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mstuartev
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Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2007 07:28 pm |
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What MIchael said
We had to buy a mallet at some True Value...
Alas, I just got word from Reed that he can't make it (boo!)
If anyone wants to Volunteer, he has a volunteer share to sell (don't know if he has posted that or called Megan)
Mindy and I did about 55 miles yesterday (in Green county... beautiful and HILLY!)
I'm hurting now, but it helps to get one 50+ miler in before the ride
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mmartens
HAM
| Joined: | Tue Mar 27th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wausau, WI |
| Posts: | 8 |
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Posted: Mon Jun 25th, 2007 06:42 pm |
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Mark,
I'm glad to see you, Mindy and Reed are on the tour again. Kathy asked me to be a Site Coordinator this year, so I will not only be ham mobile, but also be a SC for Park Falls.
Like Mark said, make sure you look up when picking a camp site so you don't pitch your tent under a street light. Also, I don't know where else I saw this tip, but pack a little plastic mallet to drive in your tent stakes. Last year at one school, the ground was so hard and dry that I had to use my cycling shoes to drive in my tent stakes; and I have the round aluminum stakes that you can usually push in by hand.
Less than two weeks until BNT. See you in Wautoma. I'm counting down the days.
Michael
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mstuartev
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Posted: Fri Jun 22nd, 2007 09:59 pm |
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Hey I recognize that root beer colored Randonnee bike! How ya doing Mike? Mark Evans here (as in Mark and Mindy and my bro, Reed)
to all first time riders, you are in for a really grand time! this is my third ride and second as a volunteer. Security is fine on the BNW... I just park my bike near the tend, along a schoolwall, and cover my brook saddle with a plastic baggie.
Some sleeping suggestions:
if you sleep outside (my preference) take a look around to see if there are any flood lights in the area. they can be quite bright...like sleeping in the day time!
check out where the entrance to the school and facilities is... in case of middle of night toilet needs.
Snoring in the Gym is an issue... it gets amplified! (har har)
If you can bring one of those foam sleeping mats. they have saved us!
Lines aren't too long and the comraderie is very high on this tour... so it's fun to stand and meet new riders.
See y'all soon!
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mmartens
HAM
| Joined: | Tue Mar 27th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wausau, WI |
| Posts: | 8 |
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Posted: Fri Mar 30th, 2007 02:19 am |
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If you indicated that you are a new rider, someone will contact you via email and give you some tips that will make the tour more enjoyable. The tour has a couple of really good first time rider volunteers, so someone will be available to answer your questions. There will also be a first time rider meeting the first evening to kind of get you 'primed' for the ride.
Michael
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Lancetta
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| Joined: | Sun Mar 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | Dale, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 19 |
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Posted: Fri Mar 30th, 2007 12:41 am |
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So when I filled out my registration, I indicated that it was my first tour. Is that what you mean by signing up for it? Or will I be doing that the first night in Wautoma? And thanks for the info that dinner is on your own that night. I'd forgotten about that.
Lancetta
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mmartens
HAM
| Joined: | Tue Mar 27th, 2007 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 29th, 2007 02:30 pm |
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Yeah, what really bugged me about sleeping indoors was the snoring from other riders. But usually that was only a problem for the first night because after that, your tired enough to sleep almost anywhere. I prefer the tent, though, because it gives you the ability to 'get away' from things and relax.
the tour has daily rider meetings in the evening. These are usally about 1/2 long and feature tour updates, what to expect on the next day's ride (terrain, rest stops, food, and points of interest). The organizers also go through a question and answer and usually put together a couple of fun activities. Rider meetings usually happen around 7:00pm.
If you are a first time rider, you can sign up for a first time rider program, which consist of a short meeting, usually after the rider meeting. You'll learn some tips about riding in large groups, safety, basic bike mechanics, and health and nutrition on the tour. The first time rider meetings will really make you feel more confident about riding on a tour if you've never done so before.
As for what to expect in Wautoma, registration usually begins in the afternoon. Get registered and stake out a sleeping spot. The indoor spots near the walls and power outlets go first. Dinner is on your own. There is an ok choice of restaurants within riding distance in Wautoma. Rider meeting will be at 7:00, and an ice cream social usually follows after that meeting. Lights out in the gym is usually at 10:00pm. Get a good night's sleep. Terrain from Wautoma to Steven's Point is pretty flat for the first 30 miles but gradually gets hillier with lots of little roller coaster type hils as you pass Waupaca. I don't recall any real long climbs the first day.
Michael
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Lancetta
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| Location: | Dale, Wisconsin USA |
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Posted: Thu Mar 29th, 2007 01:40 pm |
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Thanks, Michael, for your input. I am one of those "annoying" early risers  so I'm sure the indoor camping would be fine, and it's good to have the option. I'll definitely take your advice and do a couple of back-to-back rides as the season gets more underway.
Also, I've read a little bit about meetings that they have on this tour for those on a tour for the first time. Do you (or anyone else) know if these are a daily thing, or just at the beginning of the ride? Do you know what information is covered? And what should I expect the first evening in Wautoma? I'm a real rookie . . .
Lancetta
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mmartens
HAM
| Joined: | Tue Mar 27th, 2007 |
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Posted: Tue Mar 27th, 2007 08:22 pm |
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If you signed up for tent camping, you aren't committed to doing that. Many of the tenters will spend a night indoors if it looks like inclement weather. I've spent nights in the gym and in a tent, and I'd recommend the tent if you really want to get a good night's sleep. Its not the quietest place, and if you aren't an early riser, you will certainly be annoyed by the people getting up at 5:00am.
The Northwoods tour always overnights at a middle or high school, so there are plenty of shower facilities. With only 350 or so riders on the tour, there is little or no wait for a shower.
Also, if you do 2500 miles a year, you should have no problem completing the tour. But if you need a confidence booster, then work on some long weekend rides and two day back to back rides, like 60 one day and 30 the next.
Michael
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saneuv
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Posted: Mon Mar 19th, 2007 06:30 pm |
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Hi Lancetta -I will second what Tom said "if you have completed a century and are putting in 2,500 bike miles a year, you will have no problems with this ride. None."
Jim
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Lancetta
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| Location: | Dale, Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 19 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 15th, 2007 01:27 am |
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Thanks for the information, Tom. It's helpful to get an insider's view on how things work. And thanks for the encouragement. Since I've never biked 60 miles for 7 consecutive days before, there is that little nagging doubt in my mind that I can do it. But I guess I'll find out!!
Lanette
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Tom
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Posted: Wed Mar 14th, 2007 02:26 am |
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Hi Lanette,
Unless they have changed things over the last year, you can sleep wherever you want. Overnight stops on the Northwoods ride are at schools. Folks staying outside will have tents pitched all over the grounds. Those inside will have sleeping bags and air mattresses all over the gym floor. You can change back and forth everyday if you want. Things are very informal.
One warning about sleeping in the gym though, many of these people are early risers. Folks are rustling about as early as 5 am. There is no sleeping after 6 am. Too much noise and bustle.
The school's gym shower facilities are used by both indoor sleepers and outdoor campers. With the limited number of people on the Northwoods ride, there is very little waiting for showers. Most people grab their daily shower when they arrive in the afternoon.
If you picked up the meal plan option, the meals will be served in the school's cafeteria. You will stand in some lines for that one, but it turns out to be a good time to meet your fellow riders. The Northwoods ride is pretty well organized.
Hope this helps.
By the way and off the subject, if you have completed a century and are putting in 2,500 bike miles a year, you will have no problems with this ride. None.
Tom
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Lancetta
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| Location: | Dale, Wisconsin USA |
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Posted: Wed Mar 14th, 2007 01:31 am |
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I have a question about the Northwoods tour. Actually, as this is my first tour, I will probably have LOTS of questions in the next couple of months. I'm signed up for tent camping . . . but am wondering if the weather is bad or if I just would like to camp indoors for an evening, can I do that? Or am I committed to tent camping every night since that is what I signed up for? And will there be shower facilities at every overnight stop?
Lanette
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