Anyone doing the Gimbels ride this Saturday?
09-13-07, 08:36 AM
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Anyone doing the Gimbels ride this Saturday?
I'm thinking of trying it. Never done it before (obviously).
Am I gonna die?
Am I gonna die?
09-13-07, 10:37 AM
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I actually don't ride it, but have many friends who do.
If you can maintain an 18-19 mph AVERAGE on mixed terrain for 50-100 miles, you'll have no trouble keeping up. There are no long climbs, but plenty of short steep ones. You'll also be expected to have your typical team-level bike handling skills in place.
Like any peloton-like group, you want to keep towards the front, but some of the most dangerous stuff on this ride happens because of badly timed attacks. There are several intersections everybody knows are dangerous, so the group tends to slack off, but some of the newer, less experienced riders choose precisely these spots to attack. A guy almost bled to death (literally) after going through the rear windshield of a Camry a couple of weeks ago during precisely such an attack.
Scope out the crowd and talk and find someone who's been doing the ride for a while, and ask if you can sort of buddy up with him, since it's your first time. Some might give attitude, but the real veterans on this ride will be flattered you asked and will help you out.
If you can maintain an 18-19 mph AVERAGE on mixed terrain for 50-100 miles, you'll have no trouble keeping up. There are no long climbs, but plenty of short steep ones. You'll also be expected to have your typical team-level bike handling skills in place.
Like any peloton-like group, you want to keep towards the front, but some of the most dangerous stuff on this ride happens because of badly timed attacks. There are several intersections everybody knows are dangerous, so the group tends to slack off, but some of the newer, less experienced riders choose precisely these spots to attack. A guy almost bled to death (literally) after going through the rear windshield of a Camry a couple of weeks ago during precisely such an attack.
Scope out the crowd and talk and find someone who's been doing the ride for a while, and ask if you can sort of buddy up with him, since it's your first time. Some might give attitude, but the real veterans on this ride will be flattered you asked and will help you out.
