Ride January 1, 2008

All,

I am feeling motivated after a successful ride to Crooked Tree today. Anyone want to ride tomorrow?? Blog your ride ideas!

Brian

Monday Dec 31st Ride at 10:00 am

Folks,

Just talked to Ron, we have agreed on a ride tommorow (Monday) starting at 10:00 am from my house. We will be riding to the Crooked Tree in St. Charles and back. It's about 40 miles round trip.

Hope to see you there.

Roark

Hardest ride of the month / Next ride?

Well, Roark and I both agreed that today's 25-mile ride was the hardest ride of the month for both of us. We tried to keep it easy, but temptation got the better of us, and even though we sought out all the flattest parts of the city I know for a fact we logged well over 10,000 verticle inches of climbing, which wiped us both out. Just to show off Roark did in on a rear tire only half inflated. What a stud.

The good news is we are both re-charged, and looking forward to getting our acts (asses) in gear again. The whole group (except for maybe Dr. Dan) seems to be in a funk of time off, and too busy, etc. So I'm vowing here and now to start the new year off right. Who's with me? (picture John Belushi in Animal House - as he motivates the frat to retaliate against the Dean).

Mondy I have to at least act like I'm working and probably can not get out in the morning, plus the morning weather looks a little doubtful. I could probably pull of a short ride in the afternoon - maybe around 2:00 or 2:30 and maybe something like Forest Park, or the Riverfront trail, or maybe to Roark's house and back.

Jan 1 looks pretty tough for riding. But as Mark says you only have to ride 3 miles for it to count as a ride. I'll probably do nothing, but just for kicks I might try the "tour de Russell" as a bit of a joke / at least get the year started with a ride. That's riding from my house to Broadway, and maybe to Busch stadium or the Arch and back, or maybe just to Broadway and back, depending on just how bad the temps are. I actually think I'll do it! If I hit 10 miles I'd be pretty happy. If anyone is game let me know.

Roark and I also talked about organizing a ride to Eagle Days, which I think is coming up in January. Don't know the exact time - I'm sure it's on the Trailnet web site, so stay tuned.

January 5th looks like a good maybe day for a ride. Might be a tad wet, but the early forecast says over 50 for the high.

Let me know what ya'll might be doing for rides, and I'll see if I can really get my butt in gear. I just need a little motivation and push - so ya'll help me out. I'll get by with a little help from my friends.

Mike

Dumb Indoor Trainer Question

As stated in the heading, I have a dumb indoor trainer question maybe Mike can answer. I presume most trainers are somewhat similar in design with a cradle in which the rear wheel is held in contact with a resistance roller that is adjusted to contact the tire. My question is how much is the right amount of tension against the tire? I adjusted mine just enough that it contacts the tire and doesn't slip when pedaling. Is this correct or should it be tighter?

Like I said, probably a dumb question but an inquiring mind wants to know.

Dec 8 and Dec 9 - rides? brunch?

I told a few folks I'd post a blog about this weekend's riding. So obviously I'm running a bit late, but only because I've been watching the weather, and it just doesn't look too good.

Today, Saturday, looks fairly dry so far, but I think it is a hair cold for me. The wind chill is still suposed to be sub-30 till noon, and then at 30 for most of the day, and a 30% chance of rain most of the day. I can sometimes ride down to 30, but prefer to do so with the sun out, and that is no going to happen today. So I'm out today.

Sunday looks a bit warmer, but also a bit wetter. I'm willing to play it by ear, and maybe see if something shapes up for maybe a 10am ride, or an afternoon ride, but I really don't want to get wet in cool weather. If anyone wants to call me, feel free 314-239-6229.

If anyone happens to be planning Sunday breakfast or brunch, let me know. I'd be up for that with or without bikes.

It looks like I'll be racing the trainer most of the weekend!

Mike

3S3M Hotel Block of Rooms

All,
I went ahead and got a block of 6 rooms at the Hampton Inn for $79/night, but you each need to call to make your own reservations. They are all non-smoking rooms with 2 queen beds. Just tell them that it is under the convention block named lopatin. If there are any problems, ask to speak with Bob. After April 10, they will release the rooms if reservations have not been made. This hotel is about 0.59 miles from the starting line.

Hampton Inn Chattanooga-Downtown/Lookout Mountain
2420 Williams St
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Phone: 1-423-265-0077

Thanks.
Cheri

Weekend Riding & MS 150 News Flash

Folks,

First lets talk about riding this weekend. Here is the weather forecast.


Dec 1 Saturday
Light rain and freezing rain in the morning. Rain showers possible late. Windy at times. High around 50F. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%.
Dec 1 Saturday night
Showers in the evening then continued cloudy and windy overnight. Thunder possible. Low 47F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Dec 2 Sunday
More clouds than sun, windy. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 20s.


So Saturday is iffy, but Sunday looks good. If anyone is interested Sunday we could do breakfast in the valley at the newly opened Original House of Pankcakes (this is not IHOP). Say breakfast at 8:30 am, the ride starting at 10 am. Think amazing apple pancakes!

If the weather turns nice Saturday and your interested in a short easy ride, give me a call in the morning. Otherwise I will just be attending Yoga at 2pm.

Now for that MS 150 News Flash. As far as I know, no team has every won the Best Jersey more then once, untill now. The DRS team will be receiving the Best Jersey award this coming Tuesday!

Weekend Rides

Folks,

I hope you all had a lovely day of shoving turkey down your pie holes. Oh yea, pie also.

It turns out I did not go to the Dells for the weekend. Samantha is a bit under the weather.

Hence I was wondering if anyone is up for a City Ride Saturday, and maybe Sunday. I am thinking something moving from one warm coffee spot to the next. Start time around 10 am.

Roark

City ride Friday after Thanksgiving, maybe Thursday too

Hello all,

Mark and I (and maybe others) are planning a ride for the Friday after Thanksgiving. Probably a city ride, maybe starting from Roark's house if he is riding, or maybe someplace else if he is not. It will probably be a bit nippy, so maybe a 10:00 start? I'm thinking 30-40 miles give or take.

I might be up for a short ride Thanksgiving day. I'll be kind of on a tight window, so I might only be able to do a partial ride if a group heads towards the city. Lynda and I are in the Thanksgiving Day parade that morning, and the parade does not end until around 11:00 am. And then after that I need to be home by 1:15 at the latest. So only a 2 hour window for me. Lynda and I are helping the March of Dimes with their "Big Baby" balloon. It should be a lot of fun.

I'll be out of town the Saturday and Sunday, so no riding for me those days. I've been out of town a lot the past couple of months, which is why I have not been around. But I'm getting back into the swing of things ASAP so my legs don't fall off.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike

City Ride Saturday 10/10 & Long Ride Sunday 10/11

Folks,

My plans for the weekend, with hope of someone to join me.

Samantha will be home alone Saturday so I want to ride a shorter City Loop so I am not gone all day. There will be coffee stops, and 10 am from my house sounds like a good start time.

Sunday I would like to do something a little more difficult to keep a bit of hill climbing legs through the fall and winter. This could be one of my winding city hill routes (ask Ron & Mark if you dont think I know some hills in the city). Another option is to repeat the Babbler Loop of last weekend.

Respond early and sway me to your opinion.

Roark

Ride Sunday Nov 4th

Anyone up for a Sunday ride? Since I have bee a slug all week on bussiness I was thinking of doing something out Wildhourse Creek way. Since its cool in the morning we could meet for coffee at Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley at Say 9:00 am. We could be riding by 10:00 am.

I am open to other thoughts (bicycle thoughts that is_

Roark

Day 7 - The Finish of the Blue Ridge

( The Final Days Elevation Profile! - Click on it to zoom )

Blue Ridge Folks,

This is it, the final day of the Blue Ridge. We will have ridden all 470 miles when we reach Cherokee 86 miles of riding from Ashville. We will be staying at the Comfort Suites.

You better have paced yourself because this day will be the hardest of them all! You will need lights mounted to your bike as well! Today will be a day full of 17 tunnels! There will be plenty of climbing as well. In the first fifty miles we will climb from 2000 ft up to 6047 ft, the highest point actually on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are some of the sights that you will have seen on this day, and others as you conquered the Blue Ridge.

Click to Download PDF of Blue Ridge Map!

Weekend Riding 10/27-10//28

Folks,

I plan to ride this weekend. I can ride long Saturday. Sunday I have to be back at a reasonable time since I am flying out to Atlanta Sunday night for the week.

My thoughts is our group is burned out from too many hard rides, so lets get out there, do some non-hammer miles, with some coffee stops! Saturday would be a good day to ride from My house out to St. Charles and the Crooked Tree! Sunday can be a city ride!

Let me know your thoughts, and if you can ride!

Roark

Latest on Rooms

Blue Ridge Folks,

With the latest adjustments in couples for the Blue Ridge Tour; here is how I see the room and car situation.

Right Now I am looking at the following blocking of rooms for the Blue Ridge Tour.

You will all recall, I am willing to share a bed and spoon, but I dont sleep on the floor or a sleeper couch.

If we pick another rider we will go back to three bachelors per room most nights. I have at least five rooms reserved each night at this point.

If the group wants only two per room, that can be arranged at additional cost, I am basically cheap but willing to go with the flow. If you want cheap, and still have problems spooning, you are welcome to bring a sleeping bag.

1 Room - Brian & Cheri & The Girls
1 Room - Roark, Mike, Dan S, Mark
1 Room - Dan B, Ken, Rick, Ron

(some nights we will divide into 2 per room, some nights the rooms can sleep up to six)

We can move around who is where in the bachelor group.

Automobile Groupings

SUV with Trailer For Bikes (used to SAG) - Brian, Cheri, The Girls, Roark, Mark

Seven Passnger Van (given to Girls with Parent during days) - Mike, Dan S, Dan B, Ken, Rick, Ron

I beleive unless we pick up an additional car, we have room for only one more.

Day 6 Back On The Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Folks,



Yes its time for another days post on this summer's Blue Ridge Tour. We leave Pineola after a day off and head to Ashville where we will be staying in a fancy Motel 6. The good news is double queen beds in each room. You will want these beds because between Pineola and Ashville is the climb up the Blue Ridge to the turn off for Mt Mitchell. You can take the option of detouring for a few extra miles to ride to the top of tallest peak in the east of the Mississippi. Back on the Blue Ridge you next pass through Craggy Gardens before the reward almost 20 miles of pure down hill all the way to Ashville.



The elevation profile for this 73 miles day is shown below (don't forget to click to zoom).

Blue Ridge Day 4 & 5

Blue Ridge Folks,



So here we are up to Day 4, when we will ride 66 miles from Laural Springs to Pineola. We will be staying for two nights at the Pineola Motel & Inn. That's right this is where we will have our day off. To get to this location we will have to ride near the picturesque town of Blowing Rock, and the Lincove Viaduct at Grandfather Mountain. There will be many choices on our day off, such as Linville Falls, and if your really gutsy ( this is for Mike ) you can try to climb Beech Mountain where Lance trained for his comeback. The word Lance is still painted accross the top if you make it!

You can browse Day 4 elevation profiles below (click on it to zoom!)

Blue Ridge Day 3

Blue Ridge Folks,

The third day will take us 83 miles from Tuggles Gap to Laural Springs. We will be overnighting at the Station's Inn. Here we will both sleep and dine, and share some stories with the Motor Cycle crowd the Inn caters too.

The elevation profile is shown below, and of course you can zoom by clicking on the image.

Day 2 Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Folks,

Just in case you didn't get a bit motivated to keep those hill climbing legs intact from our first day on the Blue Ridge here is the scoop on Day 2. We leave the Peaks of Otter Lodge and do some up and down climbing for an 80 miles day. We will be dinning and staying at the Tuggles Gap Restaurant and Motel. Its a small hotel, we are currently booking 8 of the 9 rooms. At this hotel its two per room, except for those with youngins.

I wont go into how much climbing, not as much as day one, but we will go way down to 1000 ft and back up to 3000 ft. You can see the our climbing grades below and click on it to zoom in!

Day 1 on The Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Folks,

I am fast at work getting things planned for the Blue Ridge. We will have a mix of both rustic and spartan modern hotels along the route. The night before we get started (Saturday) we will be staying in Staunton Virginia at Howard Johnson's. We depart Rockfish Gap Virginia on the Blue Ridge and End at the Peaks of Otter, and will be staying in the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Our first day will be 86 miles and there will be some long 6% climbs (10 miles). The elevation profile is shown below.

Ride Saturday, 10/20/07

Is anyone interested in a city ride Sat 10/20? I'd like to meet Brian and the girls at the City Museum....around 12p or 12:30p. If we do a city ride, I would just end at the City Museum at 12p or 12:30p and anyone else could continue to ride/ride back/etc.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.
Cheri

Rooms Groups For Blue Ridge

Folks,

Right Now I am looking at the following blocking of rooms for the Blue Ridge Tour.

1 Room - Brian & Cheri & The Girls

1 Room - Roark, Mike, Dan S, Mark

1 Room - Dan B, Ken, Rick, John (if he joins us)

1 Room - Ron & Suzzette

We can move around who is where in the bachelor group.

Automobile Groupings

SUV with Trailer For Bikes (used to SAG) - Brian, Cheri, The Girls, Roark, John J

Seven Passnger Van (given to Girls with Parent during days) - Mike, Dan S, Dan B, Ken, Rick, Mark

Five Passenger Car - Ron, Suzzette (Suzzette has car for touring while group is riding)

All bicycle riders will take their turn driving the SAG Vehicle.


We need three vehicles. My hope is group members can supply the vehicles, so no renting is needed. I still need to work out a fair way of splitting the costs of the vehicles.

As you can see the logistics as our group is growing has grown as well. To make planning easier on myself, since adding rooms later may be difficult, its time to commit now.

This will not be an easy ride, I will let Mark comment on what he has read in the Book I lent him "Riding the Blue Ridge". You need to be able to climb for miles and hours at a time, unless you plan to spend most of your day driving our SAG.

Blue Ridge Date & Budget

If there are no major objections the dates for the Blue Ridge Bike Ride will be

Saturday July 12 to Sunday July 20th

Note: We will leave after work on July 11th to get some of the driving out of the way.

Current Participants:
Mark ( Nancy )
Mike
Brian & Cheri ( Melina & Amanda)
Roark
Dan
Ken (Dan's Friend)
Rick
Ron ( Suzzette ? )

My assumption is that for those not bringing companions or kids we will be sharing rooms. I am budgeting $100 per night per room. If you are interested in going stag, then the choice is either two or four per room. If we choose four per room (spooning involved) its $25 per night.

Using Last Years Budget as a Basis (divide by number of participants)
Trailer Rental $350
Misc Expenses $200
Gasoline $400 (1 SUV Type Vehicle)

Of course actual amounts will depend on how many actually commit to going.

Assuming eight riders going stag.... the cost will be $500 not including meals.

Important!
In order to be able to get rooms at some of the lodges along the parkway, reservations need to be made ASAP. There is no guarantee that once we have our rooms, we will be able to add more later. So if your planning on joining the group this summer, you need to commit soon.

Roark

Blue Ridge Mountains Bike Tour

The dates Cheri listed look fine for me. Either week will work.

Mark

Blue Ridge This Summer News

It looks like the interest is in riding the Blue Ridge Parkway from End to End.

I have done some preliminary work showing its 12 hours of driving to get to the Rockfish Gap Virginia. Its about 8 hours of driving to get back from Gatlinberg.

So here is the tentative schedule to happen some week in July.

We will cover 470 miles. You must have lights in the tunnels.

Day 0: Friday - After work we leave say 5 pm and ride four hours out.
Day 1: Saturday - We complete the drive to Rockfish Gap
Day 2: Sunday - 86 miles from Rockfish Gap to Peaks of Otter Lodge( on parkway)
Day 3: Monday - 80 miles from Peaks of Otter Lodge to Tuggle Gap ( lodging tba )
Day 4: Tuesday - 77 miles from Tuggle Gap to Laural Springs ( Bluff's Lodge )
Day 5: Wednesday a Day Off Drive into Boone or Blowing Rock etc.
Day 6: Thursday - 65 miles from Laural Sprints to Linville ( lodging tba )
Day 7: Friday - 77 miles Linville to Ashville ( lodging tba ) Can climb Mt Mitchell as addition
Day 8: Saturday - 86 miles Ashville to Cherokee (finish)
Day 9: Sunday Drive Home

Sunday's Sept 30th Tour De Wildwood

It's time to plan for the weekend. I plan to ride the Tour De Wildwood on Sunday. It's a good chance to get some hills in before the Hilly Hundred. Let coordinate plans, I am up for the 48 mile route. There is of course the option to ride to, and from the start. Lets hope to stay dry this year!

Sandy Creek Century

Everyone,

Saturday October 6 is the Sandy Creek Century. I have decided against the St. Peters fall Triathlon (on Sunday October 7) and will try the Sandy Creek Century for the first time instead. Cheri is planning to do the TrailNet Ride The Rivers Century Sunday October 7.

I am looking to see who else is considering the Sandy Creek ride.

Brian

Weekend of October 6-7

Folks,

I am trying to get ahead of the game with so many ride options coming up the weekend of October 6-7.

First the Best of Missouri Market takes place that weekend at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Its a fun event, so I plan to meet my family at the Garden on Saturday October 6th to enjoy the festivial. I will be doing a city ride over to the Garden. There will be coffee stops before and after the visiting the Best of Missouri. This of course gets me out of the Sandy Creek Century one more year! See the link below for info on the Best of Missouri Market.

http://www.mobot.org/events/BOMM/BOMM.asp


Second, I plan on riding Trailnet's Ride the Rivers Century on Sunday October 7th. I am hoping Mike or Ron plans to ride from downtown, because then they can register me, and I can just start at my house (where the ride loops past on the Olivette Bike Trail) like last year. Trailnet's info for the Century is below.

http://www.trailnet.org/m_latest.php

Of course I am hoping for company both days, hence the advance notice. Let me know if your interested in joining me.

Roark

Save the Date / When is Hanukkah?

Hello all,

Lynda and I are planning on making last year's Holiday get together at our house an annual event. But before we get too far in the process, we wanted to double check dates around Hanukkah. We know Hanukkah is on December 5th, but knowing that this is (we think) an 8 day holiday, we wern't sure what weekend dates in December were also part of Hanukkah, or other Jewish Holiday's. If someone could let us know, that would be great. We are actually planning on more than one night or parties. We have a diverse group of friends, that we like to see, and hope to introcuce to each other. But we are planning to have one night be a primarily "the biking group" night.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike and Lynda

Dog Prairie Century Saturday September 22

Are there any Gentiles interested in the Hosteling century this Saturday in St. Paul, Mo? They claim the roads are "smooth, scenic and rolling hills".

Sunday September 23rd Ride

Folks,

This Saturday is Yom Kippur; so the Hebrew members of the troup will be out fasting all day. That leaves Sunday for riding and eating. The Fun Club has the Foot High Pie Ride. I am up for that ride, or a local alternative.

Let me know your plans.

Roark

Next Year's Big Week Long Bike Trip

Folks,

With my season winding down, no more Bat Mitvahs, MS Team Planning, and this years week long trip behind behind; thoughts turn to what the hell are we going to do next year!

So lets start throwing ideas around, I of course have my own

• Blue RidgeParkway End to End
• Repeat of Main
• Nova Scotia Tour
• Something Else Canadian

Some caveats for the selection pool

• Hotel Rooms Available ( no camping for me)
• Heat & Humidity Reasonable (no death rides for me)
• Cost & Logistics Reasonable (if I could sell unreasonable I would be doing a month long tour of Ireland)

If its an area I have some modest familiarity with, I am willing to plan again. If its someplace I have no clue about, then its either needs to be a ride organized by some other group, or someone else with familiarity needs to plan.

Lets also toss out dates, because I do have to work around my family vacation. That means for me, that anything in August becomes iffy. If I have enough notice I might be able to swap the family vacation from August to July.

Roark

Ride Sunday Sept 16

Does anyone have a ride planned for tomorrow (Sun, 9/16)? Is anyone planning to ride?

The Tour of Missouri is doing their circuit in downtown/forest park from 1p til about 4p. It would be cool to see some of that.

I need to be home as close to 2p-2:30p as possible because, if all goes well with her spaying, I think we're going to drive to Springfield and pick up our new dog.

In order to see more of it, I could 'sag' the way home and get picked up from wherever we're watching it.

Let me know.
Thanks.
Cheri

Sat, Sept 8 dinner at MS Bike Ride

All,
I'm making dinner reservations at the Pasta Factory for Sat, Sept 8 at 6pm. It's Amanda's birthday. Please let me know if you'd like to join us so that I can have a number for the reservation.
Thanks.
Cheri

Saturday August 25th Ride

Mark being the nice guy we all know, was planning an easy team ride for me this Saturday. He was placating his good friend Kathy. Of course Kathy turned him down as did the rest of my vaunted team.

This leaves Saturday open for a real ride! Mark still gets to lead, but from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley. Unless there are objections lets plan to depart about 9:00 am. Breakfast starting at 8:15 am.

Weather Prediction
Saturday: Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 88F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Last update

Hello everyone,

The good news is I made it to Paris fine. The bad news is that it is rainy, miserable and I'm writing this e-mail.

I know we have all been tracking Mike and we are all so proud of him. Unfortunately, Mike was forced to abandon the race due to a knee issue outside of Tinteniac today.

I asked him if he wanted me to send out an e-mail but he said he would do it when he arrived back at the hotel. Unfortunately, it looks like it will be tomorrow before he returns because of logistics and I just couldn't keep everybody wondering any longer. Besides if he knew how we have all been glued to the computer screen he'd understand as well. So, I hope he will understand me writing this e-mail and I know you will await his official e-mail later.

He is safe and dry which is so important and he truly gave it his best shot. Others are trickling into the hotel-some completing it and some abandoning as well. One man said he rode 54 out of 62 miles in the rain and he heard this is the worst weather since 1963. I haven't seen Tom's e-mail pictures yet but believe me when I say they are all returning weathered and beat up from the ride.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your support and it's been fun tracking him together.

Thanks again, and with a new respect for Mike and all PBP riders,

Lynda Brady

No word from Mike yet

Hello Everyone,

Well, I haven't heard from Mike yet and the site shows him finishing Stage 5 at 1:49am Paris time (6:49pm STL time) so I bet he is exhausted and hopefully catching some quality sleep. I'll let you know if I hear anything from him before I leave tomorrow.

I'm flying out tomorrow and should arrive in Paris around 7:40 am Thursday and staying in a hotel in St. Quentin fairly close to the start/finish line. The "Plan" is for Mike to call me when he is a couple hours out and let me know so I can wait for him at the finish line. If all goes well I will log on at the hotel and send out an e-mail to alert you he is getting close to the finish!! I'll try to test the hotel internet before that point to make sure it will go through as planned. It will probably be short since my says the French keyboard is harder to type on.



Just a couple of items to pass on:



European dates are reverse of ours so August 20th is 20/08 in Europe
Their time is listed in military time using the 24hour clock so 12h is noon and 24h is midnight
"passe" means: past, after, beyond
"Carrefour" means intersection


Please keep Mike in your thoughts and prayers along with the other cyclists (especially the 80+ year old man who is riding again this year).



Thanks,

Lynda b.

First tracking of Mike

Yeah!!! A new message for him just popped up on the screen and it looks like he ended up departing at 10:30 instead of 9:30 or 10:00. This explains a lot. I'm hoping the numbers turn to green as he passes through them and before he gets to the actual checkpoint. This is really, really exciting!!!! Yeah!!! Gosh, maybe we should all be at Kaldi's having a tracking party!!! My adrenaline is pretty high right now as you can tell.

Thanks,
Lynda b.

Paris-Brest-Paris Tracking

Lynda....You must not be set up so that your blogs get emailed to everyone so I am re-posting for you.
Cheri

On Aug 18, Lynda Brady wrote:

Hello,
This is my first time blogging (you just never know what you'll do when your husband is out of the country:) ) so please excuse any faux pas I may make in posting this.

I know Mike has included many of you in his e-mails but I did want to post the following items for you.

I think I found the site where you can track him:

www.paris-brest-paris.org You can change the language to English by clicking on the British flag.

Select "The Ride" then "Rider Follow-up"Enter his number in "Track the Frame number" and hit search. In my best French the message states:

John Brady
The participant is registered but not yet left.

It also shows in the upper left hand corner: "D-1 before" which I am assuming is "one day before race day". Must be pretty exciting there. Sorry I didn't get to my e-mail earlier to pass on this info.

Also, he sent a link to www.parisbrestparis.tv which looks like it will have some live coverage of the event. Right now there is a little short clip with some interviews of a past PBP ride. It is in the bottom left-hand corner of the page and has some audio to it as well.

I actually spoke to Mike today and he seems to be enjoying himself. He was worried before he left about being bored but he said he isn't at all and is concentrating on adjusting to the French sleep schedule. He has met a couple of people and plans to start the ride with Bob who oversees the Brevet series in Kansas City. He's confident that he'll do well and I know we all are as well.

On a personal note thanks to all of you who have supported him along with this dream and many others. I really appreciate what great friends all of you are to him and I know he does too. Thanks Roark for including me on the blog and thanks Cheri for your earlier posting.

Hope everyone has a great weekend,

Lynda Brady

Paris-Brest-Paris Tracking

Hello,

This is my first time blogging (you just never know what you'll do when your husband is out of the country:) ) so please excuse any faux pas I may make in posting this.

I know Mike has included many of you in his e-mails but I did want to post the following items for you.

I think I found the site where you can track him:

www.paris-brest-paris.org You can change the language to English by clicking on the British flag.

Select "The Ride" then "Rider Follow-up"
Enter his number in "Track the Frame number" and hit search.

In my best French the message states:

John Brady
The participant is registered but not yet left.

It also shows in the upper left hand corner: "D-1 before" which I am assuming is "one day before race day". Must be pretty exciting there. Sorry I didn't get to my e-mail earlier to pass on this info.

Also, he sent a link to www.parisbrestparis.tv which looks like it will have some live coverage of the event. Right now there is a little short clip with some interviews of a past PBP ride. It is in the bottom left-hand corner of the page and has some audio to it as well.

I actually spoke to Mike today and he seems to be enjoying himself. He was worried before he left about being bored but he said he isn't at all and is concentrating on adjusting to the French sleep schedule. He has met a couple of people and plans to start the ride with Bob who oversees the Brevet series in Kansas City. He's confident that he'll do well and I know we all are as well.

On a personal note thanks to all of you who have supported him along with this dream and many others. I really appreciate what great friends all of you are to him and I know he does too. Thanks Roark for including me on the blog and thanks Cheri for your earlier posting.

Hope everyone has a great weekend,
Lynda Brady

Ride From Kaldis 8:00 am Sunday

Mark, Roark, & Bill will be riding from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley at 8:00 am.

Figure 30-40 miles.

Paris-Brest-Paris News

8/17/07 Mike Brady wrote:

Maybe someone can post this to the blog for me.

I'll be doing a light spin from my hotel over to Paris and back - about a 35 mile round trip - no big deal.

I made it to Paris safe and sound. I put the bike together and all the lights and junk on it too. It looks like an overloaded semi. Didn't get to ride today, but didn't want to just yet. A nice spin tommorow and Sunday will be great though. The weather is mostly cloudy and a bit cool, but not too bad - and dry so far. The weather for the four days is looking pretty favorable.

I'll try and keep you all posted up to the start. Then after thqt maybe Lynda can post some news. She comes over on the 23 to meet me at the finish.

Things are going well,

Mike

Bicycle Fun Club Ride August 19

Anyone doing the bicycle fun club ride this Sunday?
Greg Hobson

Last Day For Room At The Inn!

Guys,

If you want a room from my MS 150 team's hotel block (Midway Budget), then you need to act before tommorow August 15th. At that point all the non taken rooms will be released back to the motel. Remember I have rooms at the base of the start.

You can reserve a room by calling: 573-445-9565

Roark

2008 Bike Trip

As you may know, we recently got back from Israel. While there, we thought about what it would be like to ride a bike there. What beautiful scenery! What climbs! What history!

A friend sent me information about the rides for 2008 in Israel. The email said....

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding two Israel Rides in 2008,
May 20-27, 2008 and November, 2008. Registration for both rides will open on Nov 1, 2007. Sign up (http://hazon.org/go.php?q=/misc/signup.html) for our mailing list to be notified of Ride details.

Here's the link to the rides....http://hazon.org/go.php?q=/rides/2007IL/aboutTheRide.html

The November one might be interesting since it will be winter here then. We can still get in some good riding half way around the world.

The fundraising is pretty steep, but thought I would throw it out there to see if there was any interest.

Let me know what you think.

Cheri

Saturday's Ride

Folks,

Lets get this blogger blogging again!

Regarding the Beer & Brat 5 Star Century Ride

I am putting together my thoughts for this Saturday's ride. I am not sure I want to ride in this heat 100 miles, but don't let that stop anyone else. I am willing to go along for the first 62 mile loop. Hopefully we can get an early start, say 7 am so at least for the first 62 miles we beat a bit of the heat. If the group prefers to ride another loop I am up for that as well.

Just let me know.

Roark

Bicycle Fun Club Ride August 5

Is anyone doing the Bicycle Fun Club Ride tomorrow, Sunday August 5?
Greg

Roark's Team Ride Saturday July 7th.

I am doing one of my team rides this Saturday starting from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge at 9:00 am. I will be riding to the start from my house leaving at 7:00 am. Its about 25 miles to the start location. The ride is from the Chain of Rocks to Soulard Coffee Garden and back. If your interested in joining me, let me know.

Roark

Saturday July 7th ride

I'm also looking for a good ride for Saturday July 7. I have two ideas.

One would be the AYH Firecracker 100 in Greenville, Il. I'm up for that if anyone wants to give it a shot.

My other idea would be to go up to the Alton / Grafton, IL area and do powerline drive and the backroads and the river road. Depending on where we start we can make this a 40 - 60+ mile ride with some good hill work and some good flat (speed) work.

If anyone has a third idea let me know. If I don't hear from anyone I may wind up just doing something near my house.

Mike

100 (or less) miles of hills Sunday July 8

Hello all,

I spoke with Roark and Ron and we are planning on doing some version of the 100 miles of hills ride on Sunday, July 8. Start at Kaldis in the valley. I propose arrive at 7:30 (or earlier if you do breakfast), rolling at 8:00. 100 miles or even 80 is quite a bit, so rolling at 8:00 will be a good idea.

I might actually start at my house, wo we'll see if I can get up that early. Or maybe I start at Roark's house, or maybe I come by Roark's after starting at my house???

Roark, do you ride from your house to get the 100 miles in? Or do you just start at Kaldis?

If you're not up for this ride, you can do the fun club ride over in Collinsville. But for me I need / want the hill work. If anyone is going to the BFC ride I have 1 or two coupons left for it. I have 4, but I think Brian has claimed 2 or 3 of them. I'll try and get them to Brian or Cheri on a ride Saturday? (See post about ride Saturday July 7).

Mike

Sunday July 1 Bike Ride

We can meet at Kaldi's in the valley at 7:30 and roll by 8:00. Depending upon who shows, we can visit Babler, Rockwoods and/or Six Flags loop. Roark, you can meet up with us when your airport job is over. See you there!

Brian

Saturday June 30 Bike Ride

Is Anyone planning to ride Saturday? I need to take advantage of this weekend because I have both days. I will not be able to ride on Saturday, July 7. I am up for doing the 80 - 100 miles Saturday and a shorter ride Sunday and we can meet up with Roark. Mark

Michigan itenerary?

Roark,

Do you have a day-by-day itnerary for the Michigan trip? I saw the link from the blog, but it is a bit confusing, and I think it has changed. I'd love to see a simple breakdown of the dates, the rides, and the milage. And maybe what city we are sleeping in each night.

Do I (we) owe any money at this point?

Also, have we worked out the driving arangements? I'm still more than happy to bring my car, and actually thinking about doing so either way. It will add no cost to the trip as it is a company car and company gas. I'm thinking of bringing it so I don't have to pack my bike in a case. Plus just easier on the packing and such. There'd be room in the car for another too, so we can spread out more.

Mike

Concerts at the Arch

Hello all,

Can we post other cool Saint Louis stuff here?

I just wanted to let you all know about the free concerts that are coming up at Fair Saint Louis and at Live on the Levee (also on the fairgrounds).

Lynda and I will probably be going to all of these:

July 3rd - Lifehouse, Goo Goo Dolls and fireworks afterwards. Lifehouse takes the stage at 7:00, Goo Goo Dolls at 8:00. There is one other artist at 6:00 that is actually pretty good so Lynda and I will probably be down there around 6:00. Fireworks are around 9:15

July 4th - Cyndi Lauper (Girls Just Wana Have Fun and others) at 8:00 and then fireworks.

July 6th - the fair is over, but this is the first night of Live on the Levee, which is a free summer concert series under the arch. July 6th is Los Lonely Boys which is a pretty good band at 8:00

July 7th - one of my favorite artists is playing. Emmylou Harris is playing at 8:00. Lynda and I are going to have dinner at 6:00 at a little cafe they are setting up down there (Sauce Cafe, hosted by Sauce magazine and featuring a different local restaurant each Saturday). You have to have reservtions, so if anyone is interested, let me know. It's a bit pricy, but a nice restaurant. Check out www.celebratestlouis.org for more details on the food, Fair Saint Louis, or Live on the Levee.

Mike

Rides July 7th and July 8th

Anyone up for a ride on July 7th? I'd love to get some good hill work in as that has been lacking in my training this year. Perhaps we can do the 10 hills of Dr. Dan route? I think that is about a 50-55 mile route or so starting and ending at Kaldis in the valley. We could get rolling around 8:00 so as not to be out too late when it is likely to be pretty warm. But I'm OK with some warm, so I don't want to not do the route just because it is summer. Don't we like summer?

July 8th I'd probably lean towards doing the Fun club ride. It's the Big Bottle ride over in Collinsville. That's the ride Ron and I met on 4 years ago. I have 3 extra $3 off coupons for the ride too. I might be at Maplewood again in the next couple of weeks, so if I get by there I'll try and pick-up more coupons. First ask (here), first serve.

Mike

Alternative Ride for Saturday

Hey,

I know the first choice for the Saturday ride is out past Alton, riding up and down the Hill at Pierre Marquet State Park. Unfortunately or fortunately I have to meet a contractor at my house at 7:15 am. I should be done by 7:45, so if there are any of you who can't make the 8:15 am start out in Alton, let me know if your interested in a ride that starts closer to home and a bit later.

Roark

Reservations Made For Hotels to and From Travis City

I have made hotel reservations for our trip to Travis City for Friday night July 13th and Saturday night July 21st. We are staying in the Days Inn in Portage IN, for both days. We have two rooms with two double beds, at $133 each stay for both rooms. It is nothing fancy but he price is right. Note: There are five of us in two rooms with four beds, you do the math!

Portage IN, is 320 miles from St. Louis; and 300 miles from Travis City.

Note: Holland MI is 175 miles from Travis City and a 3 Hour Drive. We will be getting up very early Saturday Morning July 21st to get to the Holland Hundred Tour.

Jittery Jaunts Custom Jerseys!

Folks,

I have a proposal for the group. We can get custom jerseys for $45 each if we order a minimum of ten. Zavisa will custom design our jersey if we all pitch in and pick up his jersey cost. So if a minimum of nine of us order a jersey, its $50 per jersey. Next time we travel to the Hilly Hundred, etc we all could be dressed in our new custom Jittery Jaunts Jersey!

We need to have 9 jersey commitments to make this work and get Zavisa started.

If your willing to commit to a jersey, let me know.

Roark

Commitments to Date:

1. Roark
2. Mark
3. John
4. Dan
5. Bill
6. Brian
7. Cheri
8. Amanda
9. Melina
10. Rick
11. Mike

The Hillclimber Goes Down Hill!

It"s True: Mike is on the down hill descent of his biking career, turning 40 years old today! No longer the young stud of the group, he turns his attention to endurance rides, those normally reserved for the insane or retired!

Happy 40th Birthday Mike!

Rec-Plex Triathlon

To those of you who are interested,

I started swimming on swim team at approximately age 4 and I was good enough to swim in high school. I never really made it to state, except as a participant in a free relay. I was not good enough for college swimming (or at least I was not interested) and I have continued to swim off and on just for fun. As far as biking goes, I enjoyed riding my mtn bike on trails and paths since 1993 and was happy with that until Roark drafted me for his MS Bike Tour team. Since then (approximatley three years) I have been road biking and doing what I thought was some serious training. I have never been a good runner. Despite that, I managed to finish the New York City Marathon in November of 1998 in just over 6 hours and have participated in two half marathons (none recently) since then.

As far as the triathlon goes, I expected to do ok on the swimming, excell in the biking and do poorly with the run (especially taking into consideration that I tore some ligaments in my right ankle a couple of weeks ago).

My results were a bit surprising to me. In my age group (49 men aged 35 to 39 years), I finished the 500 meter swim (breast stroke) 27th with a time of 10 min and 45 seconds. I finished 45th (out of 49!) (a real surprise!!!!) with a time of 1:14:33 on the 21 mile bike ride despite an average speed of 18.1. The run (there was a lot of walking in there) took me 55:59 (an 11:40 min per mile pace) and put me in 48th palce. In my age group I placed 48 out of 49 and overall 289 out of 373.

I think I will try again in the fall.

Regards,
Brian

Friday Night

Cheri,

Count me in for sure. Linda went to NYC today and will be back Thursday but not sure if she will want to join us. If you get tickets Friday just get the one for me. If Linda does join us I will get her a ticket then. Thankyou. Mark

Wednesday Night

I will not be able to join you on Wednesday. I have t pick my bike up Wednesday evening before 6:00: I was hoping the guy would be able to straighten out my wheel tonight.

I am in for Friday night. What time at Kaldi's?

Saturday Ride June 16th

Folks,

I am doing one of my team rides this Saturday from Creve Coeur Lake to Old St. Charles for a late breakfast at Miss Aimee B's Tea Room. The ride starts from Creve Coeur Lake at 9:00 am. As usual I plan to ride to the team ride, and after the team ride to get some real miles in.

So if you want to join me, and the team, plan of leaving the Lopatin's at 8:15 am. Since I am reserving space at Miss Aimee B's please let me know if your planning on joining the ride.

Roark

Calhoun County Century Ride

Anybody up for the Calhoun County Century Ride in June before it gets too hot. I was thinking Saturday June 23.
Greg

Wired to Win at Omnimax

You may have seen the email about the movie Wired to Win, Surviving the Tour de France at the Omnimax Theater. (Thanks John!)

Is anyone interested in going as a group? I've put in a call to see what the discount is for group rates.

We're available this Friday, June 15 for either the 6p or 8p showing....or we can look at next weekend.

Here's the link to the showtimes: http://www.slsc.org/content.aspx?id=2215

If we don't have a group going, here's the link for a $2 off coupon: http://www.trailnet.org/images/wired_coupon.jpg

Let me know what you think and I'll let you know when I hear something about group rates.

Thanks.
Cheri

Tues 6/12 ride vs Wed 6/13

I'm not able to ride Wed night 6/13, but am available Tues night 6/12. Anyone interested in Tues night ride this week? Let me know.
Thanks.
Cheri

Accelerade/Enderox/Accel Gels

Is anyone interested in placing another bulk order of the Accelerade and/or Endurox and/or Gels?

6 cases of any combination = no shipping. Otherwise it ranges from $11-20/case for shipping.

If you want to get to the free shipping without getting as much, we could get the smaller servings.

Here are the team prices:
Accelerade (fruit punch, orange, lemon lime, blue raspberry, lemonade)
- 30 servings $79.50 for case of 6
- 60 servings $135.00 for case of 6
Endurox (fruit punch, tangy orange, lemon lime, vanilla, chocolate)
- 14 servings $96.00 for case of 6
- 28 servings $162.00 for case of 6
Accel Gel (strawberry kiwi, chocolate, citrus orange, raspberry cream, key lime)
- 24/box $64.60 for case of 4 boxes

Let me know if you have any interest or thoughts on any other product at a reasonable price...or nothing at all
Thanks.
Cheri

Sunday Morning Bike Ride

Who wants to do a bike ride early Sunday morning around 7:00 AM. We could do ride starting from Kaldi's in Chesterfield and headout toward Babler and six flags or we could do a city ride starting in Olivette either at Roark's house or Starbucks on Olive in Olivette.

Mark

Bike Race in O' Fallon June 10

Hey,

Does anyone know anything about this?

Driving home from the Wednesday night ride I saw one of those portable message signs used by the street departments set up on Winghaven avenue. All it said was Bicycle race June 10.

That's practically walking, easy biking distance from my house to where this sign was, near MasterCard's facility.

Flat as a Pancake Century

Is anybody doing the Flat as a Pancake Century ride on Sunday June 3?

Greg

Memorial Day Weekend Plans

Saturday - The train leaves from my house at 8 am. The ride about 50 miles will take us out to Old St. Charles, then over to Hog Hollow up and out to Marshall Hill & West Adams. There will be a coffee stop.

Sunday - I am off the bike.


Monday - Mark is picking me up at 7:30 am to head over to Milstadt for the Pizza Ride.

Roark

Rides Saturday May 19th and Sunday May 20th

Folks,

I plan to ride next Sunday the Fun Club's Berry Bicycle Ride & Strawberry Festival as an easy jaunt of 20 or 28 miles with my spawn Joseph. I will probably see most of you at the start and finish for Strawberrys and Ice Cream.

That leaves Saturday open for some challenging riding. So lets talk options

i) First of the Season Calhoun County Century....

ii) First of the Season attempt to actually complete all of the 100 Miles of Hill Route( its never been done to date)

iii) You tell me your suggestion....

Roark

RIdes Saturday May 12th & Sunday May 13th

Folks,

I know there are a few ride options for this weekend. There is the Hosteling Indian Crossing Century for $30.

I prefer and plan on doing another option with Alan Spivak and his group. Firstly its FREE!. Secondly its a nice opportunity to ride with Alan's group, in an area that we dont ride all that often. It is the Elsberry to Louisiana Missouri and back loop. Along the way the ride passes through Clarksville, and returns via a lovely climb to the aptly named Paynesville. We did this ride a few years ago, its scenic and got some hills and is about 70 miles. If your planning on this ride, the carpool train will be leaving from Alan's at 7 am Saturday morning.

Turning to Sunday. It's mother's day, so the ride I normally do is out to Laurmier Sculpture Park to tour the show with the family. Upon arrival the bike goes on top the car. Mark is usually my partner for this ride, but he is bailing this year. So I am not sure if its a go.

Roark

3S3M Pictures

Obviously, not in chrono order....but a sampling of the pics....

Indian Crossing Century

Saturday May 12 is the Indian Crossing bike ride. Register online at moonlightramble.com. The 30$ includes 3 sag stops and lunch. Let me know if you want to carpool to the event.

Brian

Cycle and Shabbat Service

Due to technologic advancement, it is no longer nesessary to choose the bike or the bible. Now you can have both at the same time. Listen to Shabbat Services by calling 314-421-0305 and enter code 2356292#. Roark, I know that you are especially glad to have this conflict resolved!

Brian

Travel Coordination to 3S3M

It's time to coordinate our travel arrangements to Three State Three Mountain. I talked with Allan today, and he would like to caravan again out to Chattanooga. He also needs to be in town early enough to go to Friday night services at the local reform congregation. The good news is that Mark informs me, they have a hot line to the local rib joint for after service Friday night dinner. My routing software says its a seven hour drive. So if we allow eight hours to include lunch and coffee stops, we should be leaving at 7 am to get to Chattanooga by 4 pm. (Remember there is a time change of one hour).

I also need to be back to St. Louis on Sunday to Bnai Amoona Congregation by 2:30 pm for my daughters Mitvah project for Locks For Love. Samantha has organized a group hair cutting to provide wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment. I will need to be leaving Chattanooga at 8:30 am. (Remember we gain an hours on the return) Mark will be driving me directly to the event, and of course all are welcome to come and enjoy the gathering and refreshments.

Sunday April 29 (and Saturday the 28th sort of)

Hello all,

I was wondering what you all might be planning for Sunday the 29th? Next Saturday I'm helping the March of Dimes with WalkAmerica, and afterwards going to the Cardinals game, so no riding for me that day.

With that in mind I was hoping to petition the group so that the "big day" of riding next weekend could be planned for the 29th. I'd love to get some real hill work and distance in that day. I was think the West County / Six Flags / Many Hills of Dan route. Roark and Brian were even talking of adding the hills south of I-44 by Six Flags as an added bonus. I'm very much in for this route. It would be a good final tune-up before going to 3S3M.

This new week (April 23 - April 27) I am hoping to go for some late afternoon / early evening rides on Tuesday and Friday. Probably City ride / Forest Park type stuff. If anyone is interested let me know. 314-239-6229

I know I'm not the chief planner for the group, and of course know I've been missing in action much of the spring, so please don't feel like you have to plan around me. If anyone is interested in the above idea or something like it let me know.

Mike

Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd

One more try for Saturday and doing the 50 miles of hills we have missed for the last two week due to the cold.

I would like to start from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley about 9:00 am to loop out to St. Albans (the hard way), Six Flags for Allenton Hill, and Woods Road. Once again 50 miles or so of riding.

Let me know if your interested.

Sunday is another of my team rides. The team ride will be starting at 10 am from the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center near Hartford, Illinois. The ride is to Alton and Back. We will have lunch at “My Just Deserts” in Alton; plan on some great pie.

My thoughts are of course to make this a real ride by riding to the Confluence center from my house starting at 7:45 am. Round trip we will get in about 75 miles. We will come back via Bellfontaine Neighborhood and Chambers Rd to get some hills in to the mix at the end of the ride.

Let me know your plans.

Roark

Saturday Ride April 14th. & Sunday April 15th.

Saturday I am thinking of doing the 50 miles of hills we missed last week due to the cold.

I would like to start from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley about 9:00 am to loop out to St. Albans (the hard way), Six Flags for Allenton Hill, and Woods Road. Once again 50 miles or so of riding.

Let me know if your interested.

Sunday I plan to be riding to the Flat as a Floodplain Ride. Since Cheri has posted that she is doing the same, and her house is six miles closer to the start, I am going to be starting from the Lopatin's (guess they just found out). Its 25 miles each way to and from the start of the Flat as a Floodplain Ride (from the Lopatin's) so I might only do a portion of the Flat as a Floodplain Ride.

Let me know your plans.

Roark

Trailnet Flat as a Floodplain Ride - Sun 4/15

I have 8 extra $3 off coupons for this ride. If anyone wants some, let me know. I can either try to get them to you before Sun or see you at the ride. Brian will be riding with the girls at the ride and I'll be riding to the ride.

Cheri

Rides Saturday 4/7 & Sunday 4/8

My thoughts for weekend rides are to move out of Babler, to mix some miles with those hills.

Saturday I plan to leave my house about 9:00 am to do a loop of 50 miles that will take in the Climbs into Creve Coeur Park, Hog Hollow, Marshall Hill, West Adams.


Sunday I would like to start from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley about 9:00 am to loop out to St. Albans (the hardway), Six Flags for Allenton Hill, and Woods Road. Once again 50 miles or so of riding.

Roark

Weekend Rides Saturday 3/31 & Sunday 4/1

Folks,

Here are my thoughts for this weekend's rides.

Saturday I am doing my MS 150 team ride starting at Orlando Gardens Trailhead of Grants Trail starting at 10:30 am. We will be riding to and from Kaldis, about 20 easy miles. I plan to ride to and from the team ride, leaving my house at 9:00 am. If you want to join me, we can get some real riding in, before and after the team ride.

Sunday I would like to repeat last weeks 3S3M training ride hitting the Hills of Babler (each and every one). I suffered last week, and figure to suffer again this week. We can start from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley at 9:00 am.

Let me know your thoughts.

Roark

Saturday Ride March 24th

Folks,

I have not been able to ride in at least a week due to a bout first with kidney stones; then to Florida to make nice to mom; and finally to babysit a faulty generator set in Conneticut for work.

So with only about six weeks left till Three State Three Mountain I say hit the hills this Saturday. My thought is to start from Kaldis in Chesterfield Valley about 9:30 am. This gives plenty of time for breakfast, and if Dan & Group wander by we can join them. I definately want to loop Babler, and do a few other climbs.

I would like to be back to Kaldis at 1:00 pm.

Let me know your thoughts.

Roark

Ride March 25 - City Ride?

Hello all,

Anyone up for a ride on the 25th? I'll be looking for a flatish / city / recovery ride. On the 24th I'll be doing a brevet, but I do want to ride on the 25th as well. Maybe something like the Roark's house / South city coffe shop / Wash ave. loop?

Just wanted to throw this out there now so everyone can plan accordingly. I'm thinking maybe you all hit it hard on the 24th, and then we all take it a bit easier on the 25th. The long range forcast for both days looks pretty good.

We can confirm route and time later.

Mike

Great weather ride part 2 - March 18

OK gang,

Let's try this again. Anyone up for a ride on Sunday the 18th? It's supposed to be around 43 by 11:00 am, and then around 50-51 in the afternoon. I'm thinking we can sleep in a little, and then shoot for a late morning start that goes to about 3:00?

Any idea on where to start? I'm game for about anything, but I'd like to get some good miles in. Anyone up for another stab at the West County hills? We could meet at Kaldi's again, but a little later, say rolling by 11:00. If we do this I'd probably be up for meeting at 10:15 for a late breakfast. We could probably get quite a few miles in by 3:00. Maybe the 10 hills of Dan route if we can handle that many hills? If we can't (I'm not saying I can either) we can always cut it short either in Babler or coming home.

The above ride would be my preference. I'd settle for a ride that started at Roark's and maybe worked in some of the hills on Ladue or Conway, and maybe some of the hills over in Kirkwood (Like Sugar Creek, Spoede (sp?), or some of the stuff from the Wednesday night fun club ride.)

We are 6 weeks away from 3S3M so I'm wanting to feature some hills, even if I (we) have to cut them short at the end of the ride. I'm also looking to hit the 50 mile ride mark as often as possbile, and certainly tomorrow.

Mike

Bike March 17 2006

It looks like the weather is going to cooperate for a West County ride tomorrow. Lets meet at Kaldi's in the Chesterfield Valley around 9:30 AM and be ready to roll by 10:30 AM.

Tuesday Night - Free Beer & H'dourves

Folks,

This may be short notice, but I have extra invites if anyone is interested in Shafely's Tuesday night for the MS get together. Let me know if your interested. The info is below.


Host:
Heather Gaehle
Location:
Schlafly Bottleworks7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, MO View Map
When:
Tuesday, March 13, 6:00pm
Phone:
1-800-FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867)
Enjoy appetizers and beverages with us! Meet us and other participants from different events at the Meet & Greet on March 13. This is a great opportunity to reach new potentials by discussing recruiting tactics and fund-raising ideas. The Gateway Area Chapter will provide the first round of appetizers and drinks. Don't miss this opportunity to meet fellow participants. Please RSVP by March 9. We hope to see you there!

Saturday Ride 3/10 Ending With Yoga

Folks,

Take a look at Saturdays forecast. Spring has arrived. My thought at this short notice is an easy going get your legs back city ride starting in the 9am to 10 am time frame. We start from my house and we end in time to make it to Yoga at the J at 2 pm. If your interested let me know.

Did you hear Mike gave up cycling?

Hello all,

It's your long lost bud Mike. As most of you know by now I've given up cycling. As a matter of fact I've pretty much given up any form of physical activity. I do still shower, but it takes a lot out of me. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do with the brand new Scott CR-1 that I've still never riden, or the 40 jersey's I own, or the thousands of dollars of bike parts and bikes that are strewn all over the basement. Maybe after Cheri sells her tag along, she can help me eBay all that crap too.

OK - maybe I haven't given up cycling. But I sure feel like I have. I've not been outside on a bike since Thanksgiving! And I've only been on the trainer 5 times in 2007, and one of them was last night. But I should get on the trainer again today, so that will be two days in a row! School and extra work at work have been the real culprits. But both are finally easing up this week and soon, so I think more free time will be here soon.

I'd be up for a ride March 10th too (outside, but easy - like a city ride).

The part about still never having riden the new Scott is true. I'm hoping to pick it up from Paul this week. Maybe that May 10 ride will be the inaguaral run. I definitely need to get my act together on training. My first 200k is March 24. I could bail on that one if I had to, but then the first one would be April 7, so either way they are coming up quick. I'm still in for 3S3M (and all the hotels), Tour de Cure, Michigan and PBP. Plus I think I'll get a week long ride in Kansas/MO/NE/Iowa in in June. Lynda and I have pretty much decided we're going to Paris whether I've qualified of not! We're hoping to do the ride, and then hit Paris for 3-4 days after, and Berlin for 3-4 days as well - come back home over Labor Day weekend. If I'm really lucky Alp duez or Mt. Vonteau (sp?) will be in there somewhere.

Thanks all for checking on me last night. I should be back in the saddle soon. The good news is being lazy and eating pooly (as in hardly eating at all) has lead me to drop 8 pounds. I weighed myself this morning and came in at 128. I know you all don't want to hear that. I'm kind of hoping it pays off! Maybe I get my butt back in shape soon, and I'm 5-6 pounds lighter up the hill too. Plus the new bike!

You guys are in trouble if I decide to take up biking again.

Talk to you all soon,

Mike 314-239-6229

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------ _\<,
-----(X)/(X)

Rhode Gear Insta-Tandem for Sale

All,

We're looking to sell our trailer bike. If you know anyone interested, please pass this information along to them.

Thanks.

FOR SALE:
Rhode Gear Insta-Tandem

· Easily attaches to seat post of adult bike without scratching so that older child (4-9 years) can be towed.
· Child may pedal independently of the towing adult. Child can pedal as much or as little as they like.
· Hinges at the fixing position so as not to impede the normal handling of the adult bike.
· Quick Release System Double Pivot Hitch Chain-guard, Alloy Wheel.
· 7 years old; like new; purchased 9/2000
· Have original sales receipt ($190) and Owner’s Manual
· Asking $100 or best offer

314-692-2344

Sign up for 3 State 3 Mountain

All,
If you have not yet signed up for 3 State 3 Mountain, we could register as a team and pay $35 instead of $40. Please let me know within the next few days (by March 7). I'd like to get signed up as soon as possible. Remember that 3S3M registration ends at 2500 riders or April 23, whichever comes first. To sign up as a team, we have to all register at the same time. I can register everyone and then you can pay me back.
Thanks.
Cheri

Trailnet Chilli Dinner

Anyone planning on attending the Trailnet Chilli dinner Saturday evening? I have signed up. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Mark

Saturday for a Ride?

I am sitting here in Halifax, where its 18 degrees out. I read you all are having great weather in St. Louis. So, does anyone want to do a city ride Saturday. Its been over a month since I have been on my bike. Let me know your thoughts.

Roark

Sleeping Bear Dunes with Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Click On The Map for Larger View

Folks,

Its too cold to ride, so a distraction; another of the rides we will be doing in Michigan this summer.

Ride Overview:
The ride starts at The Dunes Climb (off the bike ) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Starting counterclockwise we head to the first off the map stop, 7 miles of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This climb was listed in Bicycling Magazine's recent 100 most memorable climbs in the US.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is 6.9 miles. Located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it is recommended by the National Park Service for expert cyclists only, due to the steep terrain, sharp curves, and traffic. Combined with the Glen Arbor area Bike Tour, it can easily fill a day. Pierce Stocking is a microcosm of the entire park. The winding, hilly, one-way road with a dedicated bike lane is designed with twelve stopping points where the highlights and contrasting environments within the park are explained.

The ride continues onward on wobbly legs climbing up to "Inspiration Point" to stop and enjoy the overlook view of the Glen Lakes. Expect rolling hills to continue out to the town of Maple City. At Gabe's local market, there is fresh supply of homemade jerky. Jersey pockets now stuffed with jerky, the ride continues to tour Little Traverse, Lime and School Lakes. Expect some more hills, as this is the home of the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort.

Returning back toward the upper half of Glen Lakes, the ride continues into Glen Arbor. The quaint town Glen Arbor is the home of Cherry Republic. The goal at Cherry Republic is always to eat as much in free samples as purchased to take home. The Cherry Ice Cream is an absolute must! There are numerous restaurants to enjoy lunch in Glen Arbor.

Stuffed from lunch with cherry ice cream, and all other things cherry the ride continues on to the little town of Glen Haven to visit the Maritime Museum. Additional Glen Haven attractions include a working Blacksmith Shop, and ole timey General Store. Once explorations are finished its back through the starting point at the Dunes Climb. If those legs still have energy, expect a half hour climb on foot to just the first ridge of the dunes.

This ride is approximately 60 miles. Lots of climbs, but lots of stops and things to see as well.

Images to wet your fancy, are below:

Saturday January 6th

Folks,

I already have 23 miles on the Merlin in for 2007. So if your interested in catching up, any thoughts on a Saturday ride? Something starting about 10 am works, but I will consider earlier.

The Forecast:
Saturday: Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day.
High 46F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph

.

Roark