Middle Sound Ride
23 to 33 miles Class "B" (18-20mph)
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Ride Description:
This long standing shop ride now leaves promptly at 6:15 from City Bike off Eastwood road and heads toward Middle Sound, utilizing paths and neighborhoods at a moderate, controlled pace. Once the ride reaches the loop, the group maintains a steady 18-20 mph pace with a rotating paceline and completes 3-4 clockwise loops around MSL from the school/roundabout. Cape Fear Cyclists are carrying on the longstanding "shop ride rules" listed below:
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Pace is 19-20 for all but the last lap. (maybe a tad faster on downhills and tad slower on up hills) The goal is to help folks get used to riding in a group and a higher tempo than on their own.
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Rotating paceline for all but the last lap. When you get to the front and clear the rider on the left, move left and then slow down about 1-1.5 mph. The goal is to keep the group moving along smoothly and rotating through. DO NOT ACCELERATE when the person in front of you moves over, add just a little more power to make up for the wind now in your face.
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At the roundabout, the front riders are responsible for deciding if the whole group can turn right, if not, the whole group stops.
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On the final lap, the speed cap is lifted, allowing for a race-pace effort, or riders may choose to sit up and complete the last lap at their own pace.
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If you ease up prior to the last lap, please consider cutting the last lap short.
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After the final lap, the group regroups at Ogden Elementary before riding back to the shop
As the days get longer, the ride adds laps. Early spring starts with three laps, increasing to as many as five by mid-summer, meaning total mileage can range from 23 to 33 miles. Each lap is marked by the roundabout at the start of the loop.
This route passes through higher-traffic areas at certain times of the year and is best suited for more experienced cyclists. However, the group is happy to help riders who are unfamiliar with rotating pacelines. This is a well-established ride, with some participants having done it for many years.
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Ride Instructions & Rules:
- A copy of the CFC liability waiver will be available for you to sign at the ride.
- Please load the ride map to your navigation device to ensure you know upcoming turns and the route.
- Please arrive to the ride start location at least 15 minutes prior to the ride start time.
- Please visit www.capefearcyclists.org and review CFC ride policies.
- The Facebook Cape Fear Cyclist page should be consulted before each ride to verify ride status.
- If the forecast includes temperatures below 38 F, wind chill down to 32 F, or rain/wet roads at the start time, the ride will be cancelled or postponed.
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Ride Communications:
- For this ride the leaders will be using the Cape Fear Cyclist Facebook page. Riders should monitor this page before the ride for last minute ride information or cancellation.Cape Fear Cyclist Facebook
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Ride Parking:
Parking is available at City Bicycle Co.
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Ride Pace:
The ride is a "B" paced ride. Riders should be comfortable with maintaining a 18 to 20 mph rolling pace with exception of last lap. Please see above ride description for more details.
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Ride Maps:
The ride map for this ride is located here: Middle Sound Ride
This route map is the base distance for three laps of
Middle Sound Loop.
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General Information:
First time riders are welcome. If you enjoy the experience, pick up a membership from at your local bike shop or visit www.capefearcyclists.org for instructions on joining the club. Membership not only supports the club and cycling advocacy, it extends insurance coverage to you on club rides.