CT MS Bike Tour

[MtnBikerChk]

Me, IAB and my cousins have a team for this year's ms bike tour.

Right now we are doing the mountain bike tour, but I may do both.

If you would like to be part of our team, please pm me or e-mail me @ mtnbikerchk@hotmail.com

THANKS!

btw, road tour is June 8, 2003 and mtb tour is June 29, 2003 (place, tba).

[AA]

Do you have a link for the mountain bike tour?

My wife and I have done the MS great Mass Getaway on our tandem for the last 2 years. It's a great cause and a great event. A mountain bike tour sounds very cool as well.

AA

[MMcG]

MBC, More details please.

I'm interested and may be able to hook us up with a sponsor (A new Canadian-based MTB apparrel company looking to make its presence known in the U.S.) See my signature below.

Mark (not the Singer from Sugar Ray) McGrath

[MtnBikerChk]

info to be found at www.ctnmss.org

basically, you pay an entrance fee of $25 or $30 depending on how early you do it. then, you raise a minimum of $100 in donations. that's it. there are prizes for different amounts raised.

[I Are Baboon]

My sister has MS so this is a cause that hits home for me.

[MMcG]

MBC and IAB,

I would like to join your team (if you'll have me as a member) and I can help raising sponsorship money.

This will be a great opportunity to set my sights on something and also help out a great cause at the same time.

How many miles is the mountain bike ride and what will the terrain be like?

[MtnBikerChk]

MBC and IAB,

I would like to join your team (if you'll have me as a member) and I can help raising sponsorship money.

This will be a great opportunity to set my sights on something and also help out a great cause at the same time.

How many miles is the mountain bike ride and what will the terrain be like?


the place is yet to be determined - but based on last year, my guess is you can just sign up and then ride wichever one you want when you get there.

thanks Mark.

btw, we do not tread this as a race - it is a fun ride and we will probably all ride together.

[I Are Baboon]

Mark,

Last year's MTB ride was at Gay City state park. Some of the easiest darn terrain out there. We did the "advanced" ride, which was about 13 miles. I was just warming up when I finished the ride. This year, they offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced. MBC and I signed up for the advanced.

The NEMBA guy who was running the show last year said they were hoping to have it at Cockaponset in 2003, which would definitely make for a more challenging ride. We shall see.

[MMcG]

MBC and IAB,

I would like to join your team (if you'll have me as a member) and I can help raising sponsorship money.

This will be a great opportunity to set my sights on something and also help out a great cause at the same time.

How many miles is the mountain bike ride and what will the terrain be like?


the place is yet to be determined - but based on last year, my guess is you can just sign up and then ride wichever one you want when you get there.

thanks Mark.

btw, we do not tread this as a race - it is a fun ride and we will probably all ride together.


I would treat is as a fun ride as well MBC, but I still need to prepare to keep up with you and IAB! You know that first hand from seeing my sorry arse riding Soapstone! ;D

[johnnyt]

My wife and I ride the Century every year. In the past the mtb ride and the century were on the same day so you could only do one. We would be honored to be on the sex columnist/red ass team.

[I Are Baboon]

Hey JT, the wife and I may do the century road ride too. :) They did have the road and the MTB rides on different days last year, but we were busy the day of the road ride so we could not do it. We did ride the Folks on Spokes ride in Milford this past August. A very nice ride along the CT shoreline.

[johnnyt]

Do you have to raise funds for both?

[I Are Baboon]

Do you have to raise funds for both?


yyyyup. We'll probably just pay the $100 for each. I hate asking people for money. Like I mentioned before, my sister has MS, so I do not mind giving to the cause.

[MtnBikerChk]

Hey JT, the wife and I may do the century road ride too. :) They did have the road and the MTB rides on different days last year, but we were busy the day of the road ride so we could not do it. We did ride the Folks on Spokes ride in Milford this past August. A very nice ride along the CT shoreline.


I don't think you mean the same thing jt does - are you talking about the ms bike tour in the spring (which is 100 miles in one day) or the ms sights and sounds tour which is in the fall (100 miles over 2 days)?

We'd like to do the fall one.

[I Are Baboon]

are you talking about the ms bike tour in the spring (which is 100 miles in one day) or the ms sights and sounds tour which is in the fall (100 miles over 2 days)?

Yes.

[johnnyt]

Mrs JT and I do the one in June. I think you have to raise something like $175 each. It is usually not a problem. It is strange how people think that riding 100 miles is a big deal so they give you a bunch of $$$.

The ride in the CT river valley is not only beautiful, but relatively easy. We go at an easy pace and still come in averaging around 18 mph. It is a fantastic event despite the fact that it is peak allergy season for me. Nothing like riding all pumped up on allergy medicine. It is like riding in a constant fog on a sunny day!

I may be organizing a charity event closer to summer solstice that involves mtbing and hiking for a combined distance of 40 miles. Is that type of event appealing to anyone? We would choose some local charity and give money to it. MrMC, do you think your sponsor may be interested?

[MMcG]

Do you have to raise funds for both?


yyyyup. We'll probably just pay the $100 for each. I hate asking people for money.

Sir Red Butt, you'd definitely hate my job then!

I actually hope to get on the other side of the fence someday to be able to decide who has the worthy cause to give money to. After writing all these proposals I'd be in an ideal position as a Corporate giving officer or Foundation Program Officer to tell the good proposals from the ones that are just a bunch of BS! ;D

[MMcG]

Mrs JT and I do the one in June. I think you have to raise something like $175 each. It is usually not a problem. It is strange how people think that riding 100 miles is a big deal so they give you a bunch of $$$.

The ride in the CT river valley is not only beautiful, but relatively easy. We go at an easy pace and still come in averaging around 18 mph. It is a fantastic event despite the fact that it is peak allergy season for me. Nothing like riding all pumped up on allergy medicine. It is like riding in a constant fog on a sunny day!

I may be organizing a charity event closer to summer solstice that involves mtbing and hiking for a combined distance of 40 miles. Is that type of event appealing to anyone? We would choose some local charity and give money to it. MrMC, do you think your sponsor may be interested?


I'll definitely check with Mark at Vulgar Equipment.

I know you don't liked to be decked out in full regalia JT, but perhaps we can get Mark to do up some Jerseys for us for the MS Mountain Bike ride. His stuff is really nice and not overly flashy.

[johnnyt]

For a charity event I would wear a pink tutu. I am also not apposed to wearing free gear, it is the concept of paying a company to advertise for them which seems odd to me. At any rate, I am on the fence as whether or not I turn this event into a real thing. If we could get some sponsorship, more for the charity end of things, I would easily be persuaded. I may have a local business willing to contribute also. Have not spoken to any shops. The next step may be to speak with the CT NEMBA folks to get it "sanctioned".

[I Are Baboon]

JT, what do you mean by getting it sanctioned? NEMBA pretty much ran the thing last year.

[MMcG]

JT, what do you mean by getting it sanctioned? NEMBA pretty much ran the thing last year.


Red Butt,

He's referring to a different charity event that he'd be integral in making happen.

JT, what charity did you have in mind?

[johnnyt]

My boy, I am refering to a yet un-released , never before open to the public event that I do with a group of friends annually that I am considering turning into a charity event. Let's just call it the "Somewhere in CT 40-miler" for now. It is comprised of a 20 mile mtb ride followed by a 20 mile hike all in one day "somewhere" in CT. (There is actually a cousre we follow) Because of the course layout, people could do both or either. I would like to secure a few business type sponsors before moving forward though to ensure that $$$ gets raised for a charity. If that doesn't happen, I will simply post the details anyhow and open up a long day of fun to anyone interested in joining since I will be doing it anyhow...Last year it took about 13 hours (that includes 1 1/2 hours for lunch!). This is definately not a race, just a long day of riding and hiking!

Are you and the lady interested?

[johnnyt]

JT, what charity did you have in mind?


One idea was the Jimmy Fund, but since the event occurs somewhere near where you live and work (Hint, hint!) I was going to ask you if there are any good local charities that you know of?

[I Are Baboon]

THAT sounds cool! Only problem is that the wife hates to hike. ;D She might do it though if everyone else is doing it. 8)

[turch]

Brian Smith has acted as ride/route coordinator for the MS Mountain Bike Ride for the Cure for the past several years and I believe will continue in this capacity. He has obtained the route sheets used for this past July for NEMBA's Mountain Bike Adventure series event at Cockaponset SF (Chester, CT) and had intended to apply for a permit with DEP to run the MS ride there in 2003. Simply reusing these routes would certainly be an enhancement over previous years at Gay City and Hurd State Parks.

[johnnyt]

Only problem is that the wife hates to hike. ;D She might do it though if everyone else is doing it. 8)

If this thing flies, and I think it could, we could use people for support, folks doing only one leg, and maybe drivers. It all depends on the number of people participating. We would be able to figure something for her to do instead of hiking for 6 hours after a 4 hour ride.

[johnnyt]

Brian Smith has acted as ride/route coordinator for the MS Mountain Bike Ride for the Cure for the past several years and I believe will continue in this capacity. He has obtained the route sheets used for this past July for NEMBA's Mountain Bike Adventure series event at Cockaponset SF (Chester, CT) and had intended to apply for a permit with DEP to run the MS ride there in 2003. Simply reusing these routes would certainly be an enhancement over previous years at Gay City and Hurd State Parks.


How can I get in touch with Brian?

[MMcG]

JT, what charity did you have in mind?


One idea was the Jimmy Fund, but since the event occurs somewhere near where you live and work (Hint, hint!) I was going to ask you if there are any good local charities that you know of?


How about the MMcG "Squishy Rig Fund?" ;)....Just kidding.

I think I remember you mentioning this event when we rode soapstone. Sounds like a great day and one helluva workout, especially if the temps are up there.

How about a NE CT dog rescue organization? http://pages.prodigy.net/lwenner/

Or would you prefer the charity to be people oriented?

I bet we could get Scott's to support this event in one form or another don't you? I'd be happy to work on that angle.

[MtnBikerChk]

Only problem is that the wife hates to hike. ;D She might do it though if everyone else is doing it. 8)

If this thing flies, and I think it could, we could use people for support, folks doing only one leg, and maybe drivers. It all depends on the number of people participating. We would be able to figure something for her to do instead of hiking for 6 hours after a 4 hour ride.


how about 20 miles mtb, 20 miles road? that I would do. I do not hike :P

btw, I thought the ride at Gay City was nice. I am afraid that if it's at cockaponsett this year, it will scare off some riders. I know for a fact that there was at least ONE mtb rider that has MS and she stopped often and even walked a bit. I've ridden cockaponsett and I don't know where a "beginner" would ride.

Let's not forget the point of the ride.

[MMcG]

btw, I thought the ride at Gay City was nice. I am afraid that if it's at cockaponsett this year, it will scare off some riders. I know for a fact that there was at least ONE mtb rider that has MS and she stopped often and even walked a bit. I've ridden cockaponsett and I don't know where a "beginner" would ride.

Let's not forget the point of the ride.


MBC has a very valid point. More riders = More $$ for the cause.

It is a good idea to keep in mind that a lot of interested participants aren't going to be on flashy rigs etc. etc.

Also, which location is the most accessible to the most people? I wouldn't know this being fairly new to CT and equally new to the mountain bike trails in the state.

[I Are Baboon]

Also, which location is the most accessible to the most people? I wouldn't know this being fairly new to CT and equally new to the mountain bike trails in the state.


Cockaponset is way the hell out in the middle of nowhere.

[boingboing]

when is that gonna be I don't wanna miss it again. >:( I was diagnosed with that 2 yrs ago so naturally I wanna try to raise some jing.

[turch]

mid-late June (6/22?).

[I Are Baboon]

mid-late June (6/22?).


Actually, it's June 29.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ctn/event/event_detail.asp?e=67

[MtnBikerChk]

mid-late June (6/22?).


Actually, it's June 29.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ctn/event/event_detail.asp?e=67


as stated in post 1 of this thread. ::)

[I Are Baboon]

as stated in post 1 of this thread. ::)


Whatchu rollin' your eyes at, tough guy?

[MtnBikerChk]

PK doesn't think this thread warrants a sticky - so I will be bumping it often.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on my concerns over cockaponsset being too difficult for a fundraising ride?

[MMcG]

I can't comment on Cockaponset per se, but if the trails are designed for above intermediate level riders (how long will the ride be again?) it could turn off lower level riders from wanting to participate again. But perhaps a loop could be designed within Cockaponset that could take out some of the more technical stuff, again having never been there I'm not sure if this is doable.

Also, I still think an easily accessible central location would be an attracting factor for people.

[MtnBikerChk]

Also, I still think an easily accessible central location would be an attracting factor for people.


another fine point.

[MMcG]

Also, I still think an easily accessible central location would be an attracting factor for people.


another fine point.


Thanks MBC,

How many years has it been held at Gay City? If it's been several years, perhaps then a change in scenery wouldn't be so bad. Is there a way to design a not too technical loop in Cockaponset? I know you and IAB have ridden there several times.

[turch]

The great thing about Cockaponset is the variety that it offers. At NEMBA's MBA ride there were 3-4 routes to cover various abilities and desires. Routes can be established that cover everything from service roads to real challenging stuff and distances from 3 - 20 miles without any problems. One of the chief complaints from some of the MS rides were that they were short and/or easy and didn't accompdate a wide enough range of prospective riders. The big C should respond to that well.

[I Are Baboon]

How many years has it been held at Gay City?

I believe last year was only the first or second MTB ride the MS folks have offered. Previously, it was only a road ride.

[MtnBikerChk]

The great thing about Cockaponset is the variety that it offers. At NEMBA's MBA ride there were 3-4 routes to cover various abilities and desires. Routes can be established that cover everything from service roads to real challenging stuff and distances from 3 - 20 miles without any problems. One of the chief complaints from some of the MS rides were that they were short and/or easy and didn't accompdate a wide enough range of prospective riders. The big C should respond to that well.


I am interested in seeing all the prospective routes - I need to be able to answer the questions from my team regarding "how hard is it, really?"

Last year my only complaint is that until you showed up, there was no distinction between intermediate and advanced - we did not know if the routes different or if they were the same (it turned out they were the same with the advanced being 2 laps).

[MtnBikerChk]

eh....


bump.

[MMcG]

eh....


bump.


Looks like the web master/moderator has decided to move threads around to where they feel they are most appropriate.

But I think this thread deserves to stay in the General Discussion area because its a great cause and that's where it'll get the most visibility. Plus this ride doesn't have to be just for CT residents does it MBC? Other New Englanders would be welcome to participate would they not?

Take care,

MMcG

[MtnBikerChk]

[quote author=MMcG link=board=16;threadid=784;start=30#5841


Looks like the web master/moderator has decided to move threads around to where they feel they are most appropriate.

But I think this thread deserves to stay in the General Discussion area because its a great cause and that's where it'll get the most visibility. Plus this ride doesn't have to be just for CT residents does it MBC? Other New Englanders would be welcome to participate would they not?

Take care,

MMcG


would you please stop changing your avatar? it's confusing me :)

THE MORE THE MERRIER!

[MMcG]

I'm gonna stick with The Squid for a while.......he kind of fits me in a sense that he asks a lot of questions (and crashes a lot and stuff). :D

[girlbiker]

Having worked the ms mtbike tour for the last several years as a route marker and patroller here is my 2 cents.

Actually, the tour has been held at three different venues in the past. Cockaponset , hurd park and gay city. i believe this will be the fifth or sixth year the mtb bike tour has been around.

The complaint of many in regards to gay city is that it was too easy and short. There basically was only one route with a bail out.

Hurd again was basically one loop but had a mid point bail out for the novice and beginner levels. some found the terrain to difficult in spots. A gnarly hill climb, which is all relative

Cockaponset on the other hand. can handle several different routes and abilities level. As snirch stated routes can be marked from the easiest of easiest, to something that even the most accomplished riders can enjoy.

So, with some planning by the route designers, it will be easier to make an enjoyable ride for everyone for a good cause. ;D

[I Are Baboon]

Having worked the ms mtbike tour for the last several years as a route marker and patroller here is my 2 cents.

You all did a great job with the event last year! That was me and the wife's first year riding it. I'd like to see more riders though. My mother, sister, and aunt all volunteered at the event, and they say there are TONS more riders at the road event.

[I Are Baboon]

UPDATE:

We got a pamplet in the mail from the MS Society yesterday, and they say the MTB ride is going to be at Tyler Mill in Wallingford. I've never ridden there. Do you think that's a good location?

[turch]

It'll be fine. Just do it and don't worry yourself. Then you'll be able to add Tyler Mill into your quiver of places to ride.