Livestrong Challenge - schedule for 2009

[Possegal]

No idea, sorry. I don't think that one was an option the last year at least. I remember the Homewood Suites being the closest to the venue last year. I'm sure it is just as nice though.

[bluebug32]

I did part of the Philly course last weekend (big 60 mile loop). It was pretty warm that day. We were eternally grateful for the kind woman at an Amish fruit stand who turned us loose with her garden hose so we could refill our bottles and cool off. I know climbing difficulty is relative, but there are definitely two long, steep monsters to tackle and then handfuls of short steepies. I was loving my granny gear by the end of this one. The Garmin said we did over 5,000 feet in 60 miles.

Even though the pre-ride had me a little bummed and discouraged, I'm still really looking forward to this and to riding my first century. I'm sure the energy on that day will be amazing!

[Mr. BlueBug32]

Indeed, it looks like the elevation will be in the 7500-8500 foot range.

There's no more glorious suffering than a good, long, painful climb. Although the "pucker up" descent did take the wind out of my sails.

Thanks for the info folks, it's been very helpful to BB32 and I.

[ny biker]

Was just looking at the hotels page for Philly (I wanted to see if the Doubletree has wifi for my new laptop) and I noticed that the Hilton Garden Inn will be closed due to flooding, and they are moving people from that hotel to others.

If anyone was planning to stay there and you haven't heard about it yet, you should call On the Mark Travel ASAP. Hopefully no one will be too inconvenienced.

p.s. I'm getting really excited...

[ny biker]

Only a few more days until the ride in Philadelphia. Say hi if you see me -- I'll be wearing this Shebeest tank top (in pink):

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSB_1428.html

along with my Cool Wings:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html

and my cool skull socks:

http://www.twinsix.com/gear/the-stuff/skull-sock-pink09

(plus shorts, of course.)

[bluebug32]

Those cool wings look pretty awesome!

I have yet to decide my outfit of choice. I'm super pumped!!!

Question about breakfast....Do you usually pick up something at LiveStrong (what do they have?) or stop somewhere before the ride? Thinking that I will probably be nervous, so don't want a greasy feast, but I also want to eat enough. I'm not sure what's in the area?

[Possegal]

Say Hi if you see me too - though there will be many dressed like me* - green and white shirts, very celtic looking with our Posse name on it, matching socks. We have a canopy set up not far from the start that has a couple banners on it - one says Why we ride, another just notes that we are my sister's Posse. As you pass me, my shirt will tell you "may the wind be always at your back."

*though I'm the only one with auburn hair


As to breakfast, I think they have bagels there and fruit, but honestly since we stay in a suite hotel, I tend to have things in the fridge for myself that I bring with me.

Weather forecast is looking good, fingers crossed!