Century / Brevet / Gran Fondo riding
In order to put some more structure in place for the non-racing (but dedicated) members of the club, I'm really hoping to help formulate a 2010 ride calendar focusing on long distance, goal-oriented centuries, brevets, and gran fondos. One big problem for recreational cyclists is the lack of a tangible goal. We all know that riding in Chicago can be challenging, and it's easy to get into a funk and lose fitness quickly. Most of us need something to work towards in order to maintain motivation.
This year, I saw several promising cyclists fall into this trap. Some thought they might enjoy racing, found that they didn't, and drifted away. Others liked the idea of building fitness for a summer century or other managed, long distance event -- but couldn't really find a group of like minded folks.
I can see that the riders are out there, and I think all we're missing is a little more organization and structure to keep folks motivated, and provide new riders a non-racing path in their development as cyclists. And the truth is, although the weather is changing -- it's not too late to build fitness before winter! Some of us are pondering a November century ride to Chesterton, which would be a great way to close the 2009 road season.
John Hebda points out that if you find centuries or brevets too pedestrian, there is a new European-styled gran fondo ride planned for August 2010 in Madison.
http://www.centurioncycling.com/
It looks like a great addition to other local events such as the Apple Cider Century, Hilly Hundreds, etc.
I really hope that those of you interested in this type of riding will attend next week's kickoff meeting.
This year, I saw several promising cyclists fall into this trap. Some thought they might enjoy racing, found that they didn't, and drifted away. Others liked the idea of building fitness for a summer century or other managed, long distance event -- but couldn't really find a group of like minded folks.
I can see that the riders are out there, and I think all we're missing is a little more organization and structure to keep folks motivated, and provide new riders a non-racing path in their development as cyclists. And the truth is, although the weather is changing -- it's not too late to build fitness before winter! Some of us are pondering a November century ride to Chesterton, which would be a great way to close the 2009 road season.
John Hebda points out that if you find centuries or brevets too pedestrian, there is a new European-styled gran fondo ride planned for August 2010 in Madison.
http://www.centurioncycling.com/
It looks like a great addition to other local events such as the Apple Cider Century, Hilly Hundreds, etc.
I really hope that those of you interested in this type of riding will attend next week's kickoff meeting.
About
© 2009 Created by Francisco on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
