HCP Summer Solstice Ride 2012

[bh357]

The folding map is also helpful for if you need to bail and take dirt roads back.

Which is typically further than staying on the trail, but a whole lot smoother!

And shorter time-wise.

[alexyoung]

Yeah, I've actually been training over the winter getting ready for WAM this July, so I'm hoping I'll be okay. I'll at least be in good enough shape to sit in the saddle long enough As far as effort goes, how does the 80 compare to the 50?

[Nelg]

The folding map is also helpful for if you need to bail and take dirt roads back.

Which is typically further than staying on the trail, but a whole lot smoother!

And shorter time-wise.

Unless you did it the way we did, bail at Tin Shanty and end up going north to blue lake rd. Oops!

So looking forward to this ride, going to be a blast!

[bh357]

The folding map is also helpful for if you need to bail and take dirt roads back.

Which is typically further than staying on the trail, but a whole lot smoother!

And shorter time-wise.

Unless you did it the way we did, bail at Tin Shanty and end up going north to blue lake rd. Oops!

So looking forward to this ride, going to be a blast!

I think from Tin Shanty your only real option is Blue Lake to East Branch to 622. When I bailed at Pigeon Bridge , I ended up having to go all the way up to Blue Lake also.

My other bail was a planned ride Clockwise up to Black River, then ride Black River / Canada Creek / M33 back to Clear Lake.

[bh357]

Yeah, I've actually been training over the winter getting ready for WAM this July, so I'm hoping I'll be okay. I'll at least be in good enough shape to sit in the saddle long enough As far as effort goes, how does the 80 compare to the 50?

The 80 is about double the effort compared to the 50. It takes as much time to complete the 30 as it does the 50... and that's even doing the 30 mile section first as we usually do (riding Counter-Clockwise).

[alexyoung]

Grumble, I have no frame of reference. I guess I'll just do the 50 this summer and maybe the 80 in the fall or something.

[ihateplaindave]

That's a good plan. Also, if the 50 isn't isn't enough go out for some riding the next day.

[feldpaj]

how many have done the 80 in the fall? I dont think many.
You just need to be able to keep going all day to do the 80. When i have completed the 80 my main focus after hours on the trail is just don't stop. The first time i did the 80 I never stopped moving until about 60 miles in (btm of rattlesnake). I would take my food, eat and walk until i was done then ride.
My last 80 skeeters were so bad i didnt stop to eat because i might have been carried away. Felt bad for Rick when he bailed as he couldnt even get in the car to get away from them.
Go up in the spring to help clear the trail, will make the 80 faster.
This past fall we did ~60 miles on the trail then roads back to camp to make a loop (ask BH for accurate milage)

[irishpitbull]

In for 50. When do we register?

[TheyCallMeBruce]

In for 50. When do we register?

I think you just did!

[Nelg]

In for 50. When do we register?

I think you just did!

Yep, it's $5 a night to camp and that's it unless you want a map which is extra and a money maker for us so it's much appreciated.

Bring stuff to camp for two nights. Three drop bags and water containers for the supply drops too. Put what ever you need for food and comfort for a all day ride in the bags. While 50 miles may not seem like much, you'll likely be in the saddle from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or later.

[irishpitbull]

Explain the "drop bags" please? I'm a 1st timer

[balexander87]

They're dropped off at each campsite and contain your resupply goods and overnight supplies. That way you don't have to ride with everything all the time. At least, I think that's what they're getting at. You guys drop a car off with all the drop bags at each campsite or something? This sounds like an awesome trip by the way.

[Nelg]

They're dropped off at each campsite and contain your resupply goods and overnight supplies. That way you don't have to ride with everything all the time. At least, I think that's what they're getting at. You guys drop a car off with all the drop bags at each campsite or something? This sounds like an awesome trip by the way.

Close, but no overnighting. We just know you often can't ride with everything you need for an all day ride. We have worked out drop points and safety vehicles.

I'll post up a newbie guide tomorrow when I'm not on a tiny phone.

[bh357]

They're dropped off at each campsite and contain your resupply goods and overnight supplies. That way you don't have to ride with everything all the time. At least, I think that's what they're getting at. You guys drop a car off with all the drop bags at each campsite or something? This sounds like an awesome trip by the way.

Close, but no overnighting. We just know you often can't ride with everything you need for an all day ride. We have worked out drop points and safety vehicles.

I'll post up a newbie guide tomorrow when I'm not on a tiny phone.

Note to self: put a can of Coca Cola in the Rattlesnake car.