What Does It Take for a Bike Ride To Be Great or Even Good?
Recently there have been a number of comments about the Bike Around Midlothian bike ride. This got me to thinking about what do I look for in a bike ride. There are many rides I look forward to and there are some I ride once and never bother to return. From my experience here is what I think:
- A catchy theme or purpose gets my attention to first consider the ride.
- A convenient location. Close rides are more practical than driving across Texas. One exception I make on this one is the Hotter’n Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls. I drove to Harlingen several times for the Jalapeno 100.
- A reasonable price. When I first started going on rides in the 1980’s the typical cost was $10. Now the typical cost is $25. For rides during the year when the weather is questionable I hesitate pre-registering so I pay the late fee which I think $35 is the upper limit. When I see a ride is above these amounts I have a rough time considering them.
- Various route lengths. In the 1980’s a 100 mile route was my goal now that I am 25 years older the upper limit is 60 to 75 miles.
- Plenty of parking at the starting location. When parking is not in one spot having people direct the traffic is very helpful. Big signs are most appreciated.
- Quickly moving and easy to find packet pickup locations. Sometimes I go to rides where I cannot find the place to pickup the pre-ride materials and stuff.
- A clear starting lane for space and safety. If the start lane is small and has cars parked the chance of accidents increase a lot.
- Plain route markings. Each route length should have it’s own color and the markings should be painted on he roadway. I can remember one ride in Tyler when vandals moved the route signs and caused a major problem. Signs are good but markings on the road last longer. If the local authorities have a problem use paint that washes away after a few rains. A map should be included in the packet. Also it has to be detailed enough that you can actually make out the road names.
- Rest stops with cheery people and adequate supplies. It takes both. Supplies with no cheer make for a sad ride. At the same time continuing on a ride without water is not good. Ride organizers have a difficult time estimating how much supplies they will need at each rest stop so it is important for riders to mark which route they really plan on riding when they preregister.
- Sag wagons that are not too far away. This is one area that seems weak on many rides. There may be sag wagons but I never see one when you need them.
- Traffic spotters at dangerous intersections or places on the route. I have seen some near misses when there have not been spotters.
- Easy to find finish line. Do not hide the finish without signs and/or spotters to direct the riders. After riding high mental thought to find the finish line is not what is needed.
- A lunch at the finish. This is why I go to the Pineywoods Purgatory in Lufkin year after year. They have the best fajitas and there are plenty of them. The lunch does not have to be free but it helps.
Did I list all of the things you look for?