Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adam "Cezar" Jenkins on February 4, 2011 at 3:02pm

The same weekend as the swap, and the punk rock bowling, and another thing I have going.

 

ಠ_ಠ

 

Edit: Can't find the punk rock bowling thing anymore for some reason. v0v

 

A real question though. This isn't overnight at all? Just up in the morning, back on the train?

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on February 5, 2011 at 4:53am

Yes, that's the plan this year.  As you pointed out, there are a lot of bike-related events happening in Chicago over the last weekend in February (there's also the Bike Winter Film festival, I think).  The thought of doing a 1-day FSC this year was to a) change it up and b) allow Wisconsin cyclists the chance to get to Chicago Friday night and give them a chance to have a day or two to enjoy the cycling events happening in Chicago before they have to turn back north to get home.

 

To be sure that we get the most out of our time in Wisconsin, 99% of the cycling portion of the ride will happen north of the border.  We'll also be having lunch at a brewpub in Milwaukee called Stonefly,as well as enjoying a genuine Wisconsin Friday night fish fry at a brewpub in Burlington called Burlington Brewing Company.

 

Adam "Cezar" Jenkins said:

A real question though. This isn't overnight at all? Just up in the morning, back on the train?

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Permalink Reply by Holly on February 5, 2011 at 6:28am

You're killing me. I love WI fish fry!

I have to be somewhere on Saturday early and feel I would need to be in a recumbent position all day on Saturday. (That's often the case for me after putting on more than 65 miles.) It takes me a least 1/2 day to feel recovered and all I want to do is sleep and eat.

 

Hmm...I'll have to think about this. It has been on my "to do" list for years--even before I ever dreamed of riding in the winter, it seemed like a really splendid way to spend a day.

 

Bicycle Poet said:

Yes, that's the plan this year.  As you pointed out, there are a lot of bike-related events happening in Chicago over the last weekend in February (there's also the Bike Winter Film festival, I think).  The thought of doing a 1-day FSC this year was to a) change it up and b) allow Wisconsin cyclists the chance to get to Chicago Friday night and give them a chance to have a day or two to enjoy the cycling events happening in Chicago before they have to turn back north to get home.

 

To be sure that we get the most out of our time in Wisconsin, 99% of the cycling portion of the ride will happen north of the border.  We'll also be having lunch at a brewpub in Milwaukee called Stonefly,as well as enjoying a genuine Wisconsin Friday night fish fry at a brewpub in Burlington called Burlington Brewing Company.

 

Adam "Cezar" Jenkins said:

A real question though. This isn't overnight at all? Just up in the morning, back on the train?

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Permalink Reply by Amber K on February 5, 2011 at 6:31am

Hey Cezar, canceled the punk rock bowling for now.  I guess I'll wait till spring to reschedule.

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on February 7, 2011 at 5:11am

Just to confirm, the Bike Film Festival in Chicago is indeed planned for the last weekend in February.  So, this is another reason, along with the cycling swap, for having the Frozen Snot Century return to Chicago Friday night.

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on February 7, 2011 at 8:28am

I have a few questions:
- What's the pace on this? 
- How many riders does this typically attract and do most riders stick together? 
- Ever have problems with everyone getting on the same train?
- And i'm assuming most, if not all, riding will be on roads since the trails are likely to be covered, right?

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on February 7, 2011 at 8:38am

Excellent questions, JeffB.

-- The pace should average about 15 mph, give or take a few.

-- I can't speak for how many riders have typically participated in the past (but John Greenfield could), but I can say that I expect a ride like this to have it's participants stick together and ride as a pack.  This is not only safer, but it is also more friendly.

-- In other rides that I have been on where we depended on Metra for a portion, No, I have not experienced problems.  However, my personal approach is to plan to play within Metra's rules; meaning that we will try not to exceed the bikes per train rule.  I'm asking for riders to RSVP with me so that I can keep a running count.  If the numbers look like they're going to exceed bike-train capacity, I have a back-up plan that wouldn't be very difficult to pull off.

-- Your last assumption is my own as well.  There are trails that we could take, but I wouldn't want to try them unless they were perfectly clear of snow and ice.

JeffB said:

I have a few questions:
- What's the pace on this? 
- How many riders does this typically attract and do most riders stick together? 
- Ever have problems with everyone getting on the same train?
- And i'm assuming most, if not all, riding will be on roads since the trails are likely to be covered, right?

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on February 7, 2011 at 9:00am

This does appeal to me, but I have my concerns.  The few centuries I've done were in the summer and done solo.  I typically stay away from group rides because I'm worried I'll slow the group down (or be left behind); 15mph is my typical commuting pace, but over a winter century I don't know.  Another concern is sweat and clothing.  I was pretty soaked on my 35 mile ride on Sat., and that was at a more meandering pace.  I guess packing a change of clothes would be a good idea

Bicycle Poet said:

Excellent questions, JeffB.

-- The pace should average about 15 mph, give or take a few.

-- I can't speak for how many riders have typically participated in the past (but John Greenfield could), but I can say that I expect a ride like this to have it's participants stick together and ride as a pack.  This is not only safer, but it is also more friendly.

-- In other rides that I have been on where we depended on Metra for a portion, No, I have not experienced problems.  However, my personal approach is to plan to play within Metra's rules; meaning that we will try not to exceed the bikes per train rule.  I'm asking for riders to RSVP with me so that I can keep a running count.  If the numbers look like they're going to exceed bike-train capacity, I have a back-up plan that wouldn't be very difficult to pull off.

-- Your last assumption is my own as well.  There are trails that we could take, but I wouldn't want to try them unless they were perfectly clear of snow and ice.

 

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Permalink Reply by leyzdoo on February 9, 2011 at 9:32am

I'm also interested in how many riders will be joining.  I can't think of a better way to start knocking out centuries in 2011.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on February 17, 2011 at 7:18am

What are roads like up there in WI?  If it rains then goes below freezing can we expect icy roads?

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on February 17, 2011 at 8:39am

The roads I've biked on in Wisconsin generally have had ample shoulder space for cycling on, if that is part of what you're asking about.

 

As far as the roads turning icy, I don't expect to see that.  My 5 Bike Winters' of experience tell me that roads rarely turn icy unless there is a swift and drastic drop in temperature.  The coldest temperatures currently in the forecast for southeastern Wisconsin for next weekend are in the mid-to-upper 20s, and my experience tells me this is still too warm to see roads iced-over.  Sidewalks are another story.

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Permalink Reply by Bicycle Poet on February 17, 2011 at 8:40am

Right now, we're looking at about 10 cyclists from Chicago and possibly a few from Madison or Milwaukee.

leyzdoo said:

I'm also interested in how many riders will be joining.  I can't think of a better way to start knocking out centuries in 2011.

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