The GONG Ride is on Saturday,
July 20, 2013! Gather beginning at 7pm at Walnut Creek Recreation Area
in Papillion, Nebraska. We'll start drawing for prizes at 8pm and have a
rider's meeting at 8:30. We plan to roll off at 8:52pm. There
may be a ride-to-the-ride. There might also be a
ride-to-somewhere-for-breakfast when we're done. Reply back via email
or on Facebook or Twitter if you are interested in getting some more
miles. Please consider the following
things: THINGS TO BRING Lights.
Really important, folks! Be sure your lights are able to handle a 5+
hour ride. Bring an extra light and/or batteries. Please also have a
rear flasher so that other riders, and motorists can see you from
behind. Also consider that you may need light to read your cue sheets
and bike computer. A cheap, low powered helmet or head-strap light
might work. Jacket or sleeved shirt. It might dip into the mid 60s. It might even rain! Cash.
If you make it to the Good Times bar in Louisville at mile 35.9, and
want some refreshments, you'll need cash, as they don't take debit or
credit cards. Cellphone.
Bring one and have someone you can call if you need help. Make sure
it's charged. Your phone will probably work just about anywhere on the
course. Your
legs. There's anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 feet of climbing, depending
on which course you choose. There's no shame in walking the tough
hills. A camera. We'd love to see pictures from your experience. Your
sense of
humor. This isn't a race. We have a gong, and gongs are funny, but we
don't joke around with safety. Don't ride faster than your abilities
or the beam of your light. How serious can this be when we start things
off by banging a giant gong? Yes, YOU get to bang the gong. THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR Dogs.
They
sometimes run loose out in the country. Keep your eyes, and your ears
open. Most just want the chase, but you never know when they are
aggressive. If cornered, get off your bike and stand with your bike
between you and the dog. Pedestrians.
We will start the ride with a very gentle roll out from the Walnut
Creek Recreation Area. Please ride single file and keep your speed
under 10 MPH while on the multi-use trail. This also goes for the Lied
Platte River Bridge (if there's anyone else on it). Dust.
Sometimes a passing vehicle will kick up a cloud of dust. Close one
eye, gear down, slow down, or even stop and wait for it to settle. Stay right. Especially when cresting hills. Drunks
and reckless drivers. We'll be riding in places and at a time that
people aren't expecting to see cyclists. Visible lighting and clothing
are a must! Bumpy
ride. Watch for changing road conditions. The gravel is smooth in
some places, sandy and loose in others, and chunky rocks in other
areas. Be especially careful of sand and gravel on top of blacktop
roads at intersections. The 3/4 mile stretch of rutted dirt road MMR
(Minimum Maintenance Road) at 50 mile course mile 23.1 is overgrown and
tricky, especially at night. No one will think less of you if you get
off and walk. Bollards.
You know, those posts in the middle of the trails to keep cars out at
bridges, trailheads, and street crossings. We've tried to make sure
most are marked with reflective tape, but watch out for them, especially
when riding around cyclists who might be blocking your view. Parking. Be sure to check out
the Parking page to make sure you don't get towed or locked in. http://www.gongride.com/parking Don't bang too hard. We'll give a brief lesson on banging a gong. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Be
a guest. The folks that you'll likely encounter live and work on these
country roads. And they'll think you're insane. Behave as a visitor.
Smile and wave. No one-fingered salutes, please. The law.
Ride and behave correctly, or at least don't let anyone see you doing otherwise. No littering. This is pretty serious. Whatever you carry in can easily go out with you. Litterers will be shamed and shunned. Limits.
Know yours. If you can't finish the ride, then know when to turn back
or call for help. If
gravel isn't your thing, you could ride back on paved roads instead.
We'd much rather you excuse yourself from the ride and come back next
year than push it too hard and it up injured, or worse. Sponsors
and volunteers. These folks have chipped in time, products, and money
to help make this a thing. Thank them so they might want to do it
again. How much fun you're
having. While other people are getting ready for bed, you'll be banging
a gong. While they are sleeping, you'll be biking out in the country
doing something we hope you'll want to repeat next year. GONGS. Aren't they a riot!?! |
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