After talking with Paul,I understand there's some interest in a 50+ mile Celina ride(located in northern collin county). We can meet  on the town square(downtown Celina-free parking) and head out. 8:00 am is the start time. I have route map,elevation chart,& directions to Celina.  
 
There's a very nice Cafe(clean/good food) on the square for grub after the ride(very rider friendly. Wide variety of food. Food cost from $6-$10.Debit/creidt cards/cash accepted).  
 
I can provide specific route maps directions later(most of us are coming from the south of Celina). Take Preston road(289) north to the stop light in Celina(Preston rd/FM455). Turn left at the light(go past the high school/football stadium). F455 turns into Pecan street. Take Pecan(west approx. 1 mile to the town square)to Ohio Street. There's free parking on either side of the square.
 
It's a free ride in beautiful horse country. A few hills,but pretty easy course really. There are several areas we can stop(convenience stores,parks). We'll ride through Tioga,Tx(birthplace of Gene Autry-the singin' cowboy),across Lake Ray Roberts,etc...
 
We will be riding on Preston road(north for 9-10 miles) & Hwy 377 south(for 15 miles). Both roads have very wide shoulders to ride on. Preston is not busy north of Prosper. 377 can be a little busy. The rest of the roads are county roads. Very quiet,little traffic.
 

Yes,it's flatter than the Collin Classic. There are 3 rollers just north of Celina on Preston & a few rollers on 377 south of Tioga. Other than that,just a few stray climbs. Glad to hear you'll be joining us. I will provide route maps.

Just a note,the casual 30 mile route is primarily on county roads(FM455/FM428). These are 2 lane(nicely paved)roads,BUT there are no or little shoulders. However,there is very little vehicle traffic on these roads. I didn't want anyone to be surprised by the lack of shoulders to ride on.
 

I need directions for coming from Plano on TX 5, or for coming from the Parker Rd DART station. I'll be a little tired since I'll be riding 130 miles the day before. I'm working up to the RRR in August. First step is to make one ride in the range of the ride to WF (done), next step is to make a ride like the trip to WF and ride the next day, like say visiting my friend that is now in Dennison and riding the Celina ride the next day.
 
Opus

This is insane....
 
Today
Jul 2  Scattered T-Storms  
 87°/73° 60%    
 
Tue
Jul 3  Scattered T-Storms  
 84°/74° 60%  
 
Wed
Jul 4  Scattered T-Storms  
 84°/73° 60%  
 
Thu
Jul 5  Scattered T-Storms  
 84°/73° 40%  
 
Fri
Jul 6  Scattered T-Storms  
 86°/74° 30%  
 
Sat
Jul 7  Scattered T-Storms  
 87°/74° 30%    
 
Sun
Jul 8  Isolated T-Storms  
 92°/75° 30%  
 
Mon
Jul 9  PM T-Storms  
 87°/75°  
 

OK, the forecast as of Thursday morning is for heavy rain Friday night, but only a 30% chance on Saturday -- so, if the weather radar makes it look like a clear morning, I'm planning to still do this ride Saturday, fenders installed, if the Stradas are still leading...   Terrie can't make it, due to company visiting through the weekend, so she won't be in the 30-mile group if such a thing still forms.
 
I'd like to propose making the 50+ miles into a metric (62.5) if possible...
 
What say ye, Steve and Peggy?  Ken, joining us?
 
Paul
 

If the weather is any where near reasonable I'll be there.
 
Ken

Quote from catroad254 on Jul 5^th, 2007, 7:50pm:

Paul...no worries. There will be pleny of Celina rides in the future. Sorry to hear that you won't be able to join us. A trip to Austin is NEVER  a bad thing.
 
Steve

I believe it's just a 50+ mile ride.

I still haven't managed to get a doctor's appointment, but I'm feeling better and thinking I'll ride. Is there a wheezing geezer group?

AND...as it is as a rural route,there are occasional loose dogs(a little extra motication for more speed). What kind of head count are we expecting for tomorrow's ride? How many route maps should I print??

I was just re-reading Steve's original post...  and noticed....
 
<< Take Preston road(289) north to the stop light in Celina(Preston rd/FM455). >>
 
 
 
Uhhh... "THE" stop light??  Celina's that big, eh???  
 

Quote from FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 6^th, 2007, 5:48pm:

 
Yep,& I think Celina MAY even have running water. You'll be able to see tomorrow. Now Tioga,that's a town with a different story.
 

121 does NOT turn into the tollway. 121 does intersect the tollway. I would recommend you just take Preston rd(from 121). Turn left(North) on Preston road for 12-15 miles until you come to Celina. Turn left on FM-455 to the town square.

Some parts of 121 are toll but they can be avoided if you wish by using business 121 or the access roads. When Steve says tollway he means the Dallas North Tollway. Give it a few years and all of the expressways will be tollways!
 
Ken

Quote from catroad254 on Jul 6^th, 2007, 10:19pm:

Do you think it will take that long?  I know they're all taking their toll on me!