Third running of the event! We're officially a toddler! A good amount of fun to be had by all... hope to see some of you there! I'll be pestering all with more details as they come up, but it will be on the blog for sure:
The intention is to have a solid ride that's just tough enough, but not too tough for most people. Around 100km (62 miles), and doable on a MTB or a road bike, but best enjoyed on a cross bike. Last year we really put a great course together that avoided traffic, and was able to be altered by riders to shorten up on skip portions easily. Moderate levels of support/aide stations, designed to be inexpensive and inclusive.
We want to get people on bikes (!) and promote the riding in and around Redlands. Open to any suggestions you may have!
Good news everyone: We're adding a 100 mile route this year!
So there will be the traditional 100km/62 mile route, but added on to that will be a a few more extra-credit sessions adding up to a full Imperial century!
Introduce cyclists to the roads and trails in and around Redlands.
Challenge cyclists to do things the don't normally do on a bike (trails on a road bike, road on a MTB, ride 60+ miles, etc...)
Have a good time!
Seriously, this is a ride we (I'm projecting here) would all like to go on. So why not open it up and encourage like-minded individuals to come out and ride it with us!!!
For those of you that participated last year, I hope you've checked your email! Pre-reg is open and ready to go for all three routes. English century, metric century (~62 miles), and metric half century (~30 miles).
For newbies, you can register on the IEBA site here: http://www.iebikingalliance.org/content.aspx?page_id=87&club_id=961736&item_id=483217 While not required, it is hoped that you will join the IEBA which will lead to the discounted registration. It also bumps up our numbers, which is a HUGE bonus for any sort of an advocacy group. Fees have gone up a small bit, but while we make a little money on this, the idea is to have a great time, get people on bikes, show them the riding in Redlands and the IE, and yes, grow the IEBA rolls.
I'm hugely self-promoting this, but I really think it's one of the best times you can have on two wheels. Don't worry about not having the "right" bike... just run what you brung and have a good time. The 100 mile route is going to be challenging. The 50km route will be pretty easy. The 100km route is my favorite and will have the best we have to offer!
We need volunteers, particularly for the English century portion. If you know of friends, family, businesses, or organizations that would like to staff an aid station, please put them in contact with me. cyclo... @gmail.com
And as you know, social media is what pushes things. Please feel free to forward via the various books, grams, and chirps! Updates will be posted regularly on the RSR blog.
Starting to look mighty nice out here... trails have been tamped down by a few storms. Grasses and chaparral are coming in green. Weather has been in the 60's for a couple weeks. Gonna' be pretty nice come March!
Finalizing some trails this weekend, but if it goes according to plan, the English century is going to be on the epic side. Approaching Leadville elevation numbers:
English Century: 104 miles (60 dirt) with 12,100'
Metric Century: 64 miles (32 dirt) with 6700'
M 1/2 Century: 36 miles (20 dirt) with 3600
The metric century and half-metric are pretty much in the can course-wise. Going to be more dirt on it this year than previous, especially in the English century (~60%). The half-metric will be a really nice course, with great sampling of terrains. That's the main course the ride was built around. All three will hit what I feel is the golden ratio of elevation gain: 1,000 ft for every 10 miles.
If you're on the fence and doubting your ability, the half-metric will be very doable if ridden at your own pace. Metric will be tough, but still doable. English century... well, good luck with that one
Food and post-ride refractory period will be top notch as well. Feel free to just come out for that! We're going to be moving up to the next level for the food, two kegs of local brew, hopefully some locally made softdrink as well. Obviously motels in town, but we'll find a couch or floor somewhere if that's how you roll. No excuses to not come out and enjoy the day in some form! We're over 130 registered for the 250 spots. It probably won't hit the cut off, but if you're planning on it, better get a move on that registration thing: http://iebikingalliance.org/content.aspx?page_id=87&club_id=961736&item_id=483217
More good looking trails. My "skinny" tire bike performed just fine!
What an event!!! 250+ riders on Saturday. The majority on the 100km courses, but a solid chunk out riding the 100 miler! Weather was perfect, with cool mid-50F mornings, giving way to low 80F afternoon. I am biased, but it sure looked like everyone was having a good time out there! It was harder than some people were expecting, but I don't think that was disappointing to anyone! Better too hard than too easy! A real quick final blog post, thanking everyone involved in this! An AMAZING DAY! We'll be seeing you again next spring, for one of the best organized bike rides Southern California has to offer!
I was there w/6 of my friends. What a GREAT ride. And, yes, very difficult.
I was coming off a bout of the flu a few weeks ago so decided to do the 100 km rather than the 100 mi. It was a good choice as I doubt I would have finished the 100 mi and certainly not within the time limit. We had 4 from our group start the 100 mi distance but only one completed it. He said it was the hardest ride he's ever done. So we had 1 rider at 104 mi and 5 of us between 68 & 80 mi.
The organization was good and everyone involved were so nice. The sag stops were very good. The after ride party was a lot of fun w/great food, plenty of liquid refreshment, and 2 bands. Most of us got lost more than a few times so that could be an area for improvement. But I plan to be back next year.
Hey Doc, thanks for the feedback! We really appreciate it, as we try to fine tune it every year to improved what needs to be improved, and keep what is successful! The mark we try to hit every year is to keep it FUN! At least what we define as fun, so it could a bit twisted there!
A couple of us have tried to register without success. The site is taking us to the volunteer sign in page. A post on Facebook said registration would open on the 1st. Is this for IEBC members only? Thanks.
It's sort of counter-intuitive, but the registration includes an IEBA membership. But instead of just charging $65 for registration and including a membership, it looks to be making you do a $25 membership registration first, and then adding the $40 ride on.
I just looked at it, and that isn't spelled out, or a one-step process. I'll send this feedback on, but I think the work around is to do the membership + the ride reg. It's a clunky site, but works well for most of what it's used for!
![[23842210814_11d897a50a_b]](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/23842210814_11d897a50a_b.jpg)
![[smile]](http://cdn.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif)
![[24477239269_e22ecf0710_b]](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/24477239269_e22ecf0710_b.jpg)
![[24566774180_a20c8e0594_b]](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/24566774180_a20c8e0594_b.jpg)
![[25342526853_87a0ff3e56_b]](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/25342526853_87a0ff3e56_b.jpg)