The Beginning of the End:

Notes on the “Season,”  An Uncalled for Observation,  and Upcoming Events

We come to this week.  The week of Thanksgiving.  That, it has always seemed to me, is the point where the year starts to circle the drain.  It’s a confusing time.  The year is winding down, and we’re all running around like mad hatters, getting ready for it.  Still, we can not escape the fact that there are only six weeks left in this year.  And then comes the Winter.

For cyclists, and others active in the outdoors, this is an extremely challenging time.  The weather has turned a bit, and everyone we know seems to be intent on obligating us to go inside and eat.  (We all know where that leads.)

Good luck all.  Stay sane, and preserve your sense of humor.

An Uncalled for Observation:

Fact:  The majority of Triathletes are runners first.

Fact:  A triathlon consists of three distinct disciplines.  They are, in order, a mass open water swim race, a bicycle time trial, and a foot race.

Fact:  For those new to trisport, the greatest time gain possible is in the cycling segment.

Fact:  Triathletics is the fastest growing segment of the bicycle “market.”

Fact:  Triathletes (most of them, anyway) are not cyclists.  They tend to regard the bicycle as a vehicle that carries them from the water to the run.

Fact:  In a bicycle time trial, drafting is not allowed.  This is for safety.

Fact:  If folks stay in triathletics long enough, they will discover what road cyclists have always known; it’s easier to ride fast if you are drafting another rider.

Never mind that the last two facts are in direct logical conflict, they are real!  More and ever more, one sees “trikes” out on the road, engaged in “group training rides.”  When they are thus engaged, they will, most likely be attempting to paceline, and doing it poorly.

Recently, I had the following video called to my attention.  It speaks volumes to the point above.

Incidentally, the question does arise, why would one train for a "no draft" event by attempting to draft?

Looking forward:

I hope to have a good and happy announcement in tomorrow’s Tuesday Tome.  Please look for it.  (If you are not on the distribution list for this weekly newsletter, and would like to be, please contact me at the.road.dragon@gmail.com  )

Christmas Lights Rides:

There are two of these.  With one idea.  We’ll ride bikes, and look at some of the most extravagant Christmas Lighting Displays around.  Both start from Bicycles Unlimited.  In both cases, we’ll go at any temperature above 20 degrees F.  Rain will cancel.  No rain dates.  (Rain is defined as water falling from the sky, in any amount or form.)

Christmas Lights Road Ride:

When:  Monday 19 December, and starts at 7:00 P.M. (Sharp!)

Pace:  Recreational and moderate.  Group will stay together.

Distance:  About 25 miles.  (Expect to be out for two and a half hours.)

Required:  Dress for the weather.  Helmets.  Good lights on both front and back.  Reflective vest or sash and reflective ankle bands.  (There is no such thing as being too visible!)

Christmas Light Path Ride:

When:  Wednesday 21 December, and starts at 7:00 P,M. (Sharp!)

Pace:  Easy recreatonal.  Group will stay together.  No drop.

Distance:  Approx 15 miles.  (Expect to be out between an hour and a half and two hours)

Required:  Dress for the weather.  Good lights.  Helmets.

Annual Penance 100:

What can I say?  It’s an annual rite for some of us.  Get up early on New Year’s Day and go ride 100+ miles (with a mountain in the middle, yet), self supported.  It’s a way of saying,  “I’m still here!”  I recommend a moderate pace.  Seems like folks who try to hammer this one are the ones who tend to have trouble.  That’s not universally true, but it is a Winter ride, and most of us are no longer near our Summertime “peak.”  More, it’s a no SAG, no paint, no catered rest stop type of ride.  It’s fun, and it certainly establishes one’s “creds.”

I do recommend that you bring plenty of water and food, as well as other prudent preparations.  Usually there are some stores open along the way, but it’s not very reliable.

Start/Finish:  Bicycles Unlimited

When:  Sunday 1 January, at 7:00 A.M.  (Promptly, please!)

Distance: is 106 miles. (There’s a “Metric 100” as a “bailout.”)

Conditions:  Ride goes rain or shine, no rain dates.

Requirements:  You and your bicycles, helmets of course, a cheerful attitude, and your intestinal fortitude.

Note:  Cue Sheets are will be available at the start, and by email prior request.

So there you have it, a nice end to the year, and a great way to start the next one.

Looking ahead: THREE RIDES

We are planning several annual event type rides, so it’s probably appropriate to spend a little time on them here.

Summer Solstice Celebration Night Ride:

Way back in time, it was traditional for folks to get together and perform a semi-annual ceremony called Beat the Bounds.  The townfolk would get together, along with the priest and the local headman.  They would form a procession, and all would go out and visit each of the boundary markers of the locality.  They would then “beat” each of these markers, marking them with plant dye, or (later in history) sprinkling them with Holy Water.  This was a way to claim and reclaim the borders of the town or province.  It was an occasion for celebration. 

Usually this was done at a propitious time.  The Summer Solstice was such a time.  By this point the early heavy work of clearing away the Winter damage, plowing the fields, and getting the crops in was done.  It was a good time to pause and survey the home area.

We are, in our own modest way, renewing and honoring that tradition with this ride.  Besides, it’s a lot of fun to ride at night.  It’s especially good on Summer Monday nights.  By 8:00 P.M. most of the traffic vanishes.  Good stuff.

Format:  We will ride as a group.  We’ll stick together for visibility and safety.  The pace will be a bit strong for a beginner, but mostly fairly relaxed.  We’ll start out in Peachtree City.  We’ll head out to the west, and ride a large loop around the outskirts around of town the “Greater Pechtree City Area.

The following are pertinent factors:

Sunset 20:51

End Civil Twilight  21:20

Moonrise  12:13 AM  (it will be a dark night)

Start/Finish:  Fredrick Brown Amphitheater, PTC

Start Time:  7:30 P.M. (sharp!)

Distance:  Approx 45 miles

Pace:  Approx 15 mph overall average

Conditons:  Ride goes rain or shine

Requirements:  Helmets (of course), Reflective sash or vest, reflective ankle bands, good strong headlight and tail light, good cheer.

FUNNEST ROAD RIDE IN GEORGIA!:

We’re going up to Helen, GA for this one.  It’s an out-and-back.  There’s a bit of work to get to the fun part, but the fun part is worth the price of entry.  And yes the 0800 start time requires leaving home at a stoop-pid early hour.  Again, it will be well worth it!

We park in the municipal parking lot, on Chattahoochee Strasse.  (Remember to bring some cash for parking fees.  They are usually only a couple of dollars.)

We’ll ride north, right up the main drag in Helen, and on out of town.  After a bit of “roller” riding, we turn and make the climb over Burton Dam Road.  (This road name is sometimes altered for effect.  Once we’ve made the double climb, we descend down to the shores of Seed Lake.  This is where the fun part really gets going.  The trip along the lake shores is delightful.  The roads are extremely tight, loaded with curves that are technical even on a road bike.  There’s another real plus.  There is little traffic up there on weekdays, and the roads are so tight and windy that the few cars encountered can not keep up with cyclists!

After the run along the lakes, we climb up through Tiger Gap.  This is not a true major gap climb, but rather a long series of ascents.  We come out of the climbing, and arrive at Tiger, and at the Tiger Market.  Here can be had one of the world’s best grilled cheese sandwiches!  The chocolate cake is pretty good too!  Add a bucket of sweet tea, and it’s an ideal cyclist’s lunch.

Bottles refilled, we’re ready to turn around and do it all again, in the other direction!

Details:

Where:  Helen, GA.  Municipal Parking lot, on Chattahoochee Strasse

Date: Thursday, 14 July

Time:  0800 A.M. (Sharp!)

Distance/Pace: approx 65 miles  Pace will be fun, but we’ll stop to regroup

periodically.  (This one is not for beginners!)

Requirements/Conditions: Helmets are required, road bikes strongly

recommended.  We’ll go rain or shine.

TRIPLE GAP ROUTE RIDE:

Not to be confused with the big, organized event.  This ride will small, disorganized, and simply a group of us out to enjoy the roads, the climbs, and sweet mountain air.

We’ll ride the traditional “south triple,” with a start/finish in Dahlonega.  We’ll do this one with one bit of a difference.  Find your parking where you will, but ride to the Dahlonega Courthouse Square.  We’ll use the Gold Museum, on the south east corner of the square, as a Rally Point for the start and finish of this ride.  (Please use courtesy and common sense in selecting your parking spot.  Do it legally.)

We’ll do the traditional approach to Neels Gap, up Rockhouse Rd, and Porter Springs.  There’s a possibility of a stop at the top of Neels Gap (mile 22), but I prefer to “roll” this summit.  We have another possible store stop in Suches (mile 37).

After descending Woody Gap, we’ll take the old “back way” into Dahlnega.  It’s a lot nicer, and less traffic.

Details:

            Where:  Gold Museum, Dahlonega, GA.  Court Square.

            Date:  Thursday, 4 August

            Time:  0900 A.M.  (Sharp!)

            Distance/Pace:  Approx 53 miles, with re-group options

Requirements/Conditions: Helmets are required, road bikes strongly

recommended.  We’ll go rain or shine.

            Suggestion:  Mount your climbing gears!

Don't forget!  Our twice monthly Novice MTB Ride is tomorrow, at the Peachtree City Baseball Soccer Complex.  We'll start at 6:30 P.M.

March: Challenging But Busy

Looks like, after our long Winter slumber, March is turning into one active month.  Yesterday was our first Audax Tune Up (more on that presently). 

Upcoming this month:

• Last of the Winter Schedule Novice Road Rides:  Sunday 13 March.  2:00 PM
•  Last Winter Schedule Novice Mountain Bike Ride:  Sunday 20 March.  2:00 PM
• Tour de Pike is on 19 March. (Follow this link for more info on Tour de Pike.)
• The annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol is Tuesday 22 March.  (See this coming Wednesday’s post for more on that.)
• Audax 45 Mile Tune Up:  Sunday 27 March.  1:00 PM
• And there’s a lot more besides.  If you are interested in some of the other events going on, try going to the South Side Cycling Club calendar.  Not a member of the club?  Why not join now?

Audax Tune Up Ride Report:

Yesterday was the first of this year’s Audax Tune Up Rides.  It’s gratifying to report that there were six of us along for this.  The weather added a bit more challenge to the ride.  It was overcast, cool, and windy.  (Isn’t interesting that the wind can always be a headwind?)  

In spite of the somewhat inauspicious weather, Chris, Bill, Scott, Dan, Steve, and I rolled out and did it.  My most hearty congratulations to all of you.  It was a tough ride, but this crew met it with aplomb and good cheer.  Yes, I heard folks remarking on the brisk, buffeting, pummeling, chilling, battering winds.  I heard that, but what I did not hear was whining.  What a great group!

In honor of the windy and chilly conditions, I cut about four miles from the route.  I don’t think anyone noticed.  Certainly no one commented on this.  If there was disappointment, it was well hidden.

Oh, and the group stayed together, enjoyed each other’s support and company, and rode with cheer, style, and grace.

De l'audace, encore de l'audace, et toujours de l'audace!

Eats! And a few other things.

A new cook book for cyclists and other endurance athletes.   This one should be interesting.  Some of our local heros have put together a recipe book, specifically for cyclitst, runners, triathletes, and other endurance athletes.  I’ll be reviewing this as soon as I get my hands on a copy.  In the meantime, you can find out more by going to  http://racedayrecipes.com

The Christmas Lights Path Ride is tonight!  We’ll wind around quite a bit, and it should be excellent good fun.  The route is a bit wacky, but (I think) well worth it.  Do dress warmly, as the occasionally slower pace, and stops tend to cool you.  By now the results of Monday’s Christmas Lights Road Ride are in.  A grand time was had.  Seems like there are fewer displays this year, but those that are out, are more thoughtful, and more designed.  Some are quite beautiful, others more in the loud and garish spectrum.  I can hardly wait!

NOTE:  Helmets and good lights are a requirement, and we'll leave promptly.  And look for a bit of a surprise at the end of the ride.

Sneak Preview:  Only you, my faithful blog readers, are getting this now.  We’re cooking something up.  The merry elves at Bicycles Unlimited are toying with the idea of leading some mountain bike rides on our local trails.  We’re going to start testing various formats, and experimenting with this and that.  Possible outcomes include, led group rides, beginner’s clincs and rides, night mountain bike excursions, and any other fun-and-games we think might work.  Stay tuned.

Solstice

It’s the shortest daylight day of the year.  Congratulations!  We’ve made it to Solstice.  This is the day when the sun stops it’s southward plunge.  For the next six months each day is a bit longer than the one before.

On Winter Solstice, it always seems to me, the world takes a pause, draws in its breath, and then expells a deep sigh.  Most of the Winter is ahead of us, but we have made it this far.  Trials and troubles are always around the corner, things are never “all right,” but we will make the most of it.  We’ll be alright.

The long night is tonight.  We (some of us, anyway) will be celebrating it on bikes indoors.  I for one, will manage to go outside, on a bike, for at least a little while, on this night.  Likely that ride will be near midnight.  Rain or not.  I will ride to a quiet place, dismount, and walk into the trees.  It’s then that next Summer’s riding begins.  I’ll remember last Summer’s Solstice Celebration Night Ride.  I will pause and savor the sleep of the forest.  I’ll dedicate myself to the road ahead, then remount and ride back to light, warmth, and the coming holidays.

Two more Spin Classes before Christmas!  The last one, on this coming Thursday at 6:00 P.M., is always a special one.  We have a lot of fun, and the music is designed to match the festive spirit.  I promise, I’ll publish a playlist after the class.  (I always want this one to be a surprise.)

Christmas is almost here!  Need I say more.  Who is getting a new bike for Christmas?  Who already has?  What goodies will be under the tree?  Who’s going riding on that day.  “Hail thee festival day, we greet thee, with joy on this happy morning!”

The very good news for outdoors folk, is that it gets better now.  Most likely the extreme cold we just experienced is behind us, and won’t be repeated this year.  We’ll continue to ride the “hamsterbikes” as necessary, and a fair number of us will go out and ride the Penance Ride, on 1 January.

May the Solstice Bells ring out for us all, this night and ever.

Wonderful (Busy) Week

Amid the bustle of the season, and the attempts to get it all done, we have a few bits to offer.

Christmas Lights Road Ride: 

It’s tonight!  I love this one.  We go out, dressed in our best chilly weather regalia, and tour around the area, looking at (and occasionally riding through) some of the more extravagant displays.  I must confess, I’m a big kid.  I love looking at the bright and festive lights.  I still get a thrill of awe and wonder at them.

We’ll be leaving from Bicycles Unlimited, at 7:00 P.M.  Do dress for the weather.  It will cool quickly after sunset.  Remember the usual reflective gear and lights.  We will ride to be safe, and to have fun.  We’re not out to shatter any speed records, but do, please, plan to be able to keep up a steady 13 to 15 mph pace.  (At least between the attractions.)

Spin Classes:

I can hear it as I write this.  “What on earth is he talking about that for?  Isn’t this about “seasonally appropriate” stuff?  In fact it is.  We have fun in our spin classes.  We work hard, and play hard.  And the week before Christmas is special.  Expect a very strong, and somewhat emotional music playlist for these classes.  Especially for the one on Thursday!

Christmas Lights Path Ride:

A somewhat different route this year.  (I guess they all are.)  I’ve been out scouting.  This should be an extra fun one.  I’m planning a special surprise for the end of this year’s edition.  Remember rain cancels these rides.  So pray for dry weather.

We’ll leave from in front of Bicycles Unlimited, at 7:00 P.M. promptly.  Expect to be out for an hour and half, maybe a bit longer.  Do dress for the weather, and bring good strong lights.   Seasonal costumes are fun, but think about safety first.

Christmas Eve:

The shop will be open (at least for the first part of the day) for last minute stuff.  Smiles and cheer required.

Christmas Day:

You’re on your own!  Have a very, very Merry Christmas!

I LOVE this time of year!!!!

Updates all over the place:

Maybe you haven’t encountered this anyplace else.  Southside Cycling Club will be holding its annual All Members General Meeting, tomorrow, at Maguire’s Irish Pub, in Senoia, Georgia.  This is an important meeting.  New officer and board elections will be held.  We’ll have a speaker.  The club is providing “horsey doovers, tea, and soft drinks.  Meeting will start at 7:00 P.M.  If you are a member, you need to be there.  Not a member?  Come anyway and join!

The Bicycles Unlimited Novice Road Ride is no longer going out on Thursday nights.  Sorry, but it’s done for the season.  However, there will be a Novice Road Ride on the second Sunday of each month, starting in November. 

• When:  Ride will be at 2:00 P.M.  14 November, 12 December, 9 January, 13 February, and 13 March.
• Where:  Start/Finish at Bicycles Unlimited.
• Distance:  23.5 miles.
• Pace:  This is a No Drop ride.  (Ride leader will stay at the back.)
• Conditions:  Ride goes rain or shine, at any temp above 20 degrees F.  (Dress appropriately for the conditions.
• Requirements:  You, your bike, and helmets must be worn.

Bicycles Unlimited Spin Classes Start:  The shop’s annual spin classes will begin on Tuesday, 2 November.  Here’s the basic rundown.

• WHEN:  Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM through March 10^th
• WHERE:  Bicycles Unlimited training room
• REQUIREMENTS:  Bring your bike and your stationary trainer
• SUGGESTED: (For maximum results) You should wear summer weight cycling clothing, bring a towel and plenty of water, have completed a recent Anaerobic Threshold Test, and wear your Heart Rate Monitor!
• COST:  $100 for the entire season, $30 per month, or $10 per session
• SIGN UP: Is currently going on.  Come in to the shop and get signed!
•  ***This is strenuous exercise.  You should always consult your doctor before starting any rigorous exercise program.

Don’t forget!  The mid-Fall Celebration Night Ride is coming up.  It will be on Monday, 25 October.  More details soon.

AND FINALLY:  Last week I went public with a schedule for the completion of my latest project bike.  I’m happy to report that I am on target.  The tricky wheel build is complete.  Now on to the driveline!

Big Weekend Ride Report

A word about the reason for this past weekend’s events.  Multiple Sclerosis is a wicked and evil disease.  It slowly cripples its victims.  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society uses these Bike MS weekends as a major fundraiser.  Funds from the events go to research for treatments, and a cure.  I sincerely hope that each and every one of you will join me in supporting this effort.  For more information, please go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Georgia Chapter.

Now on to the fun and game!

On Friday, Chris, Curly, Candy and I rode down to Pine Mountain.  Chris and I chose to haul all of our worldly goods and possesions (not really but it sure felt that way!) behind our bikes.   The plan was to drop the trailers once we got to our destination in Pine Mountain.

The Trip Down:  It was a nice ride.  We’re happy to report that it was largely an uneventful trip.  The four of us got under way at about 9:00 A.M. on Friday.  We took our time on the way down.  This was partly because Chris and I were pulling trailers.  (I admit it, I was a bit overloaded.)

The route we chose was about 50 miles from Peachtree City to our lodgings in Pine Mountain.  We arrived in town a bit too early to check in, so we went in search of food, and had a great lunch.

Check in had a minor glitch, but the nice folks at the Pine Mountain Chalets  straightened that out with a minimum of confusion.

After check in, it was time to head back into town and pick up our rider packets.  Then to the street party, and dinner!

(Does it sound like food is a big part of our day?  You betcha!  The calorie requirement for a touring cyclist is absolutely incredible.)

Saturday 105 Miles:  We chose to ride the long route on Saturday.  It is a tough ride under any conditions.  This past Saturday was especially challenging.  The heat came on early and kept on coming on.  I got behind the hydration curve.  I’d been having a pretty good ride through the morning, but by early afternoon, I was pretty well toasted.  I withdrew in good order at the mile 93 break point.  Sometimes it’s best to chose to “live to fight again another day.”

Sunday “60” miles:  What a difference a day makes!  Sunday dawned a bit cooler, and with a lovely cloud cover.  It stayed a lot cooler on the course.  I chose to ride at a bit less strenuous pace, and enjoyed a really nice morning on the bike.  Lot’s of smiling faces all around.

This ended the Cox Atlanta Bike MS event.  We finished up the ride to the cheers of the wonderful volunteers, and packed up the weekend.

Of course the four of us who were doing the weekend tour style had a slightly different experience.  We saw the rest of the crowds leave.  We saw our friends and cabin mates climb into their cars and drive away.  Then we settled down and relaxed for the rest of the day.  We had a pleasant dinner, and retired for the night.

Monday, The trip back home:

It was ind of strange to be down there, at the Pine Mountain Chalets, and see no other riders.  We had the place pretty much to ourselves as we prepared to ride into town for breakfast, and then ride back to Peachtree City.

The weather favored us wonderfully.  It was blessedly cool!  We actually started out in arm warmers and vests.  More, the cool didn’t go away quickly.  The morning stayed cool, and a delightful wind came up to keep us cooled off as we rode.  In fact this was the best riding day of the four.

We chose to take the route over Pine Mountain, and turn north via Warm Springs.  We made a slight detour on top of Pine Mountain, and rode out to Dowdles Knob, to enjoy the view and the park.

Generally, all four of us agreed, we were pleased to find that we weren’t overly tired.  We all felt the effects of being on the bike for four days, but no one was suffering.  Call it a great weekend of super high quality cycling.

Friday Follies ~~ In the Meantime…

Two quick notes:

First:  As you read this (Assuming always that you are reading this sometime during the day on Friday 10 September) I am somewhere south of Peachtree City, on the road, pulling a trailer with way too much stuff, on the way to Pine Mountain.  In other words, I’m having fun!

Second:  On Monday, I’ll be doing the inverse of the above.  I’ll be hauling that trailer back home.  So…  I will be taking a brief hiatus from posting on Monday.  Regular posts will continue on Tuesday 14 September.  (Maybe, I’ll even talk a bit about the weekend.)

 How I got ready for this weekend’s Tour, and Rides.

I don’t remember exactly how the idea germinated and took hold.  If you’ve been reading this blog, you might actually have a better grasp of that than I.  The concept was simple.  “Let’s ride to the Bike MS weekend, do the rides that weekend, and ride back.”  Like I said, the concept was simple.  The execution turns out to be a bit more complex.

The Practical Considerations:  Of course the idea of riding to and from Pine Mountain, in order to get to and from Bike MS seemed simple enough.  I’ve done the trip numerous times in the past.  But the thing is, I plan to stay down there in between.  That means spending nights in some kind of lodging.  It also means I need to have stuff  with me.  What stuff?  You know.  Clothing.  Toiletries.  Bike maintenance supplies.  Stuff.  And so there had to be a way to get the stuff down to the event and back.  Just sort of naturally, I had the thought,  “I can do that with the bike!”

So naturally, I announced that as a goal.  Of course I hadn’t thought it through completely.

But it’s not quite that simple:  I could use my touring bike to haul stuff.  It’s good at that.  But, I want to have a nice, light weight, reasonably fast, fun bike to use for the weekend.  I hit on a solution.  My utility trailer will hook up to almost any bike.  I could pack the trailer with the necessary clothing and gear, and haul it behind the preferred event bike.  This is analogous to hitching an Airstream behind a Ferrari .  Turns out that it seems a bit ridiculous, but it’s doable.  Sort of…

Implications:  You see, on a self-supported tour, I’d be carrying a fair amount of stuff, but for this four day adventure, I’m actually carrying more.  The thing is, I plan to stay in a decent accommodation.  I want to have fresh riding clothing for each of the three days (not counting the trip down).  I want to be able to put on “civvies” for those times I’m not on the bike, but am being sociable.  I want to be able to use the bike as transport while I’m down there.  Every one of those statements implies  something.

Take for instance, the “use the bike for transport” idea.  That one implies that I’ll be riding around Pine Mountain in the dark.  That means adding lights, batteries, and reflective gear to the load.  That’s just an example.

The approach:  I’ve done this the way I usually recommend it be done.  I made a big list.  I included everything that I thought I might want.  I pulled all that together and weighed it.  Then I started subtracting the things I thought I could really do without.  It’s still a beast of a load.  It looks kinda like this…

S'welp me, this is gonna be fun to pull over Pine Mountain!

But once uncoupled, I’ll have the magic bike available.  I’ve done some practice riding with this load.  It’s a tough pull, but doable.  Should be interesting to see what it’s like to drag this down there, a trip of about 60 miles.  Then do a century on Saturday, a metric (approx 65 miles) on Sunday, and drag the trailer back (over the mountain, no less!) on Monday.

See you on Tuesday.

About Upcoming Events

I understand Johann did his usual masterful job of filling in for me yesterday.  (I’ll get to read his post later.)

As the title suggests, we are going to spend a little time on a couple of upcoming events.

Tour to Bike MS & Bike MS:  This one is on!  Perhaps you have made other arrangements.  But I’d like to invite anyone who wishes to come along.  Please join us.  We plan to leave Peachtree City on the morning of Friday, 10 September, at 09:00.  We will ride to the town of Pine mountain.

As of this writing, there are four of us.  Two plan to ride pulling utility trailers with everything we need for the weekend.  The other two are having their gear carried down by a friend.

Our plan is to ride to Pine Mountain, relax a bit, then check into our lodgings, and then ride over to the big Bike MS street party.

We are all riding in the Bike MS weekend.  After the weekend, we will ride back to Peachtree City on Monday morning.

With two of us hauling our gear behind us, you can expect the pace to be fairly mild.  It’s about a 65 mile trip, over rolling hills.  Should be fun.

Why trailers?  That is one good question.  The answer lies in our plans for the weekend.  We two (and yes, I’m one of them!) are fully capable of doing a loaded tourist bit.  But we wanted to have light, fast bikes available for the weekend’s riding.  The trailers are the answer to that.  Once we uncouple the load carriers, our bikes are light, fast, and agile.

Autumn Equinox Night Ride:  This one is coming up, right on the heels of the Bike MS weekend.  Here are the particulars.

Date:  Monday, 20 September 2010

Start Time:  7:30 PM (sharp)

Location:  Fredrick Brown Amphitheater Parking Lot, Peachtree City, GA

Distance:  Approx 45 miles

Pace:  Relaxed touring.  (Expect to be out about three hours)

Requirements:  Helmets (of course), Good headlights, good strong tail lights, reflective vest or sash, reflective ankles bands.  Dress for the weather.

Conditions:  We go rain or shine, at any temp above 20 degrees F

Why?  Because it’s fun!!  It’s a serious blast riding at night.  We’re celebrating!  Celebrating what?  Why the change of the seasons.  Why not?

But isn’t it really dangerous to be out riding on the road at night?  Actually, with proper gear and technique, no it’s not.  A bike and rider, with lights and reflectors, is much more visible at night.  A group of such riders is astonishingly visible.  More, motorists don’t know what we are, so they slow down and pass with caution.  Besides, there’s a lot less traffic out in the evening hours.

Questions or concerns?  If you have them, please post them as comments to this blog.  I’ll answer as soon as I am able.

Century Wrap Up:

If you’ve been hiding under a rock, Saturday was the annual Tour of Faith Ride.  Lots of stuff going on.  I was a bit disappointed in the turnout.  I think the threat of weather was the primary reason we had fewer riders this year.  The forecast promised, and then threatened  rain.  This dissuades a lot of folks.  (I’ll treat that tomorrow.)  On the other hand, we had a strong showing, and a lot of folks rode the shorter routes, especially the “60 mile loop.”  (Just in case anyone was wondering, the “60” is, by very deliberate design, almost exactly 100 kilometers.)

The morning was cloudy, overcast, and a bit misty.  It was very humid, but not especially hot.  In other words, very good riding conditions were available.

Around 11:00, the overcast lightened up, and the heat came on.  I was sad to see several riders abandon due to heat stress.  It cheered me that they were in good spirits overall, but I feel for folks who have to withdraw, for any reason.  Oddly, thanks to the afternoon rain, heat stress wasn’t a problem after about 1:00 P.M.

I must say, the rest stop folks were awesome, cheering the riders, holding bikes, feeding, and just pampering riders.  Wonderful job all.  I’d like to extend a special thanks to the New Hope Baptist Crew, who stood huddled in the pouring rain, to be absolutely certain that no rider was left untended on the course.

Those who rode seemed to have a grand time.  I received a lot of compliments, and just about no complaints.  Also, I did not have to chase down a single “lost” or off course rider.

I’m also very impressed by the “press on regardless” fortitude displayed by the 100 mile riders.  Good job, Folks!

And listen, if you haven’t tried a 100 mile ride, this is the one to start with.  You must pay due regard to the temperature, but this is the flattest 100 mile course in the Atlanta area, and a really good route to go for your “first 100.”  Come and join us next year!

Now it’s time to pack it up, and put it away for another year.  Time to focus on a lot of upcoming stuff.

Soon:  The Tri-Peachtree City Sprint Triathlon, the Tour to Bike MS, and the Fall Equinox Night Ride.

Friday Follies ~~ The Long Road

I’ve done a lot of century (and longer) rides.  All are memorable, but some much more than others.  I’ve met people out on the road, and become friends with them.  Some of those friendships have endured for years.  Others lasted only until the end of the ride.

A partial list would include:

The “First Adult Century” (recounted elsewhere)

The first mountain century

The first truly flat century

My first century with my daughter

The first century on a single speed bike

The first century on a fixed gear

The first attempt at a double century (a disaster)

The Mount Mitchel Stupidity

The unforgettable, “Is that Snow!?” ride

The first successful double century (victory snatched from the jaws of defeat)

The “Oh Susana” ride (It rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry!)

The “Done by One” ride (Done in under five hours)

The “I’m back” 100 (done on the Wilson 100, six months to the day after surgery)

The “What am I doing here” 100  (It’s a long story)

The first “Penance Ride”

The unintended “Let’s see where this goes” 105

The “always let Greg pull, but never let him navigate” 200K

And, of course, a mixed bag of “Death Marches” and “Rolling Parties”

I’m hoping that many of you will be adding tomorrow to your list of memorable rides.  Come on out and do the Tour of Faith tomorrow.  Make some memories of your own.

Stepping Out On A Limb

This is a step out on Faith, and that’s a pretty good theme for the week.  Why?  Well, our annual Tour of Faith charity century is this coming Saturday.  That’s one.  I’m going to schedule not one, but three seasonal night rides, and that’s two, three, and tfour.  And I have the belief that someone will read this thing and take heed, and that’s a big five.

Follow the link for more info on the Tour of Faith.

While on the subject:  We could use a couple or three SAG drivers.  Really.  Please contact me if you can change a tire, have a pickup or large car, and are willing to spend a Saturday helping other folks have a great time.

Seasonal Night Rides:  Like a lot of things, this wasn’t something that really planned, it just sort of happened, and it seems to be gathering a following.  So I’m gonna go out on a limb and schedule two more of them.

First a bit of explanation.  Since the first of these rides took place on the Summer Solstice it seemed reasonable to follow suit, and we did the second one on Mid Summer’s Eve.  (For the purists, I should note, we didn’t do this on the historical night of the ancient festivals, but rather on the actual night of the middle of the Summer.)  Seems like we have a theme going here.  So the next one of these rides we’ll do will be on September 20, 2010.  That’s not quite the actual nite of the Fall Equinox, but the night before.  It still works nicely though, as the equinox is the next day.

In keeping with the theme, we’ll do the following one on October 25, and call it Mid Fall Night Ride.  It’s not quite the middle of the fall season, but close enough, and it misses another big date comfortably.

That brings us to a ride that should land pretty close to the Winter Solstice.  Well guess what?  We already do one then, and we call it…    the Christmas Lights Night Ride.  And, sonuvagun if December 20 doesn’t land smack on a Monday!  The very night before the actual Winter Solstice.  Seems like it was destined to be.

We’ll keep the format pretty much the same.  Dress for weather.  Ride in whatever is happening.  Appropriate night riding equipment required.  Start finish venues will be announced in advance. The rides, with the exception of the Christmas Lights Ride, will all be approximately 45 miles long.  Routes won’t be announced in advance, but I’ll pick some good stuff, and keep it varied.  I expect we’ll be leaving a bit earlier for these late in the year rides, as it will get darker, and cooler earlier in the evening.

Just one more note on this night riding stuff.  I hope folks will see this.  When you get some practice with night riding, and assemble the necessary equipment, it can greatly extend your riding seasons.  Autumn in north Georgia.  wonderful, prolonged Autumns here.  The problem is, it gets dark earlier.  With good lights, and good technique, it’s possible to start in daylight, continue into the dark, and get home safely, all the while riding in delightful weather, and gorgeous conditions.  (Just a bit of a hint there.)

Two Rides

MidSummer’s Eve Night Ride:  Tonight is the night!  Rain or shine!  Wet or dry.  Hot or cold!  We go!

Meet at the Fredrick Brown Amphitheater, in Peachtree City.  We’ll leave at 8:00 PM (sharp).

Dress for the weather.  Expect a relaxed, group touring pace.

Required equipment:  Headlights (good ones), tail light, reflective sash or vest, reflective ankle bands.  (Lights should be good for three to four hours.)

We’ll leave town in daylight, but it will get dark rather quickly.  We will head south, more or less, and do a loop out into the countryside.  Expect to go about 40 to 45 miles, and to take around three to three and a half hours.

Oh yes!  I’m pretty sure that we won’t find any dirt roads this time.  Honest, the last one was entirely unexpected and unplanned.

Why go?  Simple.  It’s a bunch of fun!  It will be cooler than riding under the Sun.  We laugh our silly fool heads off.  There is less traffic out.  It’s fun.  It’s a different kind of riding.  Hills don’t seem so intimidating.  And did I mention?  It’s fun.

Tour of Faith:  It’s a great ride (if I do say so myself), for a worthy cause.  The routes have been designed to be as flat as possible, and as rural as possible.  Wonderful folks will be manning the rest stops.  There’s lots of fun stuff at the shop on the day of, including a water slide, a silent auction, and a very easy path ride.  Route options include a 30 mile, 45 mile, 65 mile, and 100 mile option.  We’ll be out in cars and trucks checking on riders and ready to render aid and assistance.  (Note:  This is called SAG, which stands for Support And Gear.)

To get a good Summer century under your belt, click Tour of Faith to sign up.

Tour to Bike MS: Stuff to think about

I’m going to be scarce, and these posts are going to be short, for a while.  That’s because we’re in the final run up to the annual Tour of Faith charity ride.  There’s a vicious lot to do before the ride goes, and I have a lot of those tasks to perform.

If you are planning to do this, LET ME KNOW NOW!!!  Do this by email to The.Road.Dragon@gmail.com

Bike MS ~ Housekeeping:  Some of us are incorporating a touring concept around this year’s Bike MS Cox Atlanta Ride, in Pine Mountain.  The idea is that we ride down to the event, do the two day event, and ride back.  This has implications.

Consideration 1)  Getting your “stuff” there and back:  There are a lot of strategies for this one. 

Talk someone else into transporting it.

Load your bike and do it yourself.

Let’s talk about what you will want to transport.  You will need riding clothes for three days.  (You get the first day for free by wearing it.)  Casual, off bike clothing for three evenings.  Toiletries.  Food and beverage items for the cabin.  Your riding supplies for the four days of biking.

I want to have a fairly light bike to ride, so I’m planning to use my trailer to haul my stuff down there.

Consideration 2) Lodging:  We’ll tackle that one offline.  Either make your own arrangements, or contact me.  If you want to get into a group booking, you must contact me this week (27 July through 30 July).

Consideration 3) Local Transport:  This should be kind of obvious, but…  If you ride a bike to get to the event, you are going to be riding a bike to and from your lodgings, and to dinner, shopping, etc.  I’ll be booking a chalet that is about three miles from the Bike MS location in Callaway, and about 3.5 miles from “downtown” Pine Mountain.  Your bike will be your transport to and from these things.  You might want to think about that, and to consider bringing some lights along too.

One last possible stuff transporting strategy:  You could persuade someone else to carry your stuff down there.  That gets it there, but they will likely be leaving on Sunday, and you won’t be going out until Monday morning.  Consider mailing your luggage home.  There is a US Post Office in Pine Mountain.  You could plan to package your used luggage, and take it to the Post Office on Monday morning.

One Extremely Powerful Training Tip:

This one could increase your performance on the bike, and at work, and greatly improve your health and life expectancy.  Are you ready?

Get more sleep.

That’s it.  Get more sleep.  Really.

Here’s the how it works.  Training is a stimulus.  The body responds to this stimulus by repairing and overcompensating.  But the body can only do this while you are resting.  Of course you should take one or two rest days in each training week, but if you are sleep deprived, you are not getting enough rest, and the full response to your training is seriously limited.  Besides, you’ll feel a lot better, be more alert, be more resistant to infection, miss fewer days of training and work, and be a happier person.

How much sleep is enough?  Most adults (over 25 years) can pretty well “get by” on 6 to 7 hours of sleep per night.  But the truth is that 8 hours would be about the minimum for good health.  Training increases this need.  Heavy training increases it significantly.

If you are training for between 8 and 10 hours per week, your nightly sleep time should be close to 9 hours per night.  If you are going through a period of 15 hours (or more) of training per week, the sleep requirement is closer to 10 hours per night.

Where do I find that kind of time?  I don’t have all the answers to that.  But I do have one great suggestion.  Turn the TV off, and limit internet time.  Really.  Various studies show different results for how much TV people watch, but it’s pretty clear that the typical American adult watches something like 4 to 5 hours of TV every day.  Could you possibly take two hours of that and use it better by sleeping?

Personal Disclosure:  I have been “television free” for over 15 years.  I haven’t missed it.  Somehow I manage to stay abreast of news, events, and important information.  But I have no idea who is on America’s Idolatrous Funny Dancing Stars, or for that matter, who shot JR.  Really, turn the one eyed monster off, and you will sleep more and better, and perform better athletically.

Now (ironically) here’s some ride info…

Night Ride Anyone?

We’re gonna do it.  We are going to go out, and ride around our city, marking out the “bounds.”  We’ll do this on the night of the Summer Solstice.  That’s June 21, 2010.

What’s the idea?  Well, basically, it’s an excuse to go out and ride our bikes, in a group, at night, and have some fun along the way.

In ancient times, folks would go out and “beat the bounds.”  That is, the leading people in the city would march out and around the extremities of the city holdings, checking out the conditions and sort of blessing the borders of the city.

What are we going to do, exactly?  We’ll meet up and go riding.  The ride will start in daylight, but it will continue into the darkness.  We will ride a big loop all the way around Peachtree City.  We’re starting at 8:00 PM, and we should be back between 11:00 PM and midnight.  Look for the route to be about 45 miles long.  This is intended to be a fun group ride.  The group should stick together.

Audax 200K Visualization:

(See yesterday’s post for details)

It’s just after 7:00 AM.  You have pulled into the parking lot to make ready for the ride.  The Sun is just peaking through the trees, low on the eastern horizon.  You look around.  Other riders are starting to arrive too.

In short order, everyone has bikes on the ground and each is sorting and checking equipment.  It’s a little cool, and you are trying to decide.  Do you want to wear arm warmers and a vest for the first couple of hours, only to carry them the rest of the day?  Or…  Are you going to tough out the first couple of cool hours, and not carry the extra stuff with you?  Should you apply sunscreen now, or wait until later?  (The answer to that is do it now!)  Are your tires pumped?  Bottles full?  Have you forgotten anything?

Soon it’s time.  The Road Captain calls you all together for a quick pre-ride briefing.  And it’s time to go.

A group of you assemble and push off.  Just like that, you are heading south on the Peachtree Parkway.  The group is big enough, and you all take command of the right hand lane.  The pace quickly establishes itself.  After the first mile, folks begin to settle down, and steady up.

In short order, you are all at the edge of Peachtree City, and startng the long climb to Senoia.  There will be the possibility of a stop in Senoia, but everyone hopes not to do this.  Better to go long on this first leg.

Once clear of the hills around Senoia, you are out on GA-85.  The group has settled down, and the leader starts to push the pace a bit.  This is fast country.  The road is flat, and there is little traffic.  It’s a good place to “bank “ some time.  By the time the turn for GA-362 comes up, everyone is feeling a little winded.  This road is one long set of rollers, so it’s a good place to settle down a bit, and ride a steady, even pace.  Recover and breath, hills ahead!

After the long climb up to Greenville, the group makes the first planned stop of the day.  You’ve done 33.5 miles, and your legs are good for it.  It’s going to be a good day!  It’s just over 16 miles to the town of Pine Mountain, and a quick stop to stretch and fill bottles.  Then the climb over Pine Mountain.

The group breaks up a bit on the Pine Mountain leg, but stops and regroups at the intersection with GA-85A.  Then there’s the tremendous downhill blast into Warm Springs.  Lunch awaits.  A brief break after lunch.  Time to check gear, re-apply sunscreen, and get mentally prepared for the return leg.

The big rollers on GA-85 are still ahead of you.  Your legs are feeling a bit tired, and you are a touch “loggy” after the big lunch.  But the general mood is upbeat and happy.  The pace is controlled.  It won’t really start to pick up again until 17 miles later, in the little town of Gay. 

You are conserving water.  The store in Gay is notoriously unreliable.  If necessary, an alternate water stop is possible in Concord.  But the next planned stop, after Gay, is in Digby.  That’s a big, reliable store, with good stocks, and the all important restrooms.

By Digby, you know you have this thing done.  It’s just 20 more, mostly easy miles to the end.  You look around.  You know you are tired, and you can see it in the other riders.  Tired, but not too tired.  Let’s go finish this thing!

As the group enters Peachtree City, the Road Captain forms you up into a column of twos, to ride north on the Peachtree Parkway.  This is a tradition.  It’s the triumph of a long hard ride, well done.

A snack, an change of clothing, possibly a quick shower at the end.

Is this a good day, or what?