This Years Rides

2012 RIDES

This year’s ride calendar lists all the rides from past years, in order to get the dates in front of us so we can plan our activities. We can add or delete rides, or in some cases adjust the dates, to address conflicts that come up. For me personally, the Young’s ride and the Hilly Hundred are the highlights of the year, not to be missed other than for a major sickness or a broken bone. I am hoping the Gatlinburg trip will come together. Our 2010 trip there was epic.

We have programmed two Highpoint Hundred rides into the schedule. Yes, that’s right. Once again, we will ride the legendary hills of eastern Logan County. The first one will take place in late April, to prepare for TOSRV, or Mt Mitchell, and the second one will be in October, to prepare for the Hilly Hundred. Both dates can be flexible and can move to a week later if necessary due to bad weather. We know from experience that a support vehicle is essential for this ride. We need it for snacks and fluids as well as tools and spares, or if you need to shed your jacket, or for a ride home if you blow out your knee at mile 70. It’s tough to recruit a volunteer due to the all-day commitment. For that reason, we have come up with a backup plan. Some of us are willing to participate on a relay-type basis where one will drive up, then switch off with another part way. We are still working out the details of the support vehicle, small trailer, etc. If anyone has any bright ideas, let me know.

And speaking of hills, we are currently working out the details of a footbike hill challenge, probably in March or April. On a Saturday morning, we will drive up to Zanesfield Park, then footbike up Bristle Ridge to East Liberty, then loop back along 33. Breakfast after. 11 miles. Stay tuned for more details.