Dennis and Velvet approach Sugarloaf's
summit for the second time, while Barb cheers them on.
12-9-06
Saturday November 10, 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 only
one 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 excellent for cycling.
Speeds 2.5 - 46 mph, depending on terrain.
Average speed has typically been 12 -
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 in the
Clermont
area for late lunch.
After lunch, those interested can take an elevator ride
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
386-418-3794
(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.