Training Begins, Bring on the Doubles

[Pedal Wench]

V,

Thanks for posting. I've got to increase my mileage rides - aiming for something in February, so I've got time, but still need the inspiration!

[Wahine]

Wow. I think a feel a little inspiration going on. Hmmmmmmm. Maybe a double is a good idea. Starfich, haave you done your homework on this? Have we got something in our neck of the woods that would suffice besides STP?

[Veronica]

A 300 K Brevet is close in mileage. The time limits are a little more generous, but in general they are unsupported. Come to CA and do one of our doubles. I normally work Knoxville. It's usually in the middle of Sept. This year they had to change the date and I had already committed to Waves to Wine.

V.

[maillotpois]

A 300k is definitely close (which means I've done 4 doubles so far this year, right?! )

I've heard your STP in one day is a good starter double.

I'm definitely going to be "winging" this double. Oh well. Slow and steady... And I think my DMD jersey will be quite good protection - orange and red!! Funny Starfish, my mom always made me wear bright colors when I'd go out riding on the ranch after hunting season started. We'd post no hunting signs all over, but it never really helped. You'd still find shells.

[Starfish]

Veronica: Leave it to you to throw down the gauntlet. Telling me I could do a double now! Gads! Really, I don't think I'm fast enough, yet. But, give me the winter. I'm working on it!! Been doing sort of fartlek intervals even on my short rides lately. Going to step it up aggressively after I lose some weight.

Wahine: Nope, really haven't done the homework, but these two are on my radar...

This isn't a double, but I am DYING to do RATPOD. It is 157 miles with 7500 feet of climbing. Always around the last weekend or so in June. Benefits kids with cancer. And, it is in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It starts and ends in Dillon, MT, and climbs up through the Big Hole Valley. They only get a few hundred riders, so it isn't swamped. I know someone who has done it, and says it is a great ride. Would really like to do this with someone to get the benefit of drafting if the MT wind kicks up. Say the word, and I am ready to do this with you. http://www.ratpod.org/

Or, there is STP. I'm not excited about the route, it is pretty ugly, IMO. But, it is flatter, and I know from doing it in 2 days that if a person gets an early start, and then doesn't stop in the middle, that the crowds are not as bad. I did day one from about 5am to 1pm, and the crowd wasn't bad. But, day 2 was a nightmare of crowds, after the bottleneck of Chehalis.

http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/ I think these folks do some stuff, but I have always shied away from them because they require fenders and stuff (I think). My bike doesn't take fenders.

I'm open to suggestions for other NW stuff, though. Of course, you could do the Shasta Super Century with me next year!!

MP: Yep...some hunters are very intelligent, respectful, and safety oriented. Others are not. *sigh*

[Wahine]

Ooooooooo. Now I'm getting really excited.

Starfish - Mt. Shasta is a great idea. I bet that I could even convince DH to train for it. Ratpod sounds like a blast.

V - I think I'll be making a point to come to NoCal next summer/fall. DH is originally from Stockton so we could roll it up into a bike ride and family visit.

[Starfish]

Starfish - Mt. Shasta is a great idea. I bet that I could even convince DH to train for it. Ratpod sounds like a blast.

The Shasta ride is ALWAYS a great idea!! I have learned that. The pattern of roads and climbs is such that even if you decide for whatever reason not to do the exact ride you went there for, you have a LOT of great mid-ride choices you can make.

One thing about RATPOD...Dillon MT is a tiny town. They have some lodging for the ride in a school dormitory that you can reserve, and they have a few motels. But, I know those motels do sell out early-ish. If you're interested in RATPOD, probably need to keep that in mind.

SSSooooo glad you're getting sucked in...resistance is futile!

[jobob]

http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/ I think these folks do some stuff, but I have always shied away from them because they require fenders and stuff (I think). My bike doesn't take fenders.

Where is it said they require fenders?

[Starfish]

Where is it said they require fenders?

I have to admit, I cannot put my finger on where I saw that. It would bear checking with the folks who know.

It seems to me that I have read that participation in **** (whatever rand. association ride I was looking at, and for all I know there are many, and they all have different rules?) requires fenders if it rains.

It might be that the one thing I saw that one time lodged in my mind and has dissuaded me ever since.

If I run across what I saw or am thinking of, I'll let you know. Maybe it was the Canadian 200K I was looking at last year? There is one in Nelson BC I was interested in.

ETA: I found this blurb on the listings for many of their 2007 rides. Perhaps the "Required" part was something I picked up while looking at a ride with a different association? For awhile there, I was looking a lot at the BC association's site. Anyhow, here is the blurb: As a courtesy to other riders, fenders (with 1/4 coverage front wheel and 1/2 coverage rear wheel) are a must or you'll face the scorn and abuse of your fellow randonneurs. Additional rear splashguards are recommended for group riding.