substructure

Oh, I'll be there. Like, for sure.

One more full commute this week. Intervals this weekend. One to two shorter rides with small efforts the week before. Then rest. Wait. Relax. Ponder. Then ........................... POUNCE!

VegaVixen

I'm gonna go ride that route this weekend. In spite of the fact that I've read on the forums of the Rock Hill Bike Club that there's a guy on Brattonsville Road whose dogs are chasers! I think he is restraining them for the race, and this week because of the number of cyclists training there right now.

Anyone care to join me, even if you're not racin'? <curious Vega look>

spinquick

Substructure: I have a short commute, only 13 miles, but some of the roads are really heavy with traffic. Specifically, I have to cross the narrow bridge across the river on Wilkinson Blvd just east of Belmont; that freaks me out even not during rush hour. Also, I must have my vehicle during the day quite often to visit project sites. You have inspired me to think about alternatives, though.

WarrenL: Have done lots of rides with the Gaston County group. Did the Monday ride last evening. By riding from home, and back, got in a good 40 miles. We averaged about 18mph. Plan to do the Wednesday ride from the same place this week. It usually breaks into 2 groups, and be quite fast.

Vega:Would love to organize a ride out my way sometime. There are some good roads for riding in southern Gaston county and York county. There are lots of organized rides around here during the week, but not a lot of weekend activity.

All: Would like to get in a long (>50 <60 miles) moderate (18mph) ride this Saturday, if anyone is interested. The weather is supposed to be great. Where is everyone riding Saturday morning?

substructure

Do you live in Belmont or near?

I don't know what I am doing this Saturday, but I'll keep you informed. I would certainly like to have a group ride locally if we can organize one.

VegaVixen

Hi, spinquick! Welcome to BF!

I need to start ridin' with a group that averages about 16-18mph. Think the Monday ride would be too fast for me? I really don't care about gettin' dropped as long as I know the route. Still learning GC, so I'd either need a map or a cuesheet, or a few riders in sight.... I'm currently averaging about 16-17mph, but want to work at gettin' stronger and faster, and can do that best in a group of stronger, faster riders.

I do like the idea of an all BF ride, at least once, some weekend, trying to pull as many of us into it as possible. You can see I've been on this idea since about page 2 of this thread. I think we're all gettin' to know each other at this point, and there is now a critical mass. We just need to PM the locals who haven't been participating on this thread in a while, and let them know date/meeting point. Or, we could do like msheron did, and post a poll thread with two different weekend dates....

I want to ride this upcoming race route this weekend, 45miles: https://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/p...RRCourse07.pdf

Again, if anyone wants to join me, let me know. I just like to try to ride a route before racin' on it. Recon. Since this race is fairly close-by, I figure it's worth ridin' once prior to the race.

substructure

VV. I'll check with the wife and mother in law. If M in law is here this weekend (as she has been) then I may be able to step out to Rock Hill. We'll see. What time were you thinking?

VegaVixen

I'm flexible, as it's just me here.

I'll leave the time to those who are more time-constrained. Early, late, middle of the sun-scorchin' day. All the same to me. I have no headlight, but I have a rear blinkie that will blind you.

Let's stay in touch this week as it unfolds....

substructure

Will do. I'll ask my wife tonight.

Except change the word "ask" with "manipulate."

VegaVixen

But, seriously, I hope you can ride. I know you'll drop me, but it's just nice to know that someone else I know is "out there," too.

And if you can't ride, I'll go it alone. No one ever said that training would be easy.

polara426sh

If you're planning on Saturday I'll be up for it. I'll have to break out one of my bikes with those derailer thingies on it though. The fixie is right around 90 inches right now, probably not very good for hills.

spinquick

You will be OK on either the Monday or Wednesday ride. One thing about the GCC routes, they are all well marked. You just need to know which route to look for. Monday is 25 miles and follows the "B" route https://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/..._night_25.html. Wednesday is 35 miles and follows the "W" route https://www.gastoncountycyclists.com/...y_night_35.htm.
I plan to be there tomorrow night, so let me know if you plan to ride and I will look for you.

As for the weekend, the race course looks like a great ride. I have been on some of the roads lately. Part of the route passes within a few miles of home, so I could suggest some places to meet if needed.
As for time, the weather is supposed to cool quite a bit by then, so late morning would be great.

substructure

CRAP IT!!!!

I just got off the phone with my wife. The in-laws are going back home. The only time I don't want them to leave so I can go ride Saturday (wife works on Saturday, kids need supervision or our house will go up in flames). I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me. I love my children - love them to pieces. But my Saturdays have been shot for over a year. My long rides are a thing of the past. I miss them.

CRAP IT!!!

polara426sh

Hey Vega, how'd you do tonight? I finished in 27:33. The headwind going from T4 to T1 was killer. I probably should have geared down. 52 16 was not the appropriate gearing for me tonight.

VegaVixen

polara426sh and spinquick, so far, Saturday sounds good to me. Late morning doesn't require that I get up before it's light, either!

sub, sorry you can't join us. That really bites. But there'll be other weekends. Can you get out to any of the weekday evening rides with GCC? I'm thinkin' about the Monday night ride....

polara426sh! Congrats, baybuh! I finished in 32:21 Fell short of my goal of 30:00. I rode some in my 52-16 on the backside, and went to 52-14 over that last 3/4 mile! Heh,heh, but I was in 52-23 to 52-16 on the headwind side. I put a ride report on Foo, BTW. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=284324

I enjoyed meeting you, and would be curious as to where you normally ride. I recently found a great route in Harrisburg. Would also like to talk fixed gear possibiltites, too. Maybe we can meet at the Flying Saucer sometime over a beer?

substructure

VV
Monday night might be doable. I'll have the day off for Easter and I may be able to step out that night for a ride. It's a short ride isn't it? Have you done a Monday night ride with them? And if so, how's the group etiquette?


edit:
Btw, I read your TT report. Those second winds are a blast. I'm that kinda guy. Our Shelby group will do 70 milers on Saturday and I'm feeling good on 50 miles when everyone else is pooped.

I know you can do better - you know it too. Next time is just around the corner. Remember, you gotta growl!!!!!
But, I'm proud of you for giving it your all. Just to be there - whether or not you met your goal - is tops in my book.

ridinfool

I have done the GCC rides lots of times. The Monday ride is 25 miles and usually easy. Wednesday is 35 I think, and can be fast if you want, but there is usually a slower group too.

VV - The ride on Saturday sounds like just what I am looking for. Have you established a meeting spot? The area is quite rural - don't think there is a Starbucks in downtown McConnells -

polara426sh

I was at the Saucer last night. They play trivia there every Tuesday night at 9, first place is a $50 bar tab, so I'm usually there trying to win it. Normally I ride out by the Rocky River Rd. area.

jppe

polara and vv-glad you were able to come out last night and do the TT's. The wind is always the big unkown and last night was pretty typical from what we've seen the last several years.

Any feedback you two would like to share on what you liked and didn't like about the event? While it's totally put on by a group of volunteers, efforts are made to try and it make it a safe and enjoyable event for all.

polara426sh

The only complaint that I have is that they didn't play my theme music when I got to the start line.
Seriously though, It's a very well run event. The only thing that I could think of that could use improvement is the PA system. Some places in the infield parking area it's nearly impossible to hear. Are you one of the volunteers?

VegaVixen

+1 You could take requests from riders who are lining up to start.

Seriously, maybe it's my cheapie helmet, but when warming up or ridin' on the track, I couldn't make out what was being said on the PA, though I could hear things being said. Kept stopping my bike or slowing so I could make it out, especially as it got close to start time. I was bib 101.

If you're a volunteer, jppe, you all did great! I said so to the volunteer helping finishing racers cross back over pit road.

That was just my first TT, so let me do a few more, and I'll let you know if I see anything that might be improved upon. I doubt I'll find anything. Unless it's to have a webcam at the start/finish and one on the track so that folks on BF can watch us killin' ourselves!

VegaVixen

ridinfool, I would assume the meeting spot would be at the start/finish. As for Starbucks, we might all have to load up the bikes and drive to civilization afterward. I'd be game for that! And some pie.

So far, looks like ridinfool, spinquick, polara426sh and me for a weekend (Saturday late morning?) ride on the Rock Hill race route. Correct?

VegaVixen

Maybe I'll show up some Tuesday night. Sounds like fun!

Maybe you can show me where you ride sometime. And if you ever want to do a weekend ride in Harrisburg, I'd love to join you. There doesn't seem to be an organized ride, but there are other cyclists out and about.

jppe

Thanks for all your feedback on the PA system! I'll put this on the list of things to consider. We actually upgraded the PA last year but obviously we need more watts or speakers!! We joked about using the track PA system but Humpy and team are so generous as it is!!!!

I really like the webcam idea as well. We'll just have to keep it from panning towards the chip retrieval area where riders that have finished are leaving their lunch on the ground!!

I do volunteer at the TT's....just my way of giving a little back to the cycling community.

VV-I had figured out you were 101 from starting 2nd-we know you as "JS" or Just Superfast". You got to pave the way for the rest of the whole field! Seriously, great results for the first time out and the conditions.

I worked up until just about 15 mins before my time, did a very quick warm-up and rode. It was my worst time in two years but what can you say.....we were riding our bikes!!!

bigskymacadam

^ awesome

VegaVixen

I think Humpy is the guy who dropped me on my fourth lap. And then accelerated so I couldn't catch him!

I saw a gal leave some skin in the chip retrieval area when she failed to clip out. Ouchie! We're in the same age category as it turns out. I suspect she is "Just Superfast." Not to be confused with me: "Just Superslow"!

JP, where were you working as a volunteer? Did I actually see you or speak to you? <curious Vega look>