Mark47n
- Active 1 year, 1 month ago
Mark47n started the topic Ham's riding RAGBRAI in the forum Miscellaneous 1 year, 2 months ago
Are there any other ham’s riding? I’d imagine there are some supporting…there usually are on events like this. Are you bringing an HT?
73, KJ7KNR
Mark47n replied to the topic GARMIN routes in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 3 months ago
This is Mark47n. I made the routes on Ride With GPS, and have updated them, by carefully examining the images posted by RAGBRAI. I updated them just the other day to include the camping locations being used by Brancel. I’m not associated with RAGBRAI, however. I will continue to update them as I’m able and new information is available until I ride…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Elevation charts in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
Like Hugh, I live in a pretty hilly area (Seattle). I ride a Specialized Divergence E5 Elite with a compact double front end with a 46T/34T and an 8-spd 11T-34T cassette. I like to have choices when I have the long grinds, especially when I’m tired. I know that if I get to the point where I’m standing in my pedals I’m on fumes.
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Days in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
You’re putting words in my proverbial mouth.
Well, if no one minds a century then this whole argument is superfluous, isn’t it? Alas, you’ve brought up the 80% many times and used it to justify how unreasonable a mandatory century is.
It’s not narcissistic to say that you take the event as it is. I don’t care who does what. If you want to…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Days in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
Dave, it seems like you’re deliberately missing my point: Simply because 20% do the loop doesn’t mean that only 20% are capable or would mind a century.
That your business is so dependent on the business of RAGBRAI then perhaps you should diversify your holding, then, yeah? I doubt this will greatly diminish interest in this event but may temper…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Days in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
David R., I don’t agree that this makes any point other than its a possibility of a century day for future years.
To say that because only 20% of riders chose to do the century doesn’t equate to only 20% can or are willing. It only means that 20% of riders really wanted it rather than getting to the beer (beer near, as HHH would say)
I doubt…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Days in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
I’m a bit surprised at the complaining about a century day. No one promised a still through the garden, it’s 450 miles, or so. The length of the days are based on the towns, available services and whether or not they’re willing to play host, overnight, to thousands of cyclists. The solution that the planners came up with is increased SAG support…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Elevation charts in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
I went from peak to peak and this may include some losses.
What is and isn’t a killer hill is a bit relative. Where I live I have 9-15% grades depending on how you calculate it (individual sections or overall). What I consider a steep hill in SEattle and the surrounding area is going to be different than someone from the Midwest. That said,…[Read more]
Mark47n started the topic Elevation charts in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
A quick word about the elevation charts that accompany the maps: the gain isn’t as bad as it appears on the charts, so don’t let this sharp peaks and valleys get you down! Bear in mind, when you look that them, that the gains and losses over the course of the entire day are compressed into a very small chart. For instance, the two biggest climbs,…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Days in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 1 year, 5 months ago
Is this for established cyclists?
I hope not. I’ve not spent a lot of time only bicycle in the last few years. That said, ALL cyclists who want to have a good time during RAGBRAI should be training for this event. All of them. Otherwise sore butts, tired and blown legs and bad attitudes will follow. I’ve learned this myself, to my own detriment,…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Day in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 year, 6 months ago
JBoz, It’s exhausting to always have to apply caveat, conditions and qualifications to every statement, I won’t do it.
I think your worrying about feelings is the wrong approach. I think that you should be training, instead. After all, by day 4 you’ll have ridden nearly 200 miles already ridden two 50+ mile days and one 70+ mile day. If you…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Century Day in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 year, 7 months ago
Hm. 100 miles in Iowa with a nominal elevation gain of less that 2000′. Hot…okay. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, as long as you put in the saddle time before the event. Hell, there are a few days to get you ready for it before it even hits!
People shouldn’t let the idea of 100 miles be a deterrent but it’s a big psychological barrier for many.…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Rain gear in the forum Miscellaneous 1 year, 8 months ago
Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent so much time in the backcountry and I’ve had the 10 Essentials pounded into my head (and needed them at one time or another) but I’d never head out on an all day ride, let alone a weeklong ride without raingear. Even in the summer hypothermia is a possibility and there’s nothing more dangerous that being cold AND…[Read more]
Mark47n replied to the topic Fly or Drive in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 year, 8 months ago
My wife and I are coming for our first RAGBRAI and are bringing our 16 year old nephew. We’re coming from Seattle. Alas, our Rans Screamer recumbent tandem doesn’t fly so the drive it is.
