Friday, May 8, 2009

Its Coming...

Sunday May 24
09:00
Departure from Tall Tree Cycles parking lot

Please check back here on Friday for any last minute changes/info.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

whoa, what a cool poster...

I am in!

Andrew said...

Better for the 'cross bike with lightweight knobbies or ok for road bike with 23c tires?

Matt Surch said...

Andrew,

I have to advise against 23s. Sure, its doable, but handling will be less stable, flats more likely, and the ride much rougher. If your road bike takes 26s or 28s, like the Grand Bois, those are ideal. On a 'cross bike, knobbies are not necessary; but if you think you won't mind the extra drag for the sake of more stability on dirt, go for it. If I had to choose between a file tread 'cross tire in 32 versus a 28 Grand Bois or Challenge, I'd go for the latter two. If all you've got is lightweight knobbies, and would prefer not to expand your tire stock, run them over the 23s on the road bike.

Andrew said...

Thanks Matt,

I'll look for some fatter tires. Not sure how much larger I can go on the road bike (prolly no larger than 25c) so may end up on the 'crosser.

Rodd Heino said...

Hey andrew
email me
rodd.heino at gmail.com
i can hook you up with at least one tire that will be good,
a rolypoly, 700x26ish that fits most road bikes,
i may have a nice round michelin in a 26 too.

Unknown said...

I'll be away for the rst of May, but I do commend you on your poster.

Loking forward to some Wakefield rides in June.

Anonymous said...

that poster just oozes awesomeness.
I will do my damndest to be there.

Mark

Anonymous said...

looks cool

a long time ago...
http://amadeo.blog.com/repository/470755/1320096.jpg
this also should happen some time.

grass roots stuff that just smokes the dust off of people's rear ends till it hurts!

without a bit of pain, we are nothing.

Matt Surch said...

The poster was created by Greg, and believe it or not, this is his backup design. Can't wait to see his 'A' game (that might have to be used next time). I gave him the theme and he went with it. No art direction, just a bike guy doing his thing. I love it. A good poster goes a long way.

Andrew said...

Rodd - thanks, email sent.

the original big ring said...

I'm sorry that I am going to miss this one - been looking forward all Spring to riding up there with you guys. Got the 8hr that weekend. Have a great ride!

You guys still doing the Gat loop tomorrow? 6:30pm Gameline?

cheers

Matt Surch said...

Bummer Craig. Don't worry, there will be more opportunities. In fact, if you are around this sunday, I'm hoping to do a 'cross bike loop to Wakefield offroad, since the park will be open.

Tomorrow night is on, at the gate, 6:30. See you then!

Rob Young said...

I wish I were in better shape, this sounds like a lovely time, but it would probably kill me right now. :/

Andrew Hayter said...

Looking forward to giving this a shot!

Rodd Heino said...

oh and for those curious here's da route

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/le-grand-tour269833

just like last falls hardfolk one does not have to do the full loop
you can still get a good 100km ride in and some fine gravel and some good climbing,just peel off at the intersection of the 366 and clark rd,head on down to wakefield, have some lunch and toodle home along the river rd and 105
that could work for those who aren't feeling the love
just so ya's know
rodd (tour guide)

Anonymous said...

singlspeed doable?

Matt Surch said...

Doable, yes, advised, no. IMO. However, as Rodd mentions, there will be bailouts. So, if things go well, great; if not, bail. There is plenty of climbing, and some pretty fast downhills. One speed will certainly put the hurt on...

Andrew said...

Steep climbs? Just wondering about gearing... 38x25 adequate or nice to have the 27t cog?

Looking forward to the ride...

Matt Surch said...

Up until this spring I ran a 39x25, and it was ok. Not good, but ok. I now run a 36x28, which is nice, but I'll change to a 26 when the Ultegras come out. So, yeah, a 27 would be preferable if you have one, especially if mashing is not your style.

Kevin Nelson said...

Wow.... awesome sounding ride.

Rob Young said...

My gf Heather and I might come out, but will likely only bike to Wakefield with you people if we do. :)

So, the group is meeting at the museum of civilization?

I'll probably be riding my touring bike with 700x28 gatorskins.. :) Not that fast, but dependable!

Matt Surch said...

If everyone meets at Tall Tree that will minimize potential for confusion. Pick-up points can be problematic when the main group does not leave on time for whatever reason. How to know whether you've missed the group?

See you then.

Andrew said...

Yah, I'll run my 12-27t cogset then...

Rodd, sent you an email.

Still debating 'cross or road bike...

See y'all Sunday!