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Originally Posted by
u235
I ride alone. If need support or a plan I couldn't come up with on my own or required additional group dynamic for encouragement for a single day event, it's not something I am interested in.
I understand the group dynamic but it is not for me.
Originally Posted by
rm -rf
I like events that are on a course that would be harder to do solo. With event rest stops where there are few stores or sources of water.
And the route needs to be interesting. I don't want to pay to ride a boring route.
Personally, the only charity ride I have done is a local Century, that fits the above description, for Children’s Organizations sponsored by a well-known philanthropist I know personally. There is a minimal $ 1000 donation that I spilt with my organization, which is also a recipient of his generosity.
It's a well attended, festive affair; hockey legend Bobby Orr was the Honorary Chairman one year
I am nearly always a solo rider, but what enjoy about this ride, as a goal (Century) to attain:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
… For me it’s the pinnacle of the cycling season, but marks the start of the Winter Retrenchment. It’s a great ride on nice, lightly traveled roads throughout mostly far suburban to exurban territory in the southern sector [of Metro Boston].
It’s well marked, though only a part of it is well known to me and I particularly like spending a pleasant Saturday, the only time of the year when I’m almost completely unaware of time of day and where I am.
The ride is very well organized with comfort stops every 20 miles, and a breakfast and following barbecue party at the Start/Finish line. It supports several Children’s Social Service Agencies and in past years has had such luminary Chairmen as Bobby Orr and Terry Francona. I happen to know [the Organizer] personally and I'm glad to ride and support his cause.
Now I’m not necessarily soliciting for riders, nor pledges. The expected donation to ride is $1000, and the 25 and 50 mile loops are closed to registration, but one can still register for the Century on Saturday morning.
I myself have a corporate and personal donation to make, so that’s not a problem for me, because I don’t like to solicit. But I just thought you might like to know about this cycling event and I report it here as such:…
Another benefit to me as a routinely solo rider is to ride in a paceline:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
A basic advice is I keep in mind during the century is “Ride my own pace,” in particular not too fast at the beginning, and ride the entire route at a pace comfortable for me.
Even when I pick up with another rider, I make it clear that’s my rule if our paces are not compatible. Another strategy on charity rides done by myself, is to start early and perhaps be picked up by a group riding at a suitable pace and ask to draft with them.
That adds a kick to my pace, but quite often I fall slightly behind at turning a corner, and its amazing how a slight drop behind can be impossible to catch-up, attesting to the value of drafting.
Also, you might catch-up to a slightly slower rider and draft him/her, and they could reciprocate, synergizing both of you. But always,“Ride your own pace.”
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 07-14-19 at 01:01 PM.