yup , craig . . . i've been working on building a bunch of guys from the patrol and other mountain departments to make it an annual event .
keeps me motivated over the winter months to keep the legs to start the season on a 100km .
there are a few things that attract me to these things .
i think mainly there is a big difference in the vibe due to the fact that it is a " timed event " , as opposed to a race . there is no prize for being fastest , and the story of some guy who flatted five times is as celebrated as a guy who did a personal best average speed .
enjoying a day on the road and having to do a little bit of navigating with the riders around you is fun , and the control points force you to get off the bike for a bit of a stretch . when you head back out you have different riders around which can change the dynamic of the ride for the next section .
there are enough riders to be a noticeable presence on the route , yet not enough to be overwhelming . the fact that the route is not closed and riders must ride the rules of the road also takes the " race " vibe down .
and cheap . . . a day on the bike with others looking to have a nice day on the bike for 25 $ . everyone gets a nice pin when they're done .