Ms 150
04-13-15, 12:34 PM
#277
bill nyecycles
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After stormy morning, sunshine breaks through this afternoon | abc13.com
The overall weather pattern will remain unsettled for the rest of the week, so while we may be done with storms for today, expect more to come over the next several days. At this point we are looking at a chance of stormy weather for parts of the BP MS-150, especially on Saturday.
04-13-15, 01:27 PM
#279
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The first time I ever rode in one of these events, it was the Louisiana MS150. It is held in October every year, running 75 each day. Well, the second day it rained THE ENTIRE day. Let me tell you, THAT was miserable. Cold and wet are not a fun combination. I rode the whole day wearing a garbage bag.
At this point, if it rains in the morning and clears up in the afternoon, I'm A-OK with that.
Weather Underground has La Grange at 10% Sunday morning.
Repeat after me: "It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend...."
At this point, if it rains in the morning and clears up in the afternoon, I'm A-OK with that.
Weather Underground has La Grange at 10% Sunday morning.Repeat after me: "It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend. It is going to be a spectacular weekend...."
04-13-15, 01:41 PM
#281
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Don't forget to click your heels together three times while you say it... And you have to say it like you would to a lover... Oh wait...mixing up my movies. Doesn't matter what the forecast is. It is going to be fun, even if it is crappy weather. If it is crappy weather, you can just smugly tell all the riders next year how easy they have it because "you should have been here last year. Let me tell you about how bad it was..."
04-13-15, 02:06 PM
#282
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The "worst" bike rides (camping trips, vacations, fill in the blank) always seem to give you the best stories.
04-13-15, 02:47 PM
#283
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BTW, for those starting at Tully, be aware of a slight route change due to road constructions:
UPDATE! - TULLY ROUTE & BREAKPOINT #1
Updated | April 9, 2015
Due to the highway construction on FM 529 between Fry Rd and the Grand Pkwy we are revising the route to circumvent the construction zone so to keep our riders and volunteers as safe as possible. The route in this area will now continue west on Clay Rd past Fry Rd for approximately 1.5 miles to Peek Rd. The route will then turn right onto Peek Rd. Peek Rd then intersects FM 529 west of the construction zone. Please note that the revision of the route has caused the relocating BP #1 on the Tully Route. BP #1 will now be located on Peek Rd at the Tri County Baptist Church. This area not conducive to the amount of traffic that could be managed on Fry Rd so we please ask that all vehicles and spectators stay clear of this area as with all areas of the cycling route. For alternate driving directions please continue to refer the Cyclist Route Map located on our website under the Event Details section.
UPDATE! - TULLY ROUTE & BREAKPOINT #1
Updated | April 9, 2015
Due to the highway construction on FM 529 between Fry Rd and the Grand Pkwy we are revising the route to circumvent the construction zone so to keep our riders and volunteers as safe as possible. The route in this area will now continue west on Clay Rd past Fry Rd for approximately 1.5 miles to Peek Rd. The route will then turn right onto Peek Rd. Peek Rd then intersects FM 529 west of the construction zone. Please note that the revision of the route has caused the relocating BP #1 on the Tully Route. BP #1 will now be located on Peek Rd at the Tri County Baptist Church. This area not conducive to the amount of traffic that could be managed on Fry Rd so we please ask that all vehicles and spectators stay clear of this area as with all areas of the cycling route. For alternate driving directions please continue to refer the Cyclist Route Map located on our website under the Event Details section.
04-13-15, 03:01 PM
#284
bill nyecycles
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What kind of traffic can I expect starting from Katy? We started in Waller last year and it was a rolling start and we got there around 8am so it was a little more relaxed.
What time should I aim to be at Rhodes Stadium to catch the start and not get screwed on waiting or parking?
What time should I aim to be at Rhodes Stadium to catch the start and not get screwed on waiting or parking?
04-13-15, 03:14 PM
#285
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Don't know the answer to that. I started at Tully once many years ago and had to be there earlier because we were on Clay Walker's team and they wanted to do team photos before he had to go sing the national anthem. Every other time, we have always either started from the house or from a team start near I10 and Park Row. I know Katy is a very popular start, so if you don't want to be way at the back of the queue, I would suggest earlier rather than later...maybe aim for getting to the stadium by 90 minutes before the start time? Assuming stadium traffic and parking lines, that maybe gets you parked and setting up and hour before the start with plenty of time to gear up, wait in line for a portajohn and get a good spot in the lineup. Somebody who has actually started at Katy might have better advice, but for me, any extra time I spend trying to sleep in is usually wasted anyways due to anticipation, so you might as well aim to get there early to avoid any last minute stress before the start.
04-13-15, 04:00 PM
#286
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I've been told that traffic around Katy is a nightmare, so I am leaving Kingwood around 5:00-5:15 just to make sure I have plenty of time to sit and idle in my truck waiting to park. I have a rain jacket in my shopping cart online waiting to see if I need to buy it for the ride.
04-13-15, 04:25 PM
#287
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We started from Katy last year, but I can't recall what time we got there. I do remember going around the back way to avoid traffic coming off of I-10. The start is at 6:45, so I will try to get there no later than 6. The start was not hectic at all. They let everyone roll and it was pretty straight forward. No way you can do the wave start that R2R does. Everyone will get sorted out on the road.
One caution for the Katy start... Passing through Brookshire, the route turns right (north) off of 90 to 359. There is a railroad crossing immediately after the turn. BE PREPARED TO STOP. That can be a choke point as riders tend to cross the tracks very gently (and slowly).
One caution for the Katy start... Passing through Brookshire, the route turns right (north) off of 90 to 359. There is a railroad crossing immediately after the turn. BE PREPARED TO STOP. That can be a choke point as riders tend to cross the tracks very gently (and slowly).
04-13-15, 07:07 PM
#288
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What kind of traffic can I expect starting from Katy? We started in Waller last year and it was a rolling start and we got there around 8am so it was a little more relaxed.
What time should I aim to be at Rhodes Stadium to catch the start and not get screwed on waiting or parking?
What time should I aim to be at Rhodes Stadium to catch the start and not get screwed on waiting or parking?
If you don't want to deal with the Rhodes Stadium hassle but want to be near the route, do what we've done the last 2 years; start from Katy Mills Mall.
You have to ride maybe 1/2 mile to get to the underpass across I-10, and once you cross under you merge onto the official route. Last year there were quite a few people starting from there, most of which seemed to be with Team Sun and Ski and started from the parking outside their shop. I've never left my car there overnight (had my wife drop me off), but I know many other people did around us.
Just a thought in case you don't want to deal with the crowds.
04-13-15, 10:17 PM
#289
bill nyecycles
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Yeah I definitely won't want to leave my car at the mall overnight.
I guess we'll just leave early Saturday morning to sit in traffic.
I guess we'll just leave early Saturday morning to sit in traffic.
04-14-15, 05:30 AM
#290
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Phew!
Both online and TV forecast predict 30% chance.
Anyone going to the expo on Friday (Omni)?
Both online and TV forecast predict 30% chance.
Anyone going to the expo on Friday (Omni)?
04-14-15, 06:09 AM
#291
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04-14-15, 06:50 AM
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I have to go to pick up my packet. I couldn't go last week because I had meetings that I couldn't get out of.
And according to their website, Channel 2 has Saturday down to 0% chance of rain.
04-14-15, 10:19 AM
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That 15 mph wind from the NW might not be too fun on Saturday...
04-14-15, 11:20 AM
#294
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I will try to pass by and say hello.
04-14-15, 11:22 AM
#295
bill nyecycles
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Just watched the forecast on ABC, going to get slammed Thursday and Friday. Campground is totally going to be flooded.
04-14-15, 12:54 PM
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I'm sure it'll be soft, but with a day's worth of sunshine and drier air moving in, the campground should dry up enough where it's in acceptable condition.
04-15-15, 06:03 AM
#297
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.....
Most of all, try to have fun with it. If you end up with mechanicals or physical issues that cause you to SAG, it isn't the end of the world. There is always next year to improve on whatever you accomplish this year. Take the time to read the signs of the folks cheering on the side of the road, take the time to wave at the kids standing next to their mom with MS who is in a wheelchair, take the time to enjoy the wildflowers, and soak up the party energy from the folks in Fayetteville. Above all, on day two, even if you have to SAG, get them to let you out before the finish and ride through the finish in downtown Austin. Riding in front of all those folks cheering is just a really magical experience. By then, you will have done the really important part...which is the fundraising...getting to ride is just the reward for all the training and fundraising. Make sure to enjoy that part of it. Thanks again for riding, I hope your training goes well the next couple of weeks, and good luck on the way to Austin!
Most of all, try to have fun with it. If you end up with mechanicals or physical issues that cause you to SAG, it isn't the end of the world. There is always next year to improve on whatever you accomplish this year. Take the time to read the signs of the folks cheering on the side of the road, take the time to wave at the kids standing next to their mom with MS who is in a wheelchair, take the time to enjoy the wildflowers, and soak up the party energy from the folks in Fayetteville. Above all, on day two, even if you have to SAG, get them to let you out before the finish and ride through the finish in downtown Austin. Riding in front of all those folks cheering is just a really magical experience. By then, you will have done the really important part...which is the fundraising...getting to ride is just the reward for all the training and fundraising. Make sure to enjoy that part of it. Thanks again for riding, I hope your training goes well the next couple of weeks, and good luck on the way to Austin!
Best MS150 post ever!
BTW, lunch in the MS tent or street food stands (tacos, bbq)? Have you eaten road side cuisine on the MS150?
04-15-15, 07:44 AM
#298
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I completely agree!
This is my third year to ride in the MS 150, and my main goal this weekend isn't to beat my previous year's times, go faster, or anything else like that. It's actually to go slower and enjoy more of the ride. Take in all the views. Chat with others along the ride. Wave at all the supporters.
The last two years we were always in a rush to get to La Grange as quick as we can, to leave early Sunday morning, and to keep up some pre-planned pace. No this year. We plan to just go with the flow and enjoy the weekend.
This is my third year to ride in the MS 150, and my main goal this weekend isn't to beat my previous year's times, go faster, or anything else like that. It's actually to go slower and enjoy more of the ride. Take in all the views. Chat with others along the ride. Wave at all the supporters.
The last two years we were always in a rush to get to La Grange as quick as we can, to leave early Sunday morning, and to keep up some pre-planned pace. No this year. We plan to just go with the flow and enjoy the weekend.
04-15-15, 01:39 PM
#299
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I have found that as I have become stronger as a rider, I am able to worry less about the things like pace and whether I will make it. It is much easier to enjoy the ride and soak in the experience when you can take the time to look around and appreciate all the stuff going on around you.
04-15-15, 02:24 PM
#300
bill nyecycles
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I knew last year I wasn't going to be a super fast strong rider - especially having to hang back with my wife who did zero - and i mean zero - training. I rolled into La Grange around 5pm. Last one on my team. Didn't care. Had a great time taking in the sites and see all the thousands of other riders I passed and that passed me. Some of the guys on my team were there by like 11-12, rocketing at 20+ mph. It's not a race. All they did was power through because hey we gotta go fast that's what cycling is right? No. The countryside is beautiful, and the weather was great. I enjoyed being outside and seeing it go by slowly on my bike.
Day 2, we rolled across the finish line around 4:15pm. I wanted to hang out and check out the festivities, but we jumped on the buses back because we heard it was the last bus or something (maybe BS).
Enjoy the experience! You're riding your bike 150 miles - take it all in.
Day 2, we rolled across the finish line around 4:15pm. I wanted to hang out and check out the festivities, but we jumped on the buses back because we heard it was the last bus or something (maybe BS).
Enjoy the experience! You're riding your bike 150 miles - take it all in.