Why?
This is the third running of the Concordia Century. It started after the success of the first “Tour de Sem” in May of 2005, when Dr. Arand complained that he couldn't finish the ride because it was too early in the season to do a century. So we set up a Fall ride, and he still hasn't ridden it.
Why else?
Because it is flat, it is easy to set up, and it's good for you. And the pancakes and sausage in the huge frypan on the bonfire afterward are awesome. And the students that finish first get better calls. (guaranteed).
When does it start?
We will roll at 8:00 am on Oct. 20, rain or shine (cross your fingers). Arrive a bit early for some instructions and an opening.
Where does it start?
At Luther Statue on the east end of Concordia's campus, at the base of the tower, up the hill from Kaldi, etc.
What should I wear?
That's up to you. It will probably be chilly to start, so arm and leg warmers are a good idea because you can roll them off when it warms up. Friday night's low is predicted to be 50, the high Sat of 75.
What is the route?
The route is already posted on this blog. After winding our way downtown we head north on the Riverfront Trail, across the Chain of Rocks bridge and then the canal bridge, back on some lightly traveled roads/shoulders to the Lewis and Clark visitor's center, then it is paved trails all the way to the Grafton visitor's center. We turn around and head south from the arch past Soulard and Budweiser to historic Holy Cross Lutheran Church for pancakes and sausage.
What support will there be on the ride?
Ghisallo Sports in Chesterfield is providing a van for support. It will be stationed at the Chain of Rocks bridge until everyone passes, then in the casino parking lot in Alton until everyone passes back south, then the Chain of Rocks bridge again and then the end of the Riverfront Trail, 3miles from the finish, just in case. It can carry up to five bikes if you need to cash it in. It will have a tool kit (you'll have to wrench yourself, though), spare tubes & tires, extra gels, and water. You will want to carry two spare tubes on this ride, Almost every time out there I get a flat for some reason, and one year someone got four flats on this ride. There are also many water and public restroom stops on this route.
What should I bring to eat & drink?
A lot. One bottle of sports drink per hour and one bottle of water at least every couple hours, plus gels, beans, blocks, peanut butter & honey, bananas, whatever works for you. Eat as much as you can without puking. I used to say “eat as much as you can,” but some guys went over the line the year that we got a bunch of stuff from the Bread Company. It wasn't pretty.
What pace will the ride go?
That is up to you. I know that one group is shooting for 5 hours, a group of women are planning to stick together, and other groups will form up naturally. The best plan is to ride as comfortably as possible for the first half–don't push yourself to stay with a faster group at the beginning, or you'll trash yourself and get a ride home (and a call to North Dakota). There will be probably five or six clumps of riders, just find someone to ride with and get to know someone new. We want to be done at Holy Cross by 4:30, with the post-ride awards at 3:30-3:45, earlier if possible.
How many people are riding?
Probably 20-25. We'll see who shows up.
What about my bike?
Check to be sure that the shifting is working right, the chain is lubed, the brakes actually stop the bike, the tires are pumped up, and there are no slits, cuts, or pieces of glass stuck in your tires. If you don't know how to do all that, the friendly folks at Touring Cyclist can help you out, or our ride sponsor, Ghisallo Sports in Chesterfield.
Can I change my clothes after the ride?
Please! You can toss a duffle into the support vehicle, but this will be coming back in pretty late. I will be dropping things off at Holy Cross on Friday. If you bring a bag by to my house by Friday morning I'll drop it off so it is there for you whenever you finish.
How do I get back to campus after the ride?
We'll have enough vans/bike racks to get everyone back to campus.
Are there trophies?
Sort of. Prizes will be awarded for First Male Finisher, First Female Finisher (get ready to sprint at the end!), Best New Rider, Best Friend of the Seminary, Sportsman Award, and the Rob Donaldson Flat Tire Award. There will also be drawings for a bunch of door prizes from Ghisallo Sports. There's also some kind of facial hair contest going on, if that's your fancy. And if anyone beats Kloha, he'll keep his legs hairy (extra incentive for my wife).
