50 States Ride on September 22nd

@Certifried 29301 wrote:

I want to, really really want to.

soooo…. I wanted to so bad, I went ahead and signed up.

[h=2]”Thanks for registering for the 50 States &13 Colonies Ride![/h] A confirmation message has been sent to the email address you provided. If you have any questions regarding your registration, contact us at events@waba.org or 202.518.0524 x202.”

anyone else going with me?

I can’t do it this year due to family events, but I did it last year and I’m glad to have done it. For being “lightly supported” I thought it was an extremely well organized event. The cue sheet is seven pages long so you really have to be on your toes. If they do the same route as last year, there is a long gap between the Eastern Market pit stop and the one at AU, so make sure you bring plenty of water or keep your eyes peeled for 7-11s or corner stores.

It was fun riding with little groups of people, which randomly changed as the day wore on. That helped with the wayfaring.

I had the sense that a lot of people dropped off along the way — I know we were getting more spread out, but the numbers did seem to fall off.

Oh, and every state street that starts with “A” has an unfortunate hill in it or near it.

Here’s a thread where I posted a review, as well as a collage I made from photos of all 50 state signs.

Liz

I’d like to do it, but the most I’ve ever ridden on my hybrid is 45 miles. So, is it doable on a 32 pound, flat bar bike?

@ShawnoftheDread 29334 wrote:

I’d like to do it, but the most I’ve ever ridden on my hybrid is 45 miles. So, is it doable on a 32 pound, flat bar bike?

I rode it on my 35 pound, flat bar rigid mountain bike in 2009 because I wanted the fenders since the forecast was for rain. Oh wait, I seem to remember we get some rain on the ride just about every year. Lots of people ride it on hybrids or mountain bikes.

My only wish is that WABA would release the cue sheet the day before…seems like a waste of paper to give out such a large cue sheet to everyone when lots of riders have Garmins…not to mention the pain in the a** of having to deal with an ungodly long cue sheet for 60+ miles of urban riding.

Last year, they did make the data file, suitable for download to the Garmin, available on the website a couple of days before the event.

I was sworn to secrecy, but I had to get the cue sheet in advance last year. I had no Garmin technology at that time, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to read the cue sheet without my reading glasses, which I didn’t want to wear on the ride for obvious reasons. I asked for the cue sheet in advance so I could enlarge it before printing it. They did accommodate me, but made it clear it was a very special exception. I also think they should make it widely available. It would allow participants to go over the route with a map the evening before. It’s such a complicated route we need all the help with can get with navigating it.

In my earlier message, I should have pointed out another advantage of a mountain bike or hybrid: the roads are a bit rough in places, so that will allow for a smoother ride.

Liz

Signed up. Now to find a good place to meet the family for lunch.