March - April 2007

March, you say? OK, it’s time to get the bike out of storage in the basement. Wipe off the dust, grease the chain and oil those derailleurs and brake points. Before you take your steed out on the road to join our spring series you really should go over the bike at home or have it done at the shop. This is because we want to reduce rider downtime for everyone. Once you’ve pumped up your tires, checked your brake pads and shifting, keep an eye on what you are packing. You want to have a couple of spare tubes to go with your pump, tire levers and the rest of your tools.

If you’ve never joined the 5BBC Montauk training ride series before please read through before your first ride and then join us for as many of the series as you can. The more of these training rides you do the easier it will be when you ride the Montauk Century tour on May 20th.

First, pack light but pack smart. You should carry what you need with you and not have to rely on others to have a pump, spare tube, and other tools. You will need tire levers, and it’s always good to have a small multi-tool that contains allen wrenches and a chain tool.

You should have some energy bars or other pocket energy food and enough water to make your trip easy. If you are going to be climbing you will want to hydrate, and if you don’t you will get leg cramps. You should take at least 2 full bottles or a hydration pack.

Dress sensibly and check the weather before the ride. Our early training rides are at the end of winter so the temperatures could be anyplace between the mid-30s and the 50s. Wear layers that are easy to remove so you can adjust for varying winds and temperatures.

Often our training rides will be through areas with no transit service on weekends, especially in New Jersey and Rockland County. If you have a serious mechanical problem our leaders will do their best to help you, if they can, or try to help you find transportation to a nearby bike shop. Bring your cellphone, in case you have to reach someone in an emergency.

About Quick Spins

The “Quick Spin” training rides are provided for those members who want to do the same rides at a faster pace than the normal training ride. The pace of a quick spin may be 16 or 17 mph or faster. The pace is determined by the ride leaders and most quick spins will not use point-drop-sweep. That means you should not join a quick spin group unless you are sure you can keep up with the group.

Our longest training rides (80-90 mile distances) will go out with just one group instead of two. While they are not listed as “quick spins” they will maintain a quicker pace and almost certainly will not use point-drop-sweep. Trippers on these rides will be expected to know how to read a cue sheet and ride on their own.

NOTE THAT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS A FEW WEEKS EARLIER THIS YEAR:
SECOND SUNDAY IN MARCH!

Danny Lieberman
Day Trips Coordinator
daytrips@5bbc.org

Summary List of the 2007 Montauk Century Training Rides

Montauk Century Manhattan Start Training Rides

• 2/24 9:30AM, Columbus Circle Riverdale 25 miles
• 3/4 9:30AM, Columbus Circle Englewood 30 miles
• 3/10 9:30AM, Columbus Circle Englewood Cliffs 40 miles
• 3/17 9AM/8:30, Columbus Circle Northvale 45 miles
• 4/1 9AM/8:30, Columbus Circle Westwood 50 miles
• 4/14 9AM, 8:30, Columbus Circle Rockland Lake 70 miles
• 4/28 8:30, Columbus Circle Stony Point 82 miles

Montauk Century Queens Start Training Rides

• 3/3 9:30AM, Cunningham Park Sands Point 30 miles
• 3/11 9:30AM, Cunningham Park Hicksville 30 miles
• 3/24 9AM/8:30, Cunningham Park Locust Valley 50 miles
• 4/7 9AM/8:30, Cunningham Park Centre Island 65 miles
• 4/22 9AM/8:30, Cunningham Park Sunken Meadow 75 miles
• 5/5 8:30AM, Cunningham Park Lloyd Neck 85 miles
• 5/12 8AM, Cunningham Park Eaton’s Neck 90 miles

Montauk Metric Century Training Rides

• 3/31 9AM, Cunningham Park Hicksville 30 miles
• 4/15 9AM, Columbus Circle Englewood 30 miles
• 4/21 9AM, Columbus Circle City Island 40 miles
• 5/13 9AM, Columbus Circle Piermont 50 miles