Note that we are now using the winter starting time of 9:30 AM.

The Salt Box Village Saturday Morning ride will continue on 11/28/09 at 9:30 AM unless it is raining or the forecast for RDU at 10:00 AM on Weather.com is for less than 40 degrees.

All riders are welcome, but this ride is somewhat more challenging than the Thursday Slow Spokes ride. All riders are expected to be able to complete at least the 34 mile ride.

This will be a no-drop group ride that will go as fast as the slowest rider can manage and is designed for riders who are looking to increase their pace and distance. There is a 33 to 38 mile and a 50 mile option. 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 loop and a store stop in the 50 mile route. Riders on both routes will stay in one group until the 19.7 mile route.

Those who elect to do the shorter route can decide whether to do the 33, 34, or 38 mile option. The 34 mile route has fewer hills, but more traffic than the 33 and 38 mile options. I will try to make most of the rides during the winter, and will lead the 34 mile ride if there are any riders who are interested. When I am not available, I am relying on the regulars who do show up for this ride to maintain the original intent of this ride - i.e., to provide an opportunity for slower riders to participate in a group ride and learn group riding techniques. The goal should be to keep the group together at the fastest pace the slowest rider can maintain. If there are enough riders to split into smaller groups, that is fine, but no group should have fewer than three riders, and once a group is established, that group should stay together for the entire ride.

The intent of this ride will focus on group riding technique. If we have at least eight riders, we will ride in a double paceline were road conditions and traffic allow (usually beginning on Tingen Road at mile 7.1). The rest of the time we will ride in a single line. 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
33 and 38 mile variations
50 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 or Rick 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.
  
  

Back pain was managable last Saturday. So I'm thinking this Saturday looks good. BUT there are a lot of "IFs". If the weather is good, if it isn't too cold, if my sons don't want to do a MUP ride and so on. At this point I'm real interested but won't know until last minute.
BTW, our trip up north for Thanksgiving is cancelled. I won't be fighting the I-95 traffic on Wednesday before Thanksgiving heading to the NYC metro area. You can tell how broken up I am about that!

I plan to be there for the 50.

Turtle is fixed and we are planning to do the 50!

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

will still be down in GA but I am putting in a bunch of miles on the traffic free roads near my folks. Looking forward to getting back on the SBV 50 on the 5th. Hope y'all have a good ride and stay safe.

I plan to be there for the 50 unless my friend who has just started riding decides to ride, in which case we'll do the Canes developmental ride from Cycling Spoken Here (he could handle 25 miles or so but not 38). But I'm thinking he wants to do the Canes ride on Sunday, so I'm planning to be with you on Saturday.

Glaeken,

There are a number of ways to cut down the SBV route to make it less than the stated 38 miles. It looks like a couple of the regular SBV riders will be there tomorrow to help you figure out a route change if you want one. Without a cue sheet in front of me I might get it wrong. But I think the cue sheet calls for a left turn at Friendship Rd, about 10 miles into the route. If instead you turn right on Friendship you very quickly get over to Old Route 1 where you can pick up the cue sheet route again. This probably makes the route pretty close to 25 miles, possibly less. Or you could just turn around at that point and make it a 20 miler.

Perry

Happy to join in my first Slow Spokes ride. Active member of Team GSK for charity rides. My touring bike and I go about 13-14 mph over the long haul, so I tend to "lead from the rear." I'll be ready for 34 miles, but prepared to go 50 if there's a group going at my pace.
Ken

I'm planning to do the 50-mile route.
Mark

Ok good, thanks Perry. I will tell my friend this and hopefully address his concerns!