Decided today was a "good" day to ride the course and see what the roads are looking like. Considering the weather three weeks agon, it's amazing just how nice the roads are right now. This gradual freeze/thaw has been kind to the gravel, making it peanut butter smooth in some areas, packed down solid in others, and oozy muddy in some of the low areas. There are still a few areas of slight ice, but those are rare areas where the sun didn see the road much. The spring winds were the biggest battle, but you'll be happy to know that much of the course stair steps around, making the longest straight stretch in any direction only about 6 miles.
Due to a few sketchy road conditions the preplanned route looks like it will have to be modified to a distance of about 75 miles, but that is still subject to change. For those thinking they will ride a road bike or use road cleats, please know that there may be a section or two of "hike-a-bike" depending on how the ground dries out. So come prepared for that. At the moment there is about 9 miles of pavement during the ride, with the biggest stretch of those miles being at around the midway point, which will be a welcome reprieve.
The checkpoint where all riders must stop and check in at is right around 37 miles. There will be some water here for people, but nothing else will be supplied. There will be bathrooms available at this location. This point is also the bail out point for those who are thinking about only going half way. I'll post this specific location in a post about a week prior to the ride. There is a gas station/convenience store at about the 50 mile mark that would be a smart choice to refuel at.
Due to a few sketchy road conditions the preplanned route looks like it will have to be modified to a distance of about 75 miles, but that is still subject to change. For those thinking they will ride a road bike or use road cleats, please know that there may be a section or two of "hike-a-bike" depending on how the ground dries out. So come prepared for that. At the moment there is about 9 miles of pavement during the ride, with the biggest stretch of those miles being at around the midway point, which will be a welcome reprieve.
The checkpoint where all riders must stop and check in at is right around 37 miles. There will be some water here for people, but nothing else will be supplied. There will be bathrooms available at this location. This point is also the bail out point for those who are thinking about only going half way. I'll post this specific location in a post about a week prior to the ride. There is a gas station/convenience store at about the 50 mile mark that would be a smart choice to refuel at.
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