Anyone planning on riding Hal's Boston Marathon ride this year?
#1
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anyone planning on riding Hal's Boston Marathon ride this year?
For those out there now putting in miles, here's a ride to look forward to. For the past 25 years, there has been a bike ride from the finish line of the Boston Marathon to the start and back on "Marathon Monday". Last year, over 100 people, of all levels showed up for the ride. This years ride will be April 18th.
https://www.pr.com/press-release/221290 (last years press release)
I caught some wheels from a local team using it for a training ride and had a blast. Everyone has to be off the course before the wheelchair division starts so there is little time for lallygagging. That means the ride starts early--really early (6am). By the time we turned around at the start (after a quick photo and a snack) the barriers where up and the roads were mostly closed to traffic, with people already starting to line the route, cheering us as we road to the finish. The last stretch down Boylston St. turned into a bunch sprint which was fun. It is a great way to gain perspective on the Boston marathon without actually tying on a pair of running shoes.
On a positive note (for those who shudder at the thought of being ready at 5:45 for a 6am roll-out) you can have 52 miles under your belt before 9:30 in the morning, grab breakfast and have plenty of time left to snag a decent spot to watch the race from. I had the wife meet me at the finish with a pair of track pants and shoes but I rode with guys who simply stuffed a pair of flip-flops into their back pockets and headed off for an early pint (bars open early on marathon day) after the ride.
I'll being doing it again this year if any BF members who are into pace-line riding want to join me.
https://www.pr.com/press-release/221290 (last years press release)
I caught some wheels from a local team using it for a training ride and had a blast. Everyone has to be off the course before the wheelchair division starts so there is little time for lallygagging. That means the ride starts early--really early (6am). By the time we turned around at the start (after a quick photo and a snack) the barriers where up and the roads were mostly closed to traffic, with people already starting to line the route, cheering us as we road to the finish. The last stretch down Boylston St. turned into a bunch sprint which was fun. It is a great way to gain perspective on the Boston marathon without actually tying on a pair of running shoes.
On a positive note (for those who shudder at the thought of being ready at 5:45 for a 6am roll-out) you can have 52 miles under your belt before 9:30 in the morning, grab breakfast and have plenty of time left to snag a decent spot to watch the race from. I had the wife meet me at the finish with a pair of track pants and shoes but I rode with guys who simply stuffed a pair of flip-flops into their back pockets and headed off for an early pint (bars open early on marathon day) after the ride.
I'll being doing it again this year if any BF members who are into pace-line riding want to join me.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Needham, MA
Posts: 419
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've actually always wanted to do this. I might actually join the ride in the middle this year. I work until 6:00am in Newton so I might just get off work and try to meet the ride as it comes down Comm Ave or Route 16...then ride back out to Hopkinton.
#3
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,095
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
wow, boston is lame. In NYC I'd say wel over a thousand people rode the course last year from START to Finish. it was a good time but pretty damn cold as it's early november and getting colder as opposed to getting warmer like April is.
#4
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I said 100+ people started out from the YMCA on Huntington Ave. There were plenty of people joining the route as we rode along to the point that it felt like a charity ride. As far as "lame" goes, I would expect more cyclists out in late fall for a ride as people refuse to admit to the close of the cycling season as opposed to those who are not afraid of not only the temps, but the potholes and sand-traps that are left over after a long winter--drawing them out of "cycling hibernation" early. New cyclists are also more likely to get involved in events at the end of a season than the beginning. If the two events, Boston and NYC were at the same time in the season, you could make that claim.
Oh, and go Sox!
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Needham, MA
Posts: 419
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd say your comparison is lame.
I said 100+ people started out from the YMCA on Huntington Ave. There were plenty of people joining the route as we rode along to the point that it felt like a charity ride. As far as "lame" goes, I would expect more cyclists out in late fall for a ride as people refuse to admit to the close of the cycling season as opposed to those who are not afraid of not only the temps, but the potholes and sand-traps that are left over after a long winter--drawing them out of "cycling hibernation" early. New cyclists are also more likely to get involved in events at the end of a season than the beginning. If the two events, Boston and NYC were at the same time in the season, you could make that claim.
Oh, and go Sox!
I said 100+ people started out from the YMCA on Huntington Ave. There were plenty of people joining the route as we rode along to the point that it felt like a charity ride. As far as "lame" goes, I would expect more cyclists out in late fall for a ride as people refuse to admit to the close of the cycling season as opposed to those who are not afraid of not only the temps, but the potholes and sand-traps that are left over after a long winter--drawing them out of "cycling hibernation" early. New cyclists are also more likely to get involved in events at the end of a season than the beginning. If the two events, Boston and NYC were at the same time in the season, you could make that claim.
Oh, and go Sox!
I'd also add that New York City is just slightly larger than Boston, and may have, you know, just a few thousand more cyclists.
#7
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
https://www.americanconsumernews.com/...bike-ride.html
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Boston area
Posts: 179
Bikes: 2004 Felt F90, Sette Ace 26" MB, Specialized Shiv TT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Very cool. This is the first I've heard of it as well. So no one really gives cyclist a hard time for riding the course? That's awesome. What type of pace does the main group maintain? Is the route easy to follow (know nothing about it)? Is parking hard to find near the meeting place?
#9
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is no "main group". just a gaggle of 100+ strangers starting from the same spot. There were guys on road bikes and cycle-chic's on mixties. I didn't know anyone last year but I latched onto some riders from the back bay cycle team out for a training ride (probably a 20mph paceline). I rode fast getting out of the city to get away from the group bunch and caught up with them around coolidge corner.
As far as parking goes, I believe Hunting Ave is closed to parking from 12am to 3am for street cleaning (which means when you get there, metered parking should be wide open). It's a parking holiday that day so the meters are turned off. I plan on parking across the street from the YMCA.
As far as parking goes, I believe Hunting Ave is closed to parking from 12am to 3am for street cleaning (which means when you get there, metered parking should be wide open). It's a parking holiday that day so the meters are turned off. I plan on parking across the street from the YMCA.
Last edited by cmolway; 03-21-11 at 07:05 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 204
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
did you read the 1st post? Gave a date, time and place. Here's the offical press release for this year's event:
https://www.americanconsumernews.com/...bike-ride.html
https://www.americanconsumernews.com/...bike-ride.html
Thanks for the link, I did read your post but was hoping for a link to this years info.. so thanks!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northeastern USA
Posts: 255
Bikes: 2007 Bianchi Castro Valley, 1985 Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This sounds like a great time. I might try to talk a few buddies into this. Thanks for the heads-up!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
That sounds like a load of fun too bad I'm in such poor shape, I'd probably only be able to do half the ride in that time. Though if there were a group doing that, I might like to try.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Last year there were about 70 college kids who took the train out to Southborough at midnight Sunday and then rode the route one way. Not only was it pitch black, but the roads weren't blocked off so we might as well have done it any other day.
(details here if you're up for a few laughs.)
So maybe I will join this group this year. That said, there's no way I can maintain a 20mph paceline, so I may get myself dropped off in Medway or some other closeby town and then just ride one way.
(details here if you're up for a few laughs.)
So maybe I will join this group this year. That said, there's no way I can maintain a 20mph paceline, so I may get myself dropped off in Medway or some other closeby town and then just ride one way.
Last edited by mtalinm; 03-25-11 at 10:23 PM. Reason: I see that the wheelchairs start at 9:25, no need to ask
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northeastern USA
Posts: 255
Bikes: 2007 Bianchi Castro Valley, 1985 Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It sounds pretty informal, like everyone can go at their own speed. 52 miles in 4 hours might be a tad much/fast for my buddy and I who are planning on doing this. But we figure if we're too slow we can get off the marathon route and wander home.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
Hey, maybe we should form a group of people who're going to do it at a slower pace and meet somewhere with a goal of doing as much of it as we can.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
oh, I'm crazy slow on the uphills.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
so is there anything "special" about this riding group or can anyone show up before the wheelchairs depart at 9:25 and ride the course? I've mentioned this to a few friends, and their response has been why-can't-we-just-drive-to-hopkinton-and-ride-one-way, which seems like a decent idea
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
yeah, that sounds like it would be a good idea. Unfortunately, in my case, I live in Brookline (about 3-4 miles from where the group gathers) and have no car, so one way or another, I'd be doing a good chunk of the distance.
#22
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
so is there anything "special" about this riding group or can anyone show up before the wheelchairs depart at 9:25 and ride the course? I've mentioned this to a few friends, and their response has been why-can't-we-just-drive-to-hopkinton-and-ride-one-way, which seems like a decent idea
Plus if you get up early and roll out and back to the YMCA, you can score a t-shirt. Who doesn't ride for a t-shirt?
FYI, I noticed on the official page, there is a link to a waiver pdf. Last year they didn't expect as many people as showed and as a result, ran out of waivers. Yes you can ride without one but it is bad form to do so from the steps of the YMCA since, as an organized ride, they can be held liable. Print out the form and bring it with you if you plan on riding. Here's a link to the waiver: https://mysite.verizon.net/juliosalad...waiver2009.doc
#23
on a road near you...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you are willing to ride 52 miles but can't see yourself doing an extra 3? That seems pretty ridiculous don't you think? I rode 10 miles to the start last year and the only thing I regretted was the early-ness of the hour. That being said, there was a large group that was forming up in Coolege corner when we rode past them last year. Check greenline velo's forum. Maybe they organize something.
Last edited by cmolway; 03-28-11 at 08:11 AM.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,445
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4234 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
you are willing to ride 52 miles but can't see yourself doing an extra 3? That seems pretty ridiculous don't you think? I rode 10 miles to the start last year and the only thing I regretted was the early-ness of the hour. That being said, there was a large group that was forming up in Coolege corner when we rode past them last year. Check greenline velo's forum. Maybe they organize something.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
so for those who have done this, is this a speed-demon group with Hal? I hear GLV mentioned and can only imagine this is the zero-body-fat crowd averaging 25mph for the entire 50m