[NOTE 3/11 -- if there are strong south winds, I recommend we only do the 24 mile route...]
 
Let's gather in Lancaster, Saturday the 16th... the longterm weather forecast looks good right now.  Anybody interested in meeting at John's Bicycles in Lancaster, and riding either the 24-mile GDB Rally route, down to Ferris around and back, or a 40-mile version that avoids the hills northwest of Palmer, followed by lunch for each group?  
 
The concept is to all ride together in a no-drop, moderate pace down to Ferris, then the two distance/speed groups can split up there.  We probably wouldn't necessarily meet up again afterwards, because it'll take at least an hour plus more for the longer distance group to get back -- so each group could go to the cafe next to John's shop, after they return.  And maybe even throw some dough John's way, in support of his shop!  
 
Rollout will be at 9AM -- which is the same time as John's regular "very casual" group, so we may get some joiners from his regulars...  The short distance group should be back by 11ish, and the longer group sometime after 12.  Note that the longer distance has some significant climbing along Sugar Ridge Rd... and if it's a strong south wind, you get a headwind going down 660, but a tailwind in the 2nd half.
 
Here's the 24-mile route:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2208161
 
Here's the 40-mile route:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2208111
 
 
Please indicate your interest in either distance, so we can get a feel for who's doing what...
 
Paul

I will see if Dave is interested in the 40 miler.  He might enjoy some training before the Ataxia ride in 2 weeks!

I'm thinking Terrie and I will be on the Seavo tandem, so we'll be doing the 25...  You won't be alone!!!

Will there be any rest stops, or will the two routes be suited only for those with iron bladders?  Older riders with inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks, Paul. Will be riding one of the routes. Need to check with fellow Clowns that might ride to see what route they want to take.

Paul, what do you suppose might be the average speed of the 40 mile gang?

I'm thinking about it.  24 if it's very windy.  Not at all if it's very cold.  You know I'm a weather wimp.

Well, Alexis and I would like to come do the 40 miler, but not if we're going to be the only ones doing it.

Quote from Bud_Bent on Mar 12^th, 2013, 10:18pm:

 
At least south winds make the 2nd half of Italy a lot more pleasant!!!

I'm in!  I'm probably more up for the 24 than the 40 unless the 40 sticks to that 14mph average.  

Shelly, plan on the 40...

Sure, I'll be glad to do the 40, assuming my compadres know the route!  I do not know Lancaster well but will study the route anyway.  I just don't want to get lost.

LSR's Saturday 100 blew up, so this looks like a good ride for the trike.  If there is enough interest in the 40, I'll do that, otherwise the 25.  More recent NOAA forecast shows low 70's by noon, but even windier (trike and low racer conditions)!

Quote from jcsadowski on Mar 15^th, 2013, 8:03pm:

 
John, let's get a 10 mph pace line going into that predicted 17 mph southerly headwind.    

I'll be there for the 24 miler

Looking forward to it!