RBSC DESTINATION RIDE
Guilford, CT Coastal Century
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Meet/Depart Time – 8:15/8:30 AM
Ride Options – 100 miles at 15-16 MPH; and 65 miles at 13-14 MPH
Ride Descriptions:
- The century is flat to rolling hills, with a few moderate climbs between miles 20 and 45, and a mostly flat final 50 miles. The ride has been an annual SCBC event for A to B- levels for years; and is very manageable, even if you have never done a century before. If you have done our Kent and Barkhamster rides, you can do this.
The ride is scenic, heading north from Guilford to Durham, then east to Haddam, and south along the Cockaponset State Forest and the Connecticut River to Old Saybrook, and finally west along Long Island Sound to Guilford with very nice water views. Estimated ride time, including food stops, is seven and a half hours.
A $10 donation will be taken from all non-club members for the lunch stop. Lunch is free for RBSC Members.
- The 65 mile route follows much of the century course, but cuts off the Connecticut River/Old Saybrook loop. Estimated ride time, including food stops, is five hours.
Links to routes:
65 miles - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16067426
Century - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16775446
Meet location – Eversource/CPL parking lot off Exit 59 of I-95 North; turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Goose Ln; lot is on the left in about 0.1 mile. Facilities are available at either Mobil or Shell gas stations; turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Goose Ln; stations are about 0.1 mile on either side of the road, just past Boston Post Rd. Driving time from Ridgefield is about one hour and a quarter.
Guilford Google Maps link - https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2904359,-72.6647875,67m/data=!3m1!1e3
Ride leader: Bill Wagner will lead the century; 65 mile leader TBD. Please direct any questions to Bill...
( bill@daukwagnerinvestments.com or cell at 203-470-2377)
We sent a notice out a couple weeks ago to gauge interest in this destination ride, and received a very good response. But we need to nail down logistics, such as planning for multiple food stops; and would appreciate everyone registering as soon as possible, so we can lock in our plans.
Here are some helpful hints and strategies for enjoying every bit of your century ride.
This is meant primarily for first time century riders, but reminders can also be useful for those who have done it before. Centuries are exactly the same as other rides we do, only different. Though a third longer than our Kent and Barkhamster rides, if you can do those, you can do this. It just takes some preparation and patience.
We are doing the ride at a tour pace of 15-16, so no land speed records will be in jeopardy. We are also planning for three food stops at 25 mile intervals. The main lunch stop will be at mile 50, and will have pre-ordered and pre-paid sandwiches and water; the other two stops will be shorter for topping off liquids and snacks.
Some century 101 tips.
Given the food stop schedule, bring enough liquids and snacks (GU, power bars, etc) to cover the intervals. Non-RBSC members, please bring $10 to cover the lunch stop.
The route is listed on the Club site with Garmin links. I haven’t done this ride for a couple years, so be relying on the GPS and cue sheets, since old age makes doing it from memory a challenge. Would be good if everyone had the route in Garmin and/or cue sheet form, along with a map of the route area.
A key to centuries is not to go out too fast. I will control the pace to the advertised specs, and urge riders not to break the group. We have around 20 sign ups, which is a large group to manage, so we will use common sense on traveled roads to split into safe sizes.
Stay ahead of the curve on hydration and food; drink/eat early and often, particularly if the weather is not friendly; it’s a cumulative thing. If anyone feels they are struggling at any point, let me know; do not be a hero.
Nothing compromises a century like repeated unnecessary mechanicals that interrupt the rhythm. Flats happen, so bring full change sets that can handle two, but to cut down on mechanicals, a thorough pre-ride bike check is strongly commended. The best option is to bring your bike into the shop and let the pros do it, but here is a list of things for the do it yourselfer to consider checking:
- tire wear and pressure
- brake pads and position
- loose connections (bounce your bike and see if anything rattles)
- spokes
- saddle position ( 7 hours is a long time)
- electronics/battery changes (Garmin, gears, etc)
- lights/reflectors
- gears, chain, lubes
- shoes/cleats/peddles (wear and security)
- helmet fit/security
- check weather for proper clothing
Since we will be on the road all day, preparing topics of conversation can be useful so no one gets bored……….only kidding.
We have noted carpooling options on the site. This could be a good idea to increase the number of designated driver possibilities in case someone doesn’t feel up to the hour and a quarter drive home. I will leave it to you to explore carpooling, but encourage it.
This century is scenic and manageable; let’s have fun and be safe. See everyone Sunday.
