Recommendations for a century route on Saturday?

[Matt L]

Hey all,
Pops and I are interested in doing a road century this weekend. Would someone recommend a route? I'd like it to be one big loop to see as much of SE Minnesota as possible. I didn't find anything too appealing on mapmyride.com.

Anyone is welcome to join us. Please reply if you have a route in mind or would like to join us.
Thanks,
Matt

[Jim Palmer]

The old Ride for the Y loop is close. Find a map, and follow along. Start at RCTC, East on Cty 9 to Cty 11, North on 11 to 75th street, west to Hwy 63, North to 11, which drops to Hammond, Millville. In Millville, turn rt, or south on 2, go to the top of the hill, Long one, left on cty 8 I think, which loops SE to plainview. From Plainview head east to Beaver, drop into the valley and climb out the other side. At the top of that climb turn rt and jog your way back to Altura. Just before Altura, turn rt, 26, I think, drops back into the Whitewater valley again, and Elba. Head south on 74 to Cty 9, westward ho for home. Water in Plainview, and Elba, Hammond in a pinch. Millville has a bar or 3, but most of us don't stop there. These roads are all open the last I knew--no construction. Have fun, it's a great loop.

[jno]

Nice loop, Jim. You could also go to Pine Island via Cty 3, head south on Cty 5, through Byron to Salem Corners. Go west to through Rock Dell, keep going until you come to a T. Go left into Stewartville. Head east on Hwy 30 to Chatfield. Jog around the east side of Chatfield will take you close to Eyota (the old TT course)and back in by the gun club and in on Marion Road. If I recall, that was just over a hundred.

A boring ride: Get on Hwy 30 and head west. Turn around in Blooming Prairie and come home. About the most boring 90 miles you will find.

[Jim Palmer]

I shorted you a few miles on the above route. To get closer to a century---After climbing out of Beaver, and turning on 31, follow it to 28, stay on 28 to 25, turn right which will drop into Rollingstone. Park is on the left for water. Go rt for 248 which goes up to Altura, at Altura go rt on 26, to Elba. Rest of the route is the same. 97 miles back to RCTC.

Jeez JNO, boring is right!! I think they wanted a "fun" loop.

[Matt Kurke]

15 laps of the Eastwood course. Scenic with plenty of friendlies to ask directions from if you get lost on the way.

[Ed Prosser]

Jim's suggestion of the "Ride For The Y" route is a great one. I loved that course... especially the part around Beaver.

Matt, I'm interested in joining you and Dave on your century, depending on what day and how early you were thinking of riding.

[Dave Hallaway]

There is another one if you'd like to miss a few hills, but it starts in Pine Island

rascmn.info/bike_routes/bike_route_long_13.html

I've never done this route,
rascmn.info/bike_routes/bike_route_long_6.html

[Dave Hallaway]

More detail.

Another option.



The map is on Bike Route Toaster.
bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=38991

[Jim Palmer]

I didn't route you up 39 out of Whitewater because of construction near Cty 10. Shoots Elgin too. I would hate for you to be 80 miles into a ride and have to backtrack back into the valley to go south on 74 anyway. FYI.

[Dave Hallaway]

Aug 10, 2010 17:24:52 GMT -5 @Jim Palmer said:

I didn't route you up 39 out of Whitewater because of construction near Cty 10. Shoots Elgin too. I would hate for you to be 80 miles into a ride and have to backtrack back into the valley to go south on 74 anyway. FYI.

You take a lot of the fun out of sending people on rides!


Or they could try CR 26 out of Elba, it would be a bit more fun.

[Sarah]

I am interested. What time does this party start? How fast? Meet where?

[Matt L]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I will sort through these tomorrow and post what we can decide on for a route and other details.

For those of you looking to join us, please give me some input on preferred rides. Ed, I have your suggestion marked.

As for a pace, I think a 16-17mph pace with several rest stops sounds about right. As for a time and meeting place, that will also be posted tomorrow after a little more chatter. I would favor an 8 a.m. A starting point can be sorted out after we find a route. Thanks again for the suggestions, I hope you can all join us.

Matt

[Sarah]

8am Saturday? I don't have a preference for a route. Just as long as we have some breaks to refuel

[Ed Prosser]

Saturday sounds good to me too. 8am is fine, or even earlier (to beat the heat).

[Matt L]

Are you both available on Sunday? My dad had plans for Saturday that I didn't hear of until now. Can we all make it on 8 am on Sunday?

We'll be at the ride tonight. We can sort a few details if you'll both be there.

Thanks,
Matt

[Ed Prosser]

I can make it either day. The earlier, the better for me.

I won't be able to make this evening's club ride, so I'll watch this thread for updates.

[Glenn]

I'd like to join you, but can only make it on Sunday. I'll check back for updates.

[Sarah]

Well, I can't make Sunday so I'll miss out on the century fun But...do not worry I found a group of super cool ladies that are riding on Saturday.

[hikerbiker52]

Is this a private Super Cool
Group of Ladies or can another Super Cool
Gal join?" How fast, where?

[Matt L]

Hey all,

We have decided on this route. (A variation of Ride for the Y) www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ride-for-Y-105-mile-route

Check it out! Let's roll out at 8am sharp on Sunday (8/15) morning. We can meet at the Fuad Mansour Soccer Complex parking lot across from the Federal Medical Center. The parking lot is west of the soccer fields right off of College View Rd. E.

Anyone is welcome to join us. We are looking to keep a 16/17mph pace.

Make sure to bring tubes, air, ID, phone, and other accoutrement. We might make a stop to grab lunch, so bring some $. I'm a college student, and even I can't eat on my dime.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Matt

(Please reply to let us know if you'll still be able to join us.)