Ms 150
04-14-18, 05:23 AM
#601
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love R2R. They do an amazing job getting riders ready for the MS150.
Here we go again...another wet Saturday morning, then a cold and windy Sunday. It's time to bring back out the trainer. That spin class doesn't look so bad now..."CycleBar" anyone?
I will see y'all at the Grand Fondo tomorrow.
Here we go again...another wet Saturday morning, then a cold and windy Sunday. It's time to bring back out the trainer. That spin class doesn't look so bad now..."CycleBar" anyone?
I will see y'all at the Grand Fondo tomorrow.
04-14-18, 10:29 AM
#602
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 162
Bikes: Specialized Crosstrails
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 72 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 31 Times
in
11 Posts
Just got back from the Katy Ram Challenge ride. The intermittent light rain wasn't bad, but the thunder and lightning would not move out of the area. They finally called off the ride when the forecast said it would continue for at least the morning. Here's hoping it clears out for the Gran Fondo tomorrow.
04-14-18, 01:30 PM
#603
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Porter, TX
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2015 Giant Defy 2, 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The posted the Park Row start info yesterday.
https://main.nationalmssociety.org/si...df?docID=85001
https://main.nationalmssociety.org/si...df?docID=85001
04-14-18, 01:34 PM
#604
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Porter, TX
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2015 Giant Defy 2, 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seriously, I am not taking anything for granted about the weather until the 26th. I am more worried about tomorrow and the Gran Fondo Texas. 44 degrees and a 10-15 mph headwind for the majority of the first 34 miles (44 for the longer routes). The tailwind will make the back half of the ride easier though.
04-23-18, 08:17 AM
#605
bill nyecycles
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
Got 50 in this weekend. Felt ok, so doubling it should be fine, right? lol
Going to bike commute through wednesday, then take thursday and friday off.
Going to bike commute through wednesday, then take thursday and friday off.
04-23-18, 12:38 PM
#606
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 282
Bikes: 2018 Diamondback Podium Equipe Dura Ace Disc, 2013 Felt z85 (now a frankenbike,) 1994 Serotta Colorado TG, 1999 Lemond Buenos Aires, 2017 State Undefeated II Track Bike, 2005 Litespeed Tuscany project
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Wasn't gonna ride the MS this year, but a buddy took ill and I am going to ride in his stead. Weather forecast looks absolutely perfect. Fast Fast Fast! I'm halfway tempted to just ride it in a day!
04-23-18, 02:30 PM
#607
Senior Member
My longest ride this year has been 63 miles. I'm debating where I'll start, Park Row or Rhodes. If the wind is good I'll do the 100.
04-23-18, 03:24 PM
#608
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Porter, TX
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2015 Giant Defy 2, 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have been hesitating posting about the weather, but since y'all started it...
I am looking forward to two days of tailwind, even if it is kinda mild at less than 10 mph. The 65 mile route for the Gran Fondo was tough. I blame the cold and headwind. The hills weren't doing me any favors though. With the favorable winds, I may actually do the challenge route this year. The roads are new and smooth, so it might be fun.
I am looking forward to two days of tailwind, even if it is kinda mild at less than 10 mph. The 65 mile route for the Gran Fondo was tough. I blame the cold and headwind. The hills weren't doing me any favors though. With the favorable winds, I may actually do the challenge route this year. The roads are new and smooth, so it might be fun.
04-23-18, 04:30 PM
#609
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fundraising is easy this week (possible 4x of every dollar donated)
X2: Team match
X3: Company match
X4: MS Anonymous Donor match (up to 250k)
X3: Company match
X4: MS Anonymous Donor match (up to 250k)
04-24-18, 07:40 AM
#610
bill nyecycles
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
Yeah I saw the forecast. It's still early but a 10 ESE tailwind would be ******. Last year first day was mostly a crosswind. And we all remember day two of misery. Honestly I'll be most happy if the weather is just sunny and not raining or cloudy. Tailwind is just a bonus.
04-24-18, 04:29 PM
#611
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have been hesitating posting about the weather, but since y'all started it...
I am looking forward to two days of tailwind, even if it is kinda mild at less than 10 mph. The 65 mile route for the Gran Fondo was tough. I blame the cold and headwind. The hills weren't doing me any favors though. With the favorable winds, I may actually do the challenge route this year. The roads are new and smooth, so it might be fun.
I am looking forward to two days of tailwind, even if it is kinda mild at less than 10 mph. The 65 mile route for the Gran Fondo was tough. I blame the cold and headwind. The hills weren't doing me any favors though. With the favorable winds, I may actually do the challenge route this year. The roads are new and smooth, so it might be fun.
Last edited by SAGit; 04-24-18 at 04:44 PM.
04-26-18, 03:13 PM
#614
Senior Member
I was planning on it until I drove it. We went out with our team and camped in Buescher State Park a couple of weekends ago. We were supposed to ride the park road Saturday morning as part of our ride route, but it was closed due to downed trees from the overnight storms. I have gained quite a bit of weight back that I had lost, and even though I feel strong, steeper hills just gas me right now. My granny gear right now is a 36x25, so I don't have the low gearing to just grind them out like I would on my old 34x28.
Sunday am, my wife wasn't feeling that well so we drove the road from Beuscher SP to Bastrop SP, and all I can say is "damn". Some of those hills are steep AND long. Two years ago I would have been all over it, but this year I just don't think I am ready for that much pain as part of day 2. Yes, I know that makes me a wuss...a flat ground, tailwind loving wuss...but it is what it is this year. Maybe next year.
Sunday am, my wife wasn't feeling that well so we drove the road from Beuscher SP to Bastrop SP, and all I can say is "damn". Some of those hills are steep AND long. Two years ago I would have been all over it, but this year I just don't think I am ready for that much pain as part of day 2. Yes, I know that makes me a wuss...a flat ground, tailwind loving wuss...but it is what it is this year. Maybe next year.
04-27-18, 01:09 AM
#615
bill nyecycles
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
Well now I’m even more scared. I hurt my back Tuesday and went for a quick ride today to test how it felt. It smarts when I stand and mash hard but just sitting and riding is mostly ok. Maybe I should do park route first half then do the bypass and skip the 2nd park.
04-27-18, 06:00 AM
#616
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
04-27-18, 10:34 AM
#617
Senior Member
Well now I’m even more scared. I hurt my back Tuesday and went for a quick ride today to test how it felt. It smarts when I stand and mash hard but just sitting and riding is mostly ok. Maybe I should do park route first half then do the bypass and skip the 2nd park.
04-27-18, 04:33 PM
#618
Senior Member
The MS 150 site lists 3 routes: Bypass, Express and Challenge.
I just want to do the hilliest one. I've never done it before.
I just want to do the hilliest one. I've never done it before.
04-27-18, 05:14 PM
#619
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
04-28-18, 08:27 PM
#620
bill nyecycles
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
Had an awesome day 1. Made it in record time for myself - rolling until la grange about 2:15. My gps said it was only 96.6 miles from the Houston start not 102. Wind was good. I felt great. Hoping for much the same tomorrow.
04-29-18, 05:08 PM
#621
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Express - Right turn out of Fairground and Ride 71
Challenge route - left turn out of fairground
Bypass - at the end of the challenge route keep straight for the bypass (puts you on 71) or right turn into Buescher State Park
04-30-18, 05:31 AM
#622
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SomewhereTX
Posts: 127
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
WOW! The ride through the parks was magical. With no oncoming traffic, riding along with other cyclists over the winding hills along the tree lined road was a ride of pure joy. Can't wait to do it again next year.
Last edited by SAGit; 04-30-18 at 05:37 AM.
04-30-18, 06:47 AM
#623
bill nyecycles
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 3,328
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 789 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
Yup my day 2 was equally as awesome. Did the park route for the first time and since I roll out with my buddy in the 300 club the roads were pretty empty of idiots trying to break land speed records and kill everyone in the process. The parks were gorgeous and the downhills were a lot of fun. Some of those quick steep climbs were killer but I powered through every one. Hit about 35 coming down Smithville hill. Made it to lunch stop at about 9:45am. Finished about 11:50. All in all a great weekend and easily the best of the 4 I’ve done so far. Finally good to have nice weather.
One complaint - that hike up to the top of the hill to the parking lot while pushing a bike and carrying luggage was an absolute frickin nightmare. The finish in general was ok. It lacked the prestige and feeling of amazement as coming into downtown did. But the setup was good. The day 2 ride was a lot shorter and easier though for sure.
One complaint - that hike up to the top of the hill to the parking lot while pushing a bike and carrying luggage was an absolute frickin nightmare. The finish in general was ok. It lacked the prestige and feeling of amazement as coming into downtown did. But the setup was good. The day 2 ride was a lot shorter and easier though for sure.
04-30-18, 08:50 AM
#624
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Porter, TX
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2015 Giant Defy 2, 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had an good day one, despite my lack of training. I found a good group of riders and averaged 19.4 mph into Bellville from Waller. The milled roads and rumble strips not only vibrated me, but I found my front skewer had flipped open when I arrived in Bellville That could have been ugly. The hills at the end were murder as usual. I ended up at about a 17.4 mph by the time I got into La Grange. We actually had an RV and tent to arrive to in La Grange, so we handed out some beer and ate some food. Our overnight accommodations were at a youth camp 10 miles down the Express route. The trip back to La Grange was at 5:00 am, so I took a pass. Day two for us was a short 52 miles.
I enjoyed the ride into COTA and I liked the layout better than Austin. Having a tent city for us smaller teams was a great idea. I like having a place to go and grab some post-workout snacks and cool down. The parking situation was a bummer though. That hill was no fun and the mile plus walk was no fun.
I enjoyed the ride into COTA and I liked the layout better than Austin. Having a tent city for us smaller teams was a great idea. I like having a place to go and grab some post-workout snacks and cool down. The parking situation was a bummer though. That hill was no fun and the mile plus walk was no fun.
