Note: The Ride With GPS file has been updated on 1/1/2022. Riders will be notifed of the most up to date file prior to the ride. Other modifications may be made day of to support safer riding conditions.
A cruise around the western suburbs with frozen lakes and bare trees (instead of autom leaves).
Description of route. Stating next to Lake Bde Maka Ski you will head south to Lake Harriet, west past Interlochen Country Club, and out to some hidden roads on the south shores of Lake Minnetonka. After a control enjoy the soft woods surrounding the roads west to Lake Waconia and climb hills that provide beautiful vistas of Lake Waconia. After a second control you will enter open country and ride north to Watertown the start of a stretch northeast along the Crow River. A control has been added in Delano for warmth. Then you ride winding road just outside Lake Rebecca Park. The northern most point provides a control and a couple blocks away the historic Hanover Bridge. Then it is south to Baker Park. A pair of east-west rolling roads take you through horse country and hardwood trees. You will then circle back on a different segment of roads around the north side of Lake Minnetonka and back towards the start via Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles.
Winter Riding Notes
Riding speed and effort among riders can vary widely during winter riding months - depending on temperature, road conditions, and tire choice. (Definitely ditch your slick tires!) Many riders debate until last minute what tires to choose. Studded tires are safest, but will give a hefty speed penalty which will make it hard to keep up with other non-studded riders. A commmon compromise is riding just a studded front tire and a nice soft non-studded winter tire. An excellent non-studded winter tire is Continental's Top Contact Winter II Premium. Ridden on front and back, they will suffice for most riding situations.
We will reschedule our rides if there is snow in the forecast or if there was a snow storm the day before. It takes time to plow the roads. If temperatures are forecast below zero, a reschedule is likely as well. Experience tells us that single digits and below will make meetign the 13.5 hrs time limit a challenging proposition. A note will be sent out to registered riders a day or two before.
Winter & Night Riding Requirements
All riders must have good to excellent night riding equipment.
Must have are (We will ride in the dark):
- strong headlight capable of clearly lighting the road clearly for the whole night
- a strong taillight capable of being seen from several hundred feet away, set in steady mode
- a reflective vest that clearly illuminates your body when light shines on it
Recommended are
- backup front and tail lights if your primary lights fail or run out of battery
- reflective anklet strips
- a helmet light or other light source to see cue sheets, street signs, or help with night repairs.
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Norman Ehrentreich | |
| John Murphy | |
| Keith Morical | |
| Jonas Nygard | |
| Chris Carlson |