Have always worried, but not actually worried about this sort of thing

http://road.cc/content/news/226776-video-rider-us-state-criterium-championship-celebrates-too-soon-gets-beaten 

Hey all - full report and photos forthcoming, but just dropping a quick note to let you know I made it in one piece! 336 miles of dirt, mud, gravel etc in 53 hours. The ride was… indescribable.
More soon…

Apropos nothing I just unearthed a MSR Whisperlite that hasn't seen daylight in 20 years. Worked just fine. Damn those things are well made.

Finally finished a report from last, last weekend's ride…

http://notepad.benfinoradin.info/2017/08/03/bikepacking-the-great-allegheny-passage/

Thanks for putting that post together.  Makes me want to ride it!

edit: I reiterate my earlier comment that you need to teach me how to take pictures

^ awesome sauce

I enjoyed the read @BenFinoRadin  Makes me want to do something similar (although I probably won't..)

BenFinoRadin said:

Finally finished a report from last, last weekend's ride…

http://notepad.benfinoradin.info/2017/08/03/bikepacking-the-great-allegheny-passage/

That is a FUCKING RIDE REPORT. Damn, son.

Hey gang – if you've been inspired and are interested in dipping your toe into bikepacking, I'm leading a 101 workshop at Redbeard on Thursday Sept 7th: https://www.facebook.com/events/353361811755805

I don't know where this goes:

*woop woop*

Tired of reading my bikepacking ride reports and having FOMO? Come to Redbeard Thursday night @ 8pm, and learn how you too can leave civilization behind and explore the great outdoors on your bike. We'll a lot of the common questions:

- do I need a new bike??? (probably not)
- what kind of tires do I need?
- what should I bring?
- how do I carry everything?
- but but but my bike doesn't have rack mounts (doesn't matter)
- how do I take awesome pics and become an instagram star (instagram stardom not guaranteed)

https://www.facebook.com/events/353361811755805/

Anyone interested in riding to Burlington VT with me Sept 15-16 and taking the train back. With one slight caveat, this is a non stop ride. Leaving BK at 4am and riding the full 275-300 miles non stop. Will take about 24 hours. Sleeping at a hotel upon arrival. Amtrak back on Sunday.  

this is...ambitious. sounds like an adventure but shouldn't you postpone if you're having disc issues and carpal tunnel? you'll be mayor of pain city. 

Thats like 15K of climbing at least. I'd be down for that but over... like 3 days of biking on a well planned route during daylight. Also not sure if I'd rely on Amtrak for the trip home, the Vermonter only runs once a day; I'm pretty sure its in the morning and takes about 8 hours. I've taken it from Rutland, and its very very slow. Also, have to hope the conductor understands the very recent bike policy update which you need a reservation for.

Unrelated: I appreciate that your photo is Taco in a tux. 

Will Kalbacker said:

this is...ambitious. sounds like an adventure but shouldn't you postpone if you're having disc issues and carpal tunnel? you'll be mayor of pain city. 

I took the days off to do this ride a while back and am determined to get it done. 
also be hitting PT hard between now and then. plus doc cleared me. all this in combination with ibuprofen might do the trick. but your reaction is on point. my post is a bit kooky. 

@ChristinaWoolston TACO! love taco. that snorting dog. wearing a tux. lol
thanks for the insight on Amtrak. I haven't done much planning so your lead is super helpful. 

BTW @Phil Maronilla I don't know where it should go, but I saw those bad ass pics of you finishing the NY duathlon and if you're up to it, maybe post a race report? I would love to hear about your experience. I've never done a duathlon and was intrigued but was up in GMSR so couldn't participate. 

Count me out on the ultra endurance mission, @GregStreiff, but if anyone wants to do the XVT this fall, I am so down. 

On that note – can I get a show of hands: if I organized a 4-5 day ride of the Great Allegheny Passage, with shuttle service to the start of the trail, and home from the end of the trail, who would be interested? You can totally ride a CX bike on that route – hell you could ride a race bike that fit 28s.

BTW – I was going to post slides from last night's Bikepacking 101 workshop, but realize now they're essentially useless without the narrative. Here's a tiny glimpse of what you missed…

RAISING HAND! But also losing weeks if its going to be this fall since I have to travel for work the last few weeks of October. 

I figure this is a good place to post my duathlon experience, under Tomfoolery..

The race was last Sunday and it was wet and raining. Normally I would have just skipped it but $75 seems like a steep price for staying dry at home. This price included a one day license from USA Triathlon. The race was a 2.2 mile run then a 12 mile (2 loops) bike ride, and another 2.2 mile run.

I picked up my bib numbers the day before so when I got to the staging/transition area (the parking lot by the boat house), all I had to do was find the rack with my bib number range and hang my bike. I had my road shoes and helmet out and ready to go for the riding portion. I strapped my timing chip to my ankle and headed to the start corral. I expected a smaller crowd because of the rain and I was correct.

The guy running the event went back and forth in the crowd just being happy, excited for us and generally giving us encouragement. That was nice. I had the familiar jitters and nervousness I usually feel lining up for a bike race. I never know how I feel until I actually start racing. Start/finish is half way up Cat's Paw Hill. The run goes counter clockwise, then turn around just past engineer's gate and run back to the transition area.

A few steps after it starts, I find myself in between two main groups. The fast guys ahead and pulling away from me, and the slower ones behind me and falling back. I started running with a couple of people who had a nice pace that was manageable for me. The first mile I was doing just under 9 min/mile. This was faster than I would have liked but manageable. I found a couple of people running similarly and just paced. The turnaround point helped me judge my position. At that point I figured I was in the lower half of the field (but I can't run any faster!). Also, I'm soaking wet from the rain.

As I was coming closer to the start/finish/transition area, I'm already seeing people starting the bike portion. The leaders were all in full on triathlon bikes and everything aero. They were serious about it. 

I get to the transition area, catch my breath and stretch for a little bit, then change shoes and put on helmet. I run to the start of the bike portion (no riding until we get on East Drive).

Finally I get on my bike and I'm thinking I need to make up some spots so big ring all the way and immediately I'm passing people. My legs didn't feel as tired as I thought they would from running. Goes to show how we use different muscles for the two disciplines. I tried to keep as aero as possible but I didn't have my carbon wheels because of the rain. Second lap, still passed some people. According to the results, 12 people who were ahead of me after the first run, finished behind me overall. 

Second transition, a bit more tired now and a little slower changing to my running shoes. I start running up cat's paw and I feel tired legs (from the first run) and I knew I was in trouble. I dial my pace down and try to limit the damage. On the flatter section I recover and go a little faster. A guy I passed on my second lap bike ride just passed me and complimented me on my bike ride. Made me smile. He encourages me to keep up, I try for a bit. I lose contact on the turn around. It's pouring rain now, making my experience worse. The last quarter mile, 5 people pass me. Ugh. I heard them and I know they're closing but I couldn't go any faster. Oh well. 

I finally finish. Phew. I was feeling fatigued by then. 51st out of 104.

Takeaways: This felt like a real race (pain, fatigue, soreness, dig deep, near vomit) than a regular mass start run. I was racing against people not just to finish. I'm also losing time on transitions. I need to be faster changing and getting started. Most people had a sub-minute transition. Mine were both over. Since this is a sprint duathlon, I need to be able to run faster knowing that it's not an endurance event. I can train for that. Get real running shoes.

It's a good event. I would like to do it again, but I wish the entry fee was lower. There's another one in October but unfortunately I'm away.

My Stats:
Run 1              19:43
Transition 1     1:34
Bike                 38:00
Transition 2     1:36
Run 2               21:03

For comparison here's the winner's:
Run 1               11:51
Trans 1             0:40
Bike                  31:23
Trans 2             0:38
Run 2                12:03    

Phil Maronilla said:

I figure this is a good place to post my duathlon experience, under Tomfoolery..

The race was last Sunday and it was wet and raining. Normally I would have just skipped it but $75 seems like a steep price for staying dry at home. This price included a one day license from USA Triathlon. The race was a 2.2 mile run then a 12 mile (2 loops) bike ride, and another 2.2 mile run.

I picked up my bib numbers the day before so when I got to the staging/transition area (the parking lot by the boat house), all I had to do was find the rack with my bib number range and hang my bike. I had my road shoes and helmet out and ready to go for the riding portion. I strapped my timing chip to my ankle and headed to the start corral. I expected a smaller crowd because of the rain and I was correct.

The guy running the event went back and forth in the crowd just being happy, excited for us and generally giving us encouragement. That was nice. I had the familiar jitters and nervousness I usually feel lining up for a bike race. I never know how I feel until I actually start racing. Start/finish is half way up Cat's Paw Hill. The run goes counter clockwise, then turn around just past engineer's gate and run back to the transition area.

A few steps after it starts, I find myself in between two main groups. The fast guys ahead and pulling away from me, and the slower ones behind me and falling back. I started running with a couple of people who had a nice pace that was manageable for me. The first mile I was doing just under 9 min/mile. This was faster than I would have liked but manageable. I found a couple of people running similarly and just paced. The turnaround point helped me judge my position. At that point I figured I was in the lower half of the field (but I can't run any faster!). Also, I'm soaking wet from the rain.

As I was coming closer to the start/finish/transition area, I'm already seeing people starting the bike portion. The leaders were all in full on triathlon bikes and everything aero. They were serious about it. 

I get to the transition area, catch my breath and stretch for a little bit, then change shoes and put on helmet. I run to the start of the bike portion (no riding until we get on East Drive).

Finally I get on my bike and I'm thinking I need to make up some spots so big ring all the way and immediately I'm passing people. My legs didn't feel as tired as I thought they would from running. Goes to show how we use different muscles for the two disciplines. I tried to keep as aero as possible but I didn't have my carbon wheels because of the rain. Second lap, still passed some people. According to the results, 12 people who were ahead of me after the first run, finished behind me overall. 

Second transition, a bit more tired now and a little slower changing to my running shoes. I start running up cat's paw and I feel tired legs (from the first run) and I knew I was in trouble. I dial my pace down and try to limit the damage. On the flatter section I recover and go a little faster. A guy I passed on my second lap bike ride just passed me and complimented me on my bike ride. Made me smile. He encourages me to keep up, I try for a bit. I lose contact on the turn around. It's pouring rain now, making my experience worse. The last quarter mile, 5 people pass me. Ugh. I heard them and I know they're closing but I couldn't go any faster. Oh well. 

I finally finish. Phew. I was feeling fatigued by then. 51st out of 104.

Takeaways: This felt like a real race (pain, fatigue, soreness, dig deep, near vomit) than a regular mass start run. I was racing against people not just to finish. I'm also losing time on transitions. I need to be faster changing and getting started. Most people had a sub-minute transition. Mine were both over. Since this is a sprint duathlon, I need to be able to run faster knowing that it's not an endurance event. I can train for that. Get real running shoes.

It's a good event. I would like to do it again, but I wish the entry fee was lower. There's another one in October but unfortunately I'm away.

My Stats:
Run 1              19:43
Transition 1     1:34
Bike                 38:00
Transition 2     1:36
Run 2               21:03

For comparison here's the winner's:
Run 1               11:51
Trans 1             0:40
Bike                  31:23
Trans 2             0:38
Run 2                12:03    

great report! I really want to try a duathlon. you've inspired me. perhaps I can jump on the one in oct. kudos for mixing it up and trying something different. nice work on the bike ride too! when I did triathlons I would suck on the swim, crush the bike to make up lost ground, then get passed on the run. but over time I was able to tie it together and could hold my own. 

nice work!

GregStreiff said:

Anyone interested in riding to Burlington VT with me Sept 15-16 and taking the train back. With one slight caveat, this is a non stop ride. Leaving BK at 4am and riding the full 275-300 miles non stop. Will take about 24 hours. Sleeping at a hotel upon arrival. Amtrak back on Sunday.  

Greg, distance riding is the best, I crossed the NZ alps in my 20's—220miles/10K climbing/16hrs in a day (with a tent and sleeping bag!). It's a thrill. But at 300 miles, I'd suggest you break it into two days. The night component, riding at night while cold, sleep deprived and seeing stars (haha), seems majorly sketch to me even with the best lighting setup. Instead, maybe pack ultralight change of clothes, book a hotel with a pool and laundry and savor the first day's 150 miles. Wake up the next day and hammer out the last 150miles. Give yourself a bailout plan too, with that amount of saddle time, injuries are easy. Also, you'll have more time to perfect the epic just Rapha bibs and espresso morning shots (with mando lensflare). 

JohnMalcolmson said:

GregStreiff said:

Anyone interested in riding to Burlington VT with me Sept 15-16 and taking the train back. With one slight caveat, this is a non stop ride. Leaving BK at 4am and riding the full 275-300 miles non stop. Will take about 24 hours. Sleeping at a hotel upon arrival. Amtrak back on Sunday.  

Greg, distance riding is the best, I crossed the NZ alps in my 20's—220miles/10K climbing/16hrs in a day (with a tent and sleeping bag!). It's a thrill. But at 300 miles, I'd suggest you break it into two days. The night component, riding at night while cold, sleep deprived and seeing stars (haha), seems majorly sketch to me even with the best lighting setup. Instead, maybe pack ultralight change of clothes, book a hotel with a pool and laundry and savor the first day's 150 miles. Wake up the next day and hammer out the last 150miles. Give yourself a bailout plan too, with that amount of saddle time, injuries are easy. Also, you'll have more time to perfect the epic just Rapha bibs and espresso morning shots (with mando lensflare). 

@JohnMalcolmson I haven't had a chance to acknowledge your insights until now. Thank you for posting. I decided to move my trip back to the weekend of the 24th so I can take a bit more time to plan and have bailout option along the way. I have at least one other person I will be riding with and we can work together to stay safe as we get tired and it's dark. 

I also may end up just riding out to Montauk and back, since I haven't done that before and there would be plenty of bailout options along the way. 

Montauk is a good option: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/1553715/ NYCC 150 takes same route.

Montauk route is a good option, i do however prefer the north shore route, taking northern blvd to 25 & 25a to Riverhead, 

Montauk is an excellent option.  No climbing to speak of but The End (see what I did there) result is worth it.  Hither Hills has a great beach and campground where you can reserve a spot in advance (peak season 7 day requirements ended last week so they're usually pretty booked over weekends now).

David Yang said:

Montauk is an excellent option.  No climbing to speak of but The End (see what I did there) result is worth it.  Hither Hills has a great beach and campground where you can reserve a spot in advance (peak season 7 day requirements ended last week so they're usually pretty booked over weekends now).

There's also a free bike hostel – no reservation needed, first-come first-served.

I've done the Montauk ride a couple times, but never the north shore, which I do hear is the prettiest way to do it.

Kissena campout?

I've ridden to Greenport. It was a very nice ride with a good brewery at the end.

BIKEPACKING NYC: FAST AND LIGHT by matthew vandivort
https://www.tobedetermined.cc/journal/2017/6/bikepacking-nyc-fast-and-light