RonH

This is a great ride. I did it in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. I guess I need to register.
Clean Air Ride

RonH

Just registered. I'll try my best to be at the start at 7:00 am for the start of the ride. I'm planning on doing the 50+ distance (ride to Ridge Manor, cross the SR50 overpass and back). I'll post a picture of the jersey I'lll be wearing in case anyone wants to ride with a "slow" rider.

fire

I'm not sure I'd class you as a slow rider lol.
I wish they would have a start at Ridge Manor as well.
A quick question for you regarding the event though;
what's the parking usually like on the morning of the ride? We've been to Inverness later than usual on a Sunday, and found it can be almost hard to find a place in the parking lots at the trailhead by the lake. I'm assuming there's a mass of people there and ready to go by 0700?

RonH

Unless you get here EARLY all the close parking spaces are taken. You may find a spot 1-2 blocks from the start. I'll be parking behind Inverness Bicycle and Fitness (off street) which is about 2 blocks from the start. I like to park close to the start so I can take the t-shirt and goody bag back to the car Don't want to haul it for all those miles.

fire

Okay, thanks for the tips. I'll bear that all in mind.
I'm not sure we will get there yet as there is a family occasion already marked (nephew's birthday) on the calendar, so it will all depend on her who must be obeyed.
Completely agree with you about not hauling the extra tee etc for the ride too, makes perfect sense to drop it off back at the car.

Are Inverness bikes and fitness okay with people parking there behind them, or is it an invitation only situation?

RonH

^^ You can call them and ask. They know me and I've bought 2 bikes from them so I'm in.

I forget to mention that in the past there has been a "start" and check-in at Ridge Manor although you might want to double check this by contacting the ride folks.

RonH

Ok all you slackers. Time to step up to the plate. Who's doing this great ride? Plenty of friendly riders and outstanding sag stops.

lookinUp

Hey Ron, I usually do this ride, but not this year. Have had a bout the last six months with a little health issue. Am off chemo finally and starting to ride again, so I do have an excuse and I'm not exactly a slacker!!. Will see you on the trail soon!

Sue

fire

Thanks Ron, I appreciate the info.
I'll do that if we're able to get there... still to be decided.

As far as it goes, Ridge Manor is definitely closer to me ( 30 minutes less driving, at least) but I could foresee a possible parking problem there too... at least I could be there earlier without having to get up at my usual workday time.
Any extra sleep at a weekend is definitely a bonus.

I'll post on here if I'm actually going to make it to either point on the day.

fire

Hey Sue,

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, here's hoping you soon have the energy to get back to some longer distance riding again.

Cheers
Les

lookinUp

Thanks, Les.

I'm up to about ten miles but still pretty slow. Of course, I've never been real fast, but I can last a long time. Looking forward to getting back to 'normal' - whatever that is. See you on the trail soon!

Sue

RonH

Sue, Glad to hear you'll be there. I'll be looking for you at the start. I plan on being there about 7am or so -- IF I can get myself out of bed early enough. Tried the early time last fall and got there just before 8am.
I'll be riding the NEW Cannondale.

RonH

I got to the start in Inverness about 7:05am. Checked in and looked around for a familiar face. Didn't find any so headed out about 7:30am. Rode alone to Ridge Manor except for one young lady who pulled up beside me for about 2 miles. Then she saw some friends and took off. I stopped at Floral City and Mableton hoping to see a familiar face. Hung around Ridge Manor for a few minutes but saw no one I knew. Rode back to Inverness alone again stopping at Mableton and Floral City.
I was hoping to see Sue. Haven't seen her since last summer.
Did anyone else on here do the ride?

Had a good ride and the weather was perfect.

fire

Hey Ron,

Sorry not to have made it to the ride. Our family occasion took priority I'm afraid. Wish we could have met up with you and given you some company for awhile, although I suspect you'd have left us in the dust before mile 5.
Hope you enjoyed the ride anyway, at least it was all in a good cause.

Maybe next time eh?

Cheers
Les

RonH

This was my 5th Clean Air ride. I've done the Withlacoochee ride in the fall (first Sunday in October) for the last 2 years. Maybe more us will be at that ride and can meet up.