Partied Out & Looking Ahead

“Organized bike rides are a bit like entertaining; If you want to go to parties, you have to put on a couple a year.”

I came to the above realization quite a long time ago.  Since then I’ve worked on a lot of rides.  Believe me, the word “work” is appropriate.  It takes a lot of work to put an organized ride together.  The list of things that have to be done is long, and a lot of those things require a great deal of time, or a lot of effort, or both.

This past Saturday’s Pedal for Pets ride, put on by SouthSide Cycling Club was a lot of work.  Inaugural rides are generally more demanding than ones that have some history.  I had the privilege of working with a great bunch of people on this.  I had another privilege, that of seeing the riders out there, enjoying the day.

I’m in no position to comment on the quality of the ride.  I was one of the producers.  It sure looked like folks were having a good time and enjoying the day, and the majority of the feedback has been positive.

I’m glad and relieved that all went well, and…  I’m really glad it’s over!!!

Now, on with Life!  (And hopefully, more consistent posting.)

Stuff that’s Coming:

Annual Mid-Summer (Lughnasad) Celebration Night Ride

DATE CHANGE!!

On Monday, 13 August, we’ll go out and celebrate the Mid-Summer.  It’s a week late, but the change of date has been forced on me by elements out of my control.  I apologize for any inconvenience and confusion.

Last year we had a bit of a kerfuffle on this one, but we’ll try it again.

I think this is a fun route.  There is a dirt road section, but it’s not long and is very navigable on a road bike.  This section is only about 2.5 miles long.  (NOTE:  I will scout this to be certain the unpaved section is entirely “do-able.”  If the road surface has deteriorated, or if it has recently been covered in deep rough gravel, I’ll route around it.  Results will appear here soon.)

The entire route is approximately 40 miles long.  It’s low traffic, mostly rural riding.  More, the timing is such that we will be jut finishing the unpaved section as we lose the light for the evening.  That means the “in the dark with lights” work will all be on pavement.

The ride will go rain or shine, and the usual requirements are in place.  I.E.  Helmets, good strong lights (both headlight and tail light), reflective gear (Including vest or sash, and reflective ankle bands)

ORIGINAL TRIPE GAP RIDE!

It’s time for a trip to the mountains.  We’ll be going up to ride the famous “South Triple Gap Loop.”  We’ll be using the “original” route, with the start and finish points in the center of Dahlonega.  53 miles, over 5,000 feet of gain.  I’m locking this one in for Thursday, 23 August. 

Details:

Start Time:  8:00 A.M. Sharp!  (Cell phone time)

Location:  Dahlonega Visitor’s Center (East corner of the Square, at Park St & Main)

Distance:  Approx 53 miles

Elevation Gain:  5,000+ feet

Pace:  We’ll get it done.  We can re-group, or ride together, either is fine by me.  We won’t leave anyone behind.

Ride Conditions:  Rain or shine

Requirements:  Be there.  Be positive.  Bring your bike.  Wear your helmet.

Discussion:

Start Time:  Yes I know it’s an early start.  We would prefer not to be doing heavy climbing in the hottest part of the day.  Further, if we start early, we can avoid the afternoon traffic insanity on the homeward drive.

Parking:  There is a free municipal parking lot very close to the ride start point.  If you are coming into town on US-19, make no turns as you enter Dahlonega.  Go straight at the light, and the street becomes S Chestatee St.  This will take you to the south-west corner of the square.  Go around the square (to your right) and continue out of the square (after two each 90 degree turns) onto N Park St.  Go one short block and turn left onto Warwick St.  The parking lot will be on your right very shortly.

Ride Start point:  After you park, get on your bike and ride (carefully and legally) back to the square.  There is a Visitors Center on the west side of the square.  The center has a paved off street area so we can get out of traffic while we wait to assemble.  There is a sheltered area there too.  Also there are (usually!) open restrooms at the center.

On Restrooms:  I’d recommend making a brief relief stop before going into Dahlonega.  This can be done where you turn off of GA-400, and onto US-19.  (There are stores there!)  If the Vistors Center does not have the restrooms open, and/or you really really gotta go, please inform me at the start, and we’ll find you a “convenience” on the way out of town.  (NOTE:  There is a reliable store at the top of Neels Gap.  That’s about 22 miles into the route.)

Next Week:  Route Descriptions and instructions to the Starts

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s post.  It’s the next in new three year long series on developing as a cyclist.