The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer

slalom_ · Veteran Member

K/M 200

SilverFox · Senior Member

I never saw official numbers for each course. I did hear that about 800 of the 4100+ riders registered for the M200. That number dropped significantly on the second day.

SMOKE14 · Senior Member

Yes,

You are correct, the number was between 700 - 800 and it did drop off on Sunday.

They are making the 200m course this year a bit better, and likely will have more riders and well.

ricky · Veteran Member

Day 2 in 2010 was pretty desolate on the M route. The weather played a huge part in that though. I know several people that switched because this was a fundraiser and there was no medal for doing the 100 miles on the second day. I think they've improved it for 2011 by saying there will be a point on the second day where you have a decision to make - obviously later on. This won't impact the food stations at all which is a logistical nightmare if you allow riders to toggle between the two.

The 200M got ripped off on both days last year. Lots of rain and no sunshine. I know it's only year 2 but we're due for both days being awesome in 2011. I'm no pro but I loved the 200m last year. More time on the bike = more fun.

-- Edited by ricky on Tuesday 9th of November 2010 09:19:14 PM

WheeledWarrior · Newbie

800 last year for the M200, 600 finished. I only know because I was last and they were saying "technically, 200 dropped out, so you are last who FINISHED."

3380 did K200.

slalom_ · Veteran Member

Thought the M200 course was great last year, all except the last 10km on Saturday. Hills on top of the rain and cold had my girlfriend and I thinking of bailing to the 200 km. on Sunday. Kudos to her, I gave her every opportunity to take the shorter course, but she made the left turn all of her own volition coming out of camp on Sunday morning.

What would make it better - many more riders doing 'M'.

SilverFox · Senior Member

I agree that the most disappointing part of the M200 was the low number of riders on Sunday. The groups seemed smaller and more spread out than the first day. Add in the weather and prevailing mood was "lets get this over with". A sharp contrast to the 2009 ride when everyone was much more relaxed on day 2, stopping to enjoy the view from the Escarpment and make the most of the rest stops.

Simon.Monk · Member

For anyone who did the M200 last year, how tough was it? I have done a century ride once before, but the terrain was like a pool table. On this ride they could make it almost perfectly flat, or at the other extreme, the route could go up and down the Niagara escarpment a bunch of times. What was your take on it?

SilverFox · Senior Member

The first day is definitely not a pool table ride. You can see last year's route here at http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/on/toronto/536127648628329544

Basically, there were 2 climbs up the escarpment. A long, gradual climb from Mississauga, around Acton and over to Rockwood.

The second climb, near the very end, was from Dundas up to Ancaster. At the end of the ride, this can be tough. It was also very crowded, as the M200 route merged with the K200 at the beginning.

The second day was much less challenging terrain wise, following the Grand River down to Lake Erie, along the shore line to Port Colborne and then inland to Niagara Falls. Route link: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/on/hamilton/368127648800146476

Note: if you haven't used MayMyRide before, there is an option box that lets you see the elevation profile

WheeledWarrior · Newbie

Had I know about Halton Hills, I never would have attempted on a mountain bike. At least I can say I did it. Finding road bike this year and training on more hills. Lesson learned. It was a good course. Here's hoping the weather is sunny this June.

adiamond · Senior Member

I did the 100 miles both days last year and at the time I thought that it was a shame that we did not share more of the course. I assume the reason for splitting the groups was to reduce the numbers on the K course, however, I think the reality is that most riding the mile course ride more quickly and would not have bogged down the K course if we were to ride more of it as most would be out in front of the pack; so the reality is either way fitter cyclists will ride on a more sparsely populated road either because they are at the front of the regular course or on a separate course.

In fact as much as I wanted to ride together with the 100 k riders for the camaraderie I think in fact we came together at exactly the wrong spot. I was told I was in the first 20 to leave lunch on the 100 mile course on Saturday, what that meant is I was deposited into the 100 K course right at the peak of the group for the climb. As has been noted elsewhere the bike lane on the climb was just too narrow and the 100 k riders were climbing too slowly for me. I could not ride at that tempo so I pulled out into the cars to climb at my own speed, which I did not mind but it was the only time I ran into a rude cop on the whole day (although I admit I was not doing what he wanted me to be doing).

But for the weather I thought the two routes were great. Day one when you were fresh there was some elevation and day two when one was not so fresh it was nice and flat. I agree that the riders on Sunday were more spread out, but that was bound to happen even if they did not lose 25% of the riders as there was not a fixed start time and that will not change.

I spend most of my time on a bike alone or in small groups, and when you do that the riding and performance becomes the goal, so one has to make a choice: If you want the spiritual experience that the ride promotes ride the 100k. If you want a personal challenge and ride on a well organized ride with a few keen cyclists ride the 100m and both ways you will be raising money for a great cause.

adiamond · Senior Member

I have to confess the first time I read through all of the stuff I missed the fact that there will be a "short cut" on the 100 mile course on day two. I am curious how long the short cut ride will be, and, assuming it deposits one into the 100 k course how long will one be riding on that course.

MysteryBee · Senior Member

I did the 200 k course on a mtn bike in 2009. I did the 200 m course on a road bike last year. This year I'll be back on the 200 m.

I'd have to say the worst part of the 200 m last year was a brief period on day 2 when we had pretty heavy rain and a steady headwind. My teammates and I stopped at the first rest point and took a good 15-20 minutes to dry off, eat some food and wait for the worst of it to pass. By comparison the rain on day 1 was almost a refreshing mist. Anyway, if you're doing the 200 m I'd heavily recommend travelling with a group or team. Our team was of different skill levels, but it was nice to always have someone near by. Once or twice we spread out a bit, but inevitably we ended up back together. It was simply easier that way.

The 200 m course on day 1 isn't as hilly as the 200 k course was, so although it was longer I found it to be a nice ride. On day 2, there's no comparison. Riding along Lake Erie was absolutely beautiful. Even if I went back to doing the 200 k, I'd still do the 200 m on day 2 just for that lakeside ride.

There... that's my 2 cents. If you have questions, let me know.

slalom_ · Veteran Member

Any indication as to how many riders are registered as "m" and "k" riders this year?

adiamond · Senior Member

The ride people say "the 100 miles is slightly more popular than last year but they do not have specific numbers". As we were 800 last year I figure less than 100 this year.