Another Dark Century??
Thread started by
tern at 07.18.07 - 1:28 pm
Anyone up for another Dark Century? I posted a date for the end of this month. But, I took it down today because I don't think I have enough time to get the route nailed.
Also, are there any suggestions for routes?? I would especially like to hear from those who rode on the metric, the full dark century and the scouting rides, because I think all of you have a feel for what we were shooting for. But, if you weren't on any of these rides and have some ideas, please post them.
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FUCK YEAH!
Bring it on bitch! I like the DARK!
Joe Borfo07.18.07 - 3:06 pm
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I'll make this one if it kills me... Let me know when you plan to scout, I could use the mileage ;-)..........
420LaHaRR07.18.07 - 3:18 pm
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bump bump ba bump bump--bump bump!
I need route savvy, LA....really.
tern07.18.07 - 4:48 pm
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I've been riding in PV at night with no lights it's really fun to go up the portugese bend on a bike.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1151275
dannyzuko07.18.07 - 8:57 pm
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Hey!!! Thanks for the good work. Let me take a day to look this route over. Maybe we'll scout it. Thanks again!!!
darkcenturyride@gmail.com
tern07.18.07 - 9:33 pm
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instead of oc you can head north to SM and back to LA if thats better for people, there will be lots of little hills in PV nothing good legs can't handle. Let me know I'll scout it with you.
dannyzuko07.18.07 - 9:42 pm
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cool, mang. give me a day to look it over, and I'll get back to you. Send me an email. I gave my address above.
tern07.18.07 - 9:50 pm
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I'm in.
Tern is an excellent course designer!
Be prepared for a tough ride. 100 miles at any pace will be a major effort. Last time, the wolves at the front were hammering much of the way. It took us 9 and a half hours to complete the ride, but only 6 hours riding time, and we averaged 17 mph for the whiole dang thang.
Creative Thing07.18.07 - 10:23 pm
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I'm always down to do new territory but I think we could get a bigger crew to do that epic loop with some variation. One of the reasons that route is so awesome is that Tern spent 1/2 a year testing and perfecting it.
I think it would be great to start and end at Union Station.
And to have seperate crews so that the wolves could be unleashed and do thier century in 6 or 7 hours and the rest of us could take a more leisurly pace.
But then again maybe I am just saying that because I missed the last one and I need to get over it and make way for something new.
Are you all burned out on the OG DC route?
trickmilla07.19.07 - 1:24 pm
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I will do the original course again any day (or night).
I agree that it will be a big challange to cook up another course as good.
I live close to Long Beach, so I like the original start point, but also, doing the first 40 miles on the bike path and staying off the street during the early part worked very well. The last 17 miles, during the start of early morning traffic, on the L.A. River bike path worked well too. That said, with a big group, I think starting at Union Station would work too. We'll just take over a dang lane.
Tern, it's hard to compete with success, my friend!
Creative Thing07.19.07 - 5:44 pm
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Okay, creativething and milla...you got it. I had forgotten discussing this with you (milla) sometime last June. Sure, the route would be fun starting at Union Station. The last stretch would be Huntington through NELA and E. LA to downtown. What a way to end a ride!!
I do like creating routes, so that's probably why I forgot about doing the route again with an LA start point. I've recieved emails from some others who would like to re-ride the route, or ride it for the first time. So, now you get your chance. I may make a minor tweak here and there in the Hollywood portion, but it will be pretty much the same as it was last time.
This time we'll ride on a Saturday instead of Friday--and we'll start two hours earlier. I'll get a post up for this later tonight, after I figure out the date.
I am excited to do this again....
tern07.19.07 - 6:34 pm
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I do like the idea of the start/finish at Union Station, that way I'll only be doing about 104 miles.
mr rollers07.19.07 - 6:40 pm
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Yeah, Rollers!! Glad you're gonna ride this one!!
I posted the ride for Saturday, August 25th...check out the post.
I've linked it to this thread
tern07.19.07 - 7:31 pm
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Okay, just a couple of quick things right off of the start...
If you decide to ride a mountain bike, or have a weird tube size or a 27 inch wheel, bring at leat 2 tubes that fit yoiur bike AND an extra tire. We had trouble with this on the ride and on one of the scouts.
If your tubes are schraders, bring a fully functioning pump that accepts schrader valves.
If you are not ready for this ride, well, get riding. And, if you're not ready come the 25th of August, please wait for the next century.
Whew--okay I got that out there. Cool.
tern07.20.07 - 1:33 am
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i'm into this for sure. i gotta route that i made up. check ur email tern!
t.bone07.20.07 - 2:39 am
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Hey Tern,
Any chance of moving the Dark Century #2 to the weekend of the 31st? I can't make the 25th and the Dark Century was my fave ride; I'd hate to miss it...
PLUS: The big ass summer ride is the 25th...you don't want to miss that, do you?
PS> IWere there problems with theFriday ride? I liked it as it gives us 9-5 workers a better chance of recuperating for Monday...
Samhain08.10.07 - 7:17 pm
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I've told tern that I'll ride sweep so that people can drop off the main group for reasons of pace or mechanicals without being left behind. Tern and I can make periodic cell phone contact to be sure that everyone is accounted for without the lead riders needing to stop for an hour each time.
I plan to ride roughly 15-16 mph average with as little stopping as possible; though, I won't pass anyone. I know the route and I'm comfortable riding solo, but if anyone would like to join me, company would be great. I've considered spotting the main group 20 or 30 minutes before starting the sweep.
If just a hand full of harcores shows up, this may not be necessary. It's just nearly impossible to keep a group together on such a long ride.
laoxue08.21.07 - 7:32 pm
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An extra special, limited edition, signed and numbered spoke card has been cerated for all riders doing their SECOND dark century.
This is in addition to the spoke card created by Tern for all riders.
The hand out will be at the roll out. See you all there.
Creative Thing08.21.07 - 9:50 pm
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The spoke card for people who rode the first DC, and who are riding the second is really special. Man, thanks Creative thing.
For all of you reading this...Creative Thing had an assembledge art piece (which was inspired by the first Dark Century ride) acqured by the university he went to for their permanent collection.
This makes me so happy. Wow.
tern08.21.07 - 10:26 pm
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We will naturally fall into groups. We will have faster, experienced riders and we will have slower riders who have never done a hundred miles. A road bike is strongly recommended for this ride.
Things to bring:
Front and rear lights are an absolute must..
Two or three extra tubes.
food-energy bars
water
tools (allen wrenches, tire levers etc.)
a tire pump (or co2 canisters)
If you are riding a mountain bike or a bike with anything other than 700s (like 26" or 27" tires)--you should bring a backup foldable tire.
Actually, ringing an extra tire is a good idea...no matter what size tire you have
tern08.22.07 - 10:15 am
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Another note on lights. Last time we rode from dusk to dawn. I don't expect that things will be different this time.
Your big bright bottle-cage rechargeable will be an expensive brick long before the ride is done.
Put on a battery operated LED light (front and read) and bring a second set of batteries.
laoxue08.22.07 - 5:20 pm
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I'll be there. So will my friend Richard. The Dark Metric Century was a fucking blast and we're down for a night time challenge.
I can't seem to find a map of the route. Is there a Gmap Pedometer up somewhere?
markedge08.24.07 - 3:31 pm
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Here's the route.
The only difference from this route and the one we will be riding tomorrow is start / end points. For the ride tomorrow, we start at Union Station...not in dt LB..like the map shows.
We will be riding from Union Station...counter clockwise.
tern08.24.07 - 9:05 pm
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Sorry--heres' the route
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=936692
tern08.25.07 - 8:43 am
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The route is correct except for the start and end points. For this ride we will be meeeting at 5:30 near the front entrance to Union Square.
tern08.25.07 - 8:44 am
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Anybody up for a pre-ride meal downtown? Senior Fish @ 1st and Alameda perhaps? Say, 4:00 PM?
laoxue08.25.07 - 11:56 am
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I would go, but I'm driving some people out to the ride. We're meeting up at 4:15
tern08.25.07 - 2:30 pm
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My buddy Frank and I are driving up but we won't be there at 4. First thing, we are going over to Olvera Street for burritos. There's a hole in the wall about a quarter of the way up the street from Alameda/Cesar Chavas on the left side. I expect we'll get there by 5:30. If anyone would like to join us, you won't miss our bikes.
The burritos are good and cheap. Great fuel food for a long night in the saddle!
Creative Thing08.25.07 - 2:59 pm
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What's the best way to park if you are driving to downtown?
GarySe7en08.25.07 - 3:46 pm
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Find a place to park on 2nd or 3rd east of Alemeda. There'll be spots there.
tern08.25.07 - 3:56 pm
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daaaamammmmmmmmmmmmm....
i cant make it guys, i have to work...ride on!
"
I got a job making money for the man
Throwing chicken in the bucket
With the soda pop can
Puke green uniform on my back
I had to set it on fire
In a vat of chicken fat
"
SKIDMARCUS08.25.07 - 4:04 pm
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Thought I woulda made that one.
Instead, I've got 44,000lbs of paper rolls ripping up my tranny and clogging up my throttle.
So much for Phantom 309.
bentstrider08.26.07 - 4:35 am
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14 starters, 14 finishers. 10 hours on the road, 6:40 pm to 4:40 am.
Too many flats to keep track. Another epic ride which won't be soon forgotten.
Tern, send me your email 411. I want to send you that story that ran in the Register paper last May.
lesliecaldera@sbcglobal.net
Creative Thing08.26.07 - 12:40 pm
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Tern, you did it again. The first one was great, but the second was even better. Creative Thing's limited edition spoke card will be cherished.
And to everyone else who rode, thank you too. Everyone I spoke with seemed to maintain a great attitude throughout. It's a great course but it was made better by the company.
What hate I have to the bugs and to people who can't properly dispose off their empty bottles. You suck!
laoxue08.26.07 - 2:33 pm
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Sorry, guise . . . couldn't make it this time; too much in need of sleep/rest.
When's the next one?
mr rollers08.26.07 - 2:47 pm
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That was an epic journey. Was glad I did my first century with the Ridazz. Almost felt like I wasn't vegetarian on that river path though, with all the insects that were inhaled. Final stats from my computer were 99.8 miles, average speed of 15.8 mph, 2946 ft of climbing, and an estimated 5830 calories burned for a 5' 11" 168 pound rider.
GarySe7en08.26.07 - 3:08 pm
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drew, do you have a directional list available? that route looks delicious and i'd like to eat it up one night!
SKIDMARCUS08.26.07 - 4:18 pm
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Yeah, I'll have to take another look at the route myself.
I too would like to attempt it with my own short-sighted crew.
Only ours would take a little longer due to hill-dismounting.
bentstrider08.26.07 - 4:28 pm
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Yeah--I can give you a route slip. I'll ride it with you, if you'd like.
tern08.26.07 - 5:49 pm
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Whoo, Tern! Sounds like another Dark Century!!!
Mr. Rollers, join us next time. The "seasoned veterans" (of which I am one) needs you to boost our numbers.
Creative Thing08.26.07 - 7:22 pm
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Total blast. This trip was epic mostly because of all the stationary flats. HA!
So so so so fun. Good group and I'm glad everyone made it. I slept until 4PM. Good times.
markedge08.26.07 - 8:50 pm
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It was awesome! By the end we were all dead good breakfast at Denny's though :) MY 1st CENTURY!!! HELL YEAH!!! I'm ready for the next. Nice to meet you all and I'll sure be seen you around.
Oscar
kemfizix08.27.07 - 11:05 am
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Check out the photo gallery and vote for the sexiest photo. Here is my vote:
Creative Thing08.27.07 - 11:17 am
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Is it strange that I'm already itching for another one, despite being sore still?
markedge08.27.07 - 11:19 am
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HEY!
Thanks for the awesome ride and the good times folks!
Sorry for evoking the wrath of the Tire Demons and getting that really wack flat while standing around.. and.. that other flat heading up the SG trail.. and.. heading up Broadway for a quick second.. I saw the Downtown lights and was ready to get my arse back to Union Station!
Thanks to dude that let me borrow that ride light when mine took a dump..
I'm still tired.. (-_-) zzzz
Rich
NEWB31008.27.07 - 12:16 pm
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1st I have to say: Wholly Kick Azzzzzz ride!!! Ummm, can u tell I had a blast? Next time the lead bike has to roll with a bug zapper. I curse the muffin I had at 7eleven(it dragged me for like 15 minutes). Alll hail Huntington dr. at 4 in the morning. Denny's is the new 24 hour Spago...LOL Oh and 1 more thing...never promise any mate, that you will go to a play at 11a.m. the day after a dark century. In the wordsss of homer simpson: Stupiddddddd Play!!!
mindfullofmusic08.27.07 - 4:37 pm
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Oh by the way, Wayne is mindfullofmusic....:-)
Stupiddddd playyyyy!!!
mindfullofmusic08.27.07 - 4:38 pm
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Nice one Tern. Thanks for hosting and organizing this ride. The company, and the route is spectacular. The one thing I learned on this ride is .... vegans are fast!!!
zeroKelvin08.27.07 - 5:18 pm
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O.K., next century ride, we avoid the 711 muffins, except for Wayne and a few others, who are so bloody fast that they MUST ingest at least 3, to even the odds.
Who's in for The Muffin Century? Maybe a good idea for the next Bad Idea Ride.
Creative Thing08.27.07 - 6:34 pm
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I looked at the route and terrain and whatnot.
That is soooo totally doable on my Yellow tank.
Those Presta skinnies did me wonders up in PDX.
I just know they'll kick the shit out of that route should I ever want to take it.
bentstrider08.27.07 - 7:40 pm
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There's a 3 day weekend coming up; call it.
Samhain08.27.07 - 7:56 pm
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hey rich, dont mention it - no headlight left behind...?
we need to get a vegan ride together soon - something that involves logging some good miles, eating some good food, and working up a good sweat.
maybe it can be called the sweaty soy ride?
jesselovestrees08.27.07 - 10:42 pm
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Man, I am grins for the last couple of days. This is the thing for me. I like riding long distances. And when a group like we had last weekend comes along....I can't think of any way to make it better.
You can thank me, but the thanks happened when you rode this ride with me. Hopefully we can add routes and keep it going.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR COMMING OUT AND MAKING MY WEEKEND UNFORGETTABLE.
tern08.28.07 - 1:25 am
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Jesse: Sweaty & Tofu are two words I don't like hearing in the same sentence..... Some kind of veg*n ride would be pretty rad.. organize it!
I have enclosed a pic of our fearless TERN..
as for the muffins.. we need to do a 7-11 ride and raid as many of them as possible.. the thing is.. we need to buy the cheapest bazooka joe gums that they have.. do they even make those any more?
NEWB31008.28.07 - 10:43 am
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Careful tern, centuries can be a lot of fun, but like any gateway drug they only lead down the path to ruin.
For an object lesson, just check out this guy:
http://www.mile43.com/peterson/rando.html
Seattle to Cloquet, MN on a fixie in 12 days? No problem:
http://www.mile43.com/peterson/NorthRoad/NorthRoad.html
Continental Divide on a single-speed? Why not:
http://www.mile43.com/peterson/Turtle/MountainTurtle.html
You've been warned!
laoxue08.29.07 - 8:13 am
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HUGE thanks to trickmilla for making the visuals. (graphic art for this ride--and all of the other rides, too)
Yeah, P-Diddy!!!
tern08.29.07 - 8:45 pm
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What an amazing ride ... I've done this exact route during the day/ early evening and it just isnt the same ... the air, the smells, the empty roads ... it really was amazing.
Dennys never tated so good.
trickmilla08.29.07 - 11:27 pm
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The only place I know of that I got Bazooka Gum at was the Corvette Diner in San Diego.
I rode over there from Otay Mesa near the border for a hearty stack and a milkshake.
The waitresses literally chuck packs of Bazooka at everyone.
bentstrider08.29.07 - 11:41 pm
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Do a Sweaty Tofu ride, and I will fucking come.
Interpret that however you wish.
PC08.30.07 - 3:22 am
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trickmilla has just posted more DCII photos in the Photo Gallery, on your left there.
Nice shots, man. Thanks!
Creative Thing08.30.07 - 4:58 pm
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http://www.allsportgps.com/Data/ActivityDisplay.aspx?tripId=94449
Starting to get the hang of some of the GPS features now. This is a ride report from my computer for the Dark Century. Mile count is just slightly less then total due to a setting that counts slow speeds as rest distance, like when going less then 5 approaching a red light. I'll turn that feature off for future distance rides.
GarySe7en08.31.07 - 1:17 pm
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-->
Ridazz Roulette!
Muffins are evil