Gerry Hull

Anyone have plans for either of these? Sebring's in late feb; the cross Florida race which starts in cocoa beach has been 86'd for the last few years but is tentatively scheduled for April, acc. to the space coast freewheelers who I believe are sponsoring the event. Anybody got these on their calendar? How's training going? Whatcha gonna ride?

Recumbents flock to these two races because the courses are so flat. Some outrageously aero hpv's here that are nearly impossible to keep up with. Oddly, though I think last years was won on a regular bike. Maybe because it takes the recumbent riders so much time to get in and out of those things in order to just take a pee.

Hmm. Having thought this through, I wonder why someone doesn't try those condomoid adhesive catheters with a little latex exit tube that could tuck through the leg of your shorts? It would probably run down your leg and straight into your shoe.

StephenH

Note that recumbents are in a separate category, and HPV's are in a separate category from recumbents. We had a number of recumbents at the Texas Time Trials last year, and it's not flat, so that's not always the criteria. Unless I'm missing something, they just had two HPV's at Sebring last year (looking at the Results page).

I might be motivated to try something like that if I was more competitive, but it's not worth the drive to come in near the last.

I'd be curious to know how the HPV's worked out there (other than umimpressive results). The ones you normally hear about have taped-together fuselages, very wide turning radius, etc., and generally wouldn't be suitable for any kind of general racing/ road riding.

jyjyjy81

I am going to the Sebring race in the 24 hour category. Last year I was in the 12 hr group and (being my introduction to ultra racing) I am hooked! I am riding a 2005 5.2 Trek with "raised' aerobars...nothing fancy. I am flying there and as it snows here from November to March all of my training is indoors. The training is going well...I guess. Also. it is at this time of year I am desperate to get outdoors so a mid February Florida ride fits the ticket. I also like getting all of the logistics together...travel, accomadation, food etc.

chewybrian 

I would very much like to try the Sebring 24 hour race. But, I am focused on PBP this year; I have a 300k qualifier a week prior. I might still try the Cross Florida ride (which isn't really a race, though I'm sure they'll know who 'wins'). To me, just getting there in the dawn to dusk window would be good enough. If I don't ride Cross FLorida, I'll be out at a SAG stop.

c.miller64

Just registered today for Sebring in the 24 hour category and I'm pretty excited as it's my first attempt at an "Ultra" race.
I rode the "Cross Florida" last year and had a blast.

Gerry Hull

Excellent! and it's a blessedly short drive for you.
While attempting the 12hr two years ago (I didn't finish; I hadnt trained worth a damn) I watched (and attempted to keep up with) a large part of the field that was bombing through the first century at 28 mph or something insane. I learned later from the results that everyone slowed WAY down after that. No doubt they had left their condom catheters at home. But I suspect there was a good deal of early burnout as well. Barring late winter temperatures in Fl this year, I'm going, but I'm definitely not taking the bait, not this time, no way.
Some of the hpv's there looked like recumbents that had run into an open 55 gallon hefty bag, but some were very nicely engineered and pleasing to look at. They did however have to detour into a local airport in order to turn around though. You could tell that the guys riding them were excited about being able to pass road bikes without having to dread getting smoked on the first hill. A couple were incredibly fast. I've no idea why they had such mediocre finishes. No doubt some of them were baking inside those fiberglass shells.

c.miller64

You won't find me in any of those groups. My plan is to try and avg 16mph for the first 16hrs and ignore the fact that I'm in a race. If I'm still around and feeling good after 16hrs, I'll assess where I'm at in the field, and use the riders in front of me for the motivation to go faster.

At least that's the plan......

Homeyba

They do that on purpose, since there are no real hills, to drop people. They just up the pace to spit off the pretenders then they slow down and spend some time recovering before they race for the finish. The key is to hang at that pace only if you can do it without getting into the red zone. It's easier to ride at 25mph in a pace line that 21mph by yourself. If you can't ride at that pace without getting into the red zone then it's best to back off and find a group riding at your pace. You definitely want to be in some kind of a group though. If you're out there pushing the wind by yourself you won't have a chance.

The other option is to do a none-drafting ultra such as the Race Across Oregon or the Furnace Creek 508. Lots of fun!

StephenH

I was thinking they had a non-drafting RAAM-qualifier at Sebring, but that may only be the 24 hour event.

The Texas Time Trials was a non-drafting event (which was good for me, because I'm not a paceline guy anyway). I'm not sure which all events work which way, though.

c.miller64

They have two 24hr events at Sebring. A non-drafting RAAM qualifier, and a drafting race.

Gerry Hull

I've always wanted a jersey that had STOP THE DRAFT silkscreened on the back!

Pedal Wench

Our (me and my boyfriend) goal pace is 16.5 - 17 mph, so if we worked together, it could be easier for all of us. We're doing the 24-hour, non-RAAM qualifier.

In another thread, someone asked about some of the logistics. They don't send out any confirmation or race packets - you pick up your number and timing chip on Friday at the hotel next to the race track.

Praying for sunshine and no wind!

chewybrian 

Details on the Cross Florida ride are up on the SpaceCoastFreewheelers page.

A few key elements:

30th Cross Florida Bike Ride

...endurance riders mark your calendars for this year's Cross Florida. It will take place on April 3, 2011 (Sunday) starting at 7:00am from Alan Shepard Park at the eastern terminus of SR-520 in Cocoa Beach, FL.

...There will be minimal support with only 4 unmanned SAG stops that will stock an energy drink and water. You will need to depend on convenience stores along the route for most of your food and hydration.

...Remember this is not a race and will not be timed.

...We insist all riders that have their own personal SAG vehicle supporting them during the ride have that SAG vehicle registered and also sign and agree to a set of rules.

NO handing out bottles or food on the move.
NO driving slowly ahead, behind or aside of the group, instead please drive ahead and wait.
As SAG drivers please make use of SAG sites and convenience stores to meet up with your riders...We think the rules aren't at all burdensome and will make for less traffic around the riders and fewer angry motorists directing their anger towards the riders.

Ride Time and Cutoffs

Due to safety concerns and our finish location being in a public park all riders must complete the ride before sunset...Our SAG vehicles will be enforcing the following cutoff points and times.

100 miles (Rockridge Rd & US-98) - 2:00pm (7.0 hours @ 14.3mph avg.)
140 miles (SAG 4 location) - 5:10pm (10.17 hours @ 13.8mph avg.)
163 miles (SR-50 & US-19) - 7:20pm (12.33 hours @ 13.2mph avg.)
If you don't make these cutoffs you will be SAGed to the finish line in one of our SAG vehicles.

Ride Fee...
(includes breakfast, dinner, support, etc.)

$50 until March 14
$60 March 15 until April 2...
$40 Return Transportation. (we will provide transportation back to Cocoa Beach for you and your bike, yes you don't have to ride your bike back)
$10 per meal for your family and friends.

...Your ride will take you 170 miles over quiet back country roads.
Our club is non-profit and supports various charities with the proceeds from events like this.

c.miller64

Looks like we might have good weather for the 12/24. The extended forecast calls for a high of 81 and a low of 54.

Pedal Wench

Shhhhh.... don't jinx it....

StephenH

Ideally, you want good weather for yourself and bad weather for all the competitors. That may be hard to accomplish. But otherwise, keep in mind, that however much the weather benefits you, it benefits everyone else, so it isn't necessarily an advantage in doing good in the race. If you can deal with it, it may be to your advantage to have the most miserable weather rather than the best.

On the one race I've done like this, it rained about half the time, and I was on about the only bike out there with disk brakes and fenders, plus I tend to overheat, so it was all to the good for me.

Pedal Wench

For me, I'm racing against myself, going for a PB, so good weather helps me compete against, well, me!

Gerry Hull

pedal w., I almost sure I IDd u and yer bf! sorry I couldnt answer message; not enough posts yet.

I was ridn the pretty red bike with the weirdo handlebar setup. Doesnt look like something you could survive twelve hours on but since it used to be my GFs commuter bike, I figure it has such good karma, all things are possible. Tho I won for my age group I got slaughtered in mileage (i made 223) by the 50-60 yr old classes. I had to stop at least 5 min every hour. Those cats wouldnt stop if one of their legs fell off. I mean, they just don't stop. All the excuses the mind makes up to get off the bike, they just ignore it. It is so amazing to me. some really extraordinary people there.

Man what a beautiful day it was. Im psyched about the cross fl. race. Hopefully I can master some of my wimpiness by then.

P.W.- did you get your PB? If that was you I saw, I bet you did. You guys were moving so consistently, never slowed down.

I tried real hard beforehand to remove all performance expectations, instead tell myself just stay on bike as much as you can and look at this as a great
opportunity to do 12 hours straight of good base training and be grateful for chance to ride something besides that stupid trainer at the ymca. That was a good idea. Made winning something a total shock.

man what a gorgeous day it was

Barrettscv 

Congrats

Gerry Hull

I finally got it that the real victory is just finishing these things. Ive racked up more dnf's as a direct result of tryin to win something combined with a total lack of common sense about what my limits are. This is the first time Ive really had fun doing an endurance event so I think Im saying goodbye to former attitude.

Folks who have done the Cross Florida thing, what was it like for you? I mean the general character of the whole thing.

Pedal Wench

Gerry - if you were on that flat-bar road bike, then I did spot ya! Looked great every time you passed us! I got sick later in the night so I had to stop - which sucked because I think I was well on my way to a PB and my goal for the race. Already planning for next year! The smoke really got to us when it settled onto the track at night - my car still reeks from it!

miamiturtleguy

Hi Gerry and all,

I'm curious about the Cross Florida Bike Ride also. I'm new to distance/endurance cycling and had set this ride as a goal in late January and started training for it. I was doing three 30 mile rides during the week and a longer 50 mile and the 100 mile ride on Saturday and Sunday. Then I did my first 200 k brevet (Big Cypress/Immoakolee ) which was actually 136 miles on Feb. 19th I finished as one of the riders at the rear with 9 hours of saddle time at a 15 mph average. But I took 10 hours and 45 minutes total time with breaks (start 8 am/ finish 6:45 pm). I enjoyed the ride, my lunch break and rest stops, etc. did not mind coming back in the dark and felt like I could easily do another 2.5 hours for a 170 mile total. However, I know I could not ride with the big boys at 20 + mph.

The Cross Florida Ride has very strict Ride Time Cutt offs. I am re-thinking my goal of doing it this year and waiting until I gain some more speed over long distance and hopefully upgrade from my bike from my vintage Benotto Road bike to a Trek 2.3 or Madone.

I was planning on doing the March 19th 300 k Brevet in Pompano Beach and approach it as a training ride for the Cross Florida.

Any advice or suggestions about this ride would be greatly appreciated.

Gerry Hull

sounds to me like you already got the chops for distance bro. If I were in your shoes and really had my heart set on doing it, I would shelve the extra ultra-training of pompano, and instead attempt two or three sixty milers in the next couple of weeks, going as hard as I could. If I could make significant improvement in my speed over those three rides (lets say my avg on the first was 16.5, five days later i made 17.2, then third time out I made 17.5, I would be so psyched i would find it impossible not to attempt the cross fl.

it may not be the smartest thing to do, but i know how hard it is to give up a goal once youve gotten your mind stuck on it. That is how I would give it my best shot.

personally, I think you could score. Unless you gotta strong gut feeling that its just not gonna work.

Myself, I am working from the other end. I got my fair share of speed but am having a mother of a time learning how to keep a sustainable pace. You got no issues there. Good luck! Hope I see you there.

miamiturtleguy

Hey Gerry. Thanks for your response and encouragement. You may be right about skipping the Pompano 300 k ride and working on my speed during some 60 milers.

I’m going to continue to see if I can get my average speed up on the longer rides. I’ve really never had a problem with averaging 17 – 19 on shorter 30 mile rides.

Part of the problem the past three weeks has been the 20 mph winds. It was against us the entire 200 k brevet. I have done two 6o mile rides the past two Sundays since the brevet on Feb 19th, both with 16.1 avg and with only a couple short stops. I’ve also been doing a couple 30 mile rides during the week with a slightly higher average of 17.1 . These are all in windy conditions. When it is calm I could probably hang at 17 – 18 but alone against the wind no way will I be able to maintain that pace.

So, I’ll see where I’m at after the 19th and make a decision then. But if I don’t do it this year, I will definitely be ready next year.

I got an email from the Freewheelers and most of the riders are averaging 17 - 18 and finishing with time to spare.

The other issue is my equipment. I've been riding a 30 year old Benotto which a friend gave me after I realized that I really needed a Road Bike a couple years after I bought my Trek 7.3 FX Hybrid. The Benotto frame is too big for me. Also, I broke a spoke on my 60 mile ride after the 200 K brevet. After considering buyiny a new wheel set for a bike I need to replace with a modern properly fitted bike I can ride long distance on I started thinking that the money I'm going to spend on travel, hotel, registration etc. might be better spent towards that upgrade. I'm looking at a Trek 2.3 or Madone. That discussion would make for another thread.

The other ride that is on my 2011 list is BRAG Bike Ride Across Georgia. Atlanta to Savannah. It's not really an ultra ride , but more of a tour, 470 miles in eight days. Do you know much about it?

Tod

miamiturtleguy

Hey Gerry. Thanks for your response and encouragement. You may be right about skipping the Pompano 300 k ride and working on my speed during some 60 milers.

I’m going to continue to see if I can get my average speed up on the longer rides. I’ve really never had a problem with averaging 17 – 19 on shorter 30 mile rides.

Part of the problem the past three weeks has been the 20 mph winds. It was against us the entire 200 k brevet. I have done two 6o mile rides the past two Sundays since the brevet on Feb 19th, both with 16.1 avg and with only a couple short stops. I’ve also been doing a couple 30 mile rides during the week with a slightly higher average of 17.1 . These are all in windy conditions. When it is calm I could probably hang at 17 – 18 but alone against the wind no way will I be able to maintain that pace.

So, I’ll see where I’m at after the 19th and make a decision then. But if I don’t do it this year, I will definitely be ready next year.

I got an email from the Freewheelers and most of the riders are averaging 17 - 18 and finishing with time to spare.

The other issue is my equipment. I've been riding a 30 year old Benotto which a friend gave me after I realized that I really needed a Road Bike a couple years after I bought my Trek 7.3 FX Hybrid. The Benotto frame is too big for me. Also, I broke a spoke on my 60 mile ride after the 200 K brevet. After considering buyiny a new wheel set for a bike I need to replace with a modern properly fitted bike I can ride long distance on I started thinking that the money I'm going to spend on travel, hotel, registration etc. might be better spent towards that upgrade. I'm looking at a Trek 2.3 or Madone. That discussion would make for another thread.

The other ride that is on my 2011 list is BRAG Bike Ride Across Georgia. Atlanta to Savannah. It's not really an ultra ride , but more of a tour, 470 miles in eight days. Do you know much about it?

Tod