Midwest must do rides - 2014
#1
Its only pain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hammond, WI
Posts: 930
Bikes: '18 Salsa Marrakesh, '14 Salsa Colossal, '89 GT Timberline
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Midwest must do rides - 2014
Thought I'd create a thread for this year. And here is one from where I grew up:
Udder Century
Udder Century
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
University of Okoboji Campus Ride
https://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=53648
https://www.threesons.com/
https://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=53648
https://www.threesons.com/
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
#4
Its only pain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hammond, WI
Posts: 930
Bikes: '18 Salsa Marrakesh, '14 Salsa Colossal, '89 GT Timberline
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I hear the climbs to the bluff tops are brutal! Ride the Ridges, Winona, MN
Rotary Club of Winona
Rotary Club of Winona
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,811
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 184 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
90 Posts
Here is the big ride I'm shooting for this year... LeTourdeShore
I've seen videos from the past two years and it looks like a blast. Really looking forward to doing it.
I've seen videos from the past two years and it looks like a blast. Really looking forward to doing it.
#6
Senior Member
As I posted earlier this year in the 2013 thread, GOBA The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure is June 14-21. 50mi/day Registration closes May 14th.
I have signed up for both the MS150 'Pedal to the Point' Aug 2-3 Bike MS: Pedal to the Point 2014 - National MS Society and the Sweet Corn Challenge Sweet Corn Ride on July 27. I'm only doing the 50-mile loop for Sweetcorn since it is only the week before the P2P. I have not been on the bike for three years due to surgeries each year, and hope I can get back in condition by then!
I have signed up for both the MS150 'Pedal to the Point' Aug 2-3 Bike MS: Pedal to the Point 2014 - National MS Society and the Sweet Corn Challenge Sweet Corn Ride on July 27. I'm only doing the 50-mile loop for Sweetcorn since it is only the week before the P2P. I have not been on the bike for three years due to surgeries each year, and hope I can get back in condition by then!
#7
on by
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 957
Bikes: Waterford RS-33, Salsa Vaya, Bacchetta Giro 20 ATT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 927 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
437 Posts
Beloit and Beyond Bike Tour
Just found out about this free ride with optional lengths. A few are to the brewery in New Glarus
Just found out about this free ride with optional lengths. A few are to the brewery in New Glarus
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 367
Bikes: All Treks - fitness and road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hilly Hundred, October 10-12, 2014 near Bloomington, Indiana: The Hilly Hundred - Brought to you by CIBA
Two days of beautiful countryside, food, music and fun. As the name implies, the ride is challenging.
As BICYCLING MAGAZINE says: "Best Overall Event, Longest Running Event, Largest Event, Best Map, and Best Entertainment."
Two days of beautiful countryside, food, music and fun. As the name implies, the ride is challenging.
As BICYCLING MAGAZINE says: "Best Overall Event, Longest Running Event, Largest Event, Best Map, and Best Entertainment."
Last edited by SwampDude; 06-23-14 at 09:19 AM.
#9
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
University of Okoboji Campus Ride
https://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=53648
The Three Sons, University of Okoboji
https://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=53648
The Three Sons, University of Okoboji
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
#11
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
#13
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The 50 was tempting, but I was concerned about the weather. Also I would have missed the boys last tournament game. You probably passed me. I was on an older Schwinn 10 speed, red.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
:
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 166
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#16
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 96
Bikes: 1988 Centurion Le Mans RS (stolen!), 2009 Bianchi Pista (48-16), 2014 Gunnar Sport (Arrived! Pictures soon!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here's the big ride I want to do this year:
Gran Fondo Cincinnati: granfondo_index_2k14.png
Gran Fondo Cincinnati: granfondo_index_2k14.png
#18
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,949
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 978 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times
in
352 Posts
Here's the big ride I want to do this year:
Gran Fondo Cincinnati: granfondo_index_2k14.png
Gran Fondo Cincinnati: granfondo_index_2k14.png
The 57 mile route climbs up 10 Mile Road at mile 38. ridewithgps says 12% max, but it's actually over 20% for part of the climb.
The camera is horizontal !
And the 57 mile route climbs up Washington Trace Road, then rides along the ridge line.
Here's some photos from April 2012
Last edited by rm -rf; 07-09-14 at 11:29 AM.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 96
Bikes: 1988 Centurion Le Mans RS (stolen!), 2009 Bianchi Pista (48-16), 2014 Gunnar Sport (Arrived! Pictures soon!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They picked some good hill climbs.
The 57 mile route climbs up 10 Mile Road at mile 38. ridewithgps says 12% max, but it's actually over 20% for part of the climb.
The camera is horizontal !
And the 57 mile route climbs up Washington Trace Road, then rides along the ridge line.
Here's some photos from April 2012
The 57 mile route climbs up 10 Mile Road at mile 38. ridewithgps says 12% max, but it's actually over 20% for part of the climb.
The camera is horizontal !
And the 57 mile route climbs up Washington Trace Road, then rides along the ridge line.
Here's some photos from April 2012
#20
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,949
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 978 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times
in
352 Posts
I found it on Strava: Ritter Ln Climb. About 70 feet of elevation are over 15%, with a max of 22%. On a 17-18% grade, I can stand up and go fairly easily at 3 to 3.5 mph. But I had to pull up hard on the bars and mash with a maximum effort on the steep part here.
Watch out for other riders stalling on this hill !
Last edited by rm -rf; 07-09-14 at 08:45 PM.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 96
Bikes: 1988 Centurion Le Mans RS (stolen!), 2009 Bianchi Pista (48-16), 2014 Gunnar Sport (Arrived! Pictures soon!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think that's the steepest climb in the area. Most other roads rarely go over a "reasonable" 12-15% grade.
I found it on Strava: Ritter Ln Climb. About 70 feet of elevation are over 15%, with a max of 22%. On a 17-18% grade, I can stand up and go fairly easily at 3 to 3.5 mph. But I had to pull up hard on the bars and mash with a maximum effort on the steep part here.
Watch out for other riders stalling on this hill !
I found it on Strava: Ritter Ln Climb. About 70 feet of elevation are over 15%, with a max of 22%. On a 17-18% grade, I can stand up and go fairly easily at 3 to 3.5 mph. But I had to pull up hard on the bars and mash with a maximum effort on the steep part here.
Watch out for other riders stalling on this hill !
#22
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,949
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 978 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times
in
352 Posts
I don't usually do "pay" rides. But I'll probably do the Sunflower Revolution ride again this year on Sept 7. The 100k route to Rabbit Hash KY is good, with most of the climbing under 8% grade. Here's the 2013 route. It'll be similar this year.
~~~~~
For the fondo:
What's your lowest gear? I have a 34-29, good for hills. You'll need at least a 34-27.
Here's a good training ride, that follows part of the fondo route ( It's easier than the fondo). This is one of my favorite routes. Ride it for the scenery!
It starts at Pendery Park, on Route 8. First, an easy 6 miles, then up the scenic Washington Trace climb. There's a 12% grade in the middle, but the rest is easier. Follow Washington Trace to the end, then ride south to turn around at California Market, a grocery store and gas station.
Return on scenic Route 10, then turn onto Route 1997, and climb Stonehouse Road. The last climb is short, up 8 Mile Rd.
Or, for less navigation: at the market, cross over the AA highway to Ivor Rd. It ends at Route 8, so turn left and follow Route 8 all the way back.
Oh yeah, I had this 10 Mile / 9 Mile route already made. The two steep climbs are here. ( I rode it once. That was enough!)
~~~~~
For the fondo:
What's your lowest gear? I have a 34-29, good for hills. You'll need at least a 34-27.
Here's a good training ride, that follows part of the fondo route ( It's easier than the fondo). This is one of my favorite routes. Ride it for the scenery!
It starts at Pendery Park, on Route 8. First, an easy 6 miles, then up the scenic Washington Trace climb. There's a 12% grade in the middle, but the rest is easier. Follow Washington Trace to the end, then ride south to turn around at California Market, a grocery store and gas station.
Return on scenic Route 10, then turn onto Route 1997, and climb Stonehouse Road. The last climb is short, up 8 Mile Rd.
Or, for less navigation: at the market, cross over the AA highway to Ivor Rd. It ends at Route 8, so turn left and follow Route 8 all the way back.
Oh yeah, I had this 10 Mile / 9 Mile route already made. The two steep climbs are here. ( I rode it once. That was enough!)
Last edited by rm -rf; 07-10-14 at 07:20 AM.
#23
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,949
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 978 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times
in
352 Posts
Back to the original topic: Midwest must do rides
I did the 2013 Sunday ride of the Red River Rally, near Slade KY. It's a 2 hour drive from Cincinnati.
Since it's in the Red River Gorge area, I assumed it would a lot of hill climbing. But much of the 38 mile route is small rolling hills, with one steep (11-12%) climb up to Sky Bridge. The 65 mile route heads out of the Gorge area into rolling farmland.
This is a very scenic ride. Don't try to race along with the fast groups. Do the 38 mile loop at an easy pace, to give your self time to see the rock formations and the river valley. The unlit 900 foot Nada Tunnel is very cool.
I did the 2013 Sunday ride of the Red River Rally, near Slade KY. It's a 2 hour drive from Cincinnati.
Since it's in the Red River Gorge area, I assumed it would a lot of hill climbing. But much of the 38 mile route is small rolling hills, with one steep (11-12%) climb up to Sky Bridge. The 65 mile route heads out of the Gorge area into rolling farmland.
This is a very scenic ride. Don't try to race along with the fast groups. Do the 38 mile loop at an easy pace, to give your self time to see the rock formations and the river valley. The unlit 900 foot Nada Tunnel is very cool.
Last edited by rm -rf; 07-10-14 at 12:00 PM.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 96
Bikes: 1988 Centurion Le Mans RS (stolen!), 2009 Bianchi Pista (48-16), 2014 Gunnar Sport (Arrived! Pictures soon!)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't usually do "pay" rides. But I'll probably do the Sunflower Revolution ride again this year on Sept 7. The 100k route to Rabbit Hash KY is good, with most of the climbing under 8% grade. Here's the 2013 route. It'll be similar this year.
~~~~~
For the fondo:
What's your lowest gear? I have a 34-29, good for hills. You'll need at least a 34-27.
Here's a good training ride, that follows part of the fondo route ( It's easier than the fondo). This is one of my favorite routes. Ride it for the scenery!
It starts at Pendery Park, on Route 8. First, an easy 6 miles, then up the scenic Washington Trace climb. There's a 12% grade in the middle, but the rest is easier. Follow Washington Trace to the end, then ride south to turn around at California Market, a grocery store and gas station.
Return on scenic Route 10, then turn onto Route 1997, and climb Stonehouse Road. The last climb is short, up 8 Mile Rd.
Or, for less navigation: at the market, cross over the AA highway to Ivor Rd. It ends at Route 8, so turn left and follow Route 8 all the way back.
Oh yeah, I had this 10 Mile / 9 Mile route already made. The two steep climbs are here. ( I rode it once. That was enough!)
~~~~~
For the fondo:
What's your lowest gear? I have a 34-29, good for hills. You'll need at least a 34-27.
Here's a good training ride, that follows part of the fondo route ( It's easier than the fondo). This is one of my favorite routes. Ride it for the scenery!
It starts at Pendery Park, on Route 8. First, an easy 6 miles, then up the scenic Washington Trace climb. There's a 12% grade in the middle, but the rest is easier. Follow Washington Trace to the end, then ride south to turn around at California Market, a grocery store and gas station.
Return on scenic Route 10, then turn onto Route 1997, and climb Stonehouse Road. The last climb is short, up 8 Mile Rd.
Or, for less navigation: at the market, cross over the AA highway to Ivor Rd. It ends at Route 8, so turn left and follow Route 8 all the way back.
Oh yeah, I had this 10 Mile / 9 Mile route already made. The two steep climbs are here. ( I rode it once. That was enough!)
My lowest gear is a 34-28. I'm new-ish to the area so still getting used to these hills. Having more trouble on the downhills than the uphills, mentally. Not used to fast, long descents.
#25
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 42
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Did the first day of RAGBRAI. My first attempt. It was a 70 mile day. That was a new personal best for me. The ride felt good. I would like to try the whole week. Maybe next year. Need a bike upgrade before I attempt something like that.