The 160km and the 100km groups leave together but within the first 15k or so there's a sign directing 100km to go one way, 160km riders to go another. With regards to groups on the 160km it's just like the 100km route, just with far fewer riders. This year may prove different as it seems like more folks are going to do the 160km.
There are plenty of riders to hook up with. I've done the 200 mile route both years and hadn't cycled that distance before. The rest stops also are less busy than the 100km ones and people are generally fine with you riding with them provided you take a turn pulling. If you're with experienced riders who are going single file don't be afraid to take a turn at the front!
Everyone is still out there for the same reason - to have fun and raise money. They just like the experience to last a little longer that's all.
I hope to hook up with a pack and have no problem pulling my share of the turns. Just trying to see how the groups get set up and Im glad to hear there are other solo 160 km riders out there.
Looking forward to the ride and meeting some new people for a good cause.
Regards
-- Edited by gmcguire on Saturday 5th of May 2012 07:22:24 PM
i am another solo rider, did the 160/160 the past 2 years. i am a slow rider, 22 kph, and i took long breaks in the rest stops. i hit the Finish line at the Mohawk campus at around 7pm the past two years. The organizer wouldn't close the rest stops until all cyclists hit there--they did head counts when they knew that there were a few trailing behind, and if you were the last, they would assign a piggy wagon or two behind you to escort you to the Finish just in case you couldn't make it. I was one of the last the year before last, it was actually quite fun, the kids driving in the vans behind me were blasting out Saturday Night Fever and Disco music to pump me up. You may ask yourself what the hell you were grinding away for in the last 10 or 20 k, but it is all worth it. Take your time and enjoy.
I'm also doing the 160 solo this year, last year I did the 100/100 and finished both days around 11:30, so I figure I'm up for the challenge. I average between 28-30 km/h when riding solo, and 33-35 km/h when riding with a line. I have no issue taking my turn at the front, and will get some good practice with a 10 person team in a 110 km event this weekend. If anyone's looking for an extra member on the 160 to help absorb the load, please let me know!
