SwampDude

The mountain bike was supposed to be a decent road bike, but the number of out-of-state visitors in our group outnumbered the road bike supply. My bike was a last minute fill in. That first day almost did me in, seriously.

You are ready, and your outing should be enjoyable if the weather cooperates. Many who are not so well prepared will struggle, but the cause is well worth the effort.

msd3075

I also had my bike inspected the other night at Saint Arnold, but they didn't do an thing to it at all. I was the second person to go through, and they had just brought out a pitcher of beer for the mechanics. Maybe that had something to do with it.

Also was standing outside with my buddy when his bike went through, and the only thing they did was re-wrap a small portion of his handlebar tape so it was a bit tighter. Nothing else.

Never got the feeling from them that they were trying to generate business for repairs or that they were being overly meticulous. Then again I was only there for two inspections, both done by the same guy (the guy on the left closest to the brewery entrance).

msd3075

You don't have to pass inspection to ride in the MS 150; you only need the inspection to get free roadside repairs during the ride.

msd3075

Yes, I understand, but so many people get intimidated by the total mileage. Only focusing on the current stage during the ride helps ease the psychological challenge of it all.

memebag

The same dude did my bike. I was probably 10 people behind you. The pitcher was still mostly full when I got up there.

I don't disagree that my chain is stretched and my tape is ragged. Replacing them is the right thing to do. It's just a pain to try to get it done right now. I wish the first shop I took it to would have said something. I would have paid them to do it.

txags92

If you are starting in Katy, Day 1 will only be about 83 miles. It is right at 100 if you start down at Tully Stadium at I-10 and Dairy Ashford.

txags92

I am more familiar with starting at Tully than at Rhodes, but the answer will mostly depend on how long you take to get ready once you get there and how close to the front you want to be at the start. Due to traffic and such around the parking area, I would start by adding 10-15 minutes to how long it would normally take you to get there. Also factor in lines to use the restroom (remember...always take a pregame...) and time to get setup in the dark. I would not plan to arrive any later than 6am, and if I were starting there, would probably shoot for getting there around 5:30. That assumes you already have your numbers on your jersey and bike and such, but need to do things like air up tires and strap on an underseat bag. You can always nap in the car for a while if you find yourself with a bunch of extra time, but you don't want to be late and end up at the back of the start line behind a huge number of slow riders.

That is another benefit of doing an offsite start with a team in the energy corridor...don't have to mess with the crowds and waiting in line to start. My wife and I start from our house which is only about 2 miles from where the route goes by Queenston on Clay Road, so we don't have to mess with any of it anymore.

And as Swamp said...thanks to all of y'all for riding and fundraising! It is a very good cause!

memebag

Yeah yeah yeah, but I get beer.

msd3075

Sounds like next year we should do the team inspections a few weeks earlier to allow for repairs.

Might be something we should bring it up with Lennie.

txags92

Believe me, it will all feel worth it when you ride through Fayetteville on day 1 and when you get within a couple of blocks of the finish in Austin on day 2. I wish I could bottle the feeling I get riding through Fayetteville...but it would probably be considered a PED or controlled substance by somebody.

txags92

We get beer...and ice cream sandwiches!

msd3075

If anyone is starting at/near Rhodes and wants to miss the crowd, do what we did last year and start in the Katy Mills Mall parking lot. You have to go through one stoplight at the edge of the parking lot, ride a few hundred feet, cross under I-10, and you meet up with the Rhodes route about half a mile from the start line. Only downside is you can't leave your car there, but if someone is just dropping you off it's a great place to meet up.

the sci guy 

I'm starting to get nervous because we haven't been able to train as much in the last few weeks as I wanted. Due to weather and work I was never able to do a back to back long ride, just a single day. I think I can do it, but I'm still nervous. But at the same time I'm really excited. We just bought a kick ass tent, too. We were finally able to reach the $400 minimum funds raised too. Barely.

the sci guy 

And we're going to start from Waller, and the map on the MS150 site says the site opens at 7am. I plan on getting there around 6:30-6:45. I'm worried about not getting a place.

txags92

I believe fhe waller start is a rolling start...so you can start anytime you want after something like 8am.. Lots of space out there and lots of folks start fairly late there.

dstrong 

I am thinking of starting at Tully so it's the 100 mile route. Most of my team is at the Omni and I'm staying just on the other side of the I-10, so I can start either place. Being my first year, part of me thinks I should do the "official start" at Tully...the more rational side of me knows that I have to take my bag to the Omni first to drop it with the team truck for transport to La Grange...and that I could just start from there instead of trying to ride down to Tully for the zoo...I mean start.

msd3075

I understand the nerves; we did a couple back-to-back training rides last year leading up to the MS 150, but I had never gone more than 45-50 miles in one single ride. I too was nervous about making it.

From all that you post on here about how seriously you've been taking your training (both physical and mental), you are more than prepared. With everything going on around you, from the supporters cheering you on to seeing the sea of people everywhere you look, trust me, the time will go by a lot faster and easier than it does during your training.

You won't truly feel tired and sore until Monday morning.

Just make sure you pace yourself and stay within your limits. As corny as it sounds, I kept repeating to myself during last year's ride what Herb Brooks kept telling his team in 1980 (and what I tell myself every time I'm playing in a golf tournament); "Play your game, play your game, play your game....."

GDawginHTown

Happy riding to all next weekend.

There is plenty of support on the ride so just kick back and pedal on.
Get a good rest after day 1 because the hills of day 2 will take be fun.

I won't be riding this year but after a 28 years absence, I'll be back for next year's event.

bkj

All in for GBP/THP ride after the 150. I need to pick your brain about upstate NY, as I will do an Erie Canal ride this summer or next.

rpecot

I feel your pain. I took mine in last week, knowing I had some issues I would probably have to address - wheels trued, brake pads, etc. I didn't realize how bad my bottom bracket was. Decided to replace it. That's when it got ugly. I've had my Specialized Allez for 10 years. I bought it when I lived in Louisiana. When I evacuated for Katrina, I left it at home. It sat in flood water for at least 2 days. I guess I should have had it worked over back then, but I had more important things to worry about (repair my roof, rip out sheet rock, etc., etc....) Well, jump back to 2014, and the bottom bracket is seized in the frame. The bike shop even bought an impact wrench to try to muscle it out. No go. I guess I could have ridden it, but now I'm worried about the BB completely failing on the MS 150.

So Saturday morning I'm off to Bike Barn looking for a replacement. Thankfully they had the bike I was looking for (more or less) in my frame size - I'm tall, so I needed a large frame. Spent the remainder of the day re-installing my GPS and sensors, etc. Crappy weather yesterday. I'm hoping to get at least 20 miles in tomorrow after work. I'm a little nervous about hoping on a brand new bike and whipping out 170 miles. The bike is awesome, but my butt is not yet acquainted to the new saddle.

memebag

Ouch. But at least you get a new bike.

the sci guy 

i know it's early but the weather isn't looking good for the weekend.

txags92

What do you mean? The wind is current forecast to be 15mph from the SSE! That is a tailwind! Who cares if there is a little rain on Sunday. You won't even notice it with a 15mph tailwind.

memebag

That's what I'm thinking. Give me enough tailwind and I'm the best cyclist in the world.

dstrong 

Saturday looks fine...Sunday shows possible t-storms for both La Grange and Austin. Unless it's a big front with a solid line of storms, it shouldn't cause too many problems. I'll pack my rain cape and may carry in on Sunday depending on the most up to date forecast.