For this ride the whole group chose to ride the 100k loop and enjoyed the afternoon ride from Sloan Park. The weather was great for this time of year. A little wind but not too much. The sun was out again and as usual the rolling hills kept us warm enough for a good ride. The 100K loop has about 4500 feet of climbing over the 62 mile loop and you do have to work a little. As with the 50k it is not as tough as the profile makes it look.
The staff of Bicycle for Life hopes you have a great 2007!

The group enjoyed an afternoon ride from Sloan Park Christmas Eve. The weather was great for this time of year. A little wind but not too much. The sun was out and the rolling hills kept us warm enough for a good ride. The 50K loop has about 2000 feet of climbing over the 32.5 miles loop so you do have to work a little. It is not as tough as the profile makes it look. The weather forecast for the New Years Eve Omega rides looks to be a good day also. Hope to see you New Years Eve!
The staff of Bicycle for Life hopes you have a great Christmas!

 Ride report by Tony Funderburk

Event: Sloan Park New Years Eve 50k - 100K Rides 12/31/05 11:00am

Well Happy New Year to Everyone!
A brief account of the New Years Eve 50k - 100k rides from Sloan Park. The weather was comfortable for this time of year (low 50's at the beginning to the upper 50's by rides end) and the skies were overcast with the rain bypassing our area making the day a dry event except the perspiration each rider left on the backroads of Rowan, Iredell and Davie counties. Several riders had thoughts of doing the 100k for their last ride of 2005, but for various reasons only one chose to follow the 100k route at the 50k/100k split and enjoyed that route. Several riders made comments about enjoying the routes, that the traffic was minimal and plan to come over to Sloan Park and ride the routes or part of them again.

There were 14 riders in all ranging in age from the mid 20's up to the early 60's with both guys and gals in the group. This led to different levels of abilities, but with the ride being mostly a no drop ride, riders regrouped at stop signs accordingly. A few of the riders were battling the dreaded cold symptoms and chose to ride at a easier pace and to assist one of the novice riders which did well with this their 1st group ride! Assisting other riders is something we all should think of at times when a rider is getting started or is having problems, which we have all had and will have from time to time. This can be rewarding in itself and make the one you help appreciate and want to keep continuing in this great sport of bicycling.

So, these are the numbers I had from my view of things on the 50k version.
32.77 miles
16.5 average
2-1/2 hours

In closing, I would like to say I have met many new people in the short time in the saddle and hope to meet more in the coming years!

Happy New Year to All!

Think and Be Safe,
Tony Funderburk