Click here for link to my photo album with captions
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
September 15, 2015
June 27, 2015
In the Zone and Living Well
Next week I will return to the
Great Divide bicycle route with my friend Shawn Sheppard and Andrew to bikepack
240 miles, or so, from SteamBoat Springs to Salida Colorado. This is my
first trip back to the Great Divide Route since 2011, when I entered the Tour
Divide race from Banff Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.
We will drive two days to Steam
Boat, then start riding along the route and meet my wife, daughters and niece
in Salida 5 days later. Once reconnected with family, I will stay in Colorado a
few more days and see more of the state, while Shawn and Andrew will travel
back to Steamboat, get the truck and head back east.
My preparations have been
minimal, but adequate, and my equipment is dialed in based on my 2011 TDR
experience. We will take plenty of pictures and provide updates as technology
allows.
December 27, 2011
2011 Tour Divide excerpts
Ride the Divide movie trailer: Ride the Divide
In the Beginning, Crazy Larry: Meet Crazy Larry (the video came out sideways, so you may want to watch whilst reclining on your left side.)
Crazy Larry, Banff Celebrity: Canadian Local TV Coverage of Crazy Larry
Call in to MTB Cast from Columbia Falls: MTB Cast Columbia Falls Call in
Call in to MTB Cast from Lincoln: MTB Cast Lincoln Call in
Call in to MTB Cast from Helena: MTB Cast Helena Call in
Near my end, descent into Butte on I-15 Descent into Butte Montana
Expedition Bikepacking Equipment list, based on updates made after my 2011 Tour divide:
Expedition Bikepacking (Tour Divide) Equipment list
In the Beginning, Crazy Larry: Meet Crazy Larry (the video came out sideways, so you may want to watch whilst reclining on your left side.)
Crazy Larry, Banff Celebrity: Canadian Local TV Coverage of Crazy Larry
Call in to MTB Cast from Columbia Falls: MTB Cast Columbia Falls Call in
Call in to MTB Cast from Lincoln: MTB Cast Lincoln Call in
Call in to MTB Cast from Helena: MTB Cast Helena Call in
Near my end, descent into Butte on I-15 Descent into Butte Montana
Expedition Bikepacking Equipment list, based on updates made after my 2011 Tour divide:
Expedition Bikepacking (Tour Divide) Equipment list
September 05, 2011
Some of my favorite cycling routes and the Eastern Continental Divide
Ride with GPS route files
The Eastern Continental Divide is some topography that is of interest for creating a cycling route. This notion is inspired in part by the Western Continental Divide route named "the Great Divide" that is used in the Tour Divide.
A "project" of mine, (not really mine) is to propose a route. Links to info about the Eastern Continental Divide (ECD) begin with: Wikipedia Eastern Continental Divide, ECD GPS info for Ga, ECD GPS info for NC.
Work has already been done on the ECD section from the triple point in Pennsylvania to the Mason Dixon line:
ECD Pennsylvania to Mason Dixon Line
Here is a link to a route I have been stitching together based on the Trans North Ga route, the SC Connector, and the Pisgah Traverse: ECD Ga SC Pisgah
This section runs North to South, is 620 miles and features an estimated 89,000 feet of climbing. It crosses the ECD at least 6 times.
More work is needed. If you know the areas between Old Fort NC and the Mason Dixon Line and can propose a route, please contact me.
SouthEast Climb data: SE Hill Climb data spreadsheet
The Eastern Continental Divide is some topography that is of interest for creating a cycling route. This notion is inspired in part by the Western Continental Divide route named "the Great Divide" that is used in the Tour Divide.
A "project" of mine, (not really mine) is to propose a route. Links to info about the Eastern Continental Divide (ECD) begin with: Wikipedia Eastern Continental Divide, ECD GPS info for Ga, ECD GPS info for NC.
Work has already been done on the ECD section from the triple point in Pennsylvania to the Mason Dixon line:
ECD Pennsylvania to Mason Dixon Line
Here is a link to a route I have been stitching together based on the Trans North Ga route, the SC Connector, and the Pisgah Traverse: ECD Ga SC Pisgah
This section runs North to South, is 620 miles and features an estimated 89,000 feet of climbing. It crosses the ECD at least 6 times.
More work is needed. If you know the areas between Old Fort NC and the Mason Dixon Line and can propose a route, please contact me.
SouthEast Climb data: SE Hill Climb data spreadsheet
July 11, 2011
My bikepacking equipment list - Pre-Tour Divide
1) Reliability - will it function as designed and not fail in the field?
2) Weight - I targeted lighter weight choices if they existed, but because I am a larger person, I have learned that lighter weight often comes with decreased reliability.
3) Multipurpose - can it be used for more than one purpose - thereby simplifying the number of pieces of equipment?
4) Made in the USA - I work in manufacturing and have a bias towards goods made in the US.
5) Availability - items need to be serviceable along the Tour Divide route. Bike shops don't necessarily stock high end equipment sold in internet bike shop boutiques and catalogs.
The equipment was tested during 7 multi-day outings in every kind of weather condition. The weights I report were measured with an electronic table top balance. Total loaded bike weight was 45-50 lbs depending on water and food.
After the Tour Divide, I have made the following changes to my set-up.
1) Switched to a Shimano XT 3 x 9 drivetrain - wider gear options, serviceable anywhere.
2) Switched to Pearl Izumi Trans Alp Enduro II shoes - better to walk in
3) Garmin MapGPS 62sc - more memory, mapping GPS, push buttons easier to use.
4) Not carrying snow shoes anymore.
I purchase all my own equipment and have not received any endorsement or sponsorship.
Link to equipment table --->Ridlehuber Bikepacking equipment table
June 19, 2011
2011 TDR Ride report - final
My ride report for Banff through Butte (where I pulled out).
Click to launch presentation ---> 2011 TDR Richard Ridlehuber report
Features: scenery around Banff; Meet Crazy Larry; The start at YWCA; Riders: David Horton, Derek Bentley, Dale Shadley, Bob Anderson; the Stryker snow section; Holland Lake lodge; the treacherous road wash out near Ovando; Wickes Pass Dilemna; and my decision to withdraw due to injury. There is no sound track other than the video sections. Created in MS Powerpoint with 5 second slide transition. Good for family and friends or people new to the event. The GPS tracks shown at the beginning of each day are my own compared to the routes. I also show elevation profiles. There are no GPS mapping errors in the profiles - the climbs are as steep as they appear. Enjoy
Click to launch presentation ---> 2011 TDR Richard Ridlehuber report
Features: scenery around Banff; Meet Crazy Larry; The start at YWCA; Riders: David Horton, Derek Bentley, Dale Shadley, Bob Anderson; the Stryker snow section; Holland Lake lodge; the treacherous road wash out near Ovando; Wickes Pass Dilemna; and my decision to withdraw due to injury. There is no sound track other than the video sections. Created in MS Powerpoint with 5 second slide transition. Good for family and friends or people new to the event. The GPS tracks shown at the beginning of each day are my own compared to the routes. I also show elevation profiles. There are no GPS mapping errors in the profiles - the climbs are as steep as they appear. Enjoy
April 28, 2011
How to climb Fern Gully
Climbing this short (50 yards) steep (25%) gully single track has become a challenge for local mtn bikers. In this video, I demonstrate how it is done. Keys to a successful climb are good traction (tires) and absence of leaves on the trail, correct gear selection, how fresh you are and a little bit of coordination. My success rate is about 50% climbed - depending on how the factors above combine.
How to climb Fern Gully
How to climb Fern Gully
April 19, 2011
2011 Tour Divide preparation report - April 19, 2011
April 19, 2011. I am ready. Equipment is selected and dialed in. I have logged 3000+ mile since December 5th and am in a maintain/hold pattern of fitness, teetering on the edge of loosing what I have and carving a peak too early. This past Sunday I rode 105 miles, two major climbs totaling 9000 feet in elevation gain and wanted to go longer, but ran out of time. My wife snatched me off the mountain and took me home. That was plan E for the weekend. Plans A,B,C and D got nixed due to killer tornadoes that ripped through the south, killing 41 people. One lesson I have learned - the hard way - about my outdoor adventures is you can't beat the weather - you must co-operate with it. Don't be a hero. More later...
The Route:
A few of pics from Sunday's ride:
The Route:
A few of pics from Sunday's ride:
 |
| Top of Caesars's Head - 7 miles avg grade = 6%, mile 75 into route |
 |
| Eastern Continental Divide on the back side of Caesars head, mile 78 into route. |
 |
| Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest mile 105 of my trip. |
March 21, 2011
TDR 3 Day Mountain Bikepack training ride - Solo (almost)
Training for the 2011 Tour Divide has become more of a solo endeavor. My training friend, 2010 TDR finisher Shawn Sheppard, has taken a new job in Virginia and moved away. I continue on, accompanied in sunny weather by my shadow, aka Dickey.
This weekend I needed to do 3 days and two nights in the mountains of SC/NC with a loaded bike to check out my bio-mechanical fitness (how well my knees will hold up) and soft tissue fitness and hygiene (ie saddle sore situation).
Link to video of --> Start report
My plan involved leaving from work in the late afternoon and riding to Saluda NC. Saluda is at the top of a major climb from the elevation in the upstate SC of 800 - 900 feet to the 1800 - 2000 foot level. Saluda is somewhat of a "Mayberry" town with its quaint shops and eateries. Most notable is the Purple Onion Cafe, which serves up a good pizza and has wonderful staff. After pizza dinner. I rode the final 4.5 miles to Orchard Lake campground and bivied under the stars to a huge full moon, listening to frogs and the sound of a nearby creek.
Saturday morning started before sun-up with a quick pack up of dew dampend equipment. My left knee had aggrivated me on the climb into Saluda and when it started again a mile out of the campground, I stopped and noticed my saddle had slid back and I was putting too much pressure on the top of the knee. I stopped and moved my saddle full forward, and continued on. The knee pain decreased. Lesson learned (again): mark saddle setback position with marking tape to detect saddle setback movement before knee pain starts.
Saturday's route traveled through gravel Green River Cove road, DuPont Forrest and Cascade Lakes road towards Brevard. Once in Brevard, the plan was to climb more gravel roads to Highway 215, then climb a 6 mile 6% avg grade paved climb to the Blue Ridge parkway and descend 25 miles back to Pisgah and bivy near the Pisgah Horse stables. At the entrance to Pisgah Forest, I was confronted with a huge flashing sign announcing FS 475 was closed due to a major wash out. Gravel trucks were running up and down the road, not a good sign for a guy on a 45 lb bike. After a quick stop at the closed Pisgah Ranger station, I rerouted and took FS 474 up to the Parkway, climbing steadily on gravel roads and Hway 276. The junction of 276 and the Parkway served as my rewarding milestone rest stop where I finished my SubWay sandwich in a swarm of flying things, while dark clouds loomed in the distance and the distant sound of thunder threatened. I put on my helmet cam and began the descent back towards Pisgah, only to get caught in the rain.
Link to video at Stop at Blue Ridge Parkway
Sunday started early. I needed to get back home to the wife and kids in Spartanburg, The good news was the weather was good: cool and overcast, but my fatigue level was higher and I missed the breakfast I needed because I started before the restaurants opened. Nothing like a Butterfinger Candy Bar for breakfast.
The road out of Brevard is nice. Little traffic, shouldered roads and gentle grade, My route had me taking a road through the area named Becky Mountain. The elevation profile showed Becky Mountain as a steep wall. I thought it was a GPS mapping error and ignored it as I planned the route. I was wrong.
When I turned off of 276 onto Becky Mountain Road it was an 8% 2 mile climbed, that I ended up having to dismount and push up. (I don't walk many climbs and can probably count the number of climbs I have walked in the past 15 years on one hand). I stayed positive and focused on the descent down the back side of the climb. It was worth it.
The next 50 miles consisted on re-tracing the same gravel roads I rode in on and dealing with the steady headwind back to Spartanburg. I finished the 200 mile trip with 13,000 feet of climbing by 3 PM.
Video of Finish report in Spartanburg
 |
| Dickey |
Link to video of --> Start report
My plan involved leaving from work in the late afternoon and riding to Saluda NC. Saluda is at the top of a major climb from the elevation in the upstate SC of 800 - 900 feet to the 1800 - 2000 foot level. Saluda is somewhat of a "Mayberry" town with its quaint shops and eateries. Most notable is the Purple Onion Cafe, which serves up a good pizza and has wonderful staff. After pizza dinner. I rode the final 4.5 miles to Orchard Lake campground and bivied under the stars to a huge full moon, listening to frogs and the sound of a nearby creek.
Saturday morning started before sun-up with a quick pack up of dew dampend equipment. My left knee had aggrivated me on the climb into Saluda and when it started again a mile out of the campground, I stopped and noticed my saddle had slid back and I was putting too much pressure on the top of the knee. I stopped and moved my saddle full forward, and continued on. The knee pain decreased. Lesson learned (again): mark saddle setback position with marking tape to detect saddle setback movement before knee pain starts.
Saturday's route traveled through gravel Green River Cove road, DuPont Forrest and Cascade Lakes road towards Brevard. Once in Brevard, the plan was to climb more gravel roads to Highway 215, then climb a 6 mile 6% avg grade paved climb to the Blue Ridge parkway and descend 25 miles back to Pisgah and bivy near the Pisgah Horse stables. At the entrance to Pisgah Forest, I was confronted with a huge flashing sign announcing FS 475 was closed due to a major wash out. Gravel trucks were running up and down the road, not a good sign for a guy on a 45 lb bike. After a quick stop at the closed Pisgah Ranger station, I rerouted and took FS 474 up to the Parkway, climbing steadily on gravel roads and Hway 276. The junction of 276 and the Parkway served as my rewarding milestone rest stop where I finished my SubWay sandwich in a swarm of flying things, while dark clouds loomed in the distance and the distant sound of thunder threatened. I put on my helmet cam and began the descent back towards Pisgah, only to get caught in the rain.
Link to video at Stop at Blue Ridge Parkway
 |
| Blue Ridge Parkway at junction with Hwy 276 |
 |
| Map location and elevation |
Sunday started early. I needed to get back home to the wife and kids in Spartanburg, The good news was the weather was good: cool and overcast, but my fatigue level was higher and I missed the breakfast I needed because I started before the restaurants opened. Nothing like a Butterfinger Candy Bar for breakfast.
The road out of Brevard is nice. Little traffic, shouldered roads and gentle grade, My route had me taking a road through the area named Becky Mountain. The elevation profile showed Becky Mountain as a steep wall. I thought it was a GPS mapping error and ignored it as I planned the route. I was wrong.
 |
| Becky Mountain |
 |
| Becky Mountain |
The next 50 miles consisted on re-tracing the same gravel roads I rode in on and dealing with the steady headwind back to Spartanburg. I finished the 200 mile trip with 13,000 feet of climbing by 3 PM.
Video of Finish report in Spartanburg
February 20, 2011
February 12, 2011
February 05, 2011
A Pinnacle Moment - 2007 Assault on Mt Mitchell by Tandem
 |
| 2007 Assault on Mt Mitchell RW Ridlehuber (Captain) and Will Ridlehuber (Stoker) |
January 21, 2011
Tour Divide!!!
On January 10th, I submitted my letter of intent to do the Tour Divide (www.tourdivide.org). This is the the most physically and mentally demanding event I have every attempted.
January 10th is also the day my father died. I know he would have demanded that I do it, so I am. I buried my mother on November 13. She would have supported me as well.
What has led me to this point in my life? Is it a mid life crisis? Am I a nut? Watched Forrest Gump too many times? Read too many Jon Krakaur novels? Not hardly.
I am simply a cyclist. The kind of person who loves to ride a bicycle. I never have stopped riding a bicycle since I started as a child. I just keep finding another aspect of the sport and new event, or something else to inspire my next ride. The decision to do the Tour Divide is influenced in part by: 1) 2010 finisher, friend and co-worker Shawn Sheppard; 2) I have logged more than 92,000 miles on bicycles during the past 30 years; 3) I believe that cycling is a life time sport for everyone - its just a matter of matching the right aspect of the sport to what fits your particular time in life. My decision takes into account my experience and a racer both on and off road, race official, coach (almost), event director, charity ride fund raiser, father, husband, son and brother.
2011 Tour Divide LOI
January 10th is also the day my father died. I know he would have demanded that I do it, so I am. I buried my mother on November 13. She would have supported me as well.
What has led me to this point in my life? Is it a mid life crisis? Am I a nut? Watched Forrest Gump too many times? Read too many Jon Krakaur novels? Not hardly.
I am simply a cyclist. The kind of person who loves to ride a bicycle. I never have stopped riding a bicycle since I started as a child. I just keep finding another aspect of the sport and new event, or something else to inspire my next ride. The decision to do the Tour Divide is influenced in part by: 1) 2010 finisher, friend and co-worker Shawn Sheppard; 2) I have logged more than 92,000 miles on bicycles during the past 30 years; 3) I believe that cycling is a life time sport for everyone - its just a matter of matching the right aspect of the sport to what fits your particular time in life. My decision takes into account my experience and a racer both on and off road, race official, coach (almost), event director, charity ride fund raiser, father, husband, son and brother.
2011 Tour Divide LOI
I have a goal to achieve, great people to meet, beautiful country to appreciate, equipment to prove, health to enjoy, and a dream to fulfill. Count me in at the start of 2011 Tour Divide race in Banff on June 10.
A very experienced cyclist and Tour Divide Rookie.
Richard W Ridlehuber
Spartanburg, SC
46 - married, father of 3.
January 13, 2011
2005 deRonde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders - Belgium)
The Tour of Flanders is one of the toughest single day cycling road races in the world. In my opinion it is the toughest - tougher than Paris Roubaix because the cobbles are climbed (Paris Roubaix is flat). The event is 165miles long with the first 100 miles pancake flat, then the famous cobbled hills (bergs) of Flanders start. Each one is short, about 1 Km or less, but very steep with grades of 20-25% in some places. In years when is rains, the course is almost un-ridable. The number of climbs varies, but is between 15-20. The course changes slightly each year.
Every year the Pro's race on Sunday, however the Saturday before, the course is open to cyclo-tourists. Each year 10-15,000 cyclist tackle a version of the course. The ultimate test is to ride full distance that the Pro's do. In 2005, I was one of a hand full of Americans to complete the full course, thanks to the support of my co-corkers on "Team Milliken". The photo video below chronicles the entire trip, including a few surprises. Enjoy.
January 06, 2011
King Thomas Hill Climb at dusk while a dog attacks
Click the link and turn the volume up all the way ---> King Thomas Hill Climb at dusk while a dog attacks
Bike49 Crew spends Christmas in Spartanburg
3 weeks before Christmas I got an e-mail from my brother. He wanted me to know that 4 cyclists were riding around the 49 contiguous United States and were headed our way. They may want a place to stay. So I sent an e-mail to the web page address on http://www.bike49.org/ and heard from Sara: They are going through Spartanburg over Christmas and appreciate the offer for some floor space. Having lost my mother a month before, this Christmas was going to be first without her. The Bike 49 crew filled in the emptiness and it turned out to be a most memorable Christmas. The photo below was taken as we rolled out of Spartanburg in snow and ice headed towards Columbia, SC on Dec 26.
GodSpeed Bike49rs !! and thanks for a Merry Christmas.
GodSpeed Bike49rs !! and thanks for a Merry Christmas.
Ridlehuber Reels em in
Check out footage of me reeeling in some friends on a Sunday afternoon group ride.
Click here ---> Ridlehuber reels em in
Click here ---> Ridlehuber reels em in
November 07, 2010
Who says Southerners can't climb!!!!
I think we have some of the best cycling and climbs right in our back yard of the Upstate SC. No matter how you measure the difficulty of a climb, a strong climber in the Southeast is competitive anywhere in the world. I analyzed some local climbs and compared them to climbs known and revered elsewhere. The simple metric that best represents difficulty is grade and length.(Feet climbed per mile) Click the linked table below to open it in a larger window and see how the climbs rate.
Southeastern Climb data with Feits Index comparison
Southeastern Climb data with Feits Index comparison
July 03, 2005
Share The Road Safe Cycling Tips for Cyclists by a Cyclist
Cycling is an inherently dangerous sport. The accident rate for cyclists is one of the highest. But practicing a few safety tips will make your ride safe and enjoyable for you and your riding partners for years to come.
General Tips
1) Wear a helmet. Make sure it fits correctly. If you aren’t sure about the fit, go to a local bike shop and have them check it for you.
2) Wear brightly colored clothes. Yellow, red, orange are colors that are most easily recognized.
3) Obey all traffic rules. Cyclist have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means stopping at stop signs, red lights and yielding.
4) If you come upon a traffic light that is tripped by a sensor and you can’t trip the sensor, treat the light like a stop sign and wait until it is safe to cross or until a car comes that can trip the sensor.
5) Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Do not cross the center line.
6) Use the standard hand signals for turning right and left and stopping/slowing.
7) Do not ride at times of heavy traffic such as between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM in the mornings, 3-4 and 5-6 in the afternoons on weekdays.
8) Plan your ride times and routes so as to minimize traffic, especially if you commute.
9) Avoid riding on Friday evenings.
10) Make sure you or someone in the group has a spare tube and pump or CO2 cartridge.
11) Carry a cell phone.
12) Carry some change or small amount of money just in case you need to call home.
13) Make sure you have some sort of identification on your person or in your bike bag. Make sure it lists your blood type, Dr’s phone number and emergency contact info.
14) If you get harassed by a motorist, pedestrian, or anyone, do your best to ignore it and get out of there as quickly as possible. You don’t know why that person harassed you, what they may be under the influence of, when they got out of jail, whose car they stole, or what kind of gun they are carrying …
15) Keep your equipment in good condition. No one likes to ride with someone who can’t keep their bike going. Overhaul your bike at least once per year or have a local bike shop do it for you. Replace worn tires. Replace handlebars once every 2-3 years.
16) Let someone know where you will be riding and what time you expect to be back.
17) Get certified by the American Red Cross to administer First Aid and CPR. Keep a first aid kit in your car.
18) Be an ambassador of kindness. Acknowledge (smile, speak, nod) people that you see out in their yards etc… especially on routes that you ride often. The people that live along the route will get to know you and identify with you as being an enjoyable part of their community rather than a nuisance.
Etiquette when riding with others
1) Ride predictably, in a straight line. Pay attention, look ahead, even if you are talking to someone.
2) Keep both hands on the handlebars. If you need to drink, eat, or take a hand(s) off the bars, drop back to the back of the group, or ride off the front.
3) If you are leading, point to road obstructions and ride around them. Announce the obstacle by yelling “HOLE”, “ROADKILL”, “ICE”, “SAND”, “ROCKS”, “GRAVEL” etc… to ensure riders are aware of the obstacle. Don’t try to bunny hop an obstacle.
4) Announce oncoming cars by yelling “CAR-UP”; announce cars approaching from the rear by yelling “CAR-BACK”.
5) Don’t make sudden movements to the side, don’t “halfwheel” or overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.
6) Ride two abreast at most and single file on busy roads.
7) If you run off the road, wait until the group passes before trying to get back on the road.
8) If you are following and can’t see around the rider in front of you, keep in mind that the person in front of you doesn’t want to ruin their expensive equipment by running through holes etc… and if you follow their wheel, chances are you won’t run into anything.
9) When the group stops at an intersection or road, look both ways and announce what is coming. Call out “CLEAR” if there is no traffic approaching. Call out: “TRAFFIC RIGHT” or “TRAFFIC LEFT” if a vehicle is approaching. Avoid saying CAR because CAR sounds too much like CLEAR.
10) If there is a new rider or someone unfamiliar with the course, appoint someone to stay with them to ensure they don’t get lost.
11) Take the time to get to know each other and if there are any medical conditions that could change the outcome of the day.
12) If you or someone in the group has to stop to fix a flat etc…, get completely off the road.
General Tips
1) Wear a helmet. Make sure it fits correctly. If you aren’t sure about the fit, go to a local bike shop and have them check it for you.
2) Wear brightly colored clothes. Yellow, red, orange are colors that are most easily recognized.
3) Obey all traffic rules. Cyclist have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means stopping at stop signs, red lights and yielding.
4) If you come upon a traffic light that is tripped by a sensor and you can’t trip the sensor, treat the light like a stop sign and wait until it is safe to cross or until a car comes that can trip the sensor.
5) Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Do not cross the center line.
6) Use the standard hand signals for turning right and left and stopping/slowing.
7) Do not ride at times of heavy traffic such as between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM in the mornings, 3-4 and 5-6 in the afternoons on weekdays.
8) Plan your ride times and routes so as to minimize traffic, especially if you commute.
9) Avoid riding on Friday evenings.
10) Make sure you or someone in the group has a spare tube and pump or CO2 cartridge.
11) Carry a cell phone.
12) Carry some change or small amount of money just in case you need to call home.
13) Make sure you have some sort of identification on your person or in your bike bag. Make sure it lists your blood type, Dr’s phone number and emergency contact info.
14) If you get harassed by a motorist, pedestrian, or anyone, do your best to ignore it and get out of there as quickly as possible. You don’t know why that person harassed you, what they may be under the influence of, when they got out of jail, whose car they stole, or what kind of gun they are carrying …
15) Keep your equipment in good condition. No one likes to ride with someone who can’t keep their bike going. Overhaul your bike at least once per year or have a local bike shop do it for you. Replace worn tires. Replace handlebars once every 2-3 years.
16) Let someone know where you will be riding and what time you expect to be back.
17) Get certified by the American Red Cross to administer First Aid and CPR. Keep a first aid kit in your car.
18) Be an ambassador of kindness. Acknowledge (smile, speak, nod) people that you see out in their yards etc… especially on routes that you ride often. The people that live along the route will get to know you and identify with you as being an enjoyable part of their community rather than a nuisance.
Etiquette when riding with others
1) Ride predictably, in a straight line. Pay attention, look ahead, even if you are talking to someone.
2) Keep both hands on the handlebars. If you need to drink, eat, or take a hand(s) off the bars, drop back to the back of the group, or ride off the front.
3) If you are leading, point to road obstructions and ride around them. Announce the obstacle by yelling “HOLE”, “ROADKILL”, “ICE”, “SAND”, “ROCKS”, “GRAVEL” etc… to ensure riders are aware of the obstacle. Don’t try to bunny hop an obstacle.
4) Announce oncoming cars by yelling “CAR-UP”; announce cars approaching from the rear by yelling “CAR-BACK”.
5) Don’t make sudden movements to the side, don’t “halfwheel” or overlap wheels with the rider in front of you.
6) Ride two abreast at most and single file on busy roads.
7) If you run off the road, wait until the group passes before trying to get back on the road.
8) If you are following and can’t see around the rider in front of you, keep in mind that the person in front of you doesn’t want to ruin their expensive equipment by running through holes etc… and if you follow their wheel, chances are you won’t run into anything.
9) When the group stops at an intersection or road, look both ways and announce what is coming. Call out “CLEAR” if there is no traffic approaching. Call out: “TRAFFIC RIGHT” or “TRAFFIC LEFT” if a vehicle is approaching. Avoid saying CAR because CAR sounds too much like CLEAR.
10) If there is a new rider or someone unfamiliar with the course, appoint someone to stay with them to ensure they don’t get lost.
11) Take the time to get to know each other and if there are any medical conditions that could change the outcome of the day.
12) If you or someone in the group has to stop to fix a flat etc…, get completely off the road.
January 31, 2004
Again....
The Assault on Mount Mitchell Director's familiar voice announced that the countdown clock on the marquee would start at 6:27 AM. A local pastor prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen. The motorcycles started and so did all 1500 of us. So much for the 3-minute countdown. We’ve started.
From three rows back I knew that I needed to move up and keep moving up so that I didn’t get pushed off the road when we squeezed down to one lane on Parris Bridge. Whew, that wasn’t so bad, now just hang in, move up as necessary and don’t do anything stupid. Pulse is now 170, chest is a little tight, but that plastic bag under my jersey is doing the trick. We speed up to 28-29, and then slow down to 25, left off of Parris Bridge road and we string out. Then right, onto the fast section. This part has been painful in the past. I’ll know how we’re going to pace it after this section. Not so bad, they actually sit up and slow down to 24 or so. Next is the downhill before the little bridge and the left hand turn. I announce what is coming so the riders around me won’t panic. They take my advice and focus. Whew, cleaned that one, now up the hill, right turn and down again, Pulse is 178 now, chest is tight, and legs are stinging. I wonder if they are going to sit up again. Thanks! Now, time to recover before the next hill. 46 mph, no traffic and the road is clear. We spread out a little bit and safely cross the bridge, dodge the water bottles that didn’t make it and drop it into the small chain ring to prepare for the climb for the next ¾ mile. There’s the compression, watch for guys dropping chains and running into the back of each other. Wow, Still no crash. We’re actually riding like a bunch of experienced cyclists! Finally I can relax, the next 25 miles are fairly flat and scenic. I start to look around, There’s Alan, Paul, Mike, Susan, Phil and Ian. We exchange pleasantries. They all have black numbers indicating they are going all the way. George H. pulls off. The pack sits up. George blasts back by like nothing ever happened or is going to happen. We settle down, people start talking and take time to notice the sunrise and countryside. We cross into NC at 35 mph, someone must have sprinted. The road surface changes from tar and gravel to smooth blacktop. The obligatory sigh of relief is heard throughout the peloton. I don’t know how many we have left now, but it looks like there is still 300-400 in front of me. We approach a hill and I can see the whole bunch in front. Wish I had a camera, what a picture. Over the hill at 21 mph, then back up to 25. Left turn and over to highway 29 where the first SAGS are waiting. We are applauded as we roll through. By now, I comfortable, the training paid off. Two years ago I was off the back at this point. I see John Holloway; he says we’ve gone 33 miles in 1:20. (25 mph) The next hurdle is the big hill at 45 miles. This is where I historically get dropped. I move up anticipating the inevitable and plan to pace it so that I filter through the field during the climb and am still in contact by the time we get to the top. It worked!!! I’m still here. Pulse is 180, I hurt like hell, but not gone… yet. Now I am. The next hill got me. Okay, been here before, settle down, pace myself, pickup riders and regroup for the rest of the ride to Marion. I pick up a few more riders and we work our way towards Bill’s Hill. Charles is at the top and hands up a fresh water bottle and Poweraid. He motor paces me a short distance, but it’s not worth the energy to keep up. I need to save some for the climb. The roads are familiar enough that I recognize the hills and pace myself accordingly. . I start to see the Spartanburg guys: John, Donnie H. and Greg. They don’t recognize me. I take a huge pull on a flat section, 28-30 mph and pull off. Donnie rolls up and I casually say: “Hi Donnie”. He still doesn’t recognize me. “It’s me, Richard”. “Ridlehuber?!” We ride together for a while. Another group comes up to us, we jump in and rest, letting them do some work. A couple of long climbs later and it’s Greg K and me. We ride to Marion together. I ask him how he feels and he says “Shot.” Elapsed time 3:38. Average speed is 20 mph, good time for me on this course. I stop briefly at Marion to fill up water bottles, and scarf down two bananas. Then back on the bike for the second half of the ride. On the approach, I pick off several riders. I know the climb doesn’t really start until you get to the bridge and the little white church so I ride hard to limit my losses. I assess myself to gauge my pace: Energy levels are okay, still sweating, legs tight, and pulse 164. There’s the church, time to start climbing. I settle into a 7-8 mph pace in my 39 X 25. A few riders pass. Legs start to cramp. I stand, and shift positions, unzip my jersey and drink. The cramp subsides. I keep this pace all the way up the watershed, slowing to 5 mph on the steeper sections. Riders pass. I reach the top of the watershed at 5:00 even. Steve Verdell is there and fills up by bottles. I eat another banana. George H. is probably just finishing (he actually finished in 5:08). If I’m going to break 7 hours I have 2 more hours to go 16 miles. I keep climbing. At this point, it’s a mind game. The Challenge is real. People are quitting, my legs are cramping, and my energy levels are so low I can’t get my pulse over 145. If I stand for too long I get light headed, so I sit and grind it out. Riders pass me, then pull off to rest, then hop back on the bike, pass me again, then stop to rest. It’s like the Tortoise and the Hare. I keep going. The road continues up, I recognize the scenery and take it in, anything to take my mind off the messages from my body. There’s the curve before the rest stop at the 2-mile descent. I stop, refill bottles, eat another banana, and orange. By now I’ve had 3 gallons of fluids. Time to descend, get dry and cool off. Speeds are in the mid 40’s and 2 miles later it’s over, I’m dry, and cool now, but not for long. I approach the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park and realize I’m not going to break 7 hours. I keep going. It’s hot, I’m cramping, can’t get my pulse up, and am creeping at 4-5 mph. Keep going and look for the left hand bend in the road before the straight shot into the park gates. Finally there it is! Now I have another mile of semi-flat riding. I kick it up to 20 mph and pick off a few riders. I go past the restaurant and give what’s left to the last three curves. I look for the split rail fence signaling the start to the parking lot. There’s the fence. Guys are sitting on it encouraging me on. I keep looking up the road. There’s Charles, someone goes by me. I consider sprinting, but just don’t have it in me, might cramp. I see the cones, arrows, and clock. It’s ticking. I cross the line at 7:18. I’m glad that’s over. Again…
For more information on the Assault on Mount Mitchell, go to http://freewheelers.info/assault.html
From three rows back I knew that I needed to move up and keep moving up so that I didn’t get pushed off the road when we squeezed down to one lane on Parris Bridge. Whew, that wasn’t so bad, now just hang in, move up as necessary and don’t do anything stupid. Pulse is now 170, chest is a little tight, but that plastic bag under my jersey is doing the trick. We speed up to 28-29, and then slow down to 25, left off of Parris Bridge road and we string out. Then right, onto the fast section. This part has been painful in the past. I’ll know how we’re going to pace it after this section. Not so bad, they actually sit up and slow down to 24 or so. Next is the downhill before the little bridge and the left hand turn. I announce what is coming so the riders around me won’t panic. They take my advice and focus. Whew, cleaned that one, now up the hill, right turn and down again, Pulse is 178 now, chest is tight, and legs are stinging. I wonder if they are going to sit up again. Thanks! Now, time to recover before the next hill. 46 mph, no traffic and the road is clear. We spread out a little bit and safely cross the bridge, dodge the water bottles that didn’t make it and drop it into the small chain ring to prepare for the climb for the next ¾ mile. There’s the compression, watch for guys dropping chains and running into the back of each other. Wow, Still no crash. We’re actually riding like a bunch of experienced cyclists! Finally I can relax, the next 25 miles are fairly flat and scenic. I start to look around, There’s Alan, Paul, Mike, Susan, Phil and Ian. We exchange pleasantries. They all have black numbers indicating they are going all the way. George H. pulls off. The pack sits up. George blasts back by like nothing ever happened or is going to happen. We settle down, people start talking and take time to notice the sunrise and countryside. We cross into NC at 35 mph, someone must have sprinted. The road surface changes from tar and gravel to smooth blacktop. The obligatory sigh of relief is heard throughout the peloton. I don’t know how many we have left now, but it looks like there is still 300-400 in front of me. We approach a hill and I can see the whole bunch in front. Wish I had a camera, what a picture. Over the hill at 21 mph, then back up to 25. Left turn and over to highway 29 where the first SAGS are waiting. We are applauded as we roll through. By now, I comfortable, the training paid off. Two years ago I was off the back at this point. I see John Holloway; he says we’ve gone 33 miles in 1:20. (25 mph) The next hurdle is the big hill at 45 miles. This is where I historically get dropped. I move up anticipating the inevitable and plan to pace it so that I filter through the field during the climb and am still in contact by the time we get to the top. It worked!!! I’m still here. Pulse is 180, I hurt like hell, but not gone… yet. Now I am. The next hill got me. Okay, been here before, settle down, pace myself, pickup riders and regroup for the rest of the ride to Marion. I pick up a few more riders and we work our way towards Bill’s Hill. Charles is at the top and hands up a fresh water bottle and Poweraid. He motor paces me a short distance, but it’s not worth the energy to keep up. I need to save some for the climb. The roads are familiar enough that I recognize the hills and pace myself accordingly. . I start to see the Spartanburg guys: John, Donnie H. and Greg. They don’t recognize me. I take a huge pull on a flat section, 28-30 mph and pull off. Donnie rolls up and I casually say: “Hi Donnie”. He still doesn’t recognize me. “It’s me, Richard”. “Ridlehuber?!” We ride together for a while. Another group comes up to us, we jump in and rest, letting them do some work. A couple of long climbs later and it’s Greg K and me. We ride to Marion together. I ask him how he feels and he says “Shot.” Elapsed time 3:38. Average speed is 20 mph, good time for me on this course. I stop briefly at Marion to fill up water bottles, and scarf down two bananas. Then back on the bike for the second half of the ride. On the approach, I pick off several riders. I know the climb doesn’t really start until you get to the bridge and the little white church so I ride hard to limit my losses. I assess myself to gauge my pace: Energy levels are okay, still sweating, legs tight, and pulse 164. There’s the church, time to start climbing. I settle into a 7-8 mph pace in my 39 X 25. A few riders pass. Legs start to cramp. I stand, and shift positions, unzip my jersey and drink. The cramp subsides. I keep this pace all the way up the watershed, slowing to 5 mph on the steeper sections. Riders pass. I reach the top of the watershed at 5:00 even. Steve Verdell is there and fills up by bottles. I eat another banana. George H. is probably just finishing (he actually finished in 5:08). If I’m going to break 7 hours I have 2 more hours to go 16 miles. I keep climbing. At this point, it’s a mind game. The Challenge is real. People are quitting, my legs are cramping, and my energy levels are so low I can’t get my pulse over 145. If I stand for too long I get light headed, so I sit and grind it out. Riders pass me, then pull off to rest, then hop back on the bike, pass me again, then stop to rest. It’s like the Tortoise and the Hare. I keep going. The road continues up, I recognize the scenery and take it in, anything to take my mind off the messages from my body. There’s the curve before the rest stop at the 2-mile descent. I stop, refill bottles, eat another banana, and orange. By now I’ve had 3 gallons of fluids. Time to descend, get dry and cool off. Speeds are in the mid 40’s and 2 miles later it’s over, I’m dry, and cool now, but not for long. I approach the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park and realize I’m not going to break 7 hours. I keep going. It’s hot, I’m cramping, can’t get my pulse up, and am creeping at 4-5 mph. Keep going and look for the left hand bend in the road before the straight shot into the park gates. Finally there it is! Now I have another mile of semi-flat riding. I kick it up to 20 mph and pick off a few riders. I go past the restaurant and give what’s left to the last three curves. I look for the split rail fence signaling the start to the parking lot. There’s the fence. Guys are sitting on it encouraging me on. I keep looking up the road. There’s Charles, someone goes by me. I consider sprinting, but just don’t have it in me, might cramp. I see the cones, arrows, and clock. It’s ticking. I cross the line at 7:18. I’m glad that’s over. Again…
For more information on the Assault on Mount Mitchell, go to http://freewheelers.info/assault.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)