. Weber's is nice, but not near central AA. Lamp Post is decent but also not downtown, and all the downtown places are not cheap, being most likely higher than Weber's. Except for this one flophouse ...

My place is within walking distance to downtown AA. We also have some B&Bs in my area.

So Billy, if you and I are the main ones staying in town, we'll have to pick out the Ann Arbor 50+ pub, the coffee shop, and the breakfast place.

…I'm interested in being able to coordinate the side events so that it's possible for all of us to have a good time. My only point is that would be easier, even if the distance is in the twenties rather than forties, if we were not very far separated. I'm the one who knows the roads in the dark since I live here, so proximity to me is less important than proximity to each other.

I was asked about nightlife. Ann Arbor has a lot…

On Thursday I'd like to take you all on a climbing warm-up in Ann Arbor. The route is called "The Hills of Ann Arbor." You'd see a LOT of the town, and we'd all get a strong leg warm-up. On Friday I haven't selected a suggested route, but I was thinking of one of a relatively flat 20-miler. One idea is to run one of Ann Arbor's most classic rides, Huron River Drive round-trip between Ann Arbor and Dexter, or even Chelsea to Ann Arbor and back (about 35 to 40).
Hi Road Fan,

As you may recall I’m a Michigan native, U of M graduate, and I attended last year's second annual 50+ Ride at Watkins Glen. The OHR is still on my radar screen for this July. A prime event on my annual cycling calendar is an early July Century somewhere, because that motivates me to do a 10 week training program in preparation starting in May, though I note that most of the BF riders intend to do 64 miles.

Thanks for all the groundwork you’ve laid. Last year at Watkins Glen, the campsite that served as a center of activities for the ride was a logical place to hang out, and it was about 2 miles from Watkins Glen, itself a sleepy town. In fact, I had to bring my own field martini kit, and a good time was had by all. :innocent: I certainly know what a cool and hip place Ann Arbor is to visit and cycle, and I hope the group would favor hanging out in town. To have to drive there on country roads after a long bike ride, and back home in the dark could be dissuasive though.

I hope to arrive in Ann Arbor on Friday early afternoon, stay in a motel in the vicinity, and do a ride later that afternoon. One of my favorite routes as a student was the ride out Huron River Drive to Dexter and back. As I recall it's fairly flat and non-taxing, suitable before the big Saturday ride. I would probably depart back to Detroit to see the family on early Sunday morning.

When the family last stayed in Ann Arbor, we were at a motel on State Street near Briarwood, and they were nice accommodations. There were several motels in that vicinity as I recall. That was for my son’s freshman orientation at Michigan, and now we will be going back to Ann Arbor town on April 30 for his graduation. :D

Sincerely,

Jim

Did One Helluva Ride back in 1977 on our tandem.
Yes, it rained.

Jim, I do recall, and if you have a free hour around 4/30, let's meet for coffee.

The Huron River Drive ride is the one I'm thinking of for Friday, but we might not all be starting at teh same place. That still needs to be worked out.

No problem with you doing a 100 at OHR. I might do a 75, though most are doing 64; I'm not sure really. Your 10 week plan is the Bicycling Magazine one?

State Street and Plymouth Road are good in-town motel locations, but not always bike-friendly. Actually, that State Street area is not that bad, you can ride up to central AA and Wheeler Park (or my place!!) fairly easily.

Billydon, check out hotels on State Street.

The only problem is parking in town when we meet for a beer.

Did One Helluva Ride back in 1977 on our tandem.
Yes, it rained.

De rigeur.

Those sound like good rides. I'm looking forward to the trip.

I'm glad you like those ideas! Maps are available on the AABTS site.

Jim, I do recall, and if you have a free hour around 4/30, let's meet for coffee.

Thanks for your reply, and see my PM.

I'm glad you like those ideas! Maps are available on the AABTS site.

What are the ride names on the website?

What I said: "hills of ann arbor," and well, actually, the Dexter one is called "Dexter." It follows Huron River Drive.

Duhhh, just realized I can just send the map links! Sorry about that ...

http://www.aabts.org/maps/dexter1.pdf

http://www.aabts.org/maps/hillsofannarbor.pdf

You can browse around in here and see other rides. There are also a lot of Ann Arbor and Chelsea area rides on Mapmyride, for those who use it.

Duhhh, just realized I can just send the map links! Sorry about that ...

http://www.aabts.org/maps/dexter1.pdf

http://www.aabts.org/maps/hillsofannarbor.pdf

You can browse around in here and see other rides. There are also a lot of Ann Arbor and Chelsea area rides on Mapmyride, for those who use it.

I have the Falcon Guide Road Biking Michigan that lists a couple rides around Ann Arbor and Chelsea.

Yes, it does. Which ones look good to you?