Riding Sat. moring 7/8

[gpzrider]

I was wondering if anyone is up for a ride on Saturday morning? I've never ridden Memorial, but since I am thinking of entering the race the following weekend (and it being my first race), thought it would be a good idea to pre-ride it.

I'll be going whether anyone else is or not, just thought it might be nice to ride with someone else.

[FarmerBEN]

It is supposed to be bearishly hot, so let's do it early, but I should be game, if you are ok with a conservatice pace. Isaac would be a good one to contact because I believe that he knows the race course.

[gpzrider]

I was planning on taking it easy pace-wise and just enjoying the ride.

Early sounds good. How about 8:00?

[Nickel]

How long does it usually take to do the trails?

[FarmerBEN]

8 should probably work for me, although I have a tendency to be a little late most of the time. Just to warn you...

A lap generally takes me right around 45 minutes that is a fairly complete lap.

[hockeynut]

I might actually be able to make this time too. Though I might have to cut out pretty early (after one or so laps). I don't think that the courses will be marked for the race by then, but I think I have the routes in my head enough.

As far as lap times are concerned, depending on how "complete" of a lap, I think that 45 minutes is pretty accurate. I could come up with a lap that would shave 15 minutes off the time (and the citizen race course would probably be it) but still be fun... or add 15 or so minutes at a minimum... that's be beauty of Memorial once you have the trails down in your head (but what has to be maddening for out of towners, as the lack of signage kinda sucks).

Isaac

[Nickel]

Ah this sounds like a nice plan but I have to dog-sit starting at noon and I think this would likely cut it close...maybe (coming from St. Paul).

[gpzrider]

I'm going to plan on being there around 8:00 (I'll wait around and warm up around the parking lot for a bit in case anyone is a bit late).

Where's the best place to park/meet?

[hockeynut]

Nicole... yeah... you might be cutting it close... it's about a 45-60 minute drive from St. Paul. If we start riding between 8-8:30 I'm guessing the riding will be done by 11 (if I'm there I'll want to leave around 10ish at the latest).

Phil... I'm going to recommend parking at the second overlook (as you drive around the bluff it's the second parking area that overlooks the town). Usually we park at the next little parking area, but there is a big ground bee hive that's starting to freak me out and I'm not even allergic (I don't think).

[FarmerBEN]

I think in order for you to be late for dog sitting we would have to ride a lot longer than I want to...

[Nickel]

I actually found out I don't have to be back until 4pm so that gives a lot more breathing room.

Sure it's okay for a newb to tag along?

[gpzrider]

Fine by me. I'm just looking to take it easy and learn the trails.

In either case, even when I try to go fast, I don't really go that fast :-)

[KleinCrazy]

I had planned to go over to THE DIG event this Saturday but I am just not feeling in a jumping state of mind.

I need to ride the "feature" in the quarry without breaking my seat. ( Which I have since replaced with an extra I had at home.

Nicole,

Let me know if you would like to carpool down. You have to drive almost by right by my place to get down there.
I have room for 4 bikes and people in the car.

We could meet up at the Caribou at 7:00am like Hann-Yu, Scott and I did 2 weekends ago.

See everyone Saturday morning....

[Nickel]

Nicole,

Let me know if you would like to carpool down. You have to drive almost by right by my place to get down there.
I have room for 4 bikes and people in the car.

We could meet up at the Caribou at 7:00am like Hann-Yu, Scott and I did 2 weekends ago.

See everyone Saturday morning....

Carpooling and coffee would be great. Is there trailwork tonight?

[KleinCrazy]

Carpooling and coffee would be great. Is there trailwork tonight?


No Trailwork tonight. I had something come up.

Hopefully next week.

[Nickel]

Just wanted to thank everyone again for letting me tag along!

[gpzrider]

Thanks for the ride everyone. Can't wait to get over to Memorial again soon to get to the rest of the trails (and hopefully not get as wet doing it).

[hockeynut]

Thanks for coming down James, Nicole and Phil (or up in Phil's case).... eventually when James come to Memorial it won't rain on us.

Nicole, let me know if you can use my chainrings. I'm seriously not doing anything with them, so...

Isaac

[Nickel]

I took my bike into the Hub today and unfortunately, my 'high quality' bike comes with all three chain rings attached so they all have to be replaced. I really appreciate your offer but I think they are going to try and get the work done in the next couple days because I would like to come back down to Red Wing on Sunday.

I'd be willing to pay (pizza, beers, etc) for someone to have a class or two to learn about replacing bike parts. I'm not even entirely sure what tools that I should buy and what I should let the LBS do.