First riders will show up at 4:30 a.m. But people are welcome to join at any time, if 4:30 is too early. 6:00 a.m. is usually popular. Probably makes sense to show up on the half-hour (0530, 0600 etc.) if you come later, as that may allow you to start and end with a group of people who also turn up on the same half-hour as you...but showing up anytime is fine. “Only” riding a metric century (60-odd laps) is also fine!
The early start will help people get back to their Father's Day obligations, and/or race in the VCL Windsor crit.
No coffee shop will open at 4:00, so meet at the petting zoo/parking area (near the finish crosswalks) just before 4:30.A few basic guidelines: 1) bring charged lights and ride safely (ride carefully around wildlife, pedestrians, cars, each other); 2) ride together at a sustainable pace; 3) make sure you have enough food and drink to keep yourself going and that you have a spare tube, levers, and air; and 4) avoid leaving a solo rider at the end.
There are no fast and slow groups for this ride. It’s one of the few times we can ride safely in one big flotilla of 40+. It's a social ride. Everyone rides together at a pace sustainable for everyone (don't start too fast, and don't ramp up the pace when you hit the front). Riders who aren't sure of their legs should spend extra time on the back out of the wind.
The group speed-dates with modest turns on the front. Since it's typically a big group, it's very important that people call hazards up and down the line and that everyone keeps alert to peacocks, walkers, cars, etc.
Our silly solstice rides have been a tradition since 2013. But road construction, the pandemic, and a certain stop sign stymied us the last 3 years. In recent years some gravel riders have interspersed social roadie laps with responsible sojourns into the wilds of the park (likely to happen again on Sunday.)
For those considering doing the Big Loop Ride this year, this is a *great* way to get in a long training ride in preparation for that even longer ride. Unlike a meandering ride up the Peninsula or out to East Sooke, you can pull the plug on this ride at any point and be close to home. It's just about the easiest 100 mile ride you can do — though the 10m elevation gain per lap does add up surprisingly quickly. If 100 miles is a psychological barrier for you, this is the place to break it.
Spond events will go out later today. See you out there!
