Just for myself, driving across the country from Colorado in December can be a bit dicey. Also, Christmas time is extremely busy. My singing group will be doing about 12 performances in December, and we always want to be with family around the Christmas time.

We would prefer spring, when flowers are blooming and we could do a pretty tour through Kentucky and some other pretty southern states.

However, others need to speak up.

And, we may not be able to come, anyway.

I understand that near Christmas may not work, I was just thinking a lot of people vacation then. Maybe Late February or early March would work for more people. Denver, Why don't you do one of those polls that you are so well known for and maybe find out where, when, people would be interested in the 2nd annual 50 plus ride.

Nope but thanks for the suggestion. I am formally bowing out of the process. I will be pleased to offer what I have learned (in fact, I already have in another thread).

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=582491

My thought is that there has to be more than one person willing to take the leadership, or the activity will neither be worthwhile nor successful - nor much needed.

I sincerely hope the rides continue, and that there are folks willing to step forward.

Thanks for your interest and input.

Well, if nothing works, you and I can get together and have a mini meeting. We are residing in Hernando from December until end of March.
Perhaps we can get some others to join us?:)

Florida in December sounds good but it's a busy month with the family and friends.

Will, I live 7 miles from Hernando straight down the path on 486 so we can get together for sure and talk about the next ride. Maybe coffee at the chicken king.

Beverly, you could bring some of them with you.

I will start a new post with a poll in it later on and get more ideas from others.

The plot thickens. Artmo lives in FL and I am sure would be interested. I think we can get a bunch of Floridans and Snowbirds together.:D

A few friends and I are hoping to do Bike Florida the end of March. It will be nice to get away from the midwest winter.

The only one in my immediate family who rides is my grandson and I wouldn't even try to keep up with him:( He and a friend often do 100 miles on the Little Miami Scenic trail.

I'm another teacher. That means I have time to drive to far-off places for events like this, but only between the middle of June and the middle of August. I'd like to see a ride in this time window out west somewhere. I'm on the central coast of California. I've gone as far as Seattle for a ride, and was going to go to Great Falls, Montana this summer for a tour until life's circumstances got in the way.

As for that, life often interferes with the best intentions, but if I decided to do something like a 50+ ride, I'd guess there'd be a 75% chance I'd actually show up. That's probably par for the course. If so, if 75% of the people who said they were coming actually showed up, it would probably be a pretty successful ride. How big would you want this thing to get, anyway?

So what are we really talking about here?

1. Two days' ride routes with maybe 30 and 50 mile distance options. Too short?
2. Lodging for out-of-town participants.
3. Meal venues for 2 full days + one evening and one breakfast.
4. Administrative - registration/insurance/legal requirements.

Have I missed anything?

An east coast gathering would be more doable for me.

There are a couple factors that probably should be taken into consideration:

-Just what kind of project should this be: Casual or Formal?

If it is a casual get together with everyone doing their own thing and just gathering for a meal or two and a ride that is a much different thing than a more structured event.
(From experience I know people are not as willing to spend time and money getting to a distant casual event because there is no assurance it will even happen. In another sport I once spent a good deal of time and money getting to such an activity only to find the locals had decided they'd rather do something else that weekend. Without them we were just a bunch of out-of-towners who didn't know our way around stumbling around trying to make the best of the situation.)


-What participants do you want?

As relative newbie to this cycling thing I have been amazed at the competitive culture and how pervasive it is. Being "dropped", whatever that is, seems to be a sin ranking up there with stealing the Pope's ring. On the other hand I've been able to find people to ride with who like a bit friendly competition but for whom the real core is the fellowship while getting some good exercise. These are two different rider populations.

-Geographical location will have a major, if not deciding, effect on who can participate.

As I posted earlier due to logistics of moving bikes around I'm pretty well limited to where it makes sense for me to ride. While the magnitude may be different I'm sure the same factors impact others.

-Timing

Generally speaking July and August are The Months for this kind of recreatiional activity.

I missed this one due to health and if my problems persist will miss the next one. Did several casual get togethers for many years on MC's and they worked great. Only injuries stopped the MC about 4 years ago. I live North West of Chicago but distance isn't a problem thats what carriers are for LOL.
Mostly we operated out of camp grounds then it was much cheaper and fun when we were younger
The wife now demands a warm bed and restruants lol.

Well just rambling but if there is anyone in the group from the wisc or minn area , two area's we did then were kettle morain in wisc and lake superior area in minn. both have a lot of trails available.

I'm hoping they get me back riding, sitting on my back side is not at all fun. If I do and get back in shape will look forward to meeting everyone.

Just want to add my 2 cents worth here. I live in Altamonte Springs (just NW of Orlando). I think the Withlacoochee Trail is by far the best trail in Fl. For some variety people could ride The James Van Fleet (flat stright but lots of wildlife early in the morning) and The South Lake Trail/West Orange (pretty scenic). Some driving would be involved to do these trails (my guess is about one hour or less to the South Lake Trail and less than that to the James Van Fleet). Another possible ride would be the Sugar Loaf Mt road ride for those who have a need to climb. Depending on the time of year a ride to the Lake Ridge Winery is a good ride. At any rate that is just my thoughts for now and i would be available to assist in the planning and development of a ride in Florida.
:cheers:

Sounds like a 50+ "Snowbird Rendesvous" is developing down south. As a veteran of "Ride One" I do think it might be better to think of these things as multi-day gatherings (where rides might break out) than "rides". Or maybe gatherings with intent to ride? Just a thought....

Oh, darn, Will, you noticed where I live:) We finally arrived home last evening.

Yes, I would be willing to get involved in the organization in FL, but my preference would be around April/May when it's not too hot and there's no risk of frost!! My asthmatic lungs don't work too well in cold air. Organizational meetings would give me an opportunity to ride the Withlacoochee with you. I'll start training now:)


I like the Mt. Dora area which has a mixture of flat and hilly areas (yes, we have hills) with quiet roads, and Mt. Dora itself is a nice little town with a number of hostelries and shops. http://www.whattodoinmtdora.com/?gcl...FQtM2god5HmDjA

Artmo, you have your work cut out.
Withlacoochee State Trail is my speciality. I trained on it for both CC tours. I get 19 MPH average biking time on it for the 96 miles round trip. That includes slowing down for all the intersections. My friend Don down there (lives on the trail in Floral City) has no trouble dropping me with a Madone and his Recumbent both. He is an animal.:D I clocked him at over 27 MPH repeatedly.
Regarding the temperature. The mornings can be nippy. Noon temperatures are never below F60 in March. You should be able to do the 100 miles from noon to 6:00 PM. Just a little guideline for your training on your island with your buddies.;)

Okay, here are some ideas for the next ride. this is not an all inclusive list or complete plan, just some ideas

Pre-ride:
Make arrangements with local lodging establishments for out of town guests. This would include a reduced rate and a choice of price ranges. Also would include local B&B and nearest campground for any campers.

Make arrangements to assure we have proper and affordable insurance coverage.

Send all prospective attendees lists of route options including pace options.
This would include some nice hilly rides through pleasant neighborhoods on great roads.
It would also include some rides with the local club on their regular scheduled rides and with the riders you would feel comfortable with their pace.
There would of course be a century option.

Day 1: Meet for breakfast and introductions at restaurant.
Everyone split up into (prearranged) groups and ride the route they choose for the morning or entire day.
First evening meet for cookout.

Day 2: Entire group go out on Crystal River on rented pontoon boats and or kayaks for manatee watching, snorkeling and swimming.
Day 2 evening: go with local riders on choice of 25 or 40 mile ride with paces from leiserly to OMG I hope I can keep up or just enjoy the great trail on your own.

Day 3: travel about one hour or less and ride on another local trail or go on local back road tour, again with those you feel comfortable pace. You can even see where Ted Williams lived.

Day 4: Open day for whatever you wish.

Day 5: Repeat of day one with group farewell dinner.

I was just kidding, Will. I have no intention of killing myself just to stay with you. As previously discussed, you need rest days then you might go faster:D

Why, oh why, can't we all just be friends? :innocent:

I agree with this, and I think it is much higher priority than whatever you were attempting to accomplish by backing out of the discussion several postings ago. I'm glad you haven't backed out yet.

Hey, I can weazel out if I want to!! :)

Seriously, I need to reduce some stuff I am doing. I am sponsoring some significant legislative stuff in CO, and still doing volunteer work nationally. Our petition

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/...ignatures.html

just passed 10,000 responses, and we have over 200 poignant parent stories (selected from over 2,000) from across the country. Somehow we need to put it all together in a unique message to congress. Anyone out there got graphic skills, and need a volunteer opportunity?

We are actively seeking 100 volunteer state coordinators, developing a massive email list process, etc.

I think I have made my thoughts pretty clear, and, as previously stated, will be pleased to offer any suggestions.

Arthur and Don,
German Humor.:D

What gives you the impression that we are not?

I'm definitely out of the "organization" loop. I tried to organize a bikeforums.net 50+ ride in SoCal and while lots of folks said they'd be there, on the day of the event no one showed up (well, except me).

Of course this was just supposed to be one ride, so no motels or meals or anything else to set up.

Good to hear you had lots better results on your event! Next year is a maybe depending on when and where. FL is too far, but I'm open to other locations.

Rick / OCRR