WNR 4/6/2016 ride call

[pace21]

So right now the weather looks marginally acceptable for a WNR. The roads SHOULD be clear(ish) and the temperature SHOULD be above freezing, so let's tentatively plan on the WNR being ON from Cabela's at 5:30pm Wednesday. If tomorrow's storm is worse than predicted check back here on Tuesday.

We're looking for a volunteer (or two) to be ride leaders for the main group -- basically to do exactly what I did last week (navigate, attack the hills if desired, regroup and make sure everyone makes the turns). To make it easier for you to volunteer I have available for loan a Garmin 810 with Barfly handlebar mount pre-loaded with the WNR course. Navigation doesn't get any easier!

We tweaked the course a bit from last week. The start reflects the actual route we took in the first couple miles, and we cut out the section along 111. The new course is shown below.

Here's the skinny (cut and pasted from last week):

We will have 2 groups, starting and ending at the same location but with a 5 minute gap in start time. The main group will leave at 5:35pm and ride in the mode of the traditional WNR from years past. That means paceline, as hard as individually desired on the hills, regroup as appropriate, no drop, obey all the accepted rules of the road. The main change this year is that there will be a first group that will leave at 5:30pm and is encouraged to ruthlessly attack, hammer, and otherwise inflict pain on each other while not waiting for any dropped riders (but also obeying all the accepted rules of the road!). Riders dropped from the A group will be swept up by the B group if necessary. Depending on turnout there may be room for groups in between.

The route was designed with a few goals in mind, however it is new for all of us and may need some tweaking in coming weeks. The intent is to minimize main roads and traffic crossings (especially left turns after stops). I haven't been on many of these roads yet this year so stay vigilant for the usual road surface "issues". Also please study the course -- there are several spots where shortcuts are possible, most notably at mile 13/19 where Oak Hill can be cut out. Anyone is encouraged to use the shortcuts as needed but of course if you are in the main group you need to let the group know so they don't wait for you later down the road. And load up those Garmins just in case!

We'll be looking for main group ride leaders in the coming weeks. The two main requirements are to know the roads reasonably well (or have a Garmin), and be committed to leaving no one behind. If anyone is interested please let us know. It can be a different person each week but we'll identify the main group ride leader before rolling out.

Details:
Start time: 5:30pm (first group), 5:35pm (main group)
Start location: The parking lot at Highland Commons on the Berlin/Hudson town line, park to the right of Cabela's
Post ride grub: maybe. There is a restaurant opening April 4th in Highland Commons that we can check out next week.


The new (and hopefully improved) loop:

[cbusick]

IN

[jmorrissey]

IN

[Suffering Bastard]

Chris, I'm willing to lead the second group in upcoming weeks but I won't be riding this Wednesday.

[JeremyC]

Chris I'm planning on doing some Sawyer Hill repeats before the ride, so I'll take my turn leading the second group.

Anyone want to join me ahead of time? I'll be leaving the plaza at 4:15. 3xSawyer Hill at 115%

[ehrlinger]

in

[Mkidd3]

Downgraded to maybe for the ride but in for the meeting back IN!

[ssarah]

In

[scottc]

(back) In Out

[Jrichard705]

In!

[kenchadwick]

Out for this week and probably next.

[pace21]

Just to clarify we are ON for tonight

[miker2]

In

[KTeves]

In

[RubbingBrakes]

In