9 replies to this topic

[CyclingStemCell]

Couple questions.

1. How fast is "fast"?  18, 20, 22, 24 mph (or faster--yikes)?

2. Which direction does the ride go (out Litzsinger to start or come back that way)?

3. Are the markings on the road that I've seen on other rides current as far as anyone knows?  They look fresh, and they'll be nice if (when) I get dropped. . .

Thanks,
Dave

[billh]

I've heard 20-21 mph . . .

Litzinger is the sprint at the end, eastbound . . .

there are no markings, but the shop has maps you can take with you.  there's also several shortcuts you can take to cut out loops and join back with the main group, like north on Mason at Clayton (instead of straight), and east on Conway instead of west . . .

it's a friendly group and a challenge to see how long you can stay with the group, but due to evening time slot, the group does not wait for flats or dropped riders, but someone usually hangs back; definitely worth checking out.

[Furlan Ator]

That sounds interesting! Would anyone mind adding couple more details, such as start time, brief route description and length? Thank you.

[Kracko]

6pm start at The Hub Bicycle CO Lockwood AVe, Webster Groves,MO  If you arent ready for a high level race pace ride you might stay at home, The route is not marked either.

Edited by Kracko, 08 August 2012 - 04:06 PM.

[Russian Bear]

Here is the strava file, it's pretty quick. Don't be fooled by the averages,

http://app.strava.com/rides/7372061

edit: heed the advice in bill's post!

Edited by Russian Bear, 09 August 2012 - 12:01 PM.

[billh]

N, . . . that mileage must include travel from your house to the shop, the actual route is only ~25 mi . . . so cut out the little loop on Geyer south of Kirkwood Rd/ Adams . . . and now it goes all the way east on Conway to Spoede south, instead of Ballas south to Clayton Rd . . .

[Russian Bear]

Yep you're right Bill. Well I may as well leave the link up to give an idea of pace and such. This is from earlier this season though, so I imagine it's even faster now!

[Furlan Ator]

Thanks for the strava file, RB.
Looking forward to giving it a try (and get dropped at some point..) next week! I'll bring my fast legs  and warm up before the start

[thefutureofamerica]

The ride doesn't usually start that fast - the pace picks up when the ride crosses Manchester (at least that's how it used to be - I usually drop in somewhere on Geyer) but the parts in the middle are fast. Average speeds are usually like 21-22 for the full ride, though. That said, lots of people get dropped and so getting dropped on this ride isn't usually a lonely experience, at least.

[Jetmugg]

Closest thing to a road race, without having to pay an entry fee.  If you are not familiar with the route and terrain, do the Sat morning ride first, in order to learn where the turns and hills are located. The first part of the ride (to the intersection of Conway and 270) is the same for Weds and Sat.