Dennis and Velvet approach Sugarloaf's
summit for the second time, while Barb cheers them on.
12-9-06
Saturday March 31, Strays will venture to Clermont,
west
of Orlando, to cycle 29 hilly miles, including the
notorious Sugarloaf Mountain. This ride route will afford
the
opportunity to go down the west rise of Sugarloaf twice, with one climb, or
a
chance to avoid climbing the hill at all.
Sugarloaf is listed in Bicycling Magazine as a .6 mile 14%
grade. A real test of your climbing ability, but so far no Stray
has
had to walk it.
Ride start will be from the Citrus Tower parking lot north of
Clermont.
Arrive at 10:00 am for a 10:15 departure. Weather
conditions should be superb tomorrow for cycling.
Speeds 2.5 - 46 mph, depending on terrain.
Average speed has typically been 13 -
14 mph in recent times for the Strays. However I suspect the
average for this ride will be below 12
mph given the number of hills on this ride.
There will be a convenience store on this ride, about the
midpoint.
Post ride the hungry will head to a local restaurant for
late lunch. Most likely Nino's Pizzeria, since it was
popular last time.
After lunch, we might make a trek up the Citrus Tower to get a bird's
eye
view of our bike terrain. Bring your binoculars. Cost for the tower is $4
per
person. http://www.citrustower.com/
No pacelines, no racing, no wheel sucking, just a fun social
ride.
Helmets are REQUIRED on all Strays rides,
mirrors recommended, headphones
forbidden.
Safety protocols are always observed
on
Strays rides
NEW RIDERS must read the
following
before joining us:
Any other questions:
Rob Wilt
GCC VP
380-0561
(All calls are screened, if you identify yourself
as a GCC member, I will pick up, if home)
Cell available on ride request
only
Directions:
Driving distance from Gainesville to the Citrus Tower is about 95
miles.
Take I-75 and the Florida Turnpike to US 27 south, you can't miss the
Citrus Tower. You'll see it many miles before you get there.