CCBC - TEAM 100 - 2009

What It Is

The objective is to offer the opportunity to as many CCBC members to achieve a significant event in their bike riding history as is reasonably possible.

The plan will focus on achieving what is commonly known as a “Metric Century Ride” 100 kilometers which is 62.5 miles in one day.

Supplementary ride achievements will be available to those who feel they do not wish to try for the “Century” ride. These will include a “One Half Century” or 50 mile ride, as well as an 80 mile ride. Also for those “high achievers” we will again plan a Full Century (100 miles) ride.

Following on the success of an innovation last year we plan to continue the Team 100 – Training (Team 100 –T) offering. This is an opportunity for new or leisure riders to gradually improve their individual riding skills, and speed and distance ability. Some are expected to move on to the Team 100 regular group or other more seasoned riding groups.

The planned innovation for the Team 100 – 2009 is to offer ride leader and sweep training to anyone wishing to develop that knowledge and ability.

The team leaders for 2009 will be Jim Jones, JoAnn Slemmer, Don Slemmer and Tom Brady with additional leaders being selected from those wishing to participate.

Getting Ready

It is recognized that preparation for any of the three challenges may be necessary for most of us, including such things as, sufficient training rides to make the longer ride not only possible but somewhat enjoyable; good nutrition before and during the longer rides; good riding technique; a bicycle well adjusted for you and which is mechanically sound.

Time and effort needed to prepare physically for these longer rides will be necessary for most of us. The opportunity to participate in a training program will be offered to anyone wishing to prepare for the achievement of the distance goal they will set for themselves.

The following training program and event days are planned.

A team leader will lead each of the training events as well as the achievement rides. Each ride will also have a sweep rider who will be responsible to ensure that ride participants follow safe riding practices as well as monitoring everyone’s tolerance of the pace set by the leader.

Training rides will leave from Sam Shapos Way in North Port on Thursdays and Pioneer Trail on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Other starting sites may be selected if suitable routes can be chosen which will offer appropriate routes and distances. Last year we began advising ride locations weekly if the above starting locations were to be changed. We will continue that practice this year. To be included in the list of those advised by emails please provide JoAnn Slemmer of your email address.

Training will commence the first Tuesday in January and continue to mid March when the “Metric Century” ride will take place.

Starting time for Team 100 rides will be 8:30 A.M. and may vary depending on the wishes of the participants.

The following training mileage and pace are proposed.

Training rides for Team 100 –T will start at the 12 – 13 mile per hour pace and a distance of approximately 20 miles.

As riding skills and endurance improve with regular rides the Team – 100 – T pace and distance will gradually increase to 13 – 14 mile per hour and distances of 25 – 30 miles each ride.

Team 100 regular group rides will start with 13 – 14 mile per hour pace and distances of approximately 25 miles. The pace and distances will gradually increase to 14 – 16 miles per hour and distances to 30 – 40 miles each ride

In all cases the rate of increase in pace and distance will be carefully judged by ride leaders to accommodate members of individual ride groups. Team 100 has a principle of not leaving anyone behind.

Achievement rides of 50 miles, Metric Century (62.5 miles – 100 KM), and the Full Century (100 miles) are planned to take place at the Withlacoochee trail during the March event at that location

Participants will share among themselves individually and/or in the group what they have learned about successful bike riding during the training and actual achievement events.

The Team 100 leaders will each provide some specific coaching on nutrition, safe riding, effective riding techniques and bicycle maintenance.

Individual coaching will be provided by the leaders when requested.

Variations in the training and events will be made as requested or required by the group, having in mind what seems best to achieve the goals stated.

Things such as breaks for comfort and food stops will become clear as the training schedule goes forward.

It will be critical that participants come to both the training and event rides well fortified with a good early morning meal. Nutrition and hydration become critical factors in achieving success in longer challenging rides.

Consider that the average person will burn upwards of 500 to 700 calories per hour and that liquid replenishment is a must as the ride goes on.
Routes will be planned to allow for meals approximately every two to three hours.

Rest and/or comfort stops of 5 to 10 minutes will be planned in the intervening hour(s) between meal stops. More advice on nutrition will no doubt be offered by the participants as the training and events take place.

Training Participation

It is recognized that there will be times when a participant cannot take part in a training ride on a particular day. That is not of significant concern as long as the participant feels he or she will not fall behind in the conditioning resulting from the training rides. It is recommended that where the participant has missed a training ride that he or she consider making up some of the training missed by a ride on their own or with others.

Individuals will of course be responsible for their own training and conditioning. While adequate conditioning for longer rides is best achieved by a good foundation of training, participation in the achievement rides is open to anyone whether they have participated in the training events or not. Some of our club members regularly participate in longer rides and may feel that the early training will not be of benefit. To accommodate those members the training rides are open at all times, to all members.


How Can I Join “CCBC –Team 100 - 2009”

To become a member of “CCBC – Team 100 - 2009” you have only to join in the group ride for a particular day. The best way to find out if you wish to be a regular Team 100 group rider is by giving it a try. Remember our policy… no one is left behind so you need not be concerned about being abandoned on a route you are not familiar with.

Participation by any member of the Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club in
“CCBC - Team 100 - 2009” is welcomed. Come and be part of this opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of riding for your team and personal success.