RAIN (Ride Across INdiana) 2008 are you ready!

[Mr. SR500]

Are you ready for RAIN?

Training as been tough, plenty of shorter rides, but still not completed a century (RAIN is 160 miles), I did 158 over 2 days this past weekend, that may have to do. So is everyone ready? I'm a stronger rider this year over shorter distances, we'll see how that translates to RAIN. Here is my bike forums post from last year right after the ride:

Wow, great reports. I only regret was not hooking up with more BF’ers, we had about 25+ from Richmond, so just keeping track of those guys was tough.

It’s was my first, and very pleased. Ate dinner at TumbleWeed and had a great baked potato. We stayed at the Drury, it was nice with lots of activity. Got ready for bed around 10. About 10:30 one of my buddies called, he forgot his shorts and jersey, luckily my over planning meant I had extras. So fell asleep shortly after 11. Awake at 2 am – WTF, stayed in bed until about 4’ish, and when down to the car for some pre-ride time wasting.

Had some eggs and a little Rice Chex at the Drury, and arrived at the start line about 6. Saw Chipcom first, but didn’t chat much, to stressed I guess. Stayed fairly close to the front, but got cut off and almost had to stop while we were getting up to speed. I must have been passed my 100+ riders. Saw the guy in the white shirt go down, he was off to my left a couple riders over, I heard something break, so I think he must have snapped a collar bone. I hung on to the mass and stayed with the police escort through down. The speed and large group just sucked you along, unfortunately the hills always get me so it made it hard to stay with the faster paceline. I started to fall back, but hung on until the first stop.

I don’t know if it was lack of sleep or what, but never felt that great in the morning, everyone kept asking if I was ok, given my pained expression. My stomach was a little upset, as I had left my Hammer gel at home, so was using some Carb Boom that didn’t seem to settle. My wife was an awesome SAG, we froze about 10 water bottles before leaving, so they were perfect to swap for cool water at each stop.

As lunch approached I still wasn’t feeling that good, so decided I would lay down for 20 minutes, well Kim had a baked potato waiting, so that with a PB sandwich, I felt better and took off. That must have done it because I felt stronger as the day wore on and started having a blast.

We added a couple extra stops, one when you got back on 40, and another at the Marathon station just east of Cambridge City. At the last stop I took one last bottle and dumped everything else. I know the route well so felt great, one hill pass Cambridge and home free. I felt strong, cruising along at 25+ sometimes without a paceline. As we approached Earlham, some recumbent went flying by, I thought hey this is my town, and “droped the hamer” hit 30 on the hill leading up the campus, but left the bent – bent.

I finished in 9:15 and was rider 300. I was off the bike for 60 minutes, and had an average speed of 19.5 mph. The tailwind was amazing.

Great event, had a blast, my wife was amazing, and I loved seeing my kids at the end.

Garmin Stats:

Distance: 159.79 mi
Elapsed Time: 8:10:45
Avg Pace: 3.04/mi
Avg Speed: 19.5 mph
Max Speed: 38.0 mph
Calories: 12,016 cal
Avg Heartrate: 145 bpm
Max Heartrate: 177 bpm
Avg Cadence: 78 rpm
Ascent: 4,134 ft

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN1.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN2.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN3.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN4.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN5.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN6.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN7.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN8.jpg

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/RAIN9.jpg

[makbike]

First, I must thank Mr. Silver and MrSR500 for helping me with transportation. I really did not want to ask my ex-BF for a ride! You guys are wonderful!

Second, I hope I am ready! I've never participated in this event so I really don't know what to expect. I've logged a lot of miles and a dozen centuries this season so hopefully that will help me. All I can do is ride my ride and hope for the best.

Now, I have to figure out how to shut my brain down at 3 a.m. The past few nights I've woke in the wee hours and instead of falling asleep I'm thinking about RaIN. I'm so tired!

[HoosierGiant]

Ready! Ready! Ready!

[Mr. Bloom]

John, I'm really hyped seeing your pics...and I'm excited. Thanks again for the logistics support!

To date, my longest ride is 110 miles at the Horsey Hundred.

I am concerned that I've not been able to get a lot of long rides in lately. I'm hoping that this weekend will be good weather and I can ride, ride, ride!

I've bought a lot of extra frame packs - wanting to be as self sufficient as possible....so this will be a test in many ways.

Hoping for great weather!

See you soon,
Chris

PS: HoosierGiant - where are you staying?

[susan.wells]

Having ridden it twice before (and never with a tailwind), my plan is completion at a pace of 15-16 mph (again no tailwind since I'm riding this year and hopefully no storms). I know I have to pace so that I don't flash & burn. It is a wonderful experience. My son will be driving SAG for me since the logistics for my husband just didn't work out (and he's a stellar SAG person). I offer his services to any TE folks who would like to have a place to stow stuff and ask for assistance of any kind. I'm doing a century tomorrow and then it's two recovery rides until the big day.

[indysteel]

I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be Like Mr. Silver, my longest ride to date is the Horsey, but I've also done another century, a 95-miler and (after tomorrow, two 90-milers. I have about 2500 miles in for the year. I've had some fit issues of late that are largely resolved thanks to a visit with my bike fitter. I've also had some trouble with my right foot. That remains a question mark, but tomorrow's ride should give some indication of whether the new SOLE inserts I just put in my shoes are going to do the trick. My foot felt much better last night but that was only over 20 miles.

Thanks to Susan, the Silvers and Mr. SR500 for offering to help me with my transportation woes. I think that's all going to work out, but it has been been frustrating and it was nice to have somebody to cry to about it!

I hope everyone has a successful and safe ride. I'll keep my eye out for all of you.

K-

[Tuckervill]

Marcie, only a dozen centuries??? Are you CRAZY, attempting a ride like RAIN with ONLY a DOZEN Centuries under your belt???

what is this world coming to?

Karen

[indysteel]

Marcie, only a dozen centuries??? Are you CRAZY, attempting a ride like RAIN with ONLY a DOZEN Centuries under your belt???

what is this world coming to?

Karen

Agreed. My guess is that you'll be the most prepared rider there!

Have fun with it. The mass start and the first few miles are a bit nervewracking, but it settles down from there. The approach to lunch can also be a bit tedious. I like to think of it as a century followed by your basic 60-mile club ride.

The one thing I didn't do last year that I plan on this year is making sure I drink A LOT of water at the lunch stop. I was so intent on eating that I forgot about drinking.

Good luck!

[HoosierGiant]

PS: HoosierGiant - where are you staying?

Staying at the Drury Inn -- we've had our reservations since like last January -- nothing like planning ahead. :)


It'll be a fun one!!

[makbike]

I plan on adding another century this Saturday and maybe another one on Sunday depending on how my legs feel. Karen, do you think by adding the 100+ miles this weekend I might be ready :D. Seriously, most of those centuries were logged before I tackled the 3-State,3-Mountain ride in May. Since then I've only logged five centuries, I'm slipping!

Would any of you be interested in meeting for dinner Friday evening? Maybe starting out together on Saturday and seeing how the day progresses. I know everyone has to ride their ride and I certainly do not expect anyone to slow down to accommodate me but it would be nice to have a group to start out with. Just an idea.

[Mr. Bloom]

Agreed. My guess is that you'll be the most prepared rider there!


Don't let her fool you! She can hammer!

When's everyone arriving? Can we do dinner?

[Mr. SR500]

Hey guys, still shooting to get away between 2-3, so we should be there in plenty of time for dinner.

[Mr. Bloom]

I did a century on Friday...I have to admit I was thinking "next saturday, I'm going to do this...and then I'm going to still have another three hours to go!"

Ugh!

[makbike]

I did a fast century today and hopefully will tackle a slower/hillier one tomorrow. I think I'm as ready as I'm going to get.

I'm also getting excited about next weekend. I've been wanting to try this for a couple of years. I had asked someone I knew last year if I could ride with them but they told me I was too slow to ride with them. I started doubting myself and decided not to attempt it last July. I wonder if I'm fastest enough now? I may just have to "chick" this person Saturday!

[Mr. Bloom]

OK, I've not done this long a ride with no SAG support. Here's what I've done:


Removed my standard saddle pack and replaced it with a two water bottle rack...this will give me three water bottles total
Mounted a Triangular Frame Pack
Added a Bento-Pack (?)


In my Frame Pack, I have:

Two Tubes & tire levers
Four air canisters and inflation tool
multi tool
credit card & cash
cell phone & eye glass cleaners in case it rains
blistex
powerbars
rapid charger for Garmin


The Bento Pack will have clif bloks. We'll send some back-up wheels up with some local friends who are sagging others.

My biggest concern is that I now don't have a place to hang a tail light which would be important to me if it rains...:(

What else should I pack?

We have local friends who will offer emergency SAG and ya'll have offered back-up SAG as well...but we don't want to impose on anyone unless it's a serious emergency.

I'm also thinking of replacing my tubes just for good measure against stem failure, etc...

[susan.wells]

I have to get ready today because I have a two day business trip to Charleston, SC this week (We & Th). Some brilliant soul scheduled a 1/2 day workshop for Friday (I don't know who she was) so I won't leave South Bend until noon. Yesterday's 102 miles was great and I had plenty of energy to continue. The wind however was out of the east which we don't want! The last time I rode RaIN (2005) the fog was as thick as pea soup until around 11 AM so you would definitely need lights. Plus it made handlebar tape quite wet & slick! For the Silvers ... of course I'll have scissors! I'll be doing a crash SAG course with my son when he returns from Tennessee this evening ... wish me luck!

[HoosierGiant]

In my Frame Pack, I have:

Two Tubes & tire levers
Four air canisters and inflation tool
multi tool
credit card & cash
cell phone & eye glass cleaners in case it rains
blistex
powerbars
rapid charger for Garmin


What else should I pack?

I'm also thinking of replacing my tubes just for good measure against stem failure, etc...

The first thing that comes to mind is sunscreen. We had SAG support the first half of the ride last year and could have them spray it on us when we stopped, but DH was still pretty toasty by the time we hit Dunreith. Thankfully some was available at that SAG, but I didn't look for it at the others, so I don't know if it was available or not.

We always replace tubes the week before RAIN just to be on the safe side.

[Mr. Bloom]

The first thing that comes to mind is sunscreen.

You know, I don't usually use sunscreen (except for blistex)...but you're right, this is the time to do it. I tan well, but right now, the forecast is UVIndex of 10!

[indysteel]

Mr. Silver, I think you'll be fine with the gear and supplies you've listed. Remember that there will be other riders around who can help in a pinch. Also, there is a bike shop just a few blocks off the course in Indianapolis that you can hit if you have a bike-related emergency.

As for meeting for dinner, I'm going to have to pass. I'd love to see everyone, but I'm trying to keep things simple on Friday. I think the logistics of just getting to Terre Haute and back from Richmond have just about done me in. Same thing with Saturday morning. We're riding to the start and hoping to somehow meet up with a small group from our training ride. However, the start is so crowded; it's really hard to find anyone. I will, of course, look for you on the road, however.

Everybody have a great time and a safe ride.

[Mr. SR500]

Ok, I'll say it, what is everyone wearing?

[susan.wells]

Ok, I'll say it, what is everyone wearing?

Lucy (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=29099) jersey from TE! The males of my household are hysterically laughing at me for asking for help in picking out my jersey when the answer is so obviously apparent. :rolleyes: I will be wearing my PMS socks to accompany Lucy! Lookout! :D

[Mr. Bloom]

I'll be wearing some sort of yellow jersey...that's all I'm buying now for visibility.

I'll be the one with a mirror glued to his helmet;):D

I can recognize susan.wells on the road by her cool eyeglasses!

MrSR: You wearing Ohio State again? It sure stands out on the magazine cover:

http://www.bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/tours/rain/RAINOI-FC.jpg

Check him out - middle of the street left of the Toyota Sienna minivan!! A celebrity!

[makbike]

I'm still debating which jersey to wear - the moon rising from the ocean or my PMS cat jersey - I hate having to pick out my clothes! Either way I know I'll be sporting a sleeveless jersey just to darn hot to wear sleeves. The forecast is looking hot! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a tailwind!

[Mr. Bloom]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a tailwind!

Current forecast is 13mph from the SW! I hope this holds!

[Mr. SR500]

Lucy's looking good. I'll be sporting our new unofficial team jersey. I don't love the colors, but it stands out, only problem is there will be about 20 others. So if you see one, look for a black Trek and it'll be me.

P.S. the rear pockets are orange and the back is covered with sponsors including SR500 her self.

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/jersey.jpg

[Mr. Bloom]

I honestly feel like I'm getting ready for the prom...planning my clothes, etc...

Here's what I'll look like as you pass me:D:
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa201/MrSilver1963/127-2786_IMG.jpg

I may have a new yellow/silver helmet if it arrives tomorrow...

[Mr. SR500]

I doubt that, I had a bout of food poisoning Monday night, I won't go into detail but I lost about 6 lbs. Stomach is still not right, but I continue to try to hydrate, and regain some strength. Looks like the goal this year may be to just finish.

[makbike]

Just checked the NOAA forecast and it looks like we may get wet (60% chance of thunderstorms) Winds are forecast to be from the south.

[Mr. Bloom]

Just checked the NOAA forecast and it looks like we may get wet (60% chance of thunderstorms) Winds are forecast to be from the south.
Well, looking at weather.com, it looks like the odds of rain decrease as we move east...motivation to ride fast!

[makbike]

How fast are you planning on going, Mr. Silver?

[Mr. Bloom]

How fast are you planning on going, Mr. Silver?

However fast God carries me on a wind from the west!

[makbike]

But, Mr. Silver the winds are predicted to come the the SSW. I'm not sure this will provide much of a tailwind. However, this I know, you and Silver are going to be fast and strong regardless of the weather. Ride strong and fast!

[Mr. SR500]

New goal is to start - then we will see, whatever got me - has taken me down hard :-(

[susan.wells]

Well ... needless to say I'm not even home from my business trip. Got to the airport in Charleston to return home. Flight to Atlanta has been cancelled. No problem just wait in line for an hour to be rebooked through Cincinnati. During this delay more thunderstorms are popping up. The flight to Cincinnati is delayed for over an hour because of weather. Therefore I just missed the flight to South Bend due to the departure delay. So I'm spending the night in Cincinnati and just maybe I'll leave here late tomorrow morning. It's not looking good for me at this point ...:(

[makbike]

Susan,

This is terrible. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Mr. Bloom]

Good luck Susan


But, Mr. Silver the winds are predicted to come the the SSW. I'm not sure this will provide much of a tailwind. However, this I know, you and Silver are going to be fast and strong regardless of the weather. Ride strong and fast!

Well, Terre Haute to Indy is a northeasterly course. Of course, we'll get more of a headwind as we embark on the southern loop around Indy. I'll be OK as long as the crosswind isn't too strong. I can deal with a cross slightly to my back.

[Mr. Bloom]

New goal is to start - then we will see, whatever got me - has taken me down hard :-(

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I've emailed you an idea if you're not feeling up to this...