The trip begins Friday, with a 1pm ride to Blanchardville, about 45 miles, then on Saturday with a 65 mile ride, and Sunday with a 42 mile ride. Most of the riders stay at the — Chalet Landhaus. Though some stay in local B&Bs.

Friday

Leaving Naperville it was raining like crazy, though once I hit DeKalb, the sun was out, and based on the radar when I left, it looked like the ride was going to take place. 12 riders left New Glarus at 1pm, headed for Blanchardville. It was a little cold, windy, but the rain was holding off. Once we got to a town called Postville, we decided to cut the ride a short, since the rain was starting. During the ride I was keeping an eye out for Eric Peterson, since he was unable to make the ride start, but was still planning on doing the ride.

When we got back, it was cold, and still raining, and we should have done the whole ride, given the rain wasn’t all that bad. Some of us met on the patio for beer, thanks to Janet. While sitting there, Eric arrives on his bike. He rode the whole thing. We told him we cut it short — kidding, he called us a bunch of pussies.

At 6pm we had dinner at the Glarner Stube, which is a small bar / restaurant within walking distance of our hotel. After dinner we had more beer in the lobby, and some stayed up to wait for those arriving late.

Saturday

Still a bit out of it, from the night before, we pushed off at 8:30am, after having a big breakfast at the hotel, which is included in your bill. The sun was out, but a bit on the cool side, though some like Dave and Dietmar did not wear arm warmers. Within a few miles, my arm warmers came down.

It was a bit windy, heading to Mount Horeb, and the peloton of 20 riders soon broke into smaller groups — Dietmar, Ed, and Erik were pushing the pace. We regrouped at the first rest stop of the day, in Mount Horeb. Next, we headed to Blue Mounds State Park. After descending a switch back, we broke into groups. Michelle in her pick socks pulled a bunch of us for like two miles or more. Mike said she must be doping.

When we hit Ryan Road, those who were aware, of what was coming started to pace themselves. Dave on the other hand, went off the front. I was going to say something, but Carla said, don’t tell him. As we started the 13% climb, everyone went at their pace. I was next to Ed, also his first time doing this hill, and he said, this hill is shit. Meaning it was hard. Though, he did it twice for fun.

At the top, meaning the park at the top of Blue Mounds, we climbed the look out tower, and took some photos. We then headed down to Blue Mounds, the very small town, and got some food.

Heading back, except for some headwinds, it was mostly a tailwind back. We regrouped at Highway A, and then headed to the last rest stop, at the church. Some took a short break, some longer. We had a tailwind, but we also had some more climbing to do. After descending, where Alex passed me at 50 mph, we hit the last hard climb of the day, I managed to catch up with Ed, then Jane, and behind me Carole was hammering up the hill. The four of us, rode back together, with Jane and myself putting the hammer down. We caught Eric, and almost caught Dietmar, and Lee who left before us.

After the ride, some went to the brewery, and some went to town for beer at Puempels Olde Tavern. We ended up staying there until dinner, which was at 6pm, and we ended up drinking almost five pitchers. After dinner some stayed in town for a beer, before heading (walking) back to the hotel, for one more. It is Wisconsin by the way.

Sunday

Sunday’s ride starts early, since we need to get back in time to shower, before checking out, which is 11am. So, at 7am we headed out. The sun was coming up, it was cool, but not too bad, and it was nice to have cool weather all three days, especially when you’re climbing. We regrouped a number of times, and there is no rest stop on this day. We got back around 10:15am, after 42 miles, and showered. Then we all had bunch on the patio, before heading home.

Highlights, and if I had to give out awards, to certain riders:

• Not that I need help going up hills, but Ed on Sunday was pushing me.
• Ed says to Dietmar, at that mailbox, let’s start the sprint up the hill. They did and neither one noticed Erik, who ended up winning the sprint.

Most Surprising Kick Ass Riders:

• Irish — climbs hills like a mountain goat, who knew, he’s been holding out on us.
• Carole — who lost control of her bike on Saturday, but managed to stay upright, before riding off the road, only to come back strong by the end of the day.
• Kevin — after crashing early on, Sunday morning, due to gravel, finished the day strong.

First Time Riders:

• Ed — since he only rode on Sunday last year.
• Michelle and Dave
• George H.

Hardiest Rider:

• Eric Peterson — since he rode the whole route on Friday in the rain.

Stats and mechanicals:

• The steepest grade was on Saturday at 13%.
• Top speed by some of the riders — 50 mph (downhill)
• Two riders dropped their chains, no flats.

We regrouped at Reservation and Minkler, while waiting another group of riders came up behind us, and a pick-up truck. Next, I notice to my left, a bunch of riders, about 15 – 20, and I soon realized it was the Park District racer boys. So, I move to the other side of Minkler, and watched them come down the hill towards Reservation. The dude in the front was yelling, at my group of riders, plus those behind them. He was saying, MOVE IT, MOVE IT, as he was flying down the road at 35 mph. My group wasn’t in his way, no one was. I think he was pissed off, because he had to slow down to like 25 mph, to make the turn. Though, he came pretty close to becoming a hood ornament on that pick-up truck.

When we got to Ashley and Walker, those three guys we met, decided to ride with us all the way back to Roy’s. One guy was from Oswego, the other two were from Ottawa, IL. They were friends, and one of guys from Ottawa, is in charge of organizing the Pumpkin Pie ride. They all started from Oswego.

Almost back, at the intersection of Washington and Gartner, we got the red light. While waiting I notice this van in front of us, with a Vision Quest sticker on it. So, I moved up to the driver’s side, and noticed it was Casey. I talked with her a bit, and asked her if she was up in Michigan doing her Dad’s invitational, which is called Bike Benzie — http://www.bikebenzie.org/ . She was, and she asked me if I did it. I said sort of, I actually forgot all about that ride, but I was out riding August 19th, and happened to see some Bike Benzie riders on M-22.

Back at Roy’s those three guys we met headed to Quigley’s for some food, before heading to Plainfield, to take in the beer fest happening there.

Despite the heat, it was a good day to be on the bike.

Leaving from Roy’s at 7:30am, I had six riders doing the my century, myself included. Roy had about the same amount, doing his 50.

Heading out, turning onto 248, we saw Dietmar, solo coming back from his 45 mile morning ride, or maybe I should say solo hammer workout. He turned around, and rode with us for a around a block.

Going south wasn’t too bad, but turning west, we had a pretty strong headwind. All we could manage was around 15 – 18 mph.

Arriving in Newark, we saw Mary Tobiason at the BP station, Fred’s girlfriend . She knows me too, and we talked with her a bit. She was riding with some guy, maybe her husband?

After riding through Sheridan, and doing the climb up after crossing the Fox River, we started to pick up the tailwind. Some of my riders started to fall off the back. Yes, due to lack of miles, but also due to poor nutrition.Truth be told, I was a bit hung over, and wasn’t up to par.

As I said before, we made some wrong turn, or we actually missed it. I need to get a GPS. Anyway, thanks to everyone, we got back on course, and headed into Yorkville.

We all came back with 106.3 miles, with an average of 17.5, thanks to the tailwind on the return. Those who made the ride: Bob, Larry, Jay, Fred, and Joe. Thanks guys for a good ride.

I’ll be leading another century, next Saturday, weather permitting.

The weather was okay, but it could have been a bit warmer, and the wind was at least 20mph. We got a little wet coming back through Batavia, but no big deal.

Highlights:

Before Maple Park, Michelle was staring to fall off the back. I slowed down and told her to draft behind me. I think she was having a bad day, since she didn’t seem to grasp the concept of drafting (which she does). And when I looked at her, through my mirror, her face looked bad. Like someone who was suffering. After, arriving in Hampshire, Brent said she only had ridden a hundred miles this year. Considering that, she did really well, and got in 80 miles, before calling it quits in St. Charles. She had someone pick her up there. As a side note, you should have at least 600-800 miles on your legs, before doing a century.

Before Sycamore, four large dogs came running out towards the road. One took after Nate, a Great Dane. Nate, put the hammer down, on his hybrid bike, and finally dropped the dog. Then it came back our way, and finally went home. Though Nate, pulled over into a driveway, and bent over. I thought he was going to hurl. But, he actually had a cramp in his leg, because of the dog chasing him. It was all pretty funny, after the fact.

Within a mile, another dog came out onto the road. This time, right next to me. I slowed down, because I could tell the dog looked friendly. After yelling at it, it took off for Michelle and Brent.

Before Hampshire, the wind was pretty strong, and one stretch Matt and I took off, and took turns pulling. Great workout, Matt said.

In Hampshire, we stopped at the Subway for lunch. Michelle was thinking about calling a cab, not sure she would have gotten one. So, she continued on with us, but way off the back. She had a cue sheet, a very good one, that Eric setup. She just wanted to ride by herself, but we did wait for her at turns, just in case. Though she didn’t really appreciate our waiting.

After Hampshire, it was around 41 miles back. It was like doing intervals most of the way back, due to the headwind. We would get a side wind for awhile, which was pretty easy to ride in, then back into a headwind. This continued on for most of the way back.

We stopped for a bathroom break at LeRoy, just outside of St. Charles. I guess after we left, Bill somehow went over his handle bars. Eric and I were off the front, so we wondered, where are Bill and Brent. Bill was okay, just a weird thing. Maybe it was his tri-bike.

Michelle went to St. Charles, then we took Nate into Geneva for his ride back. Then coming through Batavia, we hit some rain. Matt goes, “it’s really coming down.” I told him, wait until you start riding Brevets.

It was Nate’s first century, almost, since he had to cut it short due to time issues. Otherwise he would have made it.

Anyway, great to have the first century in, and thanks to Eric for a good route. It took us from 8am to 4pm to complete, due to stopping, lunch, wind, dogs, but that’s okay. I knew it was going to be along day. We only averaged 16.3, due to the items I mentioned.

Hope to see more out, for the next one.

Monday
Roy had a show and go. I wasn’t there, but I heard some riders showed up.

Tuesday
Michelle had her free yoga class for NBC members at 9:30am.

Despite the wind and cold, I would have done the Blur ride, but I had a club meeting to go to. I guess no one showed for the Blur, so Carla rode by herself. The club meeting went well, decent turnout too. Afterward some went to Quigley’s for beer.

Wednesday
Michelle had her free yoga class for NBC members at 9:30am.

I led the Roy’s Wednesday night ride. We went out to Fermi Lab.

Thursday
Dietmar led the Blur ride, low turnout considering the good weather. Very good average speed though, for so early in the season.

Roy's Saturday Ride Start

Saturday
Jeff led an easy ride for Frontier Park, and I heard he had two riders show up. Pretty good considering the weather. We also had two different rides from Roy’s. A 40 miler and 60 miler. The weather held, and it turnout to be great day to do 62 miles, actually.

Sunday
Again, the weather held, and it was a much warmer, but windy. We just headed to Heggs, getting in 33 miles.

Considering the good weather, the turnout wasn’t great. Though 6pm can be hard for some. Anyway, Dietmar and Anwar were there when I arrived. Dietmar even had the new ride sheet, with his name printed on it, off his computer. Next, Doug arrived, then Fred and finally Jos. No women, sad.

As we left the parking lot, we saw another rider, who I recognized. It was Roy’s neighbor, Tommy, who can’t even be 20 years old. I asked him, “are you going to ride with us?” He said “yes”, and he was with us, but when we got to Route 59, he was nowhere in sight. Not sure what happened, because he’s a fast guy, at least he looks fast.

The pace picked up on 248, and we were off. We had some break ups, but everyone soon bridged the gaps. On Douglas, we hooked up with a guy named Caleb. Apparently Doug and Dietmar know him. Another young guy, who got out in front on Wooley, and we were soon doing 26mph. He pulled all the way back to 248, before turning right on 248, to head home.

I was a wheel sucker last night, I promise to take some pulls later in the season. But, a big thanks to those out in front, great pulls. I always check the average, just before getting to the parking lot, and I was surprised our average was well over 21mph. Again, thanks to the guys out in front.

The only things that could have made the ride better last night, would have been: A few degrees warmer, more riders, and women riders, especially Shark, with her new bike. Otherwise, it was a great fast ride.

See you on the next ride or Blur …

Since some needed to get back early, Kevin C., Wally, Brent and Carole turned back after we regroup at the firehouse, on 127th. Then the rest of us (Janet, Eric, Heather, Guy, Mike R., Fred, Alex, Colorado John, Larry and one other guy, though I couldn’t read his name on the ride sheet — that has to change) carried on to Ashley. Unfortunately, Fred got a flat, and no one realized that he flatted, and we all carried on. Janet was with him. We waited at Walker, then I rode back a ways, and saw another guy, who was with us, that’s how I knew someone flatted. He turned back, and I told him, we would wait, so tell Fred and Janet. After waiting, they didn’t show. So, Eric said, I’ll ride back to find them. Then after Eric found them he rode the route backwards to regroup with us. Fred and Janet just headed back.

After regrouping with Eric on Minkler, we all headed to the convenience store in Oswego as a rest stop.

We ended up with 60 miles, and the tailwind back was great. I was able to work on my tan too, legs only.

Hope to see more out soon. I would like to see more club members offering rides, all types, easy to fast. The more the better for the club.

See you on the road …

Tuesday, March 27
Bill Schwartz led the 9am, IMAX Ride.

Wednesday, March 28

Since Roy was out of town, I lead his ride. We got in about 30 miles just before it got too dark. Though, I always have lights, others too, I don’t mind riding in the dark. Anyway, it was a good turnout, due to the warm March weather. Some stayed for beer after the ride.

Thursday, March 29
Bill Schwartz led the 9am, IMAX Ride.

Saturday, March 31
Since it’s still early in the season, the ride calendar is not full yet. Anyway, on Saturday, we had two ride options. Roughly, 33 miles and 60 miles, at a faster pace.

We all rode together, until around Woodridge, then we split up into two groups. Roy’s group got in 33 miles, my group of 3, got in 61 miles.

Sunday, April 1
Again, we had to groups, and we rode together for around the first 15 miles, regrouping when needed. After going our separate ways, my group headed out to Elburn. Pretty good workout. We stopped in Elburn to refuel, then headed back. Thanks to Larry, our average was 17.1 for the 56 mile route.

That was the NBC week. This is written, for those who don’t know NBC, and who are looking for rides. We welcome all, and we encourage others within the club to lead rides, at any pace. The club is a great club, with around 100 members plus, right now. More than enough members to offer other riding options. That’s what makes a great club, rides and ride leaders. The more rides posted on the NBC calendar, the bigger the club we be.

Come out and join us — or should I say, join us, and post a ride.

Hill Training Ride Start

Saturday
We had two rides posted for Saturday, Roy’s and George’s ride. I decided to ride George’s ride. George had a good turnout. Some even rode over. I arrived just before the start time, and quickly got my gear on. Though, I didn’t have to rush, since George forget his helmet, and had to drive back home to get it. That also worked out for those who rode over, since one rider was running late.

The weather wasn’t great at the start, but the fog / mist went away, and the sun even came out for a bit. Still, to be able to ride in bibs, in March is fantastic. We ended up doing 31.5 miles (average speed 17.4), since George cut the ride short, due to the rain that was to come later in the day.

Great ride George!

30 / 60 mile riders, Sunday morning, in March

Sunday
The two rides starting at Roy’s had a good turnout. We rode together for awhile, regrouped, and then when we got into Fermi, the longer option riders headed on to Elburn. There were seven of us, and we got back without any flats, with 60 miles on our legs.

Starting Saturday, NBC had three great rides, something for everyone.

George had his hill training ride from Willow Springs, which I have done, a few weeks ago.
Though, I drove over — I need to develop a route over to the start, since I always prefer to ride to starts. George had a good turnout, NBC and EBC members. And it is a great 32 mile workout.

A little later on Saturday morning, Roy and Moo aka Rick Cosaro had two ride options posted from Roy’s home. We all rode together (all 15 riders) for around the first 15 miles. After that some rode on for the posted 60+ miles. And some split off after the 15, to get in around 40 miles. I’m thinking we will have similar ride options throughout the year.

The longer distance riders ended up with around 61 miles, and we average around 16.4.

On Sunday, again we had some really good riding options. At 8:30am, I was at Roy’s to meet Jeff, Wally, Josh,and Alex, who was able to get his wheel fixed, after a mishap on Saturday. My ride was, ride over to Roger’s ride, which starts at the Naperville Trader Joe’s parking lot, and too join his ride. Kind of the same route we did on Saturday, but much faster.

Roger had a pretty good turnout, though considering how nice it was, I thought he would have more riders. All of my group ended up riding a shorter distance, I’m guessing around 40 or so. I stayed with Roger. Roger’s faster group consisted of: Ray, Larry, Jos, Lou, Rich, Matt, Alex, Me, and of course Roger. When we hit Schlapp Road, Alex and Jos took a shorter option — due to time issues.

The rest of us worked together, and came back with around 63 miles, and because of Ray, our average was almost 19mph. My fastest ride of the year and longest week of the year, with just over 200 miles. Though, Ray ended up with a century today, since he rode over with Rich and Lou.

On the flipside, George had a MTB ride today, since the trails were dry. He also had a good turnout of NBC / EBC riders. And I’m sure beer was had by some afterwards.

If any of the above sounds like fun to you, please come out and join us.
Check-out the NBC ride calendar for rides and other events / trips, etc.