Sunday, August 15, 2010

Shakedown Ride

I've decided to jump into the deep end and enter a long distance event. I could do a 100 miler to start but that's not quite my style. Instead, I signed up for the inaugural Trans-North Georgia Adventure to see if I have what it takes to do long distance single speed racing. Its 350 miles of off-road riding from the SC-GA border to the GA-AL border. Most of it is in the Chattahoochee National Forest so it highlights long remote stretches and 56,000 feet of climbing. Joy! Its also self-supported so those sponsored weenies don't have a Subaru behind them supplying fresh GU every 2 miles. There's a map of the trip here.

This weekend was one of my last chances to do a shakedown ride to see what works and what doesn't. The weather was... challenging.

Me smiling... before the endless rain.


Quick stop at a convenience store to do some contact maintenance. I was able to resist the 99c Colt 45.


I rode the ~15 miles from the house to the campsite. I was only able to get about 2 miles down the road before the rain set in. Obviously I was soaked to the bone when I got to camp. I had about 30 minutes of grace to get everything set up before the rains started again. It didn't stop raining again until about 5am. Fortunately, my camping gear is dialed in so I was able to stay dry all night long.

MLD Grace Duo - my haven from the SC monsoons


Cooking dinner in relative comfort - the tarp does nothing for 88F & 100% humidity at 9pm


So, what's next? LOTS of training so my legs don't secede halfway into the ride. Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted on how to track my progress during the race via SPOT updates on TrackLeaders.com
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8 comments:

  1. Bad Monkey MotorworksAugust 15, 2010 at 3:13 PM

    Preparation is key. I have to believe it paid off for me in making a 3000+ mile ride on my homebuilt chop with no major problems.

    Ride hard and roll smart, you're representing Der Vagies!!

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  2. Eugene SmithAugust 15, 2010 at 8:20 PM

    That's a lot of miles on a geared, let alone a rigid single! Best of luck and train smart and safe.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 16, 2010 at 2:49 AM

    Well, good luck. I look forward to seeing the write-up...

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  4. samhAugust 16, 2010 at 10:37 AM

    Don, looking forward to hearing more about this. Your combination of UL gear and cycling has me stoked.

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  5. Lance MilksAugust 16, 2010 at 1:18 PM

    I wish you the best of luck. Oh, and I like your style...If your into it dont half ass it, cross a state! Awsome.

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  6. EricAugust 17, 2010 at 9:07 AM

    .99c!!
    that tarp looks nice, what poles are you using with it?

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  7. Don MeredithAugust 17, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    Eric: I salvaged some Easton DAC poles from an old tent to make collapsible tarp supports. I use my hiking poles when hiking but needed something for the bikepacking trips.

    Thanks to everyone for the support. Its good to know a few people are watching and expect me to finish. I'm sure there will be a spot or two where I'll need the peer pressure to keep grinding. I'll post a detailed trip & gear review after I've recovered.

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  8. Jenny MeredithAugust 19, 2010 at 5:24 AM

    Will you need cheerleaders at the halfway point? If so, I may be able to arrange it. I know a couple of cute redheads who have been working on their cheers... Go Daddy Go! Go Daddy Go!! Gooooo Daddy!

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