Who's up for a century ride?

Calling all Ohio BT riders:

Anyone up for either a 56 or 112 mile bike ride on Saturday, May 23?

I’m feeling the need for a long bike ride this month. Last year two riding friends and I completed a self supported century in the Alum Creek area. I’m going to do another this year on the 23^rd (rain date will be the 24^th). I’m thinking about meeting at the Alum Creek beach lot about 7:30am and getting started at 8am, sharp. We’ll complete two 56 mile laps of the Fat Rabbit HIM race course. You can do one lap or two.

THIS IS A SELF SUPPORTED CENTURY RIDE. THERE WILL BE NO PLACE TO STOP AND GET WATER OR NUTRITION. YOU MUST CARRY ALL YOU NEED WITH YOU FOR EACH LOOP. IF YOU PLAN ON TWO LOOPS PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND KEEP EXTRA WATER AND SNACKS IN YOUR CAR.

This is a training ride, not a bike trip or sightseeing tour. Everyone is invited but don’t bring your friend who “thinks” he’ll be able to make the distance. He won’t have a good time. That being said, the pace will not be sizzling. Plan on 15-16 MPH average WITH STOPPING FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS  INCLUDED IN THIS AVERAGE. At times the pace may increase to over 20 MPH. Expect to complete the first loop in 3:30 to 3:45 hours.

After the first 56 miles we will stop back at the parking lot for 15-20 minutes to allow for refilling of water bottles and a bathroom break.

Should you get a flat or have a mechanical problem be prepared to fix it on your own. I cannot guarantee that you will not be left behind. We won’t purposely crank the speed in order to drop someone, however. The course loops back on itself in several places and you should be able to catch back up with the group.

I know I come off kind of jerk-ish in this invite, but I want it to be clear that this is a training ride. I do not expect my training partners to wait for me on a ride like this if I get a flat. I expect them to go on and I’ll catch up with them later. Again, all are welcome but just be sure you can make the distance.

And to those who think this pace is too slow: I figure this will be a comfortable pace for the greatest amount of riders. If you’re looking to go faster that’s fine, go on out ahead, I won’t be personally offended.

Here is a map of the course.