click on the thumbnail
photo to see the full blown picture of Ralph
These rides are conducted at a "C" level, which means sort of medium speed. Many, though not all, "C" riders have triple chain rings--and use them. Average pace is typically between 12 and 16 miles per hour, depending upon terrain.
The Tour de Ralph book contains:
© 1999 A Publication of The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All Roads Flat.
The "Tour de Ralph 1999" is named in honor of Ralph Draves, Senior Club Member, Ride Coordinator, & Living Legend. Thanks Ralph!
click on the thumbnail
photo to see the full blown picture of Ralph
Introduction to the Tour de Ralph 1999©
During the summer of 1998, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Inc., introduced a "C" ride series to the roads of Western North Carolina. Known as the "Tour de Book," the series drew large numbers of intermediate recreational cyclists on a weekly basis. Most encouraging of all, a number of beginning cyclists and even folks who had been Club members for years, participated for the first time in an Organized ride. Indeed, a number of cyclists who were "beginners" at the start of the season finished in November by doing their first Century.
To motivate riders to come back week after week, there are a variety of rides scheduled at varying lengths. Most rides are around 30 miles and traverse the rolling country roads of Western North Carolina. There are shorter rides planned, as well as longer rides planned; some rides are rolling, some rides are hilly, and none can be called flat. They are all, however, doable with the comradery and encouragement of the other riders.
All Club sponsored rides are "points" rides. The Tuesday and Thursday night rides are NOT Club rides and no points are awarded. Just like basketball, you earn 2 points for each ride and, because of the extra work, a ride director can claim 3 points for any ride he or she directs. The rides are set up so that they are done twice: once on Sunday, once on Saturday. Unlike last year, if you do the same ride twice you earn 4 points, and if you direct the same ride twice you earn 6 points. A tally sheet is provided at the end of this book so that you can easily keep track of the points you earn and the Club miles you put in. Its an honor system, and the Club retains the right to audit the Tally sheet of any lawyer cyclists. Get the picture?
At the end of the Season and from time-to-time during the season, the "C" ride coordinator will send out an announcement on the list serve and the Newsletter asking for interim reports.
At the Christmas party, the winner(s) will be awarded a fabulous prize, which could be (1) a weekend for two at a pricey resort, (2) a valuable gift certificate and trophy similar to that awarded to the "Cutters" in the movie "Breaking Away," or (3) some sort of bike junk. You just never know.
As in life, you do have to be present to win, so Bike Safely and Bike Friendly (our motto)!
Check the calendar for scheduled rides:
April
May
June
July
August
September
Other good stuff:
Ride
Director list
How
to get to the rides
Ride
completion tally sheet