Vibe and stuff to know
We'll run this ride the First and Third Saturdays beginning June 6.
Gather 9:30-9:45.
Roll-out 10:00 a.m. sharp.
As a club ride, we invite you to join the MBBC to get covered under our insurance policy. One-time participation to check us out is ok, but please join-up after that (it’s a great deal).
This is a NO DROP ride. We will re-group after climbs and at important intersections to make sure nobody gets lost. If turn-out is stellar, we may split into a couple of groups to keep it manageable.
There will be designated ride leaders who will give a brief logistics and expectations chat before we depart (please follow their lead on the ride). If you have a mechanical, someone will wait with you and provide moral support while you address repairs.
This ride is mid-Saturday morning on a popular local multi-use route. We will observe all courtesy practices to avoid endangering or pissing-off other cyclists, runners, walkers, families, or equestrian folk and critters. This means mostly single-file format, mostly moderate pace, and safe-passing practices using verbal queues. In a word – “patient” riding. It’s a chance to gain experience and confidence riding gravel in a group on a route with world-class scenery.
We look forward to having you join us and hope this ride provides what you are looking for or serves as an entry-point for you to other more challenging gravel ride options!
Route
Down Interurban Trail to Lost Lake Trailhead parking lot (restrooms/water/snack break) and back. Round trip 13 miles with about 900 feet of climbing.
Classification (the 4 “T”s)
Detailed info about the 4Ts
Tempo – “A” to “B” (mostly “A” 10-12 mph)
Traffic – “A” mostly on interurban trails
Topo – “B” mostly flat/moderate but a few punchy climbs
Terrain – “C” mixed paved, gravel, smooth dirt, roads and generally 6-10 foot wide trail.
What to bring?
A gravel or cyclocross type bike with moderately wide tires with some tread pattern and comfortable gearing for some punchy climbs. You won’t need a high-end (big ring) gear as we won’t be doing any sprints or sustained speed work.
Bring a water bottle. One should be enough as there is water at the halfway point too to refill.
Snacks – pack what you need for a 1 ½ to 2-hour outing. We’ll pause at turn-around point for a restroom and snack break.
Basic repair items – including a spare tube, patch kit, pump, multi-tool. Bare-minimum is what you need to fix a flat.
Eyewear that works in sun/shade conditions – mostly forested with some sunny patches so dark shades probably not needed or safe.
Clothing – what you are comfortable riding in – lycra or loose, recommend something breathable, and maybe a thin extra layer to stuff in a pocket or bag.
Tech stuff – welcome to bring a GPS, phone, or whatever, but please don’t plan on looking at it much while riding. We want your eyes on the trail, fellow riders, and other trail users to avoid mishaps!