Berns

I'm thinking about signing up again this year for the Bridge Pedal. As crazy as it was last year, I'm hoping that I'm being more smart by registering for the Express Riders group. Question is, do you think it would still be worth it? A ride is a ride, I guess. I'm not sure I can do the 15mph average, but I think I can. Thoughts???

Also, who's planning on riding?

Thanks...

Bernie

Jakey

I' probably going to do it...and I will certainly be in the express group. Its too insane otherwise. 15mph shouldn't be too hard.

irablumberg

I left Portland in 2004, but rode several nice Bridge Pedals while I lived there. If I recall correctly, the main advantage of the "express group" is you get to leave earlier than the main pack so you are not as packed together with your fellow riders. I don't think there will be any officials with stop watches yelling if you go too slowly. About the worst that would happen to you is the main pack might catch you towards the end of your ride and you might fall behind the express group. Don't worry about it and definitely sign up for the express group.

Ira

Berns

thanks Ira, that helps me a lot. I'll do my best!

Chisolm

I am planning on signing up for the express ride, completing the route and then meeting my family at the start for the insane ride/walk/crawl...up and over a few of the bridges. My five year old had a great time on the ride-a-long last year.

Jakey

I'll do the express with you. I would bring my son..but he is too big for the trailer, and I can't afford the piccalo right now.. This is assuming I don't do torture 10k... cause I doubt I will be able to walk the day after..much less ride.

Berns

Does anyone want to meet someplace before? If so, any suggestions?

dtrain

I'm probably in for the express group as well.

PedalMasher

I'd do the express ride then do it again easier with the slow groups. You get your money's worth!

dtrain

So...it only takes 5 people to create a 'team' and everyone gets $5 bucks off. Berns, Jakey, Chisolm; you think I should go ahead and set up a Bike Forums team?

(Yes, I am that cheap...even when it goes to a good cause.)

pityr

I'll be in the express group. Guess what the reg fee is if you work for one of the sponsors

Shaman

When is it and where do we sign up?

Jakey

If you want. When does online registration close?

Jakey

https://www.providence.org/Oregon/Eve...al/default.htm

peregrine

I signed up for it about a week ago. Starting at 6:45. I'm planning to ride fast (by my definition of fast, that is ) but I really wanna stop at the 405 and I-5 bridges and take some pics.

dtrain

The night before. The only slight catch is that whomever creates the team has to pay for the first 5 riders. So I'll wait for a few solid commitments before pulling the trigger. The deals works out to $5 off and then I could post a 'Bike Forums' team code on here and others can use that to sign up throughout next week for the same savings.

Shaman

So what keeps people from just joining the ride and not registering? Something seems wierd about paying $25- to join a "public" ride. Am I missing something? Do we actually get something for the $25-?

pityr

Nothing as far as I can tell. Its a fund raiser.

from the providence web site:

Who benefits from the Providence Bridge Pedal?
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is one of the beneficiaries of Providence Bridge Pedal. Since 1990, the BTA has been promoting and protecting the rights of bicyclists in order to create safe, sane and sustainable communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

The Providence Women and Heart Disease Program is also a beneficiary. One in every three American women develops heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Women often experience very different symptoms than men do, and they tend to ignore unfamiliar symptoms. Providence is teaching women about the symptoms they should watch for and helping them receive needed care in a timely fashion from doctors who are experts in women’s heart health.

dtrain

Yes. You are missing the point entirely.

You think all the coordination, traffic diversions, safety precautions, route planning, fully-stocked rest stops, etc. should be completely free for everyone? Sure, most of that is done with donated time, money, and goods...but only because those people know that the event raises money for a good cause (the BTA and towards fighting Heart Disease). I might be cheap by wanting to donate only $20 instead of $25, but at least I understand that there is a lot of effort put into something like this. If you don't want to pay to ride, that's fine - stay home. But don't take advantage of the work that has gone into this by enjoying a worry-free ride over all the bridges while contributing nothing to the cause.

yonderboy

There's feed stations and you have to be riding in one of their orange vests to participate. I imagine the marshalls will pull anyone not wearing the vest.

Shaman

D-Train, you are way to righteous in my opinion It was just a question! I have no problem supporting a cause but I have friends who are recipients of the cause and cannot affort such event but are avid cyclists (and rides a 15 y/o Huffy, for God's sake!).

Yonderboy, good point on the Vests. Didin't know about food either! Will always pay for food and true support.

All events are different. Some like to take money but give nothing in return and others go all the way in creature comforts and true support [no one left behind]. Just wondered about your experience in the Bridge Pedals of the past. Is it a give/give event that's worth the entry or not? I know $25- is cheap for any event, regardless.

As for Providence in their health care system; THEY S#CKS~@$$!!! Their system is one who will go out of their way to turn you away and they DO NOT cooperate with other institutions that are more convenient or more appropriate for patients. They use many small satelite operations that direct ALL patients to the main hospital for diagnostics and such. Their total health care philosophy (insurance wise) is BOGUS! Completely minimalistic health care provider. [Just my friendly opinion from experience!].

dtrain

Fair enough, I probably did come on too strong there. But I couldn't tell if you were just exploring what benefits the riders get for their donation -- or more seriously questioning why we all shouldn't just ride in the thing and stiff the cause. As I first read it, it sounded more like the later.

I wonder if they have any type of sponsers' exemptions or partial scholarships. I would think that your friend might be a good candidate if they exist.

Berns

So is there someplace you guys wanna meet? Suggestions? It's kinda far from the start, but Pioneer Place? Downtown can't be too crazy for parking at that time (6:00-ish?) I remember that getting through registration sucked and even when you get moving it's slow. However, I left at a later time last year. I'll be riding the Zipp so I can try and keep up with you guys... I'm probably pushing my limits on the 15mph I'm actually contemplating puting on the disc... I never get the chance to ride it anyway. I'm all show and no go! Hahahaha!!!

Berns

Ok... so for all that are interested in meeting ahead of time. We'll meet at Pioneer Square (brick courtyard) around 5:50am and then we'll head down to registration from there at 6:00am.

You think that 30-min. is a good enough time to go through registration and to the start?

Chisolm

I haven't logged on for awhile and I am kind of out of the Bridge Pedal loop. Dtrain, did we miss the chance to register as a team? If not, I would be interested.

I am going to register at New Seasons on Saturday and pick-up my ride packet. Hopefully I won't have to go through registration on the day of the ride. Meeting at 5:50 seems a bit early, but maybe it is a necessary precaution. Last year I started in the early group and the registration lines were really short.

I will just be riding downtown from my house, so parking won't be an issue. Looking forward to the ride--it should be tons of chaotic fun!