July 2014 Annual One Helluva Ride Thread
06-17-14, 09:07 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
July 2014 Annual One Helluva Ride Thread
Hi, all!
This year the 38th One Helluva Ride will be held as before near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The available ride information can be found on the site of the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society - One Helluva Ride!). This page has registration information, dates, times, start points, maps to same, and a lot of other good info.
It does not have route maps. Usually these are not finalized until just before the ride, and the AABTS wants to prevent cowboy riders (who do not pay). But if you have ridden a few of these as I and some others, like BlazingPedals and Irwin have, you know the new route will borrow a lot from the earlier rides. Maps for some of the earlier rides can be found on Map My Ride.
This is one of the best-organized group tours in Michigan, in my opinion, certainly in the Southeast area. The price is reasonable, SAGging is very efficient and covers the whole route, the start/finish is well-equipped, the main food stop is superb and even worth hanging at, and the food is reasonable (compared to abysmal at some). The AABTS has been setting this up for now 38 years, and the practice shows. A rider can feel safe and free to have fun, though not to randomly gambol around on the road. But we don't do that, do we?
For the Third Annual we met in Chelsea, Mi at a town pub for a burger and beer. Next day we met for breakfast, then took a ride on Huron River Drive out to Dexter, Mi and back, about 20 miles. I don't recall what we did Friday night. Some met early Saturday to start the ride together, but Mrs Road Fan and I went by ourselves on a shorter route. Saturday evening we all met for ice cream at Washtenaw Dairy, a well-known ice cream shop in Ann Arbor. Then we parted ways.
If anyone is interested in a Huron River Drive on Friday, I'd be glad to take a ride and have my friends accompany me. I know the way, and where the food is!
Let's use this thread as a sign-up and information center. Just to be clear, I am not signing anyone up for OHR. You can all do that yourselves, on the day of event if not sooner.
I like to be able to coordinate, so when the time gets closer, let the participants exchange mobile numbers. If we're all to meet for a drink, sandwich, ride, or ice cream cone, it'll be good to know who's in or not.
We have a hope of some distinguished 50+ participants, namely Yen and Mr. Yen. In addition, the illustrious and powerful BlazingPedals, the Unstoppable Irwin, Mountain King Freedomrider with spouse, Steady Swift Steve Sawyer, Queen of the Climbers Mrs. Road Fan, and my favorite Laterne Rouge, me. Oh, and Century JimfromBoston, possibly.
It'll be fun (I hope it's not too hot, but I also hope it don't rain!)!
I hope you'll join me on my roads!
Road Fan
This year the 38th One Helluva Ride will be held as before near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The available ride information can be found on the site of the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society - One Helluva Ride!). This page has registration information, dates, times, start points, maps to same, and a lot of other good info.
It does not have route maps. Usually these are not finalized until just before the ride, and the AABTS wants to prevent cowboy riders (who do not pay). But if you have ridden a few of these as I and some others, like BlazingPedals and Irwin have, you know the new route will borrow a lot from the earlier rides. Maps for some of the earlier rides can be found on Map My Ride.
This is one of the best-organized group tours in Michigan, in my opinion, certainly in the Southeast area. The price is reasonable, SAGging is very efficient and covers the whole route, the start/finish is well-equipped, the main food stop is superb and even worth hanging at, and the food is reasonable (compared to abysmal at some). The AABTS has been setting this up for now 38 years, and the practice shows. A rider can feel safe and free to have fun, though not to randomly gambol around on the road. But we don't do that, do we?
For the Third Annual we met in Chelsea, Mi at a town pub for a burger and beer. Next day we met for breakfast, then took a ride on Huron River Drive out to Dexter, Mi and back, about 20 miles. I don't recall what we did Friday night. Some met early Saturday to start the ride together, but Mrs Road Fan and I went by ourselves on a shorter route. Saturday evening we all met for ice cream at Washtenaw Dairy, a well-known ice cream shop in Ann Arbor. Then we parted ways.
If anyone is interested in a Huron River Drive on Friday, I'd be glad to take a ride and have my friends accompany me. I know the way, and where the food is!
Let's use this thread as a sign-up and information center. Just to be clear, I am not signing anyone up for OHR. You can all do that yourselves, on the day of event if not sooner.
I like to be able to coordinate, so when the time gets closer, let the participants exchange mobile numbers. If we're all to meet for a drink, sandwich, ride, or ice cream cone, it'll be good to know who's in or not.
We have a hope of some distinguished 50+ participants, namely Yen and Mr. Yen. In addition, the illustrious and powerful BlazingPedals, the Unstoppable Irwin, Mountain King Freedomrider with spouse, Steady Swift Steve Sawyer, Queen of the Climbers Mrs. Road Fan, and my favorite Laterne Rouge, me. Oh, and Century JimfromBoston, possibly.
It'll be fun (I hope it's not too hot, but I also hope it don't rain!)!
I hope you'll join me on my roads!
Road Fan
06-18-14, 03:54 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Hi, all!
This year the 38th One Helluva Ride will be held as before near Ann Arbor, Michigan…
For the Third Annual [Bikeforums Fifty-Plus Ride] we met in Chelsea, Mi at a town pub for a burger and beer. Next day we met for breakfast, then took a ride on Huron River Drive out to Dexter, Mi and back, about 20 miles. I don't recall what we did Friday night....
We have a hope of some distinguished 50+ participants...and Century JimfromBoston, possibly.
This year the 38th One Helluva Ride will be held as before near Ann Arbor, Michigan…
For the Third Annual [Bikeforums Fifty-Plus Ride] we met in Chelsea, Mi at a town pub for a burger and beer. Next day we met for breakfast, then took a ride on Huron River Drive out to Dexter, Mi and back, about 20 miles. I don't recall what we did Friday night....
We have a hope of some distinguished 50+ participants...and Century JimfromBoston, possibly.
There is a thread, A Chronicle of the Annual 50+ Rides (used to be a sticky):
…[John, rtool], Irwin, Freedomrider, and I had a nice dinner in Chelsea, and hung out at my motel for a bit, and met another rider from Canada, to whom we prostyletized for Bike Forums. It has been so nice, as was last year, to relate to those who share a serious affection for the cycling lifestyle.
…we were having a lively discussion about our cycling lifestyles at my motel on Friday night. Unfortunately everyone suddenly got very tired when I offered to show my mileage training graphs, so we dispersed for the night. I found the downside to staying at a motel before a ride is watching movies until 12:30 AM. [The other guys camped.]
Without pictures, it didn't happen.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-18-14 at 04:33 AM.
06-18-14, 04:46 AM
#3
Senior Member
I am planning to be at the OHR, whether or not I will make it for Friday is still up in the air. I'll stay tuned and plan to carpool with RTool to go to the Boston event.
Marc
Marc
06-18-14, 05:27 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
I still wanna see Jim's cycling martini kit!
06-18-14, 07:24 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Jim,I thought you had everything you needed in that huge bag on the back of your bike.
GREAT FINGER LAKES BIKE TOUR -- THE PEOPLE…
Miss Kenton and TheMister (Tom) were a real fun couple. On Saturday night…We had martinis from my Martini Field Kit and stayed until past 11:00 PM. When Augie came over then, we expected a “you don’t have to go home, but can’t stay here”; but rather we chatted about the history of the ride…
Miss Kenton and TheMister (Tom) were a real fun couple. On Saturday night…We had martinis from my Martini Field Kit and stayed until past 11:00 PM. When Augie came over then, we expected a “you don’t have to go home, but can’t stay here”; but rather we chatted about the history of the ride…
06-18-14, 09:19 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Far, Far Northern California
Posts: 2,873
Bikes: 1997 Specialized M2Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I rode it a few times around 1978. They were my first centuries. Those must have been some of the first ones.
06-18-14, 11:21 AM
#8
Senior Member
I am planning on being there (weather permitting.) The only non-weather event that might keep me away is if my mother chooses that weekend to move. I'm trying to steer her into moving during the week. I'd rather take a few days' vacation than miss Helluva.
06-18-14, 04:29 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
06-18-14, 06:44 PM
#11
Senior Member
06-19-14, 08:43 PM
#12
Senior Member
Predictably, my mother has now chosen the 12th to move. I told her that I would take off work on Thursday and Friday to help her move small stuff ahead of the movers; but not Saturday. Of course, that means no ride with the gang on Friday. 
06-19-14, 09:48 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
I've just had some must-not-miss meetings set up for Friday 7/11. I won't be able to join for an all-dayu ride. If I can get them clustered in the morning, maybe I can join you all for an afternoon ride.
But I can still help with maps, advice, and coordination.
Sheesh!
But I can still help with maps, advice, and coordination.
Sheesh!
06-20-14, 03:44 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Chilled Tanqueray Rangpur Gin (in freezer)
Refrigerated sweet (red) vermouth (I’ve not tried white)
Martini glasses chilled in freezer
Lemon twist
Swab inside the glass with the twist, coat the inside of the glass with the vermouth, add the gin, and garnish with the twist.
I got the idea of a "field martini kit" (no refrigeration) from this scene from the movie M.A.S.H. (I don't carry it on the cycle; too heavy and no room.)
I hope you guys get to do the Huron River Drive Ride as we did in 2010. That was a favorite route when I was in college there.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-20-14 at 03:58 AM.
06-20-14, 09:35 PM
#16
Still learning
I'm involved in some boat and vehicle logistics for the Port Huron to Mac race, which is the same weekend. But if there is no comflict, I'm in for Friday and Saturday.
Now if Only my achy lower back will go away!
Now if Only my achy lower back will go away!
06-21-14, 05:21 AM
#17
Senior Member
I will be there for Saturday, and stick around for any get together after. I guess we just need to coordinate a starting point and a place to get together after for those who can. I'll be riding the metric probably average between 8-20mph depending on conditions (my mood).
Marc
Marc
06-21-14, 06:23 AM
#18
Senior Member
06-21-14, 08:20 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: N.W.Ohio
Posts: 1,205
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I will be there for Saturday, and stick around for any get together after. I guess we just need to coordinate a starting point and a place to get together after for those who can. I'll be riding the metric probably average between 8-20mph depending on conditions (my mood).
Marc
Marc
06-22-14, 01:43 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
A little update, at least about me and Mrs Road Fan:
So far I will not be able to participate on Friday except for after-event (and after work) food and libations. My boss has set up some mandatory review meetings to pilot his new reporting systems. He loves the systems engineers and as the technically senior one of them I need to do all the presentations and show that the Idea is Good. It looks like I can't wriggle out of this one.
But this implies a problem: I took responsibility for making sure none of you get lost on Friday on a ride from Ann Arbor to (hopefully) Dexter and then to Chelsea. Do any of you have good knowledge of that route from Ann Arbor to Dexter and then to Chelsea? I see Marc and Blazing will not be available, either. I assume Mrs. Road Fan is not going to ride without me, but actually she would be a superb guide, and is highly skilled at leading unruly, inattentive, recalcitrant, and creatively impulsive individuals to achieve a goal while in boy-girl-boy-girl formation. I will talk to her - she also knows the route.
Steve, have you ever ridden Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter and then to Chelsea?
I am still planning to do OHR on Saturday with Mrs. Road Fan. We'll at least do the 40, and might again enhance it to 50+ (lol) since we know the roads. Regardless of what Mrs Road Fan and I do, as Marc said we do need to talk about times, places, and plans. This thread is still the right place to do so.
So far I will not be able to participate on Friday except for after-event (and after work) food and libations. My boss has set up some mandatory review meetings to pilot his new reporting systems. He loves the systems engineers and as the technically senior one of them I need to do all the presentations and show that the Idea is Good. It looks like I can't wriggle out of this one.
But this implies a problem: I took responsibility for making sure none of you get lost on Friday on a ride from Ann Arbor to (hopefully) Dexter and then to Chelsea. Do any of you have good knowledge of that route from Ann Arbor to Dexter and then to Chelsea? I see Marc and Blazing will not be available, either. I assume Mrs. Road Fan is not going to ride without me, but actually she would be a superb guide, and is highly skilled at leading unruly, inattentive, recalcitrant, and creatively impulsive individuals to achieve a goal while in boy-girl-boy-girl formation. I will talk to her - she also knows the route.
Steve, have you ever ridden Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter and then to Chelsea?
I am still planning to do OHR on Saturday with Mrs. Road Fan. We'll at least do the 40, and might again enhance it to 50+ (lol) since we know the roads. Regardless of what Mrs Road Fan and I do, as Marc said we do need to talk about times, places, and plans. This thread is still the right place to do so.
06-26-14, 08:37 PM
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
Ok, for those interested in a Friday July 11 ride on Huron River Drive, Mrs. Road Fan has (for the price of a shared half of a Clif bar!!) agreed to ride with you folks. I'll go back through the thread and collect who is and is not coming. Watch this space to see if I get it right!
07-01-14, 06:09 AM
#22
Senior Member
We will be riding different speeds and distances, what does everybody think of an 8:30 starting time? We can start up together and expect to loosely regather at the rest/lunch stops.
Marc
Marc
07-01-14, 08:00 PM
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
Are you talking about Saturday? Sounds good to me!
07-02-14, 03:33 AM
#24
Senior Member
