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mmartens
HAM
| Joined: | Tue Mar 27th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wausau, WI |
| Posts: | 8 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 4th, 2007 03:08 pm |
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I think the cue sheets are very good. They list street names, direction to turn, segment mileage and a running mileage. The mileage calculations are pretty accurate, so if you reset your computer before you begin, you can be reasonably sure to track the same mileage as on the cue sheet.
The course is also very well marked with directional signs, but don't rely on them 100% as signs can fall over or be moved. Years ago, the course was marked with spray painted directionals on the roadway, but the organizers stopped doing this because after using the same routes a few years in a row, arrows tended to build up and confuse riders. It was also easier to miss a cue as the arrows (little pine trees) where only about 6 inches tall. You still may see the pine tree arrows on the roadway, it takes a few years for the paint to wear off.
Some people keep the cue sheet in the their jersey pockets and blindly follow the pack and the signs. I use a GPS (Garmin Etrex) and carry a set of Bike Fed maps to supplement the cue sheets, but I'm kind of anal about navagation.
Michael
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Tom
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Posted: Wed Apr 4th, 2007 03:13 am |
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OK, I have to start off by confessing that I was not on Northwoods last year, and I will miss it again this year to attend GRABAAWR. I have completed three earlier Northwoods rides though, so forgive me if my information is a bit out of date.
If I remember correctly, you are given daily cue sheets with a map on one side and a verbal description of the route on the other. I was always very careful to clip it to the cables on my handlebars every morning before I set out. I wanted it right there where I could see it as I travel. It never did me much good though because I never looked at it after that.
I have friends that carefully reset the mileage on their bike computer for every leg of the trip and compare it to the mileages listed on the cue sheet. They always know exactly where they are. I'm not quite that together. I just followed the signs.
In the past the Northwoods folks spray painted little double arrows on the street that looked like little Christmas trees. You could find them at every intersection and in the middle of long stretches with no turns. I just followed those Christmas trees. I believe I read somewhere that they have now changed to paper signs posted on telephone poles and the like. They want you to stay heads up for safety. Good idea.
Anyway, I did get lost once when I missed a sign. I was 20 minutes off in the wrong direction before I realized I had not seen any other bike rider for a while. I backtracked my path and consulted my cue sheet to find the place where I went wrong. No problem after that. Of course I'll never admit in public that I got lost.
The route the ride is following this year has been used many times before. I'll bet that you will find a few intersections that still have multiple Christmas tree symbols from bike rides past, along with the new symbols they use this year. Regardless of your method of navigation, if all else fails the Northwoods folks give you a cell phone number for the sag drivers.
As far as seeing other riders goes, you are usually in site of other folks. If you depart very early (or late like I do) you could have time by yourself, but that's life on the edge of the bell curve.
Tom
Last edited on Wed Apr 4th, 2007 11:57 am by Tom
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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: Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 11:00 pm |
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Fun answer, Tom!!!
You gave me a great snapshot of what a day is like for you on the ride, and gave me exactly the kind of information I was looking for (along with laughs at the word pictures you painted).
Okay, ready for another question? I know that we'll get maps of the route each day. On some of the organized rides that I've been on, the maps have been a little confusing. Are they pretty clear on this ride? I'm also thinking that with the number of riders on the tour (300+ right?) that there are probably generally riders in view. I'd hate to get lost!!
Lanette
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Tom
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Posted: Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 01:42 pm |
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Fun question!
Most of the time I've slept indoors. The gym is pretty noisy in the morning so I normally find a dark corner in an abandoned school hallway somewhere for my sleeping bag. First priority upon waking is getting bathroom duties done. I pull on my riding clothes, grab my toothbrush, and search out the closest bathroom.
I wander into the john and go into shock at my first glimpse of myself in the mirror. Horror! Then I notice that everyone else also looks like they slept on a hard floor all night too. Alright then, not so bad. No shower in the morning. The helmet will hide my hair.
When I get to the breakfast line, it is usually pretty short. Most have already been through. Most get up earlier than I do. Some eggs, toast, and (God forgive me) sausage and I'm back on my feet feeling semi-human. I'll grab a couple pieces of fruit on the way out the door to take with me while I'm riding.
I grab my bike (it sat in the hallway with me overnight) and my possessions and head for the baggage truck to load my stuff. Almost ready to go. I walk the over to the bike shop truck to use one of the air pumps the repair folks always leave out for the riders. Top off the tires and I’m gone.
I like to ride alone in the mornings and I will set my pace to keep to myself. The first 10 minutes of riding are a little stiff and slow, but that wears off quickly. Not long before the city limits are behind me and the world is full of grace again. Mist pooling in the low spots, slanted morning sunshine over the tree tops, and cool morning air on my face. No hurry, I’ve got the next 12 hours to do nothing but cover sixty miles. I can almost walk that fast.
About 11:00 am I will make my first stop. I’ll grab a burger in a tavern somewhere and call it lunch. I’m not above having a beer to go with it too.
For the afternoon part of the ride I slather on the sunscreen and head out to see the sights. I join other riders at the roadside attractions and keep my eyes open for an ice cream shop. Can’t pass up strawberry ice cream on a summer afternoon. Somehow, before you know it, the destination town comes in sight and you’re cruising down the streets looking for the school. The last few pedal strokes to go. Why do they always build schools at the top of hills?
It’s time to park the bike, stretch a bit, and scope out the accommodations. The baggage truck has been unloaded and all the bags are sitting in the grass waiting to be claimed. I grab my bags and locate an abandoned hallway to lay out my sleeping bag, find my towel and head for the showers.
Lots of people have preceded me, so the locker room is wet and steamy. Sharing the showers with so many folks has me flashing back to high school. I step into the shower still wearing my riding clothes. They will be removed and then washed along with the rest of me. My towel and riding clothes get hung up afterwards to dry overnight. By the time all of this is done, it will be about 4:30 pm. To early for dinner, time to take a short nap.
Standing in the dinner line is actually a highlight of my day. Everybody is chatting and it is a good time to get to know a lot of the other riders. This social mixing goes on through dinner.
The Northwoods folks always have a meeting in the early evening, and I will attend to keep up with any changes or updates. After that, they always have some kind of entertainment arranged. I confess, I normally don’t stick around for that one. Instead I join the few souls that head out to check out the local taverns. A beer or three and some laughs with the locals ends the day for me. By the time I reach my sleeping bag, the long day and exercise have conspired to make the hard floor a bit more comfortable. I sleep very well.
Tom
Last edited on Wed Apr 4th, 2007 11:53 am by Tom
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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: Tue Apr 3rd, 2007 10:49 am |
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For anyone who has been on the Northwoods tour before . . . another newbie question . . . I'd like to know what a typical day runs like, from waking up to sleeping that night. I'm sure there are varied perspectives, depending on if you are an individual doing the ride vs. a family doing the ride. I'd like to hear from any and all!!
Lanette
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