Folks,
I plan to ride Sunday (tommorow) from my house to the Giro della Montagba bicycle ride of trailnet. Registration goes from 7:30-9:00; so I plan to leave my house at 7:30 am to get to the hill about 8:30. I am looking for company.
Roark
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sunday Ride 8/17
Anyone up for a flat 50-60 mile ride starting from my house on Sunday? It's Mark's idea, so I assume there will be at least two of us. I figure a start time of 8:30 am.
Roark
Roark
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Weekend Rides July 26 & 27
Anyone interested in doing the Calhoun County Century Ride on Saturday? The Golden Eagle Ferry is back in operation and it should only be about 90 degrees on Saturday.
Anyone interested in doing the Fun Club ride on Sunday? Could start from my house and get about 100 miles in.
Greg
Anyone interested in doing the Fun Club ride on Sunday? Could start from my house and get about 100 miles in.
Greg
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What does grade mean?
Ever since I took up cycling again in 2004 I've been puzzled about something that may been obvious to everyone but me. When referring to the steepness of a hill we describe it as a percentage. Federal highways are graded at 6% or 7% maximum, I can't remember which. But the question always nagged at me. Percent of what? Surely it's not the angle of incline which would be expressed in degrees. Nope.
In studying my ground school materials for my pilot's license I found the answer that's literally been in front of me the whole time. It's simply a statement of the slope expressed as a percentage of 100. You know, rise over run. Duh.
It was discussed in the ground school material in reference to the gradient of runways. So a 7% grade on a hill means for every 100 feet of horizontal distance of the road it increases in height 7 feet. A 15% grade increases 15 feet per 100 horizontal, etc. Yep, obvious and I couldn't see it.
I may very well have been the only one who couldn't figure this out. Now I can sleep with this off my conscience.
Have fun in the Blue Ridge and ride safe.
Blue Skies!
In studying my ground school materials for my pilot's license I found the answer that's literally been in front of me the whole time. It's simply a statement of the slope expressed as a percentage of 100. You know, rise over run. Duh.
It was discussed in the ground school material in reference to the gradient of runways. So a 7% grade on a hill means for every 100 feet of horizontal distance of the road it increases in height 7 feet. A 15% grade increases 15 feet per 100 horizontal, etc. Yep, obvious and I couldn't see it.
I may very well have been the only one who couldn't figure this out. Now I can sleep with this off my conscience.
Have fun in the Blue Ridge and ride safe.
Blue Skies!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Blue Ridge Major Driving Distances
Folks,
In the sake of honesty here are your car distances.
Friday July 11th 280 miles
Saturday July 12th 462 miles
Sunday July 20th 575 miles
I suggest reading materials, Itunes, and the drowsy version of dramine.
Roark
In the sake of honesty here are your car distances.
Friday July 11th 280 miles
Saturday July 12th 462 miles
Sunday July 20th 575 miles
I suggest reading materials, Itunes, and the drowsy version of dramine.
Roark
Blue Ridge Departure Times
Folks,
I hope to have the SUV & Trailer pulling out from my house at 3:00-3:30 pm.
SUV Passengers Include:
Cheri, Amanda, Melina, John, Mark, Ginger
Everyone else needs to be at my house at 4:30 pm. We will depart promptly for the Blue Ridge picking Brian up in route. The SUV has room for one more, so if your interested in getting out of town earlier please let me know.
Roark
I hope to have the SUV & Trailer pulling out from my house at 3:00-3:30 pm.
SUV Passengers Include:
Cheri, Amanda, Melina, John, Mark, Ginger
Everyone else needs to be at my house at 4:30 pm. We will depart promptly for the Blue Ridge picking Brian up in route. The SUV has room for one more, so if your interested in getting out of town earlier please let me know.
Roark
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Blue Ridge Countdown Info
Blue Ridge Folks,
Please make sure anyone attached to you and coming on the trip; but not getting the blogger gets a copy of the information that will be flowing in the next few days.
First, the Sag List is Done. It's not perfect, but its an attempt at being fair. You will be getting a copy of sag list before the ride starts. You will need to make sure you pull off close to where indicated if your driving. If your bicycling you must know where you supposed to take your turn. It's your responsibility to take your turn.
Second, we could definately use a cell phone assigned to just the SAG vehicle. If you have a spare cell phone (activated), and can provide the phone, please let me know. It would be great to have just one number to call if you need the SAG vehicle. I would also like someone to volunteer to put together a cell phone list, to be passed out to the group. That way we could all be able to reach each other (except for John who carries no phone). If no one comes up with a cell phone I might rent one for just the week passing the cost along.
Third, please pack in at most two duffels. Think of this as Colorado without the need for a tent. Two bags should be plenty. I also suggest a day pack that you can put into the SAG for quick access to arm warmers, etc. On the Friday we leave this should hopefully be packed with your overnight supplies. At least one of your duffels should be dropped off with your bike Thursday to be packed into the trailer. It will not be available till we reach the Blue Ridge.
Forth, dont forget your bike must be at my house Thursday. I will not wait or repack the trailer if your bike comes with you on Friday. In fact I hope to be able to let the slower trailer and SUV leave ealier if the Lopatins and I can figure something out that works for them. The trailer could be gone, if you show with your bike Friday.
Next, do not expect on returning Sunday to just scoot for home after arrival in St. Louis. I will expect help breaking down the trailer, and returning the Van. If we are early enough even the trailer will be returned. We all will have been gone, and eager to see our loved ones, but no one should have to shoulder the burden of cleaning up from the trip without full participation of the group. PLAN ACCOURDINGLY!
Lastly, if your not working this Friday, I am sure John and I could use your help packing. We start early so let me know your schedules.
Roark
Please make sure anyone attached to you and coming on the trip; but not getting the blogger gets a copy of the information that will be flowing in the next few days.
First, the Sag List is Done. It's not perfect, but its an attempt at being fair. You will be getting a copy of sag list before the ride starts. You will need to make sure you pull off close to where indicated if your driving. If your bicycling you must know where you supposed to take your turn. It's your responsibility to take your turn.
Second, we could definately use a cell phone assigned to just the SAG vehicle. If you have a spare cell phone (activated), and can provide the phone, please let me know. It would be great to have just one number to call if you need the SAG vehicle. I would also like someone to volunteer to put together a cell phone list, to be passed out to the group. That way we could all be able to reach each other (except for John who carries no phone). If no one comes up with a cell phone I might rent one for just the week passing the cost along.
Third, please pack in at most two duffels. Think of this as Colorado without the need for a tent. Two bags should be plenty. I also suggest a day pack that you can put into the SAG for quick access to arm warmers, etc. On the Friday we leave this should hopefully be packed with your overnight supplies. At least one of your duffels should be dropped off with your bike Thursday to be packed into the trailer. It will not be available till we reach the Blue Ridge.
Forth, dont forget your bike must be at my house Thursday. I will not wait or repack the trailer if your bike comes with you on Friday. In fact I hope to be able to let the slower trailer and SUV leave ealier if the Lopatins and I can figure something out that works for them. The trailer could be gone, if you show with your bike Friday.
Next, do not expect on returning Sunday to just scoot for home after arrival in St. Louis. I will expect help breaking down the trailer, and returning the Van. If we are early enough even the trailer will be returned. We all will have been gone, and eager to see our loved ones, but no one should have to shoulder the burden of cleaning up from the trip without full participation of the group. PLAN ACCOURDINGLY!
Lastly, if your not working this Friday, I am sure John and I could use your help packing. We start early so let me know your schedules.
Roark
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Weekend Rides July 5-6
Folks,
This is it, the last weekend before the fabled Blue Ridge. It's too late to build those hill climbing legs so I just plan to keep mine limber. That said, here my plans
Saturday - Mostly Flat Ride From My House Out to New Town in St. Charles County. Figure about 60 miles round trip. You know the one big climb out from Creve Coeur Lake. Lets be rolling say at 8:30 am.
Sunday - Some Hills, just to keep your legs in hill climbing mode. Fifty miles of the Hills of Kirkwood. If we leave my house at 7:30 am, and we can be back by 1:30 pm. Cheri and I did the loop last week starting at 8:30 and were back by 1:00 pm
Let me know your comments, start times are flexible.
Roark
This is it, the last weekend before the fabled Blue Ridge. It's too late to build those hill climbing legs so I just plan to keep mine limber. That said, here my plans
Saturday - Mostly Flat Ride From My House Out to New Town in St. Charles County. Figure about 60 miles round trip. You know the one big climb out from Creve Coeur Lake. Lets be rolling say at 8:30 am.
Sunday - Some Hills, just to keep your legs in hill climbing mode. Fifty miles of the Hills of Kirkwood. If we leave my house at 7:30 am, and we can be back by 1:30 pm. Cheri and I did the loop last week starting at 8:30 and were back by 1:00 pm
Let me know your comments, start times are flexible.
Roark
Blue Ridge Info Needed
Folks,
John J is helping me build the bike transport trailer. He asked me to get you all to respond to this request to hole us out! Please respond ASAP. Relay this on to any of the group who are not hooked into the blogger.
Roark
ASAP ----We need anyone going to take the front wheel off their bike, roll it up to a wall, and measure from the floor to where the fork hits the wall(center of where the scewer would fit)ALSO;: when you bring your bike Thur. A--bring something to put the wheel in(wheel bag, taped flat carton also workes fine) B: With a felt tip marker write your name as large as possible because we are going custom fit front wheel hold-downs on the two sides of the trailerand than tag your your spot. Roark and I picked up the lumber and hardware last nite at H.D. We may work on this tonight(THUR) so your co-operation is appriciated. john jauss
John J is helping me build the bike transport trailer. He asked me to get you all to respond to this request to hole us out! Please respond ASAP. Relay this on to any of the group who are not hooked into the blogger.
Roark
ASAP ----We need anyone going to take the front wheel off their bike, roll it up to a wall, and measure from the floor to where the fork hits the wall(center of where the scewer would fit)ALSO;: when you bring your bike Thur. A--bring something to put the wheel in(wheel bag, taped flat carton also workes fine) B: With a felt tip marker write your name as large as possible because we are going custom fit front wheel hold-downs on the two sides of the trailerand than tag your your spot. Roark and I picked up the lumber and hardware last nite at H.D. We may work on this tonight(THUR) so your co-operation is appriciated. john jauss
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Blue Ridge Thoughts...
Folks,
I am working on the logistics of our friday departure. We have a six hour drive ahead of us. That in mind please let me know how early Friday you can leave town. We most likely will exit in shifts.
Also all bikes must be to my house on Thursday July 10th. The trailer will be outfitted Friday morning, and if you bike isnt there when we work the bolt downs, there is no guarantee there will be room.
Roark
I am working on the logistics of our friday departure. We have a six hour drive ahead of us. That in mind please let me know how early Friday you can leave town. We most likely will exit in shifts.
Also all bikes must be to my house on Thursday July 10th. The trailer will be outfitted Friday morning, and if you bike isnt there when we work the bolt downs, there is no guarantee there will be room.
Roark
Riding Plans Sat 6-28, Sun 6-29
Folks,
I am not too creative, we need hills. So that said lets just do last weeks rides all over again.
Saturday ride from my house at 8:00 am to hit those now famous hills of Kirkwood, and Jefferson Baracks. Who can now pass up that memorial stretch of Musick to Green Park Road.
Sunday ride from Mark's house, with breakfast served at 7:00 am. We mix up the Hills St. Albans, Six Flags, Wildhorse Creek, etc.
Let me know your thoughts.
Roark
I am not too creative, we need hills. So that said lets just do last weeks rides all over again.
Saturday ride from my house at 8:00 am to hit those now famous hills of Kirkwood, and Jefferson Baracks. Who can now pass up that memorial stretch of Musick to Green Park Road.
Sunday ride from Mark's house, with breakfast served at 7:00 am. We mix up the Hills St. Albans, Six Flags, Wildhorse Creek, etc.
Let me know your thoughts.
Roark
Friday, June 20, 2008
Blue Ridge - Checkup IMPORTANT
Folks,
The Blue Ridge is fast approaching. Now would be a great time to get your bike checked out, and tuned up. If you have a mechanical problem, and its something that we cannot take care of by ourselves ( you better be handy or on good terms with Johh J), figure two days off the bike. The day it breaks down, and the next day to find a bike shop in a town. You will also be inconveniencing either the Lopatins or Sag Wagon Driver. Its fine to cause an inconvenience if something goes wrong that couldn't have been anticipated. Its not so fine to come to the Blue Ridge with a Bike waiting to fail. Make extra sure your cables, chain, and brakes are in good working order. Make sure that you have no cracks developing in your rims. The drive trains will be stressed during our long climbs, and you don't want brakes failing or a wheel failing during one of those long fast descents.
Please have your bike tuned up and checked out in the next two weeks!
Each cyclist with be assigned a 10 mile stint, driving our Sag Wagon (SUV with trailer) every other day. I will hand the order and assignments out on a daily basis. You are free to ride in the SAG at any time, but you are responsible for driving during your assigned slot. I will be picking the order so that the stronger riders SAG in the morning, so that the SAG period gives a break for those not quite so strong. If you have a request for when you would like your slot let me know now, I will try to work with you, but ultimately the time you get is the time you drive.
I will have some spare components for use for our own repairs. The list follows of what I have and think we need, even if all bikes are checked out ahead of time. Anything I have of course is Shimano, and 10 speed. Please let me know if you can bring anything on the needed part of the list. Also let me know if you think we need to add anything to the list. Obviously if you use a component you will need to return it, buy it, or replace it.
Brake Pads - Roark
Front & Rear Brake Calipers - Roark
Brake Cables - Roark
Shifter Cables - Roark
2 Spare 10-Speed Chain - Roark
Spare Seat - Roark
Spare Deraileur Pulleys - Roark
Spare Front Deraileur - Roark
Basic Toolset - Roark
1 Spare Tire - Roark
Front & Rear Wheelset - Ron
Rear 10-Speed Deraileur - Needed
Spare Pedal & Cleatset - Needed
The Blue Ridge is fast approaching. Now would be a great time to get your bike checked out, and tuned up. If you have a mechanical problem, and its something that we cannot take care of by ourselves ( you better be handy or on good terms with Johh J), figure two days off the bike. The day it breaks down, and the next day to find a bike shop in a town. You will also be inconveniencing either the Lopatins or Sag Wagon Driver. Its fine to cause an inconvenience if something goes wrong that couldn't have been anticipated. Its not so fine to come to the Blue Ridge with a Bike waiting to fail. Make extra sure your cables, chain, and brakes are in good working order. Make sure that you have no cracks developing in your rims. The drive trains will be stressed during our long climbs, and you don't want brakes failing or a wheel failing during one of those long fast descents.
Please have your bike tuned up and checked out in the next two weeks!
Each cyclist with be assigned a 10 mile stint, driving our Sag Wagon (SUV with trailer) every other day. I will hand the order and assignments out on a daily basis. You are free to ride in the SAG at any time, but you are responsible for driving during your assigned slot. I will be picking the order so that the stronger riders SAG in the morning, so that the SAG period gives a break for those not quite so strong. If you have a request for when you would like your slot let me know now, I will try to work with you, but ultimately the time you get is the time you drive.
I will have some spare components for use for our own repairs. The list follows of what I have and think we need, even if all bikes are checked out ahead of time. Anything I have of course is Shimano, and 10 speed. Please let me know if you can bring anything on the needed part of the list. Also let me know if you think we need to add anything to the list. Obviously if you use a component you will need to return it, buy it, or replace it.
Brake Pads - Roark
Front & Rear Brake Calipers - Roark
Brake Cables - Roark
Shifter Cables - Roark
2 Spare 10-Speed Chain - Roark
Spare Seat - Roark
Spare Deraileur Pulleys - Roark
Spare Front Deraileur - Roark
Basic Toolset - Roark
1 Spare Tire - Roark
Front & Rear Wheelset - Ron
Rear 10-Speed Deraileur - Needed
Spare Pedal & Cleatset - Needed
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Weekend Plans For Riding 7/21-7/22
Folks,
I am working on putting together plans for riding this weekend. Here are my initial thoughts:
Saturday: I would like to ride my Kirkwood - Laurmeir Park - Jefferson Barracks Hill Route
It is 55-60 miles of Hills. Highlights include, S Warson Road Climb, Lindeman Road Climb, Highland Rd Climb, Marshall Hill Climb, West Adams Climb, Rott Road (Laurmeir Park), Eddie & Park Rd Hills, Reavis Barracks Rd Climb, Kingston Drive Climb to name a few. Depending on interest we can depart my house anywhere from 7:00 - 8:00 am.
Sunday: If you are not doing the Bridge Bash and riding the flood plain ( or swimming it), I was thinking of riding West County for another 55-65 miles. We start at Kaldis in the Vally or Mark's house if he is offering breakfast again. I was thinking we work in some of the long, not necessarily steep climbs. Climbs that never seem to end.
Roark
I am working on putting together plans for riding this weekend. Here are my initial thoughts:
Saturday: I would like to ride my Kirkwood - Laurmeir Park - Jefferson Barracks Hill Route
It is 55-60 miles of Hills. Highlights include, S Warson Road Climb, Lindeman Road Climb, Highland Rd Climb, Marshall Hill Climb, West Adams Climb, Rott Road (Laurmeir Park), Eddie & Park Rd Hills, Reavis Barracks Rd Climb, Kingston Drive Climb to name a few. Depending on interest we can depart my house anywhere from 7:00 - 8:00 am.
Sunday: If you are not doing the Bridge Bash and riding the flood plain ( or swimming it), I was thinking of riding West County for another 55-65 miles. We start at Kaldis in the Vally or Mark's house if he is offering breakfast again. I was thinking we work in some of the long, not necessarily steep climbs. Climbs that never seem to end.
Roark
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Riding Saturday June 14 Preparation for the Blue Ridge
From all indication it sounds like we can all still use some work on hill climbing in preparation for the Blue Ridge Mountain Bike Ride. I suggest we meet at my house before 8:00 AM and be on the road riding by 8:30. If anyone wants to show up for breakfast let me know. I will have coffee.
I suggest we ride out toward St. Albans, to Allenton/Six Flags - do the loop on the other side of 44 and then come back up Allenton Hill to Melrose. I will prepare a route map.
Let me know if you are coming for breakfast.
Mark
I suggest we ride out toward St. Albans, to Allenton/Six Flags - do the loop on the other side of 44 and then come back up Allenton Hill to Melrose. I will prepare a route map.
Let me know if you are coming for breakfast.
Mark
Monday, June 09, 2008
Unfinished 100 Miles of Hills!
Was it the heat, the humidy, the hills, the lack of training, or all of the above? Bottom line is 100 miles of Hills has yet to be completed. I can say I am not acclimated to heat, let alone hills, and barely made it home with 73 miles under my belt. This year we didnt even make it as far as the Reis Road Climb.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Blue Ridge Rooms
Folks,
I am ramping up for the final plans for the Blue Ridge Tour. We currently have 13 adults who will be riding. At the moments rooms are arranged so that we have the following (not counting Lopatins).
Friday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Double Beds)
Saturday: 3-Adults Per Room (2 Queen Beds)
Sunday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Double Beds)
Monday: 2-Adults Per Room (2 Double Beds)
Tuesday: 2-Adults Per Room (2 Double Beds)
Wednesday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Thursday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Friday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Saturday 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Now is the time if you object to spooning in a bed smaller then a queen to voice your opinion. You can always bring a sleeping bag.
Additionally I have increased our gas budget. The estimated cost < $500 each.
Roark
I am ramping up for the final plans for the Blue Ridge Tour. We currently have 13 adults who will be riding. At the moments rooms are arranged so that we have the following (not counting Lopatins).
Friday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Double Beds)
Saturday: 3-Adults Per Room (2 Queen Beds)
Sunday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Double Beds)
Monday: 2-Adults Per Room (2 Double Beds)
Tuesday: 2-Adults Per Room (2 Double Beds)
Wednesday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Thursday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Friday: 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Saturday 3-Adults Per Room ( 2 Queen Beds)
Now is the time if you object to spooning in a bed smaller then a queen to voice your opinion. You can always bring a sleeping bag.
Additionally I have increased our gas budget. The estimated cost < $500 each.
Roark
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Sunday June 8th Ride
Folks,
These last two weeks have certainly given us a jump start on getting those hill climbing legs back for the Blue Ridge. Our weekly miles have increased, our elevations have increased, even our wet time on the bike has increased.
We are in the count down to our trip now!
I am proposing choosing one of two rides for this Sunday:
1.) We ride the Calhoun County Century!
2.) We attemp one more time my 100 miles of hills ride!
Let me know your thoughts so we can put together a starting time and plan.
Roark
These last two weeks have certainly given us a jump start on getting those hill climbing legs back for the Blue Ridge. Our weekly miles have increased, our elevations have increased, even our wet time on the bike has increased.
We are in the count down to our trip now!
I am proposing choosing one of two rides for this Sunday:
1.) We ride the Calhoun County Century!
2.) We attemp one more time my 100 miles of hills ride!
Let me know your thoughts so we can put together a starting time and plan.
Roark
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Flat as a Pancake Ride
Anybody not going to Washington D.C. this weekend interested in doing the Flat as a Pancake Ride on Saturday. I'm doing it if it doesn't storm.
Greg
Greg
Monday, May 12, 2008
Weekend Riding 5/17-5/18
Folks,
We had a great ride Saturday out to the Lewis & Clark Museum at the Confluence. We got in flats and hills, and 65 miles.
Now for next week. I am doing a team ride on short notice from Creve Coeur Lake this Saturday. With our plans for Washington and Horsey Hundred, this really is my only chance for a team ride this month. I am hoping some of you will join me to ride from my house to meet the team at Creve Coeur Lake. We will then ride to lunch at Miss Aimee B's in St. Charles. Once we drop the team off at the start point, its off to Hog Hollow for a fun climb and over to Kirkwood for some more hills. If you interested in joining me, let me know. Figure about 50 miles.
Sunday I plan on the Strawberry ride with Trailnet. I am hoping Joseph will join me, so I plan to be slow on Sunday.
Roark
We had a great ride Saturday out to the Lewis & Clark Museum at the Confluence. We got in flats and hills, and 65 miles.
Now for next week. I am doing a team ride on short notice from Creve Coeur Lake this Saturday. With our plans for Washington and Horsey Hundred, this really is my only chance for a team ride this month. I am hoping some of you will join me to ride from my house to meet the team at Creve Coeur Lake. We will then ride to lunch at Miss Aimee B's in St. Charles. Once we drop the team off at the start point, its off to Hog Hollow for a fun climb and over to Kirkwood for some more hills. If you interested in joining me, let me know. Figure about 50 miles.
Sunday I plan on the Strawberry ride with Trailnet. I am hoping Joseph will join me, so I plan to be slow on Sunday.
Roark
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Saturday May 10th Ride....Extra Miles!
Folks,
This Saturday, Trailnet is doing a 18,35, or 50 mile ride starting from the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center in Hartford Illinois. I have this crazy thought that we could ride from my house, and do at least 18 miles of the Trailnet ride. Our options actually are from my house with the Trailnet miles are 74 miles, 91miles, 106 miles. I am thinking the 74 miles should be enough.
Let me know your thoughts about getting some real miles in Saturday.
Sunday, is Mother's Day so I am at the mercy of my children's mother. I will not be out on any long rides. There might be a ride to Laurmeir Park to meet the family for the Art Festival.
Roark
This Saturday, Trailnet is doing a 18,35, or 50 mile ride starting from the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center in Hartford Illinois. I have this crazy thought that we could ride from my house, and do at least 18 miles of the Trailnet ride. Our options actually are from my house with the Trailnet miles are 74 miles, 91miles, 106 miles. I am thinking the 74 miles should be enough.
Let me know your thoughts about getting some real miles in Saturday.
Sunday, is Mother's Day so I am at the mercy of my children's mother. I will not be out on any long rides. There might be a ride to Laurmeir Park to meet the family for the Art Festival.
Roark
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