From January through April 2007, I am leading a series of TM-pace Double-Century Prep Rides. The overall schedule is on the main double-prep web page.
Due to the length of the ride, and the amount of climbing, we need to establish some guidelines for the TM versions:
1.- We will meet at 7:15 am, at the North Berkeley or Rockridge BART Station, depending on the course. We will leave PROMPTLY at 7:30 am.
We will have good cue sheets, and a map; the regroup, snack, and lunch locations will be specified on the route sheet. BART stations will be also highlighted on the map, as bailout options.
2.- We will stop only every 25 or 30 miles, although we will regroup in different places, and we will have a “good” lunch.
3.- The route will be extremely hilly.
For that reason, you should:
1.- Come fully prepared, with a bike in excellent working conditions, pumped tires, enough water (2 or 3 bottles), money, enough food, and electrolytes.
2.- Bring some good lights. You may need them on some of the rides, and it’s always a good idea to have them just in case unexpected problems arise.
3.- In order to move faster (no hammering), specially in some of the windy long stretches that some of the rides have, I would encourage you to ride in a paceline as much as possible; if you don’t have experience this is your opportunity to get it. I am also encouraging you to ride as a group, helping each other, and if you can’t keep up with the group it would be a good idea to find one or two people to ride with; you will able to join the rest of the group at the designated “regroup” locations (highlighted in the map).
I would like to mention that there is an excellent article about pacelines, by Scott Steketee, on the GPC website, the link is: http://www.grizzlypeakcyclists.com/skills/Paceline.pdf. I especially recommend that you read the section about safety.
4.- Get a good dinner, and plenty of rest the night before.
5.- As a closing statement I would say, “Come in good spirits, ready to enjoy the challenges of the day”.
If you are interested in co-leading some of the rides, or if you have any questions, please contact Estella Garcia @ (510) 540-6449.
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