Tour de Lincoln - 5/13/06

[SadieKate]

www.lincolnvolunteer.com

Has anyone ridden the metric century? I'm trying to decide whether to recommend it to Marty as training for the LRRH. Since the LRRH is almost completely flat metrics with some climbing but not killer hills would be perfect. I've never ridden in this area but driving can be deceptive.

How about a route map?

How was the support and food?

Did you like the course?

Thanks all!

[Trekhawk]

I would be interested to know about this one as well. I need a longer ride for May and this one is pretty close to home.

Ok SK being nosey who is Marty?
Is it someone from TE?

[SadieKate]

This is my post about her from the Cinderella ride report thread. She's going to LRRH and she could use some people to ride with. What I didn't mention was that she went through a severe weight loss program at UCD (600 calories a day plus all kinds of seminars and counseling) just before she came to me with her quest. Her 18 month saga is pretty amazing.

I just heard from my friend, Marty. CindySue, Slinke and Jo met her at the Benicia Jelly Belly Ride and, at 50 miles, Marty's PB to date. This is my 65 yr old co-worker/friend who had been riding a little comfort bike 10-15 miles on the bike path last summer and came to me after the LRRH in June and said, "Do you think I could do that?" I said yes, with a training plan, a road bike and commitment. Last fall she rode 2 half metrics and bought a roadbike. Yesterday, she rode her first metric and a brutal one at that. Rain, wind and hail - she persevered. She said there were times if a SAG had pulled up next to her and offered her a ride she would have gotten in, but she stuck with it. She rode by herself with no companions, which I think makes it doubly hard from a mental view.

I am so proud of her and admire her grit and determination. She said she's tired today but not sore or having any spasms. She's feels good and she's on track for the LRRH. Gosh, I'm going to be smiling about her accomplishment all day.

You'll see her on BJ as Mostly_Martha.

[Trekhawk]

Wow thats a great story. Tell Marty we would love to ride with her at LRRH.
Is she riding BOB? If so perhaps she can keep me company. Not sure I will convince my DH that he has time to go from no Kms this year to 100 odd in one ride.

If she decides to ride the Lincoln ride let me know and maybe we can hook up there too.

Trek-always looking for a ride partner-Hawk.

PS Did the link include a map of the course. If none of the ladies have cycled this I could always drive the course and check it out, I always seem to be heading down that way for one reason or another.

[SadieKate]

I've emailed the ride organizers asking for more route info.

Thanks, I'll let Marty know about your offer. One of the things she said after the Cindy was that she needed to seek out friends with whom she could ride. As she's riding these longer distances she realized that riding by yourself for longer distances can be tough.

I've got my little list of ride recommendations for her. She said that by Monday she would have her training plan worked out and I'm encouraging her to use such rides as milestones because they sure keep me focused on goals.

[Trekhawk]

No worries.
Let me know if you need a route reccy.

[SadieKate]

The organizer just emailed me that he would snailmail the map which I will then mail to you (and anyone else who wants it). He said the Metric and the 40-miler have the same climbing; the Metric is just longer. I think he was very surprised and pleased with the request. Means it could still be a small ride, which I like.

[Trekhawk]

The organizer just emailed me that he would snailmail the map which I will then mail to you (and anyone else who wants it). He said the Metric and the 40-miler have the same climbing; the Metric is just longer. I think he was very surprised and pleased with the request. Means it could still be a small ride, which I like.

Thanks SK that would be great.
Sounds like it might be a good one.

[SadieKate]

Got it. Will make copies Monday and mail. The 100k route says Gain = 2700 ft. The 40 mile says Gain = 2400. This is pretty flat but close to home for you.

Essentially, the route goes east on Virginiatown and make a counter clock wise loop on Gold Hill, Ridge, Bald Hill and Mt Vernon. The 40 mile loop trhen heads south back to Lincoln on Crosby Herald while the 100k goes north up to Camp Far West first. When both routes get back to Lincoln they have another counter clockwise loop to the south using Highway 193, Sierra College, Twelve Bridges and Del Webb.

This followed by our May 20th Dam Corners and Valleys Loop should be good training for the LRRH.

[Trekhawk]

Thanks SK - I look forward to checking out the map.
Sounds like a good ride. Hope they have plenty of rest stops because I might need them. Hmm 2700 sounds a bit more than .....what is BOB 350.

Look forward to meeting Marty if you guys decide to ride this one.

[Trekhawk]

Hey SadieKate - I just had another look at the website for this ride and they say the course closes at 1pm and you cant start riding until 8am. Gee wondering if I would finish in that time. It will mean very quick stops at the rest areas.

[SadieKate]

I'm hoping she might consider riding 60 at BAB and you two can do it together, unless you suddenly decide to do the whole thing.

[SadieKate]

Wow, that is kind of tight. Flat course so it should be pretty fast. They may do this to encourage folks to do their visiting at the end of the ride. I know somebody who rides about my pace and took an hour longer to finish Pardee today because she was partying at each of the rest stops. These rides are supposed to be fun, but the day could go on forever for the volunteers. 15 mph average plus about 40 mins max for rest stops (3 of them) could be a challenge for some.

By then, you'll be able to ride the hills there in Grass Valley. You should be smokin' us flatlanders.

[Trekhawk]

Mate I wish riding hills made me better at riding hills, but I seem to find them just as hard as before.

As far as finishing in the given time frame. After mentioning it to my husband he said just ride your own ride and if it takes longer so be it. He will still be waiting to drive me home at the end no matter what.

[tprevost]

Hey Trekhawk,

I'd keep him if I were you

Tracy