Touring - Cycle North Carolina Fall Ride - Anyone going?

CNC Fall Route and Dates (tentative): October 1-8, 2005
Asheville to Wilmington

I know it's 7 months off, but does anyone plan on doing this? I hope to take at least two small tours before this big tour. I've never been on a bike tour.

My dilemma is getting from the end point back home. I'm sure my wife doesn't want to come pick me up!

My dilemma is getting from the end point back home.
For an extra fee ($50 or so), the CNC organizers have provided bus (for you) and truck (for your bike) transportation between the start, finish and Raleigh (REI is a big sponsor of the event, and it is near the middle of the state). All a rider has had to do is to arrange transport to and from any of those three locations.

From http://www.ncsports.org/

How are the bikes transported if I use the Cycle North Carolina busing option?
When you show up for the busing option, your bike will be loaded onto a truck furnished by Cycle North Carolina. The pedals will need to be removed and the stem will be loosened in order to fit all of the bikes. We will have mechanics available at the loading site to help prepare your bike. The bikes are loaded securely into the trucks and separated using cardboard sheets. Mechanics will also be available to help re-assemble your bike once you arrive to the site. We have become very good at this operation and rarely damage bikes. However, for additional protection you might consider protecting your bike with some pipe insulation to avoid any scratches.

I will be doing the ride for the 6th time this year. Contact me and we might be able to stage vehicles for the return home. The bus option is accepable if you can't put a better plan together. I am in Raleigh.

pelorus@nc.rr

i'm actually an hour or more west of Asheville. I'll most likely use their bus option.

I'm really looking forward to this, I have never taken a bike tour.

It's a great ride. You won't be disappointed..........maybe. Shower trucks, porta potties. But it's all good.

I would really like to ride this year, but it may be a little bit of a logistics problem for me. My last triathlon of the year is on October 1, so I may have to figure out how to catch the second day. If it were a week later it wouldn't be a problem.

I am a 4 star camper! If anyone wants to share the cost of motel rooms during the ride, contact me at pelorus@nc.rr.com. I will be selecting the lodging from the list that CNC prepares. The lodging is usually within a mile (or two) to the campgrounds.

Bruce Northcutt
Raleigh, NC

There is a company that will basically setup your campsite (provide a tent, inflatable mattress, towels, etc). Pampered something. I thought it was funny when I saw it. Apparently they do not have a problem with getting customers.

Tim,

Hi! I am working on CNC with the local Asheville committee. We have firmed up Christ School as the start and there will be space for car parking for the week. So here's the trick: Drive to the start, leave your car, ride all week, take the bus back Sunday from Wilmington, drive your car home.

The catered camping vendor is "Bubba's Pampered Cyclists." I've never used that service, but they look like they are having a good time. With camping you get the full impact of the tour. Motel'in has some pluses, mainly a warm dry place to sleep.

See you on Cycle NC 2005.

-Gatordog
(David Davis)

With camping you get the full impact of the tour. Motel'in has some pluses, mainly a warm dry place to sleep.FYI: In order to be warm and dry while camping, I bring a rain fly and floor sheet for my tent a warm sleeping bag, bag liner and a pad a dry bag for my sleeping bag, liner and clothes

BTW, you can buy a huge duffel bag with wheels and a giant dry bag with shoulder straps from REI (they're a CNC sponsor)

Bruce Rosar
An REI co-op member

thanks guys!

I did CNC last year and had a great time...i camped and did not sleep well at all....but folx who motelled it didn't get to enjoy the evening fun and i find that to be a big part of the ride....

HI folks. I am a first timer in the CNC. Any bits of info that I'll desperately need to know? NEver been on a week-long tour before. I assume since the ride is fully supported and we don't need to bring everything with us (tent, bags, etc.) what is it that most riders carry with them during the ride apart from the big things? (camera, rain gear, money, most things I bring with me on rides of 40+ miles??)


Thanks from a newbie.

I've done that ride about 3 times. In fact, I've met Beouwolfe- (Hi!). I would take a hat and something warm to sleep in for the first night or two. Put all your clothes in gallon sized ziplock bags. You'll have fun and probably get hooked on the organized tours. I will not be going this year. I am scheduled for a ride called GABA in Arizonia. It has about 30,000 feet of climbing. A lot of people worry about the mountains in North Carolina. It has been my experience that they cycle on a day or two in the mountains and avoid any big climbs. Most of the climbing is like rides in Iowa, Ohio, Indiania, and Michigan. It has rained on all the CNC's I have been on. You only need raingear to stay warm. You will get wet, and your shoes will be soaked. Put newspaper in them and change it a couple of times. It is hard to start the next moring with wet shoes. Have fun!!

Thanks outashape!
...be taking your advice! Have fun in AZ...

yeah visit their web page for elevation profiles, lists of what to take, costs for shuttles, etc.

I'm still not big on the $65ish fee to ride from wilmington back to Asheville but that's the route I am going to take.

Looks like i'll be doing this trip without a companion, but if it is how people say, i'm sure i'll buddy up with some people by day 2.

I have seen that list, and it looks pretty thorough, just wanted to make sure! Thanks for the input!
My wife has offered to drive me up to Asheville! I'm a pretty lucky guy!

We need to have a Bikeforums ride one day if there are several of us going to show.

BUMP

Ride is restricted to 1200, it was 800 as of last night. Should be full within 2 or 3 weeks at the most.

Call bubba

Where in Arizona are you riding?

Are any meals provided ?

Arizona?
You can get a meal package, but most people think it's better to go to local diners.
ncsports.org has a link to their main page.

We need to have a Bikeforums ride one day if there are several of us going to show.

I think the Bikeforums Day idea is good. I am riding this year. I will have my Expedition in Wilmington so if anyone needs a ride back to Raleigh or the surrounding area after the ride, I have room for you. Bruce Northcutt, Cell 919-272-6399.