Fifty Plus (50+) - Official Thread for the 50+ 5th Annual Ride

Well, I sure hope it is official. :)

Jim from Boston has already mentioned the Boston area.

I would suggest that we might also consider the west coast?? We have a whole bunch of folks from that area - Yen, Mr. Beanz, etc., etc.

Anyway, this is the start. I hope this thread does not get lost!!!!

So far our annual rides have been

1. Colorado
2. New York
3. Michigan
4. Tennessee

Well, I sure hope it is official. :)

Jim from Boston has already mentioned the Boston area...
Here is the URL for this year's event, July 28:

http://massbike.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1028971

and map of the vicinity, showing the Century loop:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1315768

Wow, that is too soon. We can't get free that quick but I'll still offer to help any I can. Let me know, please. Y'all have a great time and ride safe.

Bill and Monica

I think Jim from Boston is only referencing this years event on July 28th so we can see what it is like, with the intent that it would be July, 2013 when we would join for the 5th annual ride. At least I hope so.

Wow, that is too soon. We can't get free that quick but I'll still offer to help any I can. Let me know, please. Y'all have a great time and ride safe.

Bill and Monica

My post about the Boston ride is the link for this year's ride, with the anticipation that next year will be similar.

My post about the Boston ride is the link for this year's ride, with the anticipation that next year will be similar.

I was hoping that is what you were suggesting. I won't have any vacation time until next year!:(

I hope I can make this one.

denver, great idea in kicking the discussion off early! It takes us all a while to come to a consensus, or at least a frozen plan.

A west coast event would be great. California is a big state, lots of places to ride here - we could ride all the stages of the entire Tour of California. ;)

My first choice on the west coast would be Oregon.

One thing that definitely was an issue this year was the location. Either coast would mean planning early, or would exclude riders from the other coast.
One thing that came up during the discussions this year was the geographical center of the country, which by my crude reckoning (drawing a line for corner to corner), is just west of Kansas City. Being from the midwest, I could consider whatever came up as a option since I'm midways away from anyplace.

Marc

One thing that definitely was an issue this year was the location. Either coast would mean planning early, or would exclude riders from the other coast.
One thing that came up during the discussions this year was the geographical center of the country, which by my crude reckoning (drawing a line for corner to corner), is just west of Kansas City. Being from the midwest, I could consider whatever came up as a option since I'm midways away from anyplace.

Marc

OTOH, there just aren't a lot of folks in Kansas who are in the BFN 50+ - actually, there aren't a lot of folks in KS, period.

What is most important is someone who will take charge and organize things, no matter the location. Without that, there will be no ride, be it KS, MA or CA.

Another consideration is to alternate around the country, not expecting all folks to be able to attend all years, but giving the oportunity every few years. north, south east, west, central.

I think getting ideas for the next gatherings is a great idea. I'm already making plans for a ride in 2013. I'm hoping to do "Bike Florida" in March 2013. I did it in 2010 and a few Dayton Cycling Club friends are wanting to do this ride....the plans are in the making:) Anyone else in the forum planning to do this ride?


I would love to do a west coast ride but would need sufficient time to do the planning.

One thing that definitely was an issue this year was the location. Either coast would mean planning early, or would exclude riders from the other coast.
One thing that came up during the discussions this year was the geographical center of the country, which by my crude reckoning (drawing a line for corner to corner), is just west of Kansas City. Being from the midwest, I could consider whatever came up as a option since I'm midways away from anyplace.

Marc

My biggest issue this year was time of year. With Mrs. RF teaching school, at least as a couple we can't do the training or take the trip until late June. Even more so for a driving trip to teh West Coast. Would love to do it, but ...

I guess consideration for climate tolerance is part of the planning Beverly is referring to.

Hopefully somebody can pick up the ball and put together a ride on one of the coasts. I could definitely make a trip out of it.

Marc

One thing that definitely was an issue this year was the location. Either coast would mean planning early, or would exclude riders from the other coast.
One thing that came up during the discussions this year was the geographical center of the country, which by my crude reckoning (drawing a line for corner to corner), is just west of Kansas City. Being from the midwest, I could consider whatever came up as a option since I'm midways away from anyplace.

Marc
Regarding distances to the Annual Ride, what has been our experience in the four previous Annual Rides? I don't know about the First and Fourth Rides, but on #2, seenoweevil drove over 900 miles one way, the Kentons about 250 – 300, the four from Ohio travelling together about 500, and myself about 370 (according to Mapquest). Other riders were mostly local. For the Third Ride, I drove about 800 miles one way, but also as part of a family visit to Michigan. The two Ohioans traveling together drove about 215 miles. The other riders were all from Michigan, though notably Irwin cycled there, about a 2 -3 day ride as I recall.

I don't know if anybody has flown with a bike, and that seems a bit much for a three day weekend at a somewhat arbitrary venue. So I suggest that about 500 miles is one way an approximate maximum distance to travel for an Annual Ride.

I have bookmarked this thread for future reference, since the summer of 2013 is so far away.

For the first ride, Artmo drove to CO from FL, Bev drove from Ohio, Will Dehne from IL, Yen from CA, JPPE from the Carolinas, I believe, Billydonn from Omaha and the Foxes from Denver

For the first ride, Artmo drove to CO from FL, Bev drove from Ohio, Will Dehne from IL, Yen from CA, JPPE from the Carolinas, I believe, Billydonn from Omaha and the Foxes from Denver
Wow! A few of those trips seem to be over a thousand miles, I reckon. If I had no a family wedding in Tampa, Fla he weekend before, I might have tried to make the Fourth Annual Ride in Tennessee, about 1100 mils (two day drive), if the family permitted. I guess the Force is stronger in the Fifty Plus Forum than I originally thought. :o

I recently had this link (http://tourdebbq.com/) forwarded from somebody. Since it is pretty much the center of the country, it's worth considering for next year, but it's late in the year (this coming weekend for this year). For those who think the area is a field of tumbleweed, Kansas City is a metro area of 2-3 million, and a very interesting place to visit. Add this to consideration with the Boston ride suggested already.

Marc

Suggested for "2013", it's a YEARLY RIDE and has ride levels to FIT all types of riders!!! Just for the FUN of it, here's a kinda neat ride, in KANSAS: The Yellow Brick Road Ride: http://www.wam-sag-man.org/yellowbrickroadride.php It's in the last week of September so it's not To HOT and it's got 3 different mileage routes and it's hooked into the area's, OZFEST happenings. It's in Wamego, KS. :)

I'm far from being against a ride location in this region, but KC does not have a reputation for bike friendliness or having great places to ride. OTOH, just east of KC lies the Katy Trail and just west of there lies the Prairie Spirit Trail. To the north, of course, is Council Bluffs and Omaha... a veritable cyclists paradise.

OTOH and FWIW, I was so impressed with the Tennessee ride this year that I am all but certain to return there. So if a splinter group with that interest develops, I would be all for it. Just sayin.... :)

Just for the FUN of it, here's a kinda neat ride, in KANSAS: The Yellow Brick Road Ride: http://www.wam-sag-man.org/yellowbrickroadride.php It's in the last week of September so it's not To HOT and it's got 3 different mileage routes and it's hooked into the area's, OZFEST happenings. It's in Wamego, KS. :)
Unfortunately a bit late since it already happened.

Perhaps he was suggesting for 2013?

but KC does not have a reputation for bike friendliness or having great places to ride. .. :)

Having lived and ridden daily there for over 12 years, I would respectfully disagree. It does have an exaggerated reputation for high traffic volume, mainly because it is spread so widely there is a huge highway system. Of course that has nothing to do with the route planned for the ride.

Marc

So far our annual rides have been

1. Colorado
2. New York
3. Michigan
4. Tennessee

Well, since the first four rides have been in the center, east and south of the country, perhaps it is time for something along the Best Coast:thumb:. (No cure has yet been found for geocentrism.:))

I'm helping a small group put together a very hilly 200 km/200 mile ride that will take place around the Summer Solstice. (We're trying to find that sweet spot that is after school is out but before the fourth of July problems) It will have a 100 km bailout route, but you're still going to climb a hill or three.

Here's the type of roadways we'll be riding on:

http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j448/B_Carfree/uppersmith1.jpg

It's not unusual to ride for hours without being passed by a motorist if one chooses where/when one rides with care, which we do.

Those of us who are organizing this thing are expecting a very low turnout, but we think we have the price about right; we're going to make it a free, fully supported ride. Well, I guess we will have to add pie to the rest stops if we want to call it "fully" supported. If riding along rivers in the coast range of OR appeals to anyone, chime in. Of course, getting from one river to another does involve a bit of climbing.

If the Best Coast isn't favored, I personally would like to see a return to CO. Since I will be riding there in midsummer to visit family, that's a really good time for me;). As I recall, one can find a hill or two to climb in CO.

One of the precepts of the first annual ride was to have options for all levels of riders, from spouses who barely ride to choices for the advanced rider. I don't know if this is still a concept worth keeping, but it is certainly worth discussing.

One thing that came up during the discussions this year was the geographical center of the country, which by my crude reckoning (drawing a line for corner to corner), is just west of Kansas City. Being from the midwest, I could consider whatever came up as a option since I'm midways away from anyplace.

The geographic center of the continguous 48 is Smith Center, Kansas. There's a monument in the middle of a field that marks the exact spot. Trust me on this, it's not close to ANYTHING.

FWIW, I kinda like the ride suggested by Jim. It works for me. It starts about 14 to 16 miles from the Amtrak station, and train fare from ROC is only $100 R/T. Lodging seems plentiful and is relatively cheap.

The ride looks like you could cut 38 miles from the 103 for a 65. I have a hard time with any activity for more than 4 or 5 hours and I'm not fast enough to do a century in that time, so a metric option is ideal for me.

Google maps shows lots of bike path options for touring around the area before and after the event too. I like that Google routes me right though the middle of Boston Common on the way from the train station to the bike path along the Charles. Seems like an interesting way to get from point A to point B.

One of the precepts of the first annual ride was to have options for all levels of riders, from spouses who barely ride to choices for the advanced rider. I don't know if this is still a concept worth keeping, but it is certainly worth discussing.

I should have mentioned that Eugene does have thirty or forty miles of bike paths, all flat, along the Willamette River and Amazon Creek, and nearby Cottage Grove has an extensive path system around Dorena Lake (It's a bit of a ride between the two cities, but there is the option of a bus or car). Those are both fit for folks who like to ride gently, or even walk, to a picnic.

As far as reaching Eugene goes, we're in the middle of one train line (Coast Starlight) that connects SoCal with Seattle and at the end of another (Cascades) that connects Eugene to Vancouver, B.C. Our airport is barely worth mentioning, but there is light rail service to the Portland Amtrak station from PDX and then train service from Portland to Eugene. As always, there is the option of using a car. Eugene is on I-5, the major north-south artery of the West Coast.

I should have mentioned that Eugene does have thirty or forty miles of bike paths, all flat, along the Willamette River and Amazon Creek, and nearby Cottage Grove has an extensive path system around Dorena Lake (It's a bit of a ride between the two cities, but there is the option of a bus or car). Those are both fit for folks who like to ride gently, or even walk, to a picnic.

As far as reaching Eugene goes, we're in the middle of one train line (Coast Starlight) that connects SoCal with Seattle and at the end of another (Cascades) that connects Eugene to Vancouver, B.C. Our airport is barely worth mentioning, but there is light rail service to the Portland Amtrak station from PDX and then train service from Portland to Eugene. As always, there is the option of using a car. Eugene is on I-5, the major north-south artery of the West Coast.

Oregon is nice, and semi local... Depending on details I'd be interested.

The geographic center of the continguous 48 is Smith Center, Kansas. There's a monument in the middle of a field that marks the exact spot. Trust me on this, it's not close to ANYTHING.

That's the absolute truth. Once you leave the KC area, there is not much out there between Topeka and Wichita. Just "miles and miles of wheat" and empty stares.

Marc

If Boston gets the okay I (we are) am back in. We have to stop in D.C. to pick up a few places Monica missed last month on her vacation, if we do. I'll gladly help out in any way I can. Just point me in the right direction and say go.

Bill


One of the issues Jim was struggling with was lodging. Are there going to be reasonably price options for people unaccustomed to Boston's rates?

Marc

Unfortunately a bit late since it already happened.

Thanks DF, YES, I was suggesting for "2013", it's a yearly ride and it's as Centraly Located as any other event in Kansas! Have a most excellent day!:thumb:

I would love to join next year. Anywhere on the EC makes it doable, WC not so much. Looking to ride the Assault on Mt. Mitchell (SC into NC) next May so that's one road trip for the bike habit already. Either way I will bookmark and hope I can make it. BTW... Boston would be sweet!:thumb:

Regarding distances to the Annual Ride, what has been our experience in the four previous Annual Rides? I don't know about the First and Fourth Rides, but on #2, seenoweevil drove over 900 miles one way, the Kentons about 250 – 300, the four from Ohio travelling together about 500, and myself about 370 (according to Mapquest). Other riders were mostly local. For the Third Ride, I drove about 800 miles one way, but also as part of a family visit to Michigan. The two Ohioans traveling together drove about 215 miles. The other riders were all from Michigan, though notably Irwin cycled there, about a 2 -3 day ride as I recall.

I don't know if anybody has flown with a bike, and that seems a bit much for a three day weekend at a somewhat arbitrary venue. So I suggest that about 500 miles is one way an approximate maximum distance to travel for an Annual Ride.

I have bookmarked this thread for future reference, since the summer of 2013 is so far away.

Can anyone here write optimization software? We need to find the desirable cycling venue that is within 500 miles of the largest number of 50-plussers! Actually if an analysis can find several such venues around the country, we will have found the group of best locations for 50+ rides.

I understand the issue with early summer rides, but July riding last year was a recipe for excess heat exposure - all through July!

Seriously, I think we need a west coast ride. We're leaving them out. I can't commit I'll be set to travel there, but it's fair.

Oregon is nice, and semi local... Depending on details I'd be interested.


I would be very much interested in this ride as well. I've never been up to Oregon and would love to do so.....especially for a ride!!!

Wow, what happened....did I kill the thread???:cry:

The wife and I are planning to be in Portland between 6/27 and 7/7, so if this does become west coast ride and it happens near Portland over those dates then I'll be in.

Still love the idea of the Boston area too.

Wow, what happened....did I kill the thread???:cry:

Yep. Some people are thread killers, others are thread promoters. Sorry about that! :)

(As we are discussing 2013, it is likely that there may not be a lot of discussion all the time. Somehow, we manage to muddle through, though).

…Jim from Boston has already mentioned the Boston area.…One of the precepts of the first annual ride was to have options for all levels of riders, from spouses who barely ride to choices for the advanced rider. I don't know if this is still a concept worth keeping, but it is certainly worth discussing.
FWIW, I kinda like the ride suggested by Jim. It works for me. It starts about 14 to 16 miles from the Amtrak station, and train fare from ROC is only $100 R/T. Lodging seems plentiful and is relatively cheap.


If Boston gets the okay I (we are) am back in.


Boston would be sweet!



One of the issues Jim was struggling with was lodging. Are there going to be reasonably price options for people unaccustomed to Boston's rates?


Wow, what happened....did I kill the thread???


(As we are discussing 2013, it is likely that there may not be a lot of discussion all the time. Somehow, we manage to muddle through, though).
Sorry that I took so long to reply, but we have a long way to next summer. I'm glad to see Boston is still under consideration. Here’s some of the basic logistics:

THE RIDE:
This will be the fourth annual ride sponsored by a cycling advocacy group, MASS BIKE (presumably they will organize it for 2013). This year, the date was not announced until May or June for the ride on July 28, and usually it is around the last weekend in July.

As they describe it: “All rides (8, 26, 47, 62 and 100 miles) will traverse the heart of American Revolutionary history, from Paul Revere’s Ride through Lexington and Concord, to nearby battlefields. Longer rides visit the towns and villages that sent the first Minutemen. After the rides, everyone is invited to stay at Lexington High School for lunch and socializing. Lunch will be provided by Redbones! [A local, well-regarded BBQ joint that’s bike-friendly—they even have valet bike-parking. :D] The terrain, IMO, is gently rolling hills.
For details, see: !http://massbike.org/summer-century-family-ride/

BOSTON:
Besides the Ride, the downtown of Boston is presumably a second point of interest to draw riders. The MASS BIKE Ride itself starts about 15 miles west of downtown Boston. So if visitors would like to maximize their time here, they would have to consider where to stay to encompass both the ride and touring the city.

Because the downtown is compact and walkable, the major sites can be seen within one day or less. I have taken visitors on a satisfying four-hour walking tour of about five miles. We live just on the outskirts of the downtown, in Kenmore Square, less than about two miles from the Boston Common.

LODGING:
In general, hotels in Boston proper and vicinity are more expensive than in the Midwest, though the rates decrease farther from downtown. There are some hotels near the starting point of the ride, Lexington, MA. I have perfunctorily searched for campsites, and the few there are are pretty far from Boston and Lexington.

The cheapest alternatives are that perhaps we could provide floor or couch space for a few riders (not more than four), but this is not a promise. A new Boston Youth Hostel has opened in downtown Boston so you might want to check availability (bostonhostel.org). There are several colleges in the area, but I don't know what their policies are about rentals of dorm rooms. There are also fraternities and sororities, which I think allow alums to stay short-term. Finally, perhaps some visitors have friends or relatives in Boston and environs who could accommodate them for a summer weekend.

Boston, one of my favorite US cities. I may have to take part in this one.

Great post, Jim From Boston. I'm from the south shore (Hingham, if you're familiar with that) and I always love finding a reason to return.

Could we approach a hotel for a block of rooms at a reduced "group rate"? Possible idea, I have a friend that has use a similar approach with a hotel for a family function, and this could get us affordable rooms for those that want to participate.

Thanks for the post.

Boston, one of my favorite US cities. I may have to take part in this one.
Thanks for your replies. jdon, you may be amused that your nemesis, Miss Kenton is favorably inclined to a Boston Ride:

I was hoping that is what you were suggesting. I won't have any vacation time until next year!

Great post, Jim From Boston. I'm from the south shore (Hingham, if you're familiar with that) and I always love finding a reason to return.

Could we approach a hotel for a block of rooms at a reduced "group rate"? Possible idea, I have a friend that has use a similar approach with a hotel for a family function, and this could get us affordable rooms for those that want to participate...
Great idea.We'll have to see how many serious participants accrue. I discovered Hingham over the past couple years, and I was particularly enchanted by Rte 228. I have a vague recollection that that road was a particular favorite of Mrs. Rose Kennedy, probably on their way to Hyannisport.

Knowledge of the cost of accommodations this far in advance will prompt me to budget for the trip, and I do like a destination within a reasonable driving distance. At five hours, Boston fits the bill for me and I really would like to see the city. I'm in for Boston.

Knowledge of the cost of accommodations this far in advance will prompt me to budget for the trip, and I do like a destination within a reasonable driving distance. At five hours, Boston fits the bill for me and I really would like to see the city. I'm in for Boston.

Blueberry Capitol of the world...I've seen Boardwalk Empire, that's got to be Hammonton. We're practically neighbors!

Knowledge of the cost of accommodations this far in advance will prompt me to budget for the trip, and I do like a destination within a reasonable driving distance

+1.

I'm very good at saving up for something specific. I'm very bad at dipping into existing savings on a whim. Which explains why I have existing savings.

And I'm all for seeing what sort of calamities may befall Miss Kenton on the ride. ;)

Boston, one of my favorite US cities. I may have to take part in this one.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll start stocking up on cootie spray now.:p

Blueberry Capitol of the world...I've seen Boardwalk Empire, that's got to be Hammonton. We're practically neighbors!
Hammonton is correct, but I don't actually live there; I am even closer to Southampton than if I did live in Hammonton!

+1.

I'm very good at saving up for something specific. I'm very bad at dipping into existing savings on a whim. Which explains why I have existing savings.

And I'm all for seeing what sort of calamities may befall Miss Kenton on the ride. ;)

Oh tsl, things will be different this trip as I intend to wrest the helm from the captain and retain full possession of maps, cameras, cash, and KEYS! The bike rack was replaced immediately upon return from the Finger Lakes. I can't swear to there being no misadventures next trip, but they won't be as a result of what went before. Hell hath no fury like a woman with her bike trapped on the car. ;)

+1.

I'm very good at saving up for something specific. I'm very bad at dipping into existing savings on a whim. Which explains why I have existing savings.

And I'm all for seeing what sort of calamities may befall Miss Kenton on the ride. ;)

That would be my arrival. :)

I just wanted to keep this thread alive and kicking. I work a job where I have to plan my vacations a year in advance, and if I am interested in making this trip I will need to have some advance notice.

Is there an idea when this may happen? This will be the first 50+ ride that I will participate in so I'm not sure how you guys have handled the planning in previous years. Anyway I would still love to see this happen in Boston, so hopefully the planning may begin sometime soon.

Thanks, hope this works out.