The Saddle Tramps will ride Wednesday August 31st, from the Tower Square PublixWe will ride west to Archer on SR24 (Archer Road), turn south onto 27/41 to Raleigh, where we turn east onto CR335 (NE 75th St) which we will take to SR121 (Williston Road), then go north to SW 85th Ave, where we turn west to go to SW 75th which will take us north back to the Publix.  A shorter option will be available for anyone needing it due to the heat, which leaves 27/41 to travel east to SR121 on CR346 and 346A, bypassing the southern part of this loop and reducing the trip length to 24 miles, with their rest stop in Archer.  Maps will be available at the start showing both routes.
 
This is a ~31 mile ride with mostly smooth roads and no significant hills.  Restrooms are available at the Publix and at the rest stops in Raleigh and Archer.  Meet at 7:15AM for a departure at 7:30AM so we get as much cool morning air as possible.  High temperatures are currently forecast in the low to mid-90s later in the day, so bring plenty of water (at least 2 bottles!) and dress for hot weather.  It would be a good idea to bring a few dollars to purchase a cool drink at the rest stop to stretch your water supply, and purchase an energy snack, if you don't usually carry one. 
 
Expect level-ground pedaling speeds between 13-16 mph, and an average speed of 13-14 mph on this relatively flat route.  This is a no-drop friendly ride; nobody needs to stress themselves to keep up with the leader or faster riders, because we will stop and wait for everyone to regroup at each major turn.  Helmets are required, suntan lotion is recommended, as many parts of this ride are in sunny open areas.
 
The Tower Square Publix is located on the west side of town at the intersection of SW 75th (Tower Road) and Archer Road; Archer road has bike lanes from I-75 westward and RTS bus service on route 75 which stops at Tower Square.  If you drive, please park on the south most (Archer Rd) side of the parking lot well away from the Publix store entrance.
 
If you would like to receive a preview map of the ride, or a Garmin .tcx file of the route, please email Ed at the address below.
 
This ride will be lead jointly by Ed Gardner and Melinda Koken.  If anyone elects to take the shorter 24 mile route, we will split into two groups with Melinda leading the shorter route and Ed riding the full route.
 
Where:       Tower Square Publix (Corner of Tower and Archer Road)
When:         7:15AM meeting, 7:30AM departure, Wednesday August 31st
Distance:    ~31 miles, ~24 miles shortcut route, 1 rest stop
Speed:       13-16 mph
Duration:     ~2:30 - 3:00 hours
Questions?: Call Ed at (352) 332-5678,  or egardner@xxxxxxx  or
                   call Melinda (352) 373-1023 @ home.   For late calls cell is 373-1026. 

 


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