This coming weekend (August 19, 20 21, 2011) will mark the first time our club has organized a series of off-road training rides, modelled after a stage race. Don’t get too hyped up though, we won’t be racing. Well, maybe once in a while.

This event is open only to club members and racers with a UCI licence. Each stage will have a prize for the top finisher and it will be a burger.

Ride Protocol

Volunteers will be riding an even pace throughout the event. Stay with your fellow riders, and remember that each stage has particular challenges so save your energy. If you see someone lagging behind, go back and help.

Support

There are no aid stations, but lots of gas stations and variety stores where we will be able to fuel up. Make sure that you have enough fluid and fuel on you at all times to cover 2 hours of riding (that’s 2 bottles and 2 snacks). Don’t bonk and if someone else is, share our supplies. Ride with about $20 in your pocket each day. Carry 2 tubes! Cross bike friendly, for some.

Stage 1: Riverdale Crybabies 6AM Riverdale Park

Edgars will be leading 2 hours of hurt in Riverdale park, meet at the track. Expect hill climbs, dismounts, single track and lots of sprints.

Stage 2: In Town Torture 7 AM DH East

Paul has designed a 50km course, with lots of technical, the odd hill that can only be walked up or down, some fast road stretches and city hydro-cut. Bring 2 bottles, this one is a burner. http://www.bikemap.net/route/1158021. Pace for some of the sections will be all together, if only for safety’s sake.

Stage 3: Out of Town off Road – location TBD, either Albion Hills or Duntroon.

4 hours of hard trail riding, take the time to do all the technical and improve your skills. Bring extra clothes and some food, we can have a picnic at the end of the ride.

Confirm your participation here: Click here to take survey

This coming weekend (July 8, 9 and 10, 2011) will mark the first time our club has organized a series of training rides, modelled after a stage race. Don’t get too hyped up though, we won’t be racing.

This event is open only to club members and racers.

Ride Protocol

Volunteers will be riding an even pace throughout the event. Stay with your fellow riders, and remember that the final day is a doozy, so save your energy. If you see someone lagging behind, go back and help. If you are passing someone, give them your wheel so they can get back on. We will split into ability levels at the start of the ride.

Support

There are no aid stations, but lots of gas stations and variety stores where we will be able to fuel up. Make sure that you have enough fluid and fuel on you at all times to cover 2 hours of riding (that’s 2 bottles and 2 snacks). Don’t bonk and if someone else is, share our supplies. Ride with about $20 in your pocket each day. Carry 2 tubes!

Stage 1, Friday July 8th, 6:30am start :Ride from Dark Horse Espresso Bar East in Toronto to the Holland Marsh, just a little bit longer than our club ride to Mary Lake. This is a hilly one, but the only challenging section is at Dufferin and Hwy 9. The road turns to gravel and there is a very steep pitch to get out of the valley. You’ll make it, just be patient.

http://www.bikemap.net/route/1087162

Stage 2, Saturday July 9th, 6:30am start: Ride to Ajax from DH east. There will be a little more traffic for this one, but the section outside of Pickering and Ajax is wonderful. Only one major hill, on Whitevale road.

http://www.bikemap.net/route/1087138

Stage 3, Sunday July 19, 10 AM start: Starts At Albion Hills Conservation Centre and rides up to Creemore and back. This ride isn’t all that hard until you get on to #21. This is the unfriendly giant. From kilometre 40 until about 62, you’ll be climbing. The road conditions are good, but pace yourself. A quick descent into Creemore for a snack and then back on relatively gentle road. There is a fee to park at Albion Hills. Car pool with your friends, enemies and frenemies to get there.

http://www.bikemap.net/route/1087114

Click here to let us know if you are participating. Those that are not do not need to complete the survey.

One of the quickest and stickiest tires around, the Continental Race King comes in a superlight “Supersonic”, UST with great sidewall protection and a few models in between. I rode the middle weight tubed versions in the TransAndes Challenge , and they always had enough grip without trading off speed. Supple bead, great tread pattern, simply a top tire for when it is dry to just a little bit wet.

The only time that I don’t recommend the tubed, lightweight versions are for long technical downhills with lots of loose rocks and boulders. There is a risk of puncture due to the thiness (though I never did and the descents were sometimes 20km). Pick one of the stouter tires and you’ll be fine.

More here: http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/general/home/index_en.html