CIBA Grand Touring Rides

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05-29-2010, 06:10 PM
Catrin

CIBA Grand Touring Rides

Has anyone done any of the CIBA Grand Touring Rides in Indiana? I think I am going to join in the July 17th Ride of western Bartholomew and eastern Brown Counties. It looks like a lot of fun, and hopefully my legs and my LHT will be ready for the "scenic hills" of that area by then. Well, my legs at least, I know my LHT can handle it :D
05-30-2010, 12:33 PM
indysteel

I've done it and ridden quite extensively. There are some decent climbs on it. With GT rides, you either have to stay with the group or read the map/cue sheet. The group maintains a social pace--maybe 13-14 mph. In general, the GT rides in Bartholomew County are very nice. Randy and Connie do a great job.
Just remember that in a group setting like that, you need to use either voice or hand signals to warn of any cautions, turns and the like. Voice signals work well for a lot of things, but IMO not as well with things like potholes. I know you've expressed some issues with taking one or both of your hands off the bars. If you go, I would suggest staying at the back.
05-30-2010, 01:04 PM
Catrin

Quote:

Originally Posted by indysteel

I've done it and ridden quite extensively. There are some decent climbs on it. With GT rides, you either have to stay with the group or read the map/cue sheet. The group maintains a social pace--maybe 13-14 mph. In general, the GT rides in Bartholomew County are very nice. Randy and Connie do a great job.

Just remember that in a group setting like that, you need to use either voice or hand signals to warn of any cautions, turns and the like. Voice signals work well for a lot of things, but IMO not as well with things like potholes. I know you've expressed some issues with taking one or both of your hands off the bars. If you go, I would suggest staying at the back.

This is good to know - and it is SO beautiful down there! I am getting better at taking my LEFT hand off of the bar - so far I can adjust my mirror and scratch my face. Can also at least touch/find my Camelbak mouthpiece, I think in the next week I will be able to actually move the mouthpiece to my mouth. Progress comes in increments, and I am trying to keep that hand off the bar a little longer than actually needed to work with balance. I don't see any problems with signals with one hand by mid-July :)

I would be in the back anyway, especially when climbing so might as well just start there :p :o :p

Unless the expensive LHT conversion doesn't fix my problem - and I don't see that happening, I am going to go on this ride :D If it goes well, there are 3-4 others scheduled that look fun to me as well - outside of the one in November on the Monon. I just don't care for the Monon for some reason...