Subject: RE: Triple Bypass- what gear to bring I'm not doing it this year but have done it 5 times.
Unless you're a racer, start early. We usually started between 6 and 6:30. I would start the ride in tights and arm warmers with a jacket in my pocket. I've always had headgear (under helmet skullcap or balaclava ) and wore it sometime during the day. If you have full finger gloves, bring them. Not insulated ones, just mtn bike gloves.
If you start early and dress warm for Squaw/Juniper you will be in warm clothes all the way until Idaho Springs. That's when you'll peal off layers. Be versatile. If it rains in the afternoon you will be putting that stuff back on.
The first year we did it my buddy's girlfriend drove along. In Copper he gave her all his warm clothes and then it started raining on Vail pass. He was miserable on the descent.
Unless the finish is a different venue than the past, be prepared for NO SHADE when you're getting your post ride meal/beer. One year we left early just because we wanted out of the sun.
My crew usually took 10 hours with 8 in the saddle.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
Ted
P.S. I didn't do it the rainy year in 2006 I believe. I would say if it is raining at the beginning and you are determined to finish, ditch all cycling clothes and just bring a heavy duty shell/pants that you might wear skiing. Another friend rode that year and it sounded so miserable that if I ever went to the start and it was raining, I would bail and go back home. |