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Riding 70 Tomorrow - Wish Me Luck!

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Riding 70 Tomorrow - Wish Me Luck!

Old 04-06-13, 05:31 PM
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You da MAN!
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Old 04-07-13, 03:16 PM
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Nice. Ride like a piston. Simply keep the legs moving slow and steady. Eventually you get to the end. Probably not first but we always get there.
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Old 04-07-13, 05:16 PM
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It was a really nice event, with the beautiful forest surrounding the climbs providing a reminder of why I like the mountain events so much. Of course nothing was blooming quite yet but even the stark trees looked rather majestic lining the roads. The last 10 miles with one roller after another was taking its toll on us. I was glad to see the final turn into the YMCA lot. I've ridden this event 4 or 5 times and it never seems to get easier. But I could argue that going slower this time gave me more enjoyment and appreciation of the landscapes.

I rode from my sister's house to Glen Alpine then circled Lake James today for a recovery ride, and about 20 miles into it I knew that this simply wasn't a terrain conducive to recovery. I limped the rest of the way. But Lake James looked as pretty as ever with a full pond of water.

I don't know why this event doesn't draw larger participation. It is executed very well and the road markings were simply excellent. Just a really nice route for a Spring starter series for us South Easterners.
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Old 04-07-13, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by NealH
It was a really nice event, with the beautiful forest surrounding the climbs providing a reminder of why I like the mountain events so much. Of course nothing was blooming quite yet but even the stark trees looked rather majestic lining the roads. The last 10 miles with one roller after another was taking its toll on us. I was glad to see the final turn into the YMCA lot. I've ridden this event 4 or 5 times and it never seems to get easier. But I could argue that going slower this time gave me more enjoyment and appreciation of the landscapes.

I rode from my sister's house to Glen Alpine then circled Lake James today for a recovery ride, and about 20 miles into it I knew that this simply wasn't a terrain conducive to recovery. I limped the rest of the way. But Lake James looked as pretty as ever with a full pond of water.

I don't know why this event doesn't draw larger participation. It is executed very well and the road markings were simply excellent. Just a really nice route for a Spring starter series for us South Easterners.
Neal, IMO, I like the TdL better than the Assault on the Carolinas. I like the route better by a bit and the scenery is great. It doesn't have that one big climb up Caesar's Head that the AotC does, but I would argue the "rollers" (Neal and I argue about the definition of a "roller" all the time) as you call them are tougher. Maybe the 71 miles turns people away? I think some riders just have a fear of rides longer than a metric and it limits participation.
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Old 04-07-13, 06:06 PM
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I know this northern boy could not handle anything like that this early.What kind of inclines were there?
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Old 04-07-13, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by freedomrider1
I know this northern boy could not handle anything like that this early.What kind of inclines were there?
That that is one of the beauties of this ride. Just about all the ups were in the 6-8% range with a few short 10% thigh burners thrown in just as a reminder we were in the foothills. I had forgotten how much climbing there was on Bill's Creek. I can recall one year doing AOMM doing most of that on my 50 in one of the large packs just sucking you along.

I recognized Round Top (4-5 mile climb) from we did it on Hilly Hellacious (from Fletcher) back before they temporarily stopped Hilly a few years ago. Have not done it since they moved the date back to late September. I'm done with riding hard stuff by that time of the year.

I agree with the numbers/turnout. But it has grown quite a bit since year one. I bet the proximity to Greenville/Spartanburg compared to Marion adds some to the numbers. Caesars Head is just a grind. Not really looking forward to it next week but what does down much come back up......

I wasn't so sure about about the enchiladas but they really did hit the spot. The home made chocolate cake was pretty darn tasty as well.

One of my buddies jumped on the tandem right before the descent down Hwy 9 down through Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and whizzed right by me. I tried to jump on in Chimey Rock when they came by but it was futile......
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Old 04-07-13, 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by freedomrider1
I know this northern boy could not handle anything like that this early.What kind of inclines were there?
Some of the smaller climbs are short but steep with sections well over 10%. Neal said he saw 14% several times. Good thing is those steep sections make the 7% seem pretty nice.
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Old 04-07-13, 06:48 PM
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And a Spaghetti dinner at the end. thanks for the report.
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Old 04-07-13, 07:10 PM
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The Lure route does have more diverse terrain and scenery than the AoTC. Both are nice but the Lure route is a more difficult route by the numbers.

I had 13% two or three times, and 14% a couple. It was momentary but it was there.

The cold enchiladas were a bit of a letdown given the past year's spaghetti and various homemade sauces. But I understand they wanted to change some and offer variety. At least the enchiladas were homemade and were Ok, just cold. The deserts were the same as last year, and just as good. The soft drinks hit the spot after drinking water and Gatorade/sport drink all day. And the Y provides post ride showers.
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Old 04-08-13, 05:31 AM
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Great job all you 50+ riders who completed the ride. Looks like the weather was awesome based on the pics.
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Old 04-09-13, 01:54 PM
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Here's a photo of me on the long climb taken by a company (Blind Kenny) that sets up on many of the local roads, mostly to capture motorcycles that tour the area.

I won't copy and paste here but you can follow the link if interested. I'm leading in the open yellow vest.

https://www.photoreflect.com/store/Or...o=1272&pc=1589

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Old 04-09-13, 03:03 PM
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Had forgotten about the pics. Yours truly burning up as I had way overdressed.......

https://www.photoreflect.com/store/Or...po=510&pc=1589
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Old 04-05-14, 06:20 PM
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Good luck! May the wind always be at your back.
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Old 04-05-14, 06:56 PM
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Zombie thread, this one is a year old, last year's ride for BikeWNC.

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Old 04-06-14, 05:20 AM
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Did they do the ride again this year? hmmm.
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Old 04-06-14, 06:56 AM
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Good story and I'm glad you made it. It looks like a beautiful ride.
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Old 04-06-14, 08:16 AM
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I actually rode in it again yesterday. Perfect weather. Good turnout. The best thing about this ride is all the homemade cookies, pies and desserts. The peanut butter chocolate chip cookies at my one stop were a killer. Way too many chioces of pies at the finish. The knowledge of food at the finish made me finish faster than last year!!
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Old 04-06-14, 12:55 PM
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LOL> i figured you would ride it again, what about Andy?
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Old 04-06-14, 04:30 PM
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If he or Neal were there I missed them.
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Old 04-06-14, 05:29 PM
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Sounds like you had a great ride.
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Old 04-08-14, 08:38 AM
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I wish I had been there but, had to miss it since I'm in Florida at the moment. I know Andy was out of town also so he missed it this year. Glad the turnout was good....along with the food. The YMCA does a good job with this event.

I hope to be back in time for the Burnsville Metric, or maybe Issaqueena's Ride.
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Old 04-08-14, 01:30 PM
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I got a ride report that indicated that it was the most riders ever. The spaghetti with home made sauce afterwards was incredible. Not as much wind the last 25 miles as past years so it was a nice day. I finished 50 minutes behind the first finishers. Too funny!
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