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For those that are planning or riding Montauk next Sunday, here are a few suggested instructions for those who have expressed a desire to meet and ride together.
Make sure you're registered and you've also registered for the train back. If you aren't sure if you need it, you probably do. You can register for the Montauk Century by clicking here
What Pace Will We Ride?
Clearly you can ride at whatever pace you like and there will be more than one group riding together from Babylon. Those with whom I've spoken to are planning on a steady "B" pace. Given the hills we've been training on, this should be a nice change. For those that haven't done the Century previously, the hills don't come until the end and by then you will be looking forward to them. (For the triathletes this will especially be true just so your back has an excuse for getting out of aero.) Many of us will carry cell phones and we expect that we'll be able to to compress at the aid stations while we refilled our bottles.
Purpose:
You know I couldn't resist to suggest a purpose for this ride at least for those aspiring half Iron-triathletes in the group. This is a steady state ride to nail down your, errr steady state, your nutrition (fuel, hydration, sodium), your clothing (how much and how little, given temperatures that will vary during the ride) and get you used to being on your bike for an extended amount of time. For some it will be an added experience of being in a position when you will at some point declare to yourself that you are more than ready for the ride to be over and you'll get to see how quickly you can reorient yourself to productively address those feelings.
Who's Riding?
So far, I know Tom, Deana, Michelle, Avi, Bob, Javier, Jackie, Bill and Adam are doing it. I know there are a lot more in these Yahoo groups riding it, so if you are planning on riding with us at a 'B' pace, send me a response and I'll include you on, and then post, a master list so we know who to expect to start with. Include your cell phone as well in your response, and I'll print out a contact list. (I may even print out more than one:-)
Important Details:
I think everyone I've spoken to is doing the 100-mile option, so I'll limit my comments to this distance.
Meeting Location: Babylon LIRR Train Station: Located at Deer Park Ave. & Railroad Ave. MAP
Meeting time: 6:00am (Jackie, I think we need to help Javier figure out how to accomplish this - Given that we need to get there by 6:00am, I'd rather have the bikes and gear in my truck the night before. The challenge is getting Javier down to one of us that early in the morning. Javier, I don't recommend riding down to White Plains if you don't have to, too many things can go wrong.
At Babylon, the goal is to check our bikes, check in our bags and get on the road as early as possible. (There is a Penn Station Option that will take you to Babylon but I do not know what time you need to get on the train and hand over your bike to make sure both you and your bike arrive in Babylon by 6:00am)
Parking: There is parking available at the train station in Babylon
Triathletes: For those who view a 100-mile ride is a warm-up, make sure to pack your running shoes in your bag to go on the truck out to Montauk so we can get a short run in immediately after arriving.
Where will we all end up in Montauk?
The finish line is located at Ruschmeyer's, 161 Second House Road, Montauk NY 11954.
What Happens When We're Done?
We run (triathletes), and then assuming it will be managed similar to how it has been in years past, we shower, grab some grub, drop off our bikes at the trucks and get on the LIRR to head back to Babylon. There is a benefit to getting to Montauk early because there is still hot water in the showers. The train ride back is longer than you would expect, so throw something in your bag to pass the time.
Plan on the fact that we may get back to Babylon before our bikes do and we'll need to wait around a bit before we can all head home to ice our butts.
Below are a few FAQ's from 5BBC for those who have not done this ride in the past:
Q: Where do I go on ride day?
- Check-in is where you go on ride day to get your wrist band, bike tag, and baggage tag if you didn't get these by mail. It's also where you pick up your cue sheet, grab a bite to eat, and give us your baggage to take to Montauk.
- We offer two check-in points: Penn Station and Babylon.
- The Penn Station check-in is on the northeast corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, Manhattan. Subways: A C E 1 2 3
- The Babylon check-in is at the Babylon LIRR station.
- 65-milers and 100-milers can check in at either Penn Station or Babylon.
Q: Do I have to shlep my baggage to Montauk?
No! Pack a bag with a change of clothing and leave it with us when you check in. It'll be waiting when you arrive in Montauk. Suggestions of things to bring in your bag: change of clothes, towel (remember, free showers are available!), and your favorite shampoo and soap. Please do not place money, medications, or other valuables in baggage.
Q: What things should I carry on the bike?
You should bring water, any medications you need, tools for minor bike repairs, money for emergencies, rain gear, and ID with emergency contact number. If you have a cell phone, please bring it. And you must wear a helmet. No helmet, no ride, no refund.
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