ColorChange

Sorry ... whoops.

CyLowe97

It's people like you with your campaign of misinformation and deceit that get good honest people lost in the middle of the Cheeseland outback to be eaten by wolves.

aham23

the 200k route is a ball buster. shop hill, roberts road, whatever that highway was after the last rest stop. once i passed 100 miles i just wanted to get off, go home, and cry. so, maybe shop hill is easy and i am just a giant wussy. or maybe i am one tough SOB and you all are screwed. or maybe or maybe or maybe or maybe......it just never ends. later.

SMH707

I'm glad you were wrong about doing Robert's twice! I just got done switching my standard for my compact and I went with the 50/34. Boy, on the flats a 34-28 is a ridiculous gear! I think I'm now geared to ride at 3.8 mph with a cadence of 40 RPM!

Thanks for the correction. I did just go as low as possible--I'm sure I'll be grateful when the grade hits 20+% (although I was able to climb 16% with a 36-26 combo, but I'm guessing it will be the cumulative effect that will have me using the 34-28?).

Is Robert's the one everyone keeps talking about a 'gradual climb' then turning a corner only to see a 'wall' coming, or is that another hill?

Thanks for the vote of confidence. While I am doing well this year (so far), I am still a second year rider--and still very nervous nonetheless regarding this ride. I really have wanted to ride this area for some time now, and want to go back again and ride the final climb of the HHH. I think the weight factor, plus my weightlifting background, are what have allowed me to progress so well this year with climbing (and being able to drop my buddies pretty easily on the climbs). For once being short and light is an asset!

Hopefully it doesn't come to that! Thanks for keeping the info straight. How is Weaver Rd and Rosyln? Its hard to judge steepness from the cue sheet...

I'm wondering if I'll be able to complete the 133k, so 200k is out of the question for this year (plus I have plans in the evening after the ride).

I'm going to take the setup out on some hills tomorrow to give it a good shakedown before the big day. I want to make sure everything's all set before I ride.

Thanks for the comments guys. I hope to see some of you (passing me?) on Saturday.


SMH

Scummer

Ok. Just for clarification. The self loathing department doesn't take any more applications. The spots are already filled by Mr. Psi and myself. Since we are two fat bastards who are definitely too slow for this sport.

Now, that being said. I have done the 200k DD last year and I had only cycled for one year after a 10 year hiatus and I made it.... barely. I think the only one who was in worse condition than me after the ride was aham23, he was really white in the face.

So again. No worries. Make sure you got your drinking and eating down and you will be doing just fine.

Scummer

Oh, and here is some study material
https://www.bikeforums.net/great-lakes/455074-dairyland-dare-ride-reports-go-here.html

Psimet2001 

Yes.

It's like getting kicked in the nuts.




Twice.


...and you'll be fine. I did the 100k last year - and then got bored waiting and decided to go do the 33k additional loop. Easy Cheesy. You'll feel it but you be drinking beer before most are.

SMH707

Oooohh, Oouuch!... Good analogy--PAIN, lotsa PAIN! Please tell me the steep part isn't like a 1/2 mile long?! I can handle it if its like a 1/10 mile to 1/4 mile long, anything longer at 20+% is going to be questionable--sheer willpower!

I hope you're right about being able to do it. I'll mentally prepare for the worst and hopefully experience what you've described. If I don't prepare for torture, I won't make it...

CyLowe97

Weaver looks like it is new on this year's map, at least comparing it to the 2007 map. The 2007 route goes down Dyerson. That was the one with the skull/crossbones DANGER sign for terrible pavement and washed out road just before the little climb to the Pleasant Ridge stop.

The 2009 route turns on Upper Wyoming, then a left on Weaver before heading to the Pleasant Ridge stop.

I'm guessing this little add on makes up for the removal of the ride down K and climb up Ridgeview (the hills closest to Blue Mound on the ride). Not sure if this was the same on the 2008 route.

Anyone have an extra 2008 route map?


All you gotta say is "I'm gonna punch this ride in the mouth!" and then do it.

You'll do fine!

nietsmas

if i recall correctly, stewart said the route is the same as last year, so just check the website.

CyLowe97

You're right. I was comparing to the 2007 map. The 2008 maps online look the same as the 2009 posted.

Gotta memorize the route since I don't have a fancy GPS grade measuring cadence heart murmur dealy.

nietsmas

just look for the arrows that suddenly appear at the bottom of the hill as you're doing 45mph

aham23

same route as last year boys. with all these 200kers does this mean someone will be there to encourage aham23 up shop hill road? last year i had to trudge it solo. well, i got to watch super tri girl fly up it in the areo position. i miss her. later.

nietsmas

i'm attempting the 200k this year. however, i'm setting a goal to actually pace myself, so i don't plan on actually trying to ride with anyone. that being said, if i find someone to ride with, i'll tag along as my heart rate dictates.

Scummer

Just to outdo last year I need to at least attempt 233k.

aham23

pacing? this isnt a race? has someone told CC that yet? later.

SMH707

Skull and Crossbones, is that a road sign, or a sign the event coordinators put up? Are there any other 'unsafe' descents to watch out for, or gravel roads that are particularly tricky?

So, I'm a little confused: is a T-shirt included in the entry fee? What all do we get for entering (besides pain)?

Scummer

t-shirt, a glass, nice shopping bag and some paper stuff.

aham23

i think some socks made by the sock guy have replaced the t-shirt. i think. later.

CyLowe97

It looks like the road that had the homemade skull/crossbones sign back in 2007 was re-routed last year.

Good thing.

ColorChange

If I'm on my bike and I can see anyone else on a bike ... It's a race!

I am seriously getting revved for this.

cyclpsycho

Lighten up Francis!

I plan on finishing this bastard this year. I don't care if I average 5 mph!

nietsmas

superblock racing will have our team car following with sag support:

recursive

Should be able to fit several patch kits in there.

recursive

Anyone driving from Madison? I have a co-worker looking for a ride, as he's having car problems. I'll be racing in Neenah that day.