Join us for our "Half a Pancake 101k", our monthly Winter Populaire. The route is somewhat similar to the well known Northern Pancake. It starts at the same location and heads north to East Bethel, the only stop at the turnaround at mile 30. The route is flat and features quiet roads through fields, forests, and some lakes.
Starting Location Instructions:
Park on the North end of the TopGolf parking lot, next to the Speedway Gas Station (6545 W River Rd # 1, SW corner of HW252 & 66th Ave N.), the official start and ending location of the Pancake rides. To get to the parking lot, turn into Camden Ave N. from 66th Ave N.
Winter Riding Notes
Even though there won't be any night riding on a 100k, we strongly encourage high-viz clothing and/or strong back lights for increased visibility. The route goes though several forests where shady stretches, especially in winter, could camouflage riders in dark clothes. Bear in mind that this is a winter ride. The Coon Rapids Dam may be icy and the route also has a short gravel section of about a mile, which is not plowed and will most likely have hard-packed snow or ice. The shady roads in the forests may have icy or snowy patches here and there. We have less scenic winter adjustments (a.k.a. detours) available if riders do not feel comfortable on their current bike setup given the expected road conditions. Winter adjustments will be decided on an ad-hoc basis.
Note that 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 the 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. The organizer's favorite is Continental's Top Contact Winter II Premium. Ridden on front and back they will suffice for most riding situations. Chosing studs is more likely during the notorious melt and refreeze month of March.
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. A note will be sent out to registered riders a day or two before.