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Ride Report - Silver Comet Metric Century

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Ride Report - Silver Comet Metric Century

Old 11-02-11, 06:53 AM
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Ride Report - Silver Comet Metric Century

First, let me say that is was great meeting Allen & Rachel, Martin, and Chad yesterday on the Silver Comet Trail!

The weather yesterday was absolutely beautiful for an Autumn ride on the Silver Comet Trail. We met at 10:00am at the Smyrna Trail head (mile 0, km 0) and hit the trail. One of the key things that I believe Allen learned almost immediately is that bicycle tires must be checked for proper inflation before each and every ride.

We struck up a nice leisurely pace with Allen pushing (slow that cadence down a little ). Things were going great up till mile 10 when Allen stopped for Martin and I. I don't know what coffee Martin drank yesterday morning but I'm staying away from it; I think someone slipped a diuretic in the coffee while Martin wasn't looking. Martin spotted Allen down on the trail first and we rushed to assist. Allen had a nasty chunk out of his elbow and a good scratch on his helmet. Martin and I both agree that the helmet saved Allen's headcheese and may have prevented a 911 call. Allen was quite the trooper and hopped back on the bike and made it to the rest area at mile 11.5 where Rachel was waiting with the heavy lifter.

While at the rest station, Martin was directing another friend in for the ride and we finally concluded that Chad was going to meet us at the Red Caboose. Once Allen was safely loaded and off Martin and I set out at a blistering 12mph pace to mile 14 where Chad met us. Chad is a hoot! He picked up a small, and I mean small as in really too small for him Trek up off of ebay. This was the first occasion where I really longed for a helmet cam. After a rest stop the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce, we decided to push on to the Tunnel. Martin was telling us that the tunnel was at mile 33 and Chad was mumbling about sprinting to mile 33. We loaded up and were back off moving along at our normal 12 mph pace. I hit a falling grade and picked up the pace a little and dropped Martin and Chad. So, I slow up and as they catch up I see in my mirror Chad pedaling like a mad man and I hear at about mile 20, "Sprint to the Tunnel". So I shifted the Blue Bomber up and set out pushing the pace a little. It is amazing the look on road biker's faces when a blue Schwinn Cruiser with loaded Panniers comes by them.

As I am doing my version of HIIT on the Silver Comet Trail, I come up behind two older gentlemen and announce after drafting for a second that I was passing on the left. I was leery of passing them for the one gentleman was wearing a "Six Gap Century" shirt. I knew therefore that he has paid his dues. At mile 31 I see a tunnel looming ahead of me and the Six Gap man passed me complimenting me on the speed I achieved on a cruiser Thankfully the gentleman told me that this was the only tunnel so I decided to dismount, clear snot, and eat my PB&J while waiting on Chad and Martin. They finally made it as I finished my sandwich.

At this point, Chad gets a text (from a girl ) and mutters something about needing more water. We learn from the gentleman with the fascinating recumbent bike that there is a convenience store another 3 miles up the trail. Chad sets off like a bat out of, rhymes with trail. Martin and I determine that he must really need water. We finally arrive at "Coot's Lake" and mile 33.5. We stock up on water and snacks and re-attack the trail.

The best parts of the return trip (other than the descending mile markers) were the occasions where the Blue Bomber and I would push past the drop bar cyclists. If it were not for dropping my chain at 22mph, Chad and I would have really driven on through. Somewhere at this point, a road cyclist commented on how I was really pushing the Cruiser and I told him that it was the engine I was worried about. Turns out it was the bike that needed the attention and shortly thereafter is when I dropped the chain.

The last incident, I will leave for Martin to tell because y'all would think I was just joshing if I told you. However, I really do wish that I had a helmet cam!

The scenery improved dramatically towards the end of the trail. According to Martin's computer we rode just over 67 miles in 5 hours and 20 minutes. I finally had enough calories to have my McRib and eat two!

I am thinking of a December conquer the trail ride but will have to make lodging arrangements to make that happen. I believe we could hold a 15mph pace and complete the trail in about 9 hours including rest stops. Anyone game? I'll need to plan the finances right to include a hotel room the night before and after since it's a 4 hour round trip via the heavy lifter. We'd have to hit the trail at about 7am to conquer the beast.

Later,
Daniel
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Old 11-02-11, 10:56 AM
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great report DaHaMac. Do you have a picture of the Blue Bomber , would love to see it. I ride a single speed Trek curiser, but don't pass many other riders.

Tony
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Old 11-02-11, 12:10 PM
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I will retell the latter incident (as it were) to add quite a bit of color and humor to the ride. We had been riding along at a fairly leisurely pace most of the day @ 12.5 by my computer. I wanted to be sure I made the distance and was pacing myself accordingly. As Daniel mentioned, there were a couple of times that day that he pushed himself ahead. The whole day we were being sure to announce our coming to slower riders and peds by saying "on your left" or Chad's "good morning"..even though it was well into the afternoon at this point. We attributed it to his being in a different time zone for the day...
Anywho, we were constantly suprized by the number of MUPpet racers blazing by without so much as a grumble while passing. It almost led to a couple of incidents just by the sheer suprize of having someone buzz by unexpectedly. Towards the end of the day, this very serious (looking) fellow goes by without a word. We both say something to the effect of "on your left doesn't hurt, a little courtesy would be nice". About that time, Daniel decides it would be good to give the guy a taste of his own medicine. We both take off after him. I was much too fatigued to keep up, so I dropped back a bit. Daniel kicks it into high gear and catches the guy, passing him. The look on this fellows face was priceless. I could see his eyes bulge from 25 yards back. You could just see his ego being crushed right there. We joked on the few remaining miles that the guy went straight home to destroy, then burn his bike and kit for being overtaken by the comfort cruiser with saddlebags by a clyde.
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Old 11-02-11, 03:45 PM
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Punkncat, do any recover riding today? Just got back from a 14 miler and the bailout gear was definitely my friend!

Its okay though, I got ibuprofen for the right knee and an itch to ride in Henry County tomorrow.

I still say that if I had a chamois, I'd greatly benefit from some chamois butter! Diaper rash cream to the soothing rescue and away we go!
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Old 11-02-11, 04:59 PM
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Awesome report, Daniel! I had a blast yesterday and learned SO much! You guys were awesome!
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Old 11-03-11, 07:44 PM
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I'm thinking about coming down and doing the Comet out and back some time next week. Am I right that it about 120 miles round trip?
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Old 11-03-11, 07:53 PM
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It's about 120 miles one way if you go start to finish. It ends in Alabama.
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Old 11-03-11, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Allen55
Awesome report, Daniel! I had a blast yesterday and learned SO much! You guys were awesome!
Sounds like the three of you were awesome.
 
Old 11-04-11, 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Allen55
It's about 120 miles one way if you go start to finish. It ends in Alabama.
Hmmmm, maybe I'll just go to the Alabama state line and back, that should be about 120-ish. Are there a decent amount of places to top up water and get food?
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Old 11-04-11, 08:20 AM
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Pretty good information at: https://trailexpress.com/trails/silve...ap-directions/

Be aware that the section between Rockmart and Cedartown is not ex-rail and is definitely not flat like the rest of the trail.
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Old 11-04-11, 09:21 AM
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Hmmm, a not flat spot. Sounds kinda nice. There is a Century ride on the SCT tomorrow, wish I had time to make it and the legs left for it.

Martin and I talked about the next time meeting someplace like Coot's Lake Trailhead and doing the second half in and out before doing the whole trail.

Here is a picture of me and the Blue Bomber at the Panola/Arabia Mountain Trail yesterday.

The Blue Bomber with Panniers and Waterbottle as shown weighs in at ~45lbs. With me being about 235 clothed and helmeted. Therefore, the Blue Bomber and I were at 28% of the bridges 999lb capacity. I'm glad Punkncat and his Carbon Felt Bike are a bit lighter

Last edited by DaHaMac; 11-04-11 at 09:42 AM. Reason: added pic
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Old 11-04-11, 05:03 PM
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Cool ride report, glad you guys had a good time.
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Old 11-04-11, 05:07 PM
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I was wondering if you rode that yesterday...how was it? Im going back on the comet tomorrow.
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Old 11-04-11, 06:20 PM
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Martin, his son, and I rode the Panola/Arabia Trail on Thursday afternoon. I thought that the right knee had nothing left until it started to rain on us. Martin said his leg would probably fall off if he got rained on so we picked up the pace and I forgot about my knee.

Maybe my right knee is hurting with sympathy pains for your left knee Allen I still think that the knee trouble comes from standing on the Blue Bomber.

I did a 27.5 mile ride today through the country on some rides I haven't been down before. I'd better not take Martin on those rodes as he don't like the hills

Conquer the Comet Allen! I know you can!
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Old 11-06-11, 12:33 PM
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Cool looking crusier; what kind of drive train does it have?

TONY



Originally Posted by DaHaMac
Hmmm, a not flat spot. Sounds kinda nice. There is a Century ride on the SCT tomorrow, wish I had time to make it and the legs left for it.

Martin and I talked about the next time meeting someplace like Coot's Lake Trailhead and doing the second half in and out before doing the whole trail.

Here is a picture of me and the Blue Bomber at the Panola/Arabia Mountain Trail yesterday.

The Blue Bomber with Panniers and Waterbottle as shown weighs in at ~45lbs. With me being about 235 clothed and helmeted. Therefore, the Blue Bomber and I were at 28% of the bridges 999lb capacity. I'm glad Punkncat and his Carbon Felt Bike are a bit lighter
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Old 11-06-11, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by DaHaMac
Hmmm, a not flat spot. Sounds kinda nice. There is a Century ride on the SCT tomorrow, wish I had time to make it and the legs left for it.

Martin and I talked about the next time meeting someplace like Coot's Lake Trailhead and doing the second half in and out before doing the whole trail.

Here is a picture of me and the Blue Bomber at the Panola/Arabia Mountain Trail yesterday.

The Blue Bomber with Panniers and Waterbottle as shown weighs in at ~45lbs. With me being about 235 clothed and helmeted. Therefore, the Blue Bomber and I were at 28% of the bridges 999lb capacity. I'm glad Punkncat and his Carbon Felt Bike are a bit lighter
I have the same panniers! Sounds like an excuse to come on down and ride with you guys! :-)
 
Old 11-06-11, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
I have the same panniers! Sounds like an excuse to come on down and ride with you guys! :-)
Come on Down Neil. I ride most Saturdays and the leaves have been at their peak this past weekend.

Martin was under the weather yesterday so I did a 25 mile ride with a Cat 5 climb out of Spewell Bluff State Park. That'll wake your legs up!

The drivetrain on the Blue Bomber is 40T Crank with 14-34T 7-speed Freewheel. She's not fast and she's not a great climber but she'll get you there in decent time so long as you ride her long and hard. Hmmm, something about that statement seems a little weird.
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Old 11-06-11, 04:15 PM
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Thanks DaHaMac

Tony

QUOTE=DaHaMac;13460300]Come on Down Neil. I ride most Saturdays and the leaves have been at their peak this past weekend.

Martin was under the weather yesterday so I did a 25 mile ride with a Cat 5 climb out of Spewell Bluff State Park. That'll wake your legs up!

The drivetrain on the Blue Bomber is 40T Crank with 14-34T 7-speed Freewheel. She's not fast and she's not a great climber but she'll get you there in decent time so long as you ride her long and hard. Hmmm, something about that statement seems a little weird.[/QUOTE]
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Old 11-06-11, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by DaHaMac
Come on Down Neil. I ride most Saturdays and the leaves have been at their peak this past weekend.
But I've been told a southern man don't need old Neil around anyhow.
 
Old 11-06-11, 04:39 PM
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That would be Neil Y, not Neil B.
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Old 11-06-11, 06:52 PM
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I hated to miss out on the riding invites this weekend, but am still fighting to get completely over whatever we caught. The wife is still having fevers and chills, but the whole affair was pretty awful. I am going to try and get out for a few easy miles tomorrow if I get the chance to see if I can shake it off completely. Looks like I am going to have to put in some work to make my 400 mile goal this month.
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Old 11-06-11, 07:06 PM
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Sorry you are feeling bad, man. I sent you an email about riding today but didn't hear back. I guess this is why.

Feel better, bro!
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Old 11-06-11, 10:34 PM
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This sounds like it was a fun ride. I'll be more than happy to join in on stuff like this after mid-November... Although 12 mph pace is at the high end of my usual pace...
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