Fool's Ride General Info


The skinny on the Fool's Ride


We will rendezvous at 8:00 at Riverside Park in Yankton, SD on the morning of Saturday, March 31, 2012.  There will be the usual waiver signing and check-in to take care of as well as distribution of route cue cards, comparing gravel rigs, last minute coffee, etc.  I might even provide coffee if you're nice to me.  Let's plan to shoot the starting gun at 8:30.   Restrooms at the park won't be online the day of, so you'll have to make the trek up to the 'Pump 'n Stuff' convenience store located at the northern foot of the bridge to heed Nature's call.
Cell phone reception (at least for Verizon) has been pretty good on this route.
There may be a self check-in for finishers at the park.  I haven't worked that out yet.  If you abandon the ride try to give me a call - I'll provide the # the day of the event.

Registration
I'm going free-form this time around.  No postcards or deadlines.  I would appreciate an email though:  ghomstad@gmail.com

The Route
As I said before, the start (and finish) will be at Yankton's Riverside Park.  The first leg will take us over the Missouri River on the Meridian Bridge which has been converted for walking/biking - no cars!  From there we'll wander the backroads of Cedar County, NE for about 20 miles, then cross back over the river again at Gavins Point Dam (one of the seven engineering wonders of Yankton County).  If you need a bailout/head back to your car point, this would be it.  There are some gas stations on the SD side where you can use the potty, grab a Snickers, etc.  We will then climb out of the river valley to the windswept highlands, heading toward the James (aka 'The Jim') River.  After crossing the James for the second time we'll take an old railbed route back toward Yankton.  Once in town there will be an opportunity to pick up the Auld-Brokaw (as in Tom) bike trail which will take right back to where you started.  Then we're done.

The disclaimers:
1)  This is a completely DIY event!  There is no support, no sag wagon, no guaranteed help should you find yourself in a jam.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!  You must sign a waiver to this effect.

2)  The course will be on open, public roads.  There will be NO traffic control or posted wayfinding signs.  Keep right.  Keep your eyes open.  Portions of the route will be on the highway out of necessity.

3)  I have not encountered problem dogs along this route, but that's not to say there couldn't be a potential Cujo out there.  Farm machinery is more of a threat - make way for tractors, grain trailers, runaway stagecoaches, etc.  They are much, much bigger than you are.

4)  Cue cards and the provided map will be the way you find your way along the route.  It is your responsibility to have an accurate cyclometer and a means of keeping and reading the cards.  Don't assume the folks in front of you (if there are any) know where they're going.

5)  This is a ride, not a race.  There are no prizes, T-shirts, timekeepers, etc.  You have time to be nice, enjoy the scenery and help others that need it.

6)  If the weather looks to be absolutely godawful the day of I'll try to get word out by 7 a.m. via the blog.  A determination will be made to either modify the route or fight another day.  After last fall's debacle I'm taking this very seriously.  I've limited Minimum Maintenance Roads as well.

7)  If you get 'dusted' by a passing vehicle, slow down or stop and wait until you can see and be seen clearly.

Other stuff in no particular order:
Be nice.  If you aren't nice and I hear about it you will not be welcome back.
NO LITTERING! (this is part of being nice).
The planned route is in the neighborhood of 62 miles.  Carry liquids and food to get you through 90 miles.  There are services available at about the midpoint.
Bring your cellphone - fully charged.
Have a backup plan should you need a bailout.
Help your fellow riders if they need it.  Ask them twice before riding on.
Carry tools and repair items for the common things (flats, busted links, etc.)
Know how to use the tools you bring.
Wear your helmet.
Keep right.
If you must take a break naturel, do so discreetly and respect property rights.  Absolutely NO public urination/defecation!
Wave, even if you aren't waved to.

Some stuff you MUST have:
Helmet
Cyclometer (properly calibrated)
A means of keeping your cue sheet/map dry - ziplocs work about as well as anything.
Wide tires - aggressive tread doesn't hurt either.  34c works for me.
Gravel riding skills (work on these prior to the ride, please)
A good attitude.
Appropriate gear for the weather (which has been known to change dramatically)
A small first aid kit is highly recommended.
I'm partial to helmet-mount rearview mirrors, but it's your call.
Dog mace (optional, but it makes me feel tough)
Blinky lights front and back never hurt either.


I'll be fiddling with the info on this page in the next few weeks, but if this sort of event appeals to you I urge you to tell your friends and join me for some scenic touring of surprisingly quiet gravel roadways.

Cheers,
Gregg

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