* Freezing Saddles 2014 *

[rcannon100]

Registration is now open.

Freezing Saddles is a commuter challenge organized by the volunteer efforts of the Bike Arlington / WABA forum. It is a hat style tournament where cyclists are randomly assigned to teams of ~8 based on handicaps, creating teams that will have roughly the same handicap value. The challenge runs from Jan. 1 to the end of winter. Cyclists earn 1 point for each mile ridden and 10 points for each day ridden (and yes, riding means outdoors – it is Freezing Saddles not Living Room Saddles). Participants must be part of the forum and be members of Strava. More than that and what awards will be awarded, well that’s up to the volunteers.

Registration closes Dec. 24th. There will be no late registrations this year. Teams will be announced on the forum by the end of the month.

Freezing Saddles is a self organized effort of the participants. Freezing Saddles is not sponsored by anyone (it is not sponsored by Bike Arlington or by WABA). There is no organization. It is just a bunch of people coming together to be silly and ride bikes when it is really really cold. Your participation in Freezing Saddles is voluntary and at your own risk and you have not paid anyone anything to participate. Please volunteer to help make this self organized effort succeed.

Topic

[Jason B]

I was able to convince two others teachers to join this year and they want to take a stab at the Freezing Saddles. Are teams randomly assigned?

[eminva]

@Jason B 71432 wrote:

I was able to convince two others teachers to commute with me this year and they want to take a stab at the Freezing Saddles. Are teams randomly assigned?

Randomly assigned. That’s part of the fun — you are competing against people you know on a team of people you might not know so well (but do get to know by the end).

Liz

[Jason B]

^^^^^^
That actually works out because Rule #10 and Summerdrummer are total slackers anyway. Can I at least ask that they are not on the same team as me?:p

[Subby]

@eminva 71436 wrote:

Randomly assigned. That’s part of the fun — you are competing against people you know on a team of people you might not know so well (but do get to know by the end).

Liz

But I FEEL like I know you.

[83b]

I’m in!

I’ll be traveling from next week until just after New Year, so please don’t think I’ve fallen off the map.

[slowtriguy]

I’m in – just registered.

[rcannon100]

94 Valid Registrations
10 Teams
Including a Fully Loaded Team of Slackers
Average team handicap is 1250 ((Average Days x 10) + Average Miles) * 9.3
9 Non-Slacker Teams formed with Handicaps no more than 2.5 points off the average.

Frankly, it looks like a fantastic competition. All will be disclosed Jan. 2nd at the Hour of Happy. Personally, I recommend everyone ride a C at the Circle of Cycles just to ensure their team remains competitive.

[Mikey]

Thanks for your hard work, see you out there on the trails.

[KLizotte]

Lordy, I really hope things warm up soon otherwise this is gonna be one long competition…..

Those of you out before the sun comes up each morning riding 15+ miles are CRAZY!!!!!!

[Arlingtonrider]

Just a reminder to post your Jan. 1 ride(s) in Strava in time for us to determine the winner of the “first day” competition (by 10 a.m., Jan. 2 is good).

[Fast Friendly Guy]

@KLizotte 72661 wrote:

Lordy, I really hope things warm up soon otherwise this is gonna be one long competition…..

Those of you out before the sun comes up each morning riding 15+ miles are CRAZY!!!!!!

…and you can add rain but (Don’t let Steve hear you!)

[NicDiesel]

After careful consideration and a few failed riding attempts I’m going to have to sit out the 2014 edition of Freezing Saddles. One thing that I overestimated when I considered riding this winter here in Minneapolis was the state of my immune system. As some of you may know I had a pretty serious health scare four years ago that left me with a seriously compromised immune system that makes riding under normal winter weather conditions difficult. To be fair, December here has been colder than normal (December 24th was the coldest day in 2013 with -14 wet bulb temp) but my immune system is just not up to the task for outdoor riding this winter. I’m hoping that after I drop another 50-60lbs I can get back to riding year round but, for right now, I have to listen to my body and stay indoors.

[KLizotte]

^^^^Get well NicDiesel. Nothing is more precious than your health. We are pulling for you!!!

[Fast Friendly Guy]

Here we go again…Just in time for BAFS kick-off!

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Snowfall Thursday night will total 1-2 inches; watch for a rapid freezeup
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/arlington-va/22203/daily-weather-forecast/331250?day=3
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Forecasted temps for Fri and Sat (20-30 F range) may presage a return of the ‘ruts of death’ Yikes! So thankful Santa brought me my Schwalbe Winter Marathons. Be safe, everyone!

[ejwillis62]

Made my pre freezing saddles ride this morning. Everything is warm except my toes. I need some shoe covers. Ride to the Metro about 7 miles put the bike on the rex bus for the ride into fort Belvoir. People in cars look at me like I am crazy on the maryland side of the bridge.

[Author]

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