Showing posts with label Platte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Platte. Show all posts

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Bacon Ride for Mountain Folk, Sunday, June 23

My brother from Tennessee probably thinks that Nebraska is as flat as a week old prairie cow pie.  Well, I'm gonna show him.

Join me and my little brother for an extra hilly edition of the Bacon Ride this Sunday.  We'll be starting early from downtown and might be looking to make a century ride out of it.

What:  Gravel and streets ride to Platte River State Park for breakfast buffet, then back.  71 miles (4,100 feet gain), starting/finishing at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village.  Ride with us from downtown for a larger looping 104 mile ride (5,700 feet gain). 

When:  Sunday, June 23, 2013.  Meet at 6am.  Rollout by 6:15am.

Where: Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, 67th St. and West Center Rd. [ map ]

Pace:  12-18 MPH.  We'll regroup as necessary, or potentially break into smaller groups to accommodate changes in pace preference.

Equipment:  Bring a bike that can handle the rough gravel roads.  Cross bikes work the best, but I've seen it done on road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.  Bring water; it's going to be hot!  Bring flat tire fixing supplies and equipment.  You'll need about $12 (cash or plastic) for breakfast and tip, as well as money for resupply along the way.  Bring $0.50 in case we ride over a toll bridge.

Options:  Meet downtown for a longer ride or Walnut Creek Recreation Area [ map ] for a shorter ride.  Leave comments below to make arrangements for either of these.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Wednesday Night Gravel Ride, 30 miles, Suitable for Beginners

I've got a new lighting system that I want to try out and I can't wait until the weekend.

What: 30 mile gravel roads loop with about 1700 feet of elevation gain.  Start in Papillion and loop through Springfield.  If necessary, we might stop at the convenience store there for a break, bathrooms, etc.  All are welcome.

When: Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 6:30pm

Where: Meet at Papillion - La Vista South High School near 108th St. and Highway 370.  Park near the football field.

Pace: Easy and relaxed.  One of us is trying a new single speed 29er MTB.  Fastest flat speed for him on that bike is about 12MPH.  The rest of us might match our gears to his just to keep it fun.  This is a no-drop ride, but consider this event carefully against your skills and ability.

Notes:  Bring a light!  This is important.  There's not much ambient light out in the country.  A rear flasher is a really good idea, too.  There will be a full moon, but don't count on that to get you by.  It's getting warmer, but you'll also need appropriate clothing to handle the change in temperature as night sets in.  Also bring flat fixing supplies.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sunday Morning Platte River 60 Mile Gravel Ride

What:  60 miles of mostly gravel rollers in and out of the Platte River valley southwest of Omaha.  Features about 3,900 feet of elevation gain.  Expect a 12-16 MPH pace with plenty of opportunities to regroup.

When:  Sunday, November 25, 2012, rollout at 7:00 am

Where:  Meet at Walnut Creek at the parking area on the east side of the park.  Enter at 96th St. and Gold Coast Rd.  I may be riding from downtown, so contact me if anyone wants to meet up downtown or midtown for the ride out to the staging area.  [ Link to park map ]

Route:
Notes:  The 7am temperature will be about 30 degrees, with an afternoon high leading up the low to mid 40s.  There may be an opportunity to stop at a convenience store in Springfield or Louisville on the way out or the way back, but this may not be necessary.  Be sure to bring food, water, and flat fixing supplies.


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Easy Winter Pavement and Gravel Ride - Sun., Jan. 8

When: Sunday, January 8.  9:00am meetup, 9:30 rollout

Where: Delice European Bakery, Midtown Crossing at 3201 Farnam St.

Route: Urban, bike path, suburban, residential, then gravel to the Platte River near Louisville.  More bike path on the way back. [ Link to tentative route map ]

Distance: About 50 miles.  Many options to cut the ride short and peel off, if you're interested.

Pace: Probably about 15-17 MPH.  Easy, relaxed, and designed to ward off the winter blues.

Bikes: Cross or gravelworthy road bikes.  Heck, even a moutain bike or hybrid if that's what you like.

Optional RSVP at this Facebook event page.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Bacon Ride, Sunday, August 28

Bacon Ride Sunday, August 28, 7am, leaving from Jones Bros. Cupcakes in Aksarben Village.  Plan for 65-75 miles of mixed blacktop and gravel.  With Gravel Worlds out of the way, the pace will be relaxed, even for me.  As always, the group is free to break up into faster/slower groups.  Bring about $11 for breakfast buffet at Platte River State Park.



The route will be similar to this: Bacon Ride Route

There are only a few more Bacon Ride opportunities left this year, so be sure to ride one if you haven't yet.


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Bacon Ride, Sunday, August 14

Bacon Ride tomorrow.  Sunday, 7am at Jones Bros. Cupcakes in Aksarben Village.  Plan for 65-75 miles of mixed blacktop and gravel.  Chill pace with plenty of regroup opportunities.  Bring about $11 for breakfast buffet at Platte River State Park.

The route will be similar to this: Bacon Ride Route

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Bacon/Danish Ride for Jolene, Sunday, August 7

Join us Sunday, August 7, 2011for a Bacon/Danish Ride as we wish Jolene well in her move to Copenhagen.

Meet at 7:00am outside of Jones Bros. Cupcakes at Aksarben Village.

The pace will be relaxed and conversational, but be prepared for bursts of spirited hill climbing among those who enjoy that sort of thing.  This will be a no-drop ride, with plenty of options for regrouping, but you'll have to arrange your own rescue if you can't or don't want to finish the ride.

Plan for 60-70 miles of mixed trail, residential, gravel roads and blacktop highways.  It's still hot out in the afternoon, so be sure to bring plenty of water and nibbles.  There will be opportunities to stop at a convenience store in Springfield on the way out and the way back, if the group desires.

The halfway point features an all-you-can eat breakfast buffet at the Platte River State Park.  Bring about $11 to cover your food and a tip.  Credit cards are accepted.  Here you can load up on bacon, and maybe a danish to celebrate Jolene's upcoming Denmark adventure.  There are vegetarian options, as well.

Routes
RSVP here, or on the Facebook event page (optional, but helps us plan the event).

This may be your last chance to ride with Jolene for some time, unless you want to visit her in Denmark.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Pre-Dawn Bacon Ride, Sunday, July 10

Who: Anyone who wants to ride a mix of gravel and streets and to gorge on a breakfast buffet

What: A ride to Platte River State Park for a quick breakfast, then back to Omaha.  Plan for about 70-75 miles.  Pace will be 12-18mph (a wild guess).  Maybe slower on the climbs and faster on the descents.  This is intended to be a social ride that moves swiftly enough to get some sweat flowing.  Bring $12 for breakfast and a tip.  Be prepared to pay up to $4 for park entry.  Sometimes they charge, sometimes they don't.

When: Sunday, 5:30am.  We hope to be back by noon, at the latest.

Where: Jones Bros. Cupcakes at Aksarben Village  (Note: Aksarben Village has a farmer's market on Sunday.  Be careful where you park, if you drive out.  I've seen them tow cars to make room for tents.)

Why: Duh.

How:  However you want.  Chris and I will be on gravel bikes.  I've seen awesome dudes do this on road bikes with 18mm tires, as well as beefy mountain bikes requiring twice the effort.  I can loan a set of 25mm treaded Panaracers and a set of 28mm slicks if that will encourage road bike people to come along.

Routes:

Please discuss in the comments below.

Image credit: Lines, Legs, and Spokes

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bacon Express Ride, Sunday, June 26

Who: Anyone who wants to ride a mix of gravel and streets and to gorge on a breakfast buffet

What: A ride to Platte River State Park for a quick breakfast, then back to Omaha.  Plan for about 70-75 miles.  Pace will be 12-18mph (a wild guess).  Maybe slower on the climbs and faster on the descents.  This is intended to be a social ride that moves swiftly enough to get some sweat flowing.  Bring $10 for breakfast.

When: Sunday, 6am.  We hope to be back by noon, at the latest.

Where: Wohlner's at Aksarben Village  (Note: Aksarben Village has a farmer's market on Sunday.  Be careful where you park, if you drive out.  I've seen them tow cars to make room for tents.)

Why: Duh.

How:  However you want.  Chris and I will be on gravel bikes.  I've seen awesome dudes do this on road bikes with 18mm tires, as well as beefy mountain bikes requiring twice the effort.

The "Express" refers to the quick breakfast, and not necessarily a prediction of the tempo.  I need to be back in Omaha as early as possible.

Does anyone know if the Platte River pedestrian/bike bridge trail is open or not?

Please discuss in the comments below.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Platte Sunday 1:30 PM


Weather permitting of course. For all of you not traveling to Bronson,IA to race on windy day I offer you this... Single track in the woods. Meet up at turkey cabins roll out ride couple of laps. We will regroup throughout the course. I don't know how many laps we will be doing. For all of you racing road bikes... have fun and the force will be with you...
P.S. don't forget you need park sticker for motorized vehicle entry. Support your local state parks
P.P.S. Adult bevies are now allowed in state parks in NE. Plan accordingly