The Salt Box Village Saturday Morning ride will continue on 2/21/09 and every Saturday at 9:30 AM unless it is raining, the forecast for RDU at 10:00 AM on Weather.com is for less than 40 degrees, or we cancel for special events (e.g., July 4).

All riders are welcome. This will be a no-drop group ride that will go as fast as the slowest rider can manage. Based on feedback from some of the regular riders, I have modified the courses slightly to avoid bad sections of New Hill-Holleman Road and Old US 1. The 29 mile route has been replaced by a 34 mile route, and the and 44 mile has been replaced by a 48 mile route. The two routes are identical for the first 19.7 miles and the last 5.4 miles. Between those two points, there is an extra scenic loop down to Bonsal, then up to NC 751 and Luther Road. Riders on both routes will stay in one group until the 19.7 mile route. The 34 mile route will remain a no-drop ride, but there is no designated leader for the 48 mile route this week.

This ride will focus on group riding technique. If we have at least eight riders, we will ride in a double paceline from the time we turn onto Tingen Road (mile 7.1) until we reach Old US 1 (mile 19.7). Until mile 7.1, we will ride in a single line. Once we turn onto Old US 1, we will ride in a single line for the rest of the ride. Do not worry if you have never riden in a paceline before. We will teach you what you need to know to maintain a safe and fun paceline.

Cue sheets and Garmin TCX files are available at these links:
34 mile route
48 mile route

Please bring your own copy of the cue sheet.

If you have not signed a waiver for any Slow Spokes ride since January 1, 2009, Please go to this link, print the liability waiver form that is attached at the bottom of the post, sign the form, and turn it in to Perry at the ride. We only need one waiver form on file from each rider for the calendar year regardless of the Slow Spokes rides in which you participate.

Comments:
• RSVP requested to help plan riding groups. RSVP by replying to the ride announcement thread.
• Beginners are welcome to join this ride.
• New riders should read Bicycling Hand Signals and Safety Pointers and Ride Preparation - Equipment, Nutrition, Hydration
• First time riders with this group should fill out the linked liability waiver and bring it to the ride. NCBC’s insurance company requires one on file each year for each cyclist.
• Please arrive in time to prepare your bike to leave promptly at 9:30 AM.
• All riders should carry proper equipment in case they have a flat (spare tube, pump or CO2 cartridge).
• Helmets are required.
• It is strongly recommended that you carry your driver’s license, health insurance card (or a photo copy), emergency contact information or Road I.D. in case of an emergency. You may also want to program your cell phone with an emergency contact number under the name “ICE” In Case of Emergency.


Unfortunately, Diana and I have conflicts this week, but the ride will go on with Perry leading the 34 mile route.

At this point, the weather forecast is for partly cloudy with an overnight low of 28 deg F, a daytime high of 52 deg F, and a 0% chance of percipitation. I will update the forecast as we get closer to the ride.

I plan on being there. If there are others on the 48 that ride around 15.5, i'll go on that route. Otherwise I'm in for 38.

I am not sure which ride, but I will be there.

Doug

I plan on showing up.

I shall be there for the 34 miler - thanks!

Dianna

Planning on riding this week. Distance will be a gametime decision depending on legs and weather. Thanks Rick!

Most routes that go up NC 751 take Lewter Shop Rd, so it has been a while since I have ridden on Luther Rd. I drove it in the car today to make sure it is in good shape, and it looks like the 48 mile route it will be a fun ride. Even though I was driving relatively slowly during the morning rush hour, I saw only one car going in the opposite direction, and I did not see any other cars going in my direction. It looks like a lot of pot holes have been patched recently. There are a lot of patches along the edges of the road, some of which are a little rough, but there were no holes or loose gravel. The other roads on the new 48 mile route I ride on regularly, so I know they are fine.

I plan on riding. Will do either lenghth

The forecast for Saturday is:

9:00 - 38 deg F, sunny, 0% chance or precipitaton, wind from the S at 4 mph
10:00 - 43 deg F, sunny, 0% chance or precipitaton, wind from the SSE at 4 mph
11:00 - 47 deg F, sunny, 0% chance or precipitaton, wind from the SSE at 7 mph
Noon - 50 deg F, sunny, 0% chance or precipitaton, wind from the S at 9 mph

It is shaping up to be a good, if somewhat cool, day for a ride.

See everybody tomorrow morning.

Perry