2008 Cycling Season Complete

1.) Well, the 2008 cycling season has come to end now that the year comes to a close and the holidays are fast approaching. I have accomplished my personal goal of reaching 3000+ miles! I think I am done for the year!

What is even more impressive is the statistics for 2008 for those who have input their rides at the Confidus link:
http://fitness.confidus.com/ms150.nsf/Ride%20Miles%20Per%20Month?OpenView
2008 Total Miles: 12,134.2

Very impressive!

2.) Now for those hard core cycling enthusiasts, and if you are looking for that very unique cycling gift to give someone during the holidays, or maybe more importantly, you wish to receive at the holidays, then take a look at the following items and see if one or more meets your wish list criteria:

a.) On October 20 2005 at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Gala an anonymous buyer purchased a Madone 5.9 SL that was donated by Trek and jeweler Alan Friedman. The bicycle is covered with gold and man-made diamonds and sold for $75,000.00 USD making it the world's most expensive bicycle.
b.) The world's most expensive production bicycle we could find was the Bernard Hinault bicycle with prices ranging from $7,885 to $10,660 and you have to pick it up in Bretagne, France but they do cover the airfare.
c.) Artist Marcel Duchamp created 'readymade art', basically a bicycle wheel on a stool, in 1913. Today it's worth about $3 million, definitely the world's most expensive bicycle wheel.

Source:
http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/expensive44.html

Enjoy the holidays and rest up as the 2009 Cycling season starts up soon.

Mogman

Dec 14, 2008 - I-64 Ride, Fun Run and Time Trials

!!UPDATED!!
Post Ride 64 Event Info:

For December 14, the weather was great and the ride on I-64/US-40 proved to be a one time experience for sure. Esat bound lanes were busy with many pedestrians, pets and such. Westbound lanes were primarily cyclists, both time trialers and casual cyclists.

Only one disappointing aspect is that they didn't put any bike lanes in the new road construction plans. Go figure!























Pre-Event Info:
Thanks to Dave F. for looking into this I-64 ride a little bit further! The eastbound lanes are open from 12-3pm at no cost and open to the public. Just go down to the event and enter the highway at Ballas.

Per MODOT..."You can ride back to Ballas on those same eastbound lanes. We aren't organizing the eastbound lanes, so you can travel in either direction...."

If you want a souvenir T-Shirt, you may want to consider the website referenced below under Ride 64 heading and register for a fee.

Email me at mogman@earthlink.net if interested (include preferred meet time) and I will tally a list of those interested and coordinate if enough interested, and weather permitting. I plan to be down there at 12:00 Noon, if for no other reason than to ensure I reach my 3,000 miles goal for 2008....28 miles to go!

Ride Route Info:
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/st%20louis/188873345927

Mogman

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Unique opportunity to ride, run, walk or time trial on I-64 between McKnight Road and Ballas Road. Sign up by Dec. 3 to get best sign up rates.

DATE: Sunday, Dec 14, 2008

See the following website for Ride 64 information.
http://www.stlbikefed.org/GettingAround/RidesandEvents/Ride64/tabid/239/Default.aspx
Time: 12:00 - 2:30 PM


See following website for “Fun on the Freeway” 5K information:
http://www.stlouistrackclub.com/
Time: 9:00 AM

See following website for Time Trials:
http://bigshark.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=12545&CatalogId=39


Weather outlook is promising:
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USMO0170


Mogman@earthlink.net

General

Hello fellow cyclists!

Appears most have gone into hibernation given daylight savings time and cooler weather. Don't let those two minor issues ruin your workout routines. May require some adaptation or indoor training too (treadmills, indoor cycles, trainers, spinning, etc.). Stay with it! Perseverance and layered clothing helps too. Night riding is also an option but you need a light. Places to ride at night are Forest Park, Lost Valley Trail and possibly others. See www.gorctrails.com for Tuesday might ride details at Lost Valley. I have also been using the Chesterfield Parkway Loop sidewalks as they were widened to accommodate bicycle riding and it keeps you off the roads. Can ride road bikes on these sidewalks but typically more suitable for commuter, hybrid or mountain bikes. I bought a Nite Rider TrailRat at Ghisallo in Chesterfield (~$125 + tax). Good entry level model and fairly portable from bike to bike and gives you about 2.5 hours ride time. For other night light options, articles, etc., I have listed a few other websites below:

http://bhsi.org/lights.htm general article

http://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/night-bicycle-riding.cfm general article and products

http://www.niterider.com/light_comparisonchart.shtml products

http://www.bikelights.com/folders.asp?uid=1 products

http://www.nordicgroup.us/s78/ general

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS266US267&resnum=0&q=bicycle+night+lights&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title



Safe riding!

Mogman
mhtml:%7B80445FB0-F38E-4BEF-B73E-3A2FD56E6A2C%7Dmid://00000005/!x-usc:mailto:mogman@earthlink.net

Colorado Triple Bypass Info

There had been talk in the past about possible interest in the Colorado Triple Bypass cycling event. It is sponsored by Team Evergreen out of Evergreen, Colorado.

Team Evergreen website:
http://www.teamevergreen.org/

Triple Bypass Info
http://www.teamevergreen.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=48&Itemid=86

http://www.teamevergreen.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=87

Note that it is imperative to register as soon as possible after Jan 1, 2009 to secure a spot as the number of riders are limited and there is no lottery.

Route description/elevation: 120 miles from Evergreen to Avon over Squaw (11,140 ft.), Loveland (11,990 ft.), Swan Mountain and Vail (10,560 ft.) passes, with over 10,000 ft. of lung-busting gain in elevation!

If you are interested, email me at mogman@earthlink.net and I will start collecting a list of potential riders.

Mogman

Saturday, Sep. 27 Ride

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM

Route Start/Finish Location:
St. Louis Bread Co., 1650 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.643931&lon=-90.565369&zoom=16&q1=1650%20Clarkson%20Road%2C%20Chesterfield%2C%20MO%2063017%20&gid1=37072789

Route Length: (31.98 mi.)

Route: Chesterfield to Forest Park (Out and Back)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/949260710456

Route Difficulty: easy/moderate

Other: Please RSVP if you plan to ride; wear Affton/Confidus Team jersey if you have one.

Katy Trail Ride Fall 2008

Anyone interested in a Katy Trail ride this fall? Looking to see if there is interest in being dropped in West Missouri and riding back via Katy Trail
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/

Email me at mogus@earthlink.net if interested and we will see what develops from there.

!!UPDATED!!
Still tentatively looking at a possible Katy Trail fall bicycle ride in late October or early Nov (prefer Oct).

Amtrak service is available from Kirkwood to Sedalia; $22 Coach; $37 Business; $10 for bicycle. Ideally depart on Friday to allow ample time to reach St. Louis by late Sunday afternoon.

Amtrak Friday typical schedule:
311 Kansas City Mule
Kirkwood, MO (KWD)8:59 am Sedalia, MO (SED) 12:01pm 3h 2m
or
313 Ann Rutledge
Kirkwood, MO (KWD)4:29 pm Sedalia, MO (SED) 7:39 pm 3h 10m
http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak



Logistics:
Lodging - Would spend two nights Friday and Saturday. Could depart Sedalia and get head start on trail and then put in somewhere later along trail or stay in Sedalia and then depart early AM for mid point. Probably recommend getting start on trail in case of weather changes that might occur over the weekend. Could consider camping with small tent or stay at local hotels near the trail. Need to look into this further.

Bicycling - Will tow a small Burley that can hold minimal needed items (rain gear, overnight, small tent, etc.). Would want to keep load small and light. Have a pannier set up as well. Need either trail bike or road bike with thin trail tires.

Food - Would bring some emergency power food but plan would be to stop along the way to grab lunch and dinner at lodging location.

Route/Distances -
229 Mile Marker Sedalia
143.2 Mile Marker N. Jefferson City (85.8 from Sedalia)
39.5 Mile Marker St. Charles (103.7 from N. Jefferson City)

If any interest in doing this, drop me an email at: mogman@earthlink.net or mogus@earthlink.net

Mogman

2008 Tour of Missouri - St. Louis, MO Stage 7

Some pictures and videos from the 2008 Tour of Missouri.
http://www.tourofmissouri.com/

Some after the finish pics...

Some familiar faces with front row seats at the finish line...Pfoodman and Pfriends (Pfoodman on the right).

Saturday, Oct 4th - Tour de Cape Ride

Route/Ride: Tour de Cape http://www.tourdecape.com/

Who is interested in the Tour de Cape? Email me at mogus@earthlink.net so we can establish interest and identify those who are planning to go for sure and planned distance (100, 62, 30 or 15 miles).

!!UPDATE!! !!UPDATE!!
Thus far, rider interest as follows:
Committed :
Mogman (30 miles)
Columbia (Ill) Dude (30 miles)
Dr. Scholls (30 Miles)
Mark T. (30 Miles)


Hurry up, early registration discount ends Sep 20th!

MS Charity Ride, Columbia, Mo Sep 6-7, 2008

Affton Truckers/Confidus Group had a great showing at the MS in Columbia, MO this year. The team name was made known and visible with over 45 cyclists on Saturday. There were other off the road noticeable things such as the "compound" and a free, somewhat public community service sound system (enough said about that). It was quite an impressive site to see the groups of riders wearing the team jerseys. The jerseys were easily recognizable, especially when the Kansas City chapter of the team went flying by most other riders.

Day one...anyone remember what we kind of all said before we started? Let's all stick together up until the Century turn off. Anyone remember that? Well, that lasted for about 3 to 4 miles...maybe even less. If you are a first time rider next year, don't believe it! I have heard that for the last 8 MS rides I have done and there is just too much excitement to hold some of us back, in spite of the odds of keeping such a fast pace and the wisdom in our years.

Day two, shortly after the beginning, we had an impressive train of riders following those KC cyclists through the hills of Columbia. There must have been 20 or more cyclists at one point drafting off those KC boys, including myself. It looked impressive! You could call us the "Wanna Be Tour of Missouri" group, less the expensive SAG teams and chase cars.

Had several Century riders on day one, two Century riders on day two, with one double century rider across both days. Many thanks to Mark T. for joining me on day two century and pulling me along and listening to my delirious state after about 65 miles when all I could think about was I have to make it up those last hills at mile mark 100.

See the team website for more pics from the ride http://www.ac-cycling.com/Site/Welcome.html

Unfortunately, regarding statistics, I don't have a good handle on that (i.e., team total miles ridden, how many beers, how much food, how many snacks, how many power bars, etc.). Need to keep better books on that next year.

Now, as we all go our ways for the season and mend our aches, pains and sore muscles from this year's ride, start thinking about next year. I have it from the rumor mill that some are already in the early stages of planning for an even more successful 2009 MS Ride.

Remember, the most important part of all this fun (and challenge) was the reason we were all there, and that was to help the fight against the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis. That is why we ride! Safe riding to all and see you next year in 2009.

Primary Sponsor Websites:

http://www.afftontrucking.com/asp/depot.asp

http://www.confidus.com/

Some sites to keep in your bookmarks

http://www.ac-cycling.com/Site/Welcome.html

http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Bike_MOS_homepage

Monday, Sep 1 Ride

Route Start Times:
Option 1 Start: 7:00 AM - Early bird special
Option 2 Start: 8:00 AM - Late riser special
Route Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake Park
Lake House Restaurant, 2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):
Maps:http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States
Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side (left side when pulling in parking lot) of restaurant.
Routes:
Option 1 Route: Early bird special...
Creve Coeur Park to Portage Des Sioux Loop plus loops around Creve Coeur Lake (~80 mi)http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/st%20louis/171477135644
This option will add some loops around Creve Coeur Lake at the end of the ride to up the mileage to 80 or so. Rest stop at Smartt Field.
Option 2 Route: Late riser special...for those who wish an extra hour of sleep and a few less miles. Rest stop at Smartt Field.
Creve Coeur Park to Portage Des Sioux Loop (60.7 mi)http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/st%20louis/171477135644

Route Difficulty: Flat as a pancake...mostly.

Sunday, Aug 31 Ride

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location:
Smoke House Market16806 Chesterfield Airport Rd, Chesterfield, MO
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.667894&lon=-90.578532&zoom=17&q1=16806%20Chesterfield%20Airport%20Rd%2C%20Chesterfield%2C%20MO
Route:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/mo/annie%20gunn%27s/smoke%20house%2c%20chesterfield/434683418648 (30.52 mi.)

Saturday, Aug 30 Ride

!!UPDATE!! Ride pics...

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake
Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side of restaurant. Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146Maps:http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States
Route: 08/30/2008 Route - Creve Coeur Park to Portage Des Sioux Loop (60.7 mi)
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/st%20louis/171477135644
Rest stop usually at Smartt Field.
Route Difficulty: Flat

Saturday, Aug 16 Ride

1.) Saturday, Aug 16 Ride
Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake; Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side of restaurant. Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146Maps:http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States

Route:
Part 1 - Charlie Chapman Memorial Ride
Riding in memory of Charlie Chapman who rode with the CONFIDUS team for 7 years and was diagnosed with cancer based on not feeling well on 2007 MS ride. He lost his battle with cancer on July 25, 2008.
Creve Coeur to St. Charles County Loop (35.13 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/maryland-heights/278225815295
If 35 miles is too much, can take out loop on Seeburger and just turn back at Mueller Road by soccer park.

Part 2 - Creve Coeur to Forest Park Loop (34.49 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/chesterfield/321233737693
Can add loop around Forest Park if desired to up the challenge if you will. This route has some good long steady hill climbs on Midland heading out to West County and a good hill out Marine. Best part is down hill on Marine to reach Creve Coeur Park.

Saturday, August 23 Ride

!!UPDATE!! Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
If you want a later start time and/or less miles overall, we will be looping back to start to meet up with other MS team at 8:00 AM.

Route Start/Finish Location:
Smoke House Market
16806 Chesterfield Airport Rd, Chesterfield, MO
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.667894&lon=-90.578532&zoom=17&q1=16806%20Chesterfield%20Airport%20Rd%2C%20Chesterfield%2C%20MO

!!UPDATE!! Route:
Part 1: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/chesterfield/627237521912
Short 14 mile warm up loop; will meet up with Boeing MS Team at Smokehouse at 8:00.

Part 2: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/1739991584
This is 70 mile loop route total but will turn off to shorten to 50 miles total for those who need to return earlier or don't want any more miles. Deviation from route at link above is as follows once you reach Old Manchester and Pond intersection:

-Old Manchester to Pond
-Right on Pond (heading north)
-Right at HWY 100 onto bike path (south side of HWY 100)
-Left at HWY 109; crossover to East side of HWY 109 and pick up bike path
-Proceed north on bike path along HWY 109 to Shepard (just past Clayton Rd)
-Right on Shepard
-Proceed staright on Shepard/Strecker to Kehrs Mill
-Left on Kerhs Mill to Wild Horse
-Left on Wild Horse to Long Road
-Right on Long Road to Edison
-Right on Edison to Baxter
-Left on Baxter to Smoke House (Annie Gunn's)

Route Length: 50, 75, or 90+ (depends on start time and if you follow deviation noted above).

Saturday, August 9 Ride

The planned group training ride for Saturday, Aug 9th will be in Columbia, Ill.
Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location: Market Place Foodland, 1000 Columbia Ctr, Columbia, IL 62236-2546Yahoo maps (if hyper link doesn't work, copy and paste into web browser): http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.445485&lon=-90.220042&zoom=17&q1=1000%20Columbia%20Ctr%2C%20Columbia
Route Length: 70 miles; Columbia, IL to Prairie Du Rocher, IL

Saturday, Aug 2 Ride

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake; Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side of restaurant. Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Maps:http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States

Route:
Creve Coeur Park to Portage Des Sioux (~60 Miles mi.) [Flat route]
Following route is not the actual 60 mile route but does get you out to Seeburger Rd. From there, to get to 60 mile total, need to take Church Rd to Washeon Rd to Orchard Farm Road to HWY V to Pleasant Union Road (comes out by Smart Field airport ) to Grafton Ferry Rd to Portage Rd to Portage Des Sioux and then return same way.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united%20states/mo/creve-coeur/732240322594

Note: Mogman will not be there...on vacation...yippie! Someone may want to wear a Pfoodman/Wapiti jersey (since we don't have new ones yet) for ease of recognition in case new folks show up. For others, the jersey is white with black elk on mountain and green trim around neck and sleeves).

Saturday, July 26 Ride

!!UPDATE!! - RIDE FOLLOW UP
Had a great ride. Most seemed to like the route and it provided ample challenges and long hill climbs on Midland. Apparently it was a bit more challenging than anticipated (maybe due to humidity levels) as most opted out of Part 2 except for two (Dave F. and you can guess the other rider...me of course). The route had a few hills early on once we turned onto Conway but was fairly flat most of first half then we hit Midland Blvd. and Maryland Heights area with some good hills.

I think the Mogman minivan turned cycling SAG vehicle with buffet fruit bar, power bar grab box and semi-frozen energy drinks, etc., was widely accepted. Actually, if this keeps up, I might incorporate and set up a weekend business (i.e., Mogman in Motion)!

Hopefully see you all on the next ride! After all, Sep 6-7 is not far away!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Given two weeks in a row in Columbia, Ill we will meet in West St. Louis County this coming Saturday, July 26th . The planned group training ride will start in West County and go...well...somewhere...

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM

Route Start/Finish Location:
St. Louis Bread Co., 1650 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.643931&lon=-90.565369&zoom=16&q1=1650%20Clarkson%20Road%2C%20Chesterfield%2C%20MO%2063017%20&gid1=37072789

Route Length: 50 miles (part 1)/30-35 miles (part 2)

Route:

Part 1 (50 miles) - Chesterfield to Forest Park to Creve Couer Lake Park to Chesterfield (some small rolling hills)

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/998314936512

Part 2 (30-35 miles)- Chesterfield to St. Albans area to Chesterfield (plenty of hills)

tbd

Route Difficulty: see above

For anyone going to ride Saturday, July 26, please RSVP me at mogus@earthlink.net and indicate your ride route option and preferred distance. I will make sure we have a route that accommodates various rider preferences based upon general groupings, speed, etc. We usually have two general groupings of riders although we never totally separate and we do re-group at various intervals if separation occurs (at least until we are close to getting back to the start point).

Saturday, July 19 Ride

The planned group training ride for Saturday, July 19th will be in Columbia, Ill.

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM Route Start/Finish Location: Market Place Foodland, 1000 Columbia Ctr, Columbia, IL 62236-2546 Yahoo maps (if hyper link doesn't work, copy and paste into web browser): http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.445485&lon=-90.220042&zoom=17&q1=1000%20Columbia%20Ctr%2C%20Columbia%2C%20IL%2062236-2546

Route Length: 75 miles; Columbia, IL to Prairie Du Rocher, IL
(Valmeyer Road to Bluff Road to Bottom Rd to Levee Road; ride the bottoms past the mines to Prairie Du Rocher and back )

Other - Team Meeting : Affton Truckers/Confidus Group Team members (and those looking to join the team but haven't yet); Jim Scheetz has invited those who are on the team or will be signing up for the team to a meeting/get together following the ride. Please RSVP to Jim Scheetz (jjs@cfo4hire.net) if you plan to attend for details and meet location.

Weeknight Rides - Looking for Inputs

Todd (Confidus Group) is interested in getting a ride together with our Kirkwood/Webster teammates included. If anyone is interested, riders could meet in that area somewhere and start a loop.

If it is just folks from West County, a ride from Einsteins up Clayton to Ballas, Ballas to Adams, Adams to Webster and back out would be great. That's about 30 miles. Mostly have road apron, and with a group of 4 or more, it should be pretty safe. How about Wednesday nights? Email Todd and/or myself (mogus@earthlink.net) if interested?

Possible route if coming from West County:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/487984770966

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There are growing signs of interest for a week night ride. Email any thoughts or suggestions in this regard to mogus@earthlink.net. Indicate a meet time preference and general meet location preference.

I know there are Monday night Mueller rides in St. Charles County and there are Tuesday night rides in North County (Boeing Team).

Wondering if any interest in a Wed or Thur night ride somewhere else?

Mogman

Saturday, July 12th Ride

The planned group training ride for Saturday, July 12th will be in Columbia, Ill with some of our Confidus riders planning the route. They have been bragging this route up quite a bit lately so time we try it out. Will post more details under this blog entry when available (route, times, etc.)

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location:
Market Place Foodland, 1000 Columbia Ctr, Columbia, IL 62236-2546
Yahoo maps (if hyper link doesn't work, copy and paste into web browser): http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.445485&lon=-90.220042&zoom=17&q1=1000%20Columbia%20Ctr%2C%20Columbia%2C%20IL%2062236-2546
Route Length: 40 miles with some hills
Route Map: Columbia, Il to Valmeyer, IL (40.01 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/il/columbia/888822150803

Logistics/Other: If anyone wants to commute over with me, we can meet at my house, I will leave at 6:00 AM (ouch!). Have room for up to 3 more riders if needed and bikes too. No kidding! Simply amazing what a mininvan can do when converted to a SAG vehicle. However, security regulations will restrict each passenger to one personal carry on item only please! I will have pump and tools too. Please email me mogus@earthlink.net and let me know if you are riding and if you want to commute over together via gas powered vehicle to the start location.

Check back for updates to this blog entry regarding route specifics.

Mogman

MS-150 Columbia, MO Logistics

1.) Hotel Accommodations
I have 4 rooms reserved in Columbia for check-in on Friday, Sep 5th with checkout on Sunday, Sep 7th.
!!UPDATE !! Two rooms are accounted for as of 7/26/2008. Two rooms remain so let me know if you need a room or wish to share a room with someone.

Holiday Inn Express COLUMBIA-REG HOSP & MED CTR
801 KEENE STREET COLUMBIA, MO 65201 UNITED STATES
Hotel Phone: 1-573-4494422
Hotel Fax: 1-573-4421110

We can do two to a room. Cost per room is $114/night plus tax (or $57/person).

This hotel actually has full breakfast (eggs, sausage and other goodies) that they put out early on Saturday and Sunday morning to cater to the riders.

If you are looking for a bed or room, and this option appeals to you, then email me at mogus@earthlink.net and let me know so I can put you on the list. First come first served basis for Confidus and Affton Truckers Team members. I will leave all rooms under my name to simplify coordination and ensure all are used or cancelled if appropriate.

Otherwise, you can go to the MS-150 Website to get a list of other hotels that might be offering discount to riders:
http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_MOS_Hotels

2.) Camping
Confidus has a group that camps every year at the Midway Expo site so if interested in that option, just email so we can get a count and ensure enough space. The earlier we get there Friday night, the better the spot I think.

3.) Registration
Be sure to sign up and use the discount code "firecracker" to get registered for just $8 through Tuesday, July 8th.
<http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/MOSBikeEvents?fr_id=7630&pg=entry>

Mogman

Saturday, July 5th Ride

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM
Route Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake; Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side of restaurant. Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146Yahoo Maps:http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States

Route: Will try the following route...something different...
Creve Coeur Lake to Forest Park Loop (40.97 mi.) [Some rolling hills mixed with flat]http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united%20states/mo/maryland-heights/749083158308

Friday, July 4th Ride

Route Start Time: 7:00 AM

Start/Finish Location: Creve Coeur Lake; Meet at parking lot of Creve Coeur Lake House Restaurant located on West side of lake. Park on North side of restaurant. Address and link are below (if hyper link doesn't work, then copy and paste into web browser):
2160 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Yahoo Maps:
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.699406&lon=-90.497741&zoom=14&q1=2160%20Creve%20Coeur%20Mill%20Rd%2C%20Maryland%20Heights%2C%20MO%2063146-2008%2C%20United%20States

Route (order of routes by consensus)
Creve Coeur Park to St. Charles Loop (36.85 mi.) [Fairly flat route]
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united%20states/mo/creve-coeur/732240322594
Creve Coeur Lake to Forest Park Loop (40.97 mi.) [Some rolling hills mixed with flat]
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united%20states/mo/maryland-heights/749083158308

MS-150 Team Formulation and Kick Off Meeting

Organizational Meeting to Form Team...message from Jerry O.

The former Pfoodman/Wapiti Team is no more and former members are planning on joining forces with two other teams, Afton Trucking & Confidus Group, this year for training and the MS 150.

A team meeting is being held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 26th at Syberg's Westport:
www.sybergs.com
2430 Old Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
(314) 785-0481

The meeting is being held to discuss and select team name, jerseys and other logistics and pertinent details. Need to discuss these items and follow up with an order for jerseys in order to get them in time for the MS-150 ride in September. Invite family and friends who want to join in on training rides and/or for the MS ride in Sep. Please reply to aorzano57@hotmail.com if you will be able to attend the meeting. If not attending the meeting, please reply to Jerry at aorzano57@hotmail.com if you cannot make it and still want to be a part of this newly formed team. In any case, send something to Jerry letting him know you wish to participate in training rides, MS-150 ride, sponsorship, or whatever.

Mogman Ride Routes

#1 Chesterfield Loop 1 (20.72 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/605877530856
Mostly Flat
Just a simple out and back on Chesterfield Levee that I ride on weekday evenings.

#2 Chesterfield Loop 2 (30.62 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/568137176305
First half flat; second half hills
A good route but has some hills in second half; one good hill up Wildhorse, one super downhill on Old Eatherton and then one killer hill going up Orville just after the intersection of Orville and Eatherton. Once on top of ridge on Orville, very nice riding with rollers that allow you to keep on rolling without much effort if you keep your momentum going. Then an awesome long downhill on Orville just before you turn right on Shepard Road.

#3 Chesterfield Loop 3 (27.55 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/379485656623
Mapped but have not ridden that one just yet.

#4 Chesterfield Loop 4 (28.87 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/852225774270
Mostly flat first half; hills, rolling hills last half
Pretty much the same as Chesterfield Loop 3 really.

#5 Chesterfield Loop 5 (33.12 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/767934865564
mostly flat but one challenge hill to/from Creve Couer; Chesterfiled Valley flats
Good ride and mostly flat except for hill on River Bend Rd. which is a kicker. If you ride this route, do it early as possible as Olive Blvd is not super friendly and doesn't have much bike lane in some small sections (watch out for RTA bus as they are silent coming from behind and they typically don't move over and after the initial wind blast, you get that great gulp of diesel fuel exhaust out the back).

#6 Chesterfield Loop 6 (39.79 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/862014167239
hills; route is from Chesterfield to St. Albans and back
A good challenge with some of the hills out near ST. Albans area. Haven't ridden this one yet this year.

#7 Chesterfield Loop 7 (47.53 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/715890245999
hills; route is from Chesterfield to St. Albans and back
Another good workout to St. Albans and such. Incorporates Chesterfield Loop 6 and some additional distance.

#8 Creve Coeur Park to Mueller Park (20.11 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/maryland-heights/767292714854
flat ride

#9 Creve Coeur Park to St. Charles County via New Town Road (35 miles)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/maryland-heights/278225815295
flat ride

#10 Chesterfield to Forest Park Loop (35.36 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/757587713462

#11 Chesterfield to Forest Park Loop (43.42 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/mo/chesterfield/906765176

#12 Chesterfield to Berkeley - Work Commute (19.57 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/916144404478

#13 St. Peters/St. Paul Ride in St. Charles County (42.08 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/st-peters/242194259993

#14 Creve Coeur Park to St. Peters/St. Paul Connector Route (14.55 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/maryland-heights/490159517997

#15 Chesterfiled to St. Albans - Half Tri Route (54.23 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/253841781302
lots of hills; traffic on Manchester can be slightly intimidating on Manchester from Old Manchester/Fox Creek Road until Pond Road; Berm is pretty chopped up in many spots on Manchester in two lane area; can pick up bike trail at Pond Road going east on Manchester for a couple of miles.

#16 Creve Coeur Park to St. Charles Loop (36.85 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/creve-coeur/732240322594

#17 Clayton/Woodsmill Webster Groves Loop (28.96 mi.)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/487984770966

May 17, 2008 - Saturday AM Ride Results/Route

Three riders today; Todd, Ryan, Dan. The ride was flat about half the way and then it went to hills and lots of them. This is a great route for a good workout, especially on the second half of the loop. Definitely gets your hear beat rate up once you turn up Orville Road. Start time at 6:30 AM and back home by 9:00 AM.

Route info: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/mo/750335307805


See you out there soon!

Bike Ride Week

Did you know that May12-May 16, 2008 was bike week? Did you know that Friday, May 16, 2008 was ride your bike to work day? Saw a few more bicycle commuters out there Friday morning mixing it up with the cars. Great stuff!http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/events.php

May 17, 2008 - Saturday AM Ride

Saturday AM Ride Info below...

Route Start Time: 6:30 AM

Route Start/Finish Location:
St. Louis Bread Co., 1650 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=38.643931&lon=-90.565369&zoom=16&q1=1650%20Clarkson%20Road%2C%20Chesterfield%2C%20MO%2063017%20&gid1=37072789

Route Length:
~30 miles (more if desired after completing loop)
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/568137176305

Route Difficulty: flat and hills

Hope to see you there!

May 10, 2008 - Saturday AM Ride

Late coordination logistics this week due to business travel so turn out today was limited to two riders. Met at STL Bread Co in Chesterfield at 6:50 AM. The weather was absolutely great! Route info below.

Looking for more riders to join up and start getting in that cycling spirit! Hope to see you all out there very soon.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mo/chesterfield/885010873450



Mogman

MS-150 - Logistics Related

Stay tuned as we start to form a real bona fide group. Looks like there is some real potential having Confidus and Affton Trucking to join up forces to increase rider numbers at the various group rides. We hope to get together soon one evening to discuss some logistics and get some things worked out.

Also, I have reserved four rooms at Holiday Inn Express in Columbia for the MS-150. We haf three rooms there last year and what turned out nice was that they sat out breakfast earlier than usual to accommodate MS riders. The hotel is clean. I can get more rooms if needed, or cancel if no one is interested. If you know you are riding the MS-150 in Columbia, and you do not want to camp, let me know if you want me to hold a room or if you want to share a room. Room rate (including tax currently at $120 (or $60/bed if sharing room) but will check to see if we can get better rate or an MS-150 discount rate when we know more about how many rooms are actually needed. Let me know if interested or wanting a room/bed. Not opposed to other hotel suggestions either. Just wanted to at least have a back-up plan if nothing else is offered up.

Mogman

Mogman

MS Kick Off Ride Follow Up

It was a most beautiful day for a ride today! Jim, Jerry and Dan made it but didn't see any others. Anybody else show up? Of course, with all that colorful spandex, helmets, and styling shades, it is sometimes hard to tell who is who in those crowds. Two routes today; 27 mile and 37 mile. Went along Edison to Wildhorse and out to Ossenfort, Melrose and back. No Etherton leg this year which nobody misses I am sure. Wildhorse road has new asphalt on the sides so it wasn't too bad but there is some loose stones along the way from construction, road paving and such.

Hope to see more of you soon out there on the road.

Mogman

MS Kick-Off and Spring Ride Chesterfield

Don't forget about the Missouri - 2008 2nd Annual Bike MS Kick-Off & Spring Ride - Chesterfield, MO on May 4. Hope to see you all there.

http://bikemos.nationalmssociety.org/

Mogman

May 3, 2008 - Saturday Ride

Well, we had five riders (Barb, Boz, Ryan, Todd, Dan) brave the windy weather today with a ride down into the Chesterfield Valley. We didn't seem to get enough head wind going down so we decided to get on top of the Chesterfield Monarch levee for a full dose of cross winds but we did go the direction that created a nice tail wind which helped our average speed by about 7-10 mph. You could basically sit without pedalling and get about 6-8 mph speed. Todd, Ryan and Barb did about 15 miles. Ryan was preparing for a 24 mile run tomorrow, Todd had a triathlon tomorrow and Barb was first time out on the bike for the season (ouch). Dan went on to do 27 miles checking out some possible new road ride routes and Boz, well, he may still be out there riding.

Hope to see the rest of you out there soon and possibly on Sunday, May 4 at Ghisallo for the MS kick-off ride.

Mogman

Starting Blog

Mogman is a long time participant and advocate of cycling and literally grew up on a bicycle of one fashion or another. It was a way of life back in those grade school days and was a form of a child's independence having the ability to go just about anywhere and any distance you wanted to go from home, at least until we were caught by my parents for going to far from home. My cycling roots go back to the early to mid 60s when banana seat bikes were the norm and could be had at a garage sale for $5. Back in those days, banana bikes were also used to jump dirt mounds (now they use BMX bikes for that stuff) as well as ride wheelies the entire street long. Of course bicycle helmets weren't even thought of, let alone talked about and that is why I ended up missing several weeks of school in the 4th grade due to a severe concussion and fractured skull. Once the banana bike was worn out and falling out of favor, it was time to move up to the long dreamed of and sought after Schwinn, in any model or any color. Instead of a Schwinn, I received a birthday gift In the eighth grade. I received a Raleigh English Racer, all new and fresh out of the box. I still remember that day (in spite of my age and subsequent memory loss). That lasted me until high school where I participated in a church youth group contest competing for a free car as first prize. I took second place and instead received a Sears Roebuck blue road racing bike with all the latest components. That became my main mode of transportation in high school outside of the daily bus ride to/from school. I then pursued my education and career which left little time for bicycling for about 10 years. I knew I was missing something. It was that void of serious bicycling in those early career years. Fast forward to the late 80s where the new trend was in trail bikes, hybrid bikes and soon to emerge mountain bikes with suspensions that put some cars to shame. So I remerged the avid cyclists I claimed to have been and started out with a new trail bike (hard frame). Since that time I have consistently added to my collection of bicycles and accessories. I have literally covered the garage ceiling with hooks covering the entire garage ceiling area to hang bicycles, bicycle buggies, car racks, space cases, etc. I have returned to my roots with vigor but with modern day technology. I now have gone to the extreme in my bicycling pursuits and have a bicycle for literally every occasion, and all the accessories to carry my bicycle anywhere and on any car. Of course, bicycling must include an iPod these days as well.

Why? What's the point? Just being in the outdoors, adventuring out, taking in the sights, experiencing around you what you miss when driving in a car and simply enjoying God's handy work. In addition to that, the health benefits (except of course for those close calls with automobiles) and "green" benefits simply add to the overall benefits. Having logged over 3000 miles in 2007, having ridden in 7 years of the MS-150 Charity events raising money for the fight against MS, having commuted to work via bicycle, I feel compelled to do more in 2008 and to experience more of what I have described above. I invite you to join in a as well and experience the world around you in a different light and where you can take more in and enjoy those things that we take for granted in our hurried pace and lives.

So enough about me, let's get to blogging and let's go cycling!

Mogman