1000K Update #1

1. The cue sheet is finalized and is posted on the Events page. It’s also here. (And the 300K Eustis-San An riders can find their cue sheet here.) Please let me know if you have questions, comments, etc.

2. I know many RBAs provide Garmin/RWGPS/etc. In the spirit of self-sufficiency that defines randonneuring, I do not. Of course you are welcome to make your own, share it, etc., but remember that the cue sheet is the official route.

3. Four riders set out on the preride to check the route, unsupported. Three of us completed it in 67:06. (One DNF at 700km; saddle sores.)

4. Here are some big-picture take-aways from that preride….

–The roads are generally good, but a few are notably rough (Green Pond, CR 445 (inbound), SR 2082). I indicated the worst offenders on the cue sheet, but, obviously, exercise great caution especially if pacelining on any road with less than perfect pavement. (I rode a carbon Giant TCR Comp 1 with 23mm tires (Conti 4000s); that was appropriate for this ride, despite a few miles of rough roads.)

–Expect traffic in Gainesville — it’s a game day (LSU; time is TBD). There’s an excellent Jamaican restaurant next to the bike shop in Gainesville, but they run on Island Time; if you’re in a hurry, there are abundant other, quicker options in the area for lunch. Special thanks to Jim Wilson, the Gainesville RBA who greeted us at the control, and to the awesome guys at Swift Cycle who are pumped that we’re using their shop as the turn-around control.

–There was also some traffic for us on a few of the roads west of Lakeland (Day 2), but it was all manageable. Still, be careful, especially where there is no or minimal shoulder.

–There are some seriously remote areas on this ride on Days 1 and 3, going through the National Forest. You will not have cell service for extended periods of time.

–Day 3 travels along the beach on A1A for 12 miles. There is less than no road shoulder — the dunes encroach on the road! We had no problems with traffic even on a nice Sunday afternoon (you guys will be there on Monday), but obviously exercise caution here.

–Weather is always a factor. We were wet the whole ride, but it was fortunately warm. Definitely bring your sun screen.

–All of the controls will be open when you are there. I have indicated a few other stores on the cue sheet that you may find useful.

–There’s an info control on Day 3, so bring a pen. There’s also a postcard control; I’ll give that to you at registration, but you’ll need that pen again….

–only one loose dog in 633 miles (Altoona Rd; Day 3)? A total miracle. Watch for dogs. Also watch for deer, opossum, armadillos, and raccoons. Hitting any of that stuff is bad news.

–for my non-locals, be wary of the side of the roads when changing flats, resting, peeing, or whatever. Our ants bite. Badly. When I was 10, those bastards sent me to the hospital. There are goatheads that will flat Gatorskins. Snakes? Did I mention snakes?

5. Several folks have asked about bike shops in the area. Sun Center Cycles is about a mile from the hotel and seems pretty solid.

6. Haven’t registered yet? Jump on that!

7. Dithering on the hotel reservations? Jump on that, too!

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *