Braver Than The Elements: Winter Training Program

4100 Illinois 53,Lisle IL 60532

29 January, 2023

Description

Dates: January 29, 2023 Arrival Time; 9:45am Departure Time: 10:00 am End Time: 1:00pm Ride Leader; Dawn Piech 630-308-0130; [email protected]): Start Location: Morton Arboretum 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532Meet in the Main Parking Lot, just after the entrance. Proceed to the far left side, all the way back to the east side of the main parking lot. We will meet there to chat before we start. RIDE DISTANCE/TIME DURATION: This is based on the activity you select and what you feel comfortable doing (ie, bike, walk, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe)CYCLIST CAPABILITY: Your activity is based on your own pace and what is comfortable to you. PACE: Your activity is based on your own pace and what is comfortable to you. RIDE ROUTE AND DESCRIPTION: Want to get a jump start on your 2023 cycling-fitness goals and season? Tired of riding the trainer or using a treadmill or inside at the gym in front of the T.V and looking to “just be” outside in nature once a week? This is your chance to continue to work on your endurance, hill training and/or cross-training during the winter season. Come join us for a ride, walk, hike, snowshoe and/or cross-country ski the winding roads and rolling hills of the Morton Arboretum and enjoy the beautiful grounds during the serene winter season. You pick what you want to do: bike, hike, walk, snowshoe, cross-country ski…the possibilities are endless. Come on and try this challenge to show yourself that you are “Braver Than The Elements”!If you want to bike, the first option could be to do 3 full loops on a closed loop on both the east and west side of the Morton Arboretum for 22 miles. You cannot get lost, it is a 1 way route, low to minimal traffic. For reference, one 7.4 mile loop has 260 feet of elevation gain (35 feet per mile). You can decide how many loops you want to do. I will be planning on doing 3 full loops for 22 miles with 780 feet of elevation gain and then heading in the Visitors Center to grab a hot coffee or tea. If you only want to do 1-2 loops at the start and then stop, you can elect to get off the bike and then do a hike, walk, cross-country ski or snowshoe. The Morton Arboretum does rent snow-shoes and cross-country skis, if the conditions allow. If you don’t want to bike outdoors but want to enjoy some outdoor time, come and join us and then do a walk or hike on the grounds of the Morton Arboretum or just come for some coffee/lunch with us when we stop inside afterwards. If people elect to do 3 full loops, I anticipate we will be back inside at around 12:00 pm inside the Visitors Center. Bikes appropriate for this ride include: fat tire, cyclocross, hybrids/road bikes with studded tires (if icy) and mountain bikes. NOTE: They do not use salt on the roads, only sand and light gravel. All riders must be careful with the road conditions in the winter season. Studded tires are strongly encouraged as there are some sections that are almost impossible to ride without studs with snow and ice. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: You must pre-order a slot to enter the Morton Arboretum. Members get in free, non-members pay an entry fee of $16 per person. This standing Sunday ride will still continue in questionable weather, appropriate gear expected. If conditions should warrant cancellation of the ride, I will cancel by 7:00 am. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Ride Leader. RIDE RULESHELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL MAJOR TAYLOR CHICAGO RIDES! http://majortaylorchicago.com/riderules/ WHAT TO BRING TO AN MTC3 RIDE: Part of being a good cyclist is having the tools and accessories necessary to be self-sufficient, safe, and ready to ride. Below are a general list of items to bring and a to-do list to be ready for an MTC3 ride.  Gear Bag: buy a gear bag (saddlebag is recommended) and stock it with the basics – extra tube, tire tools, a small multi-tool, and either a mini-pump or a CO2 cartridge set.  Hydration/Food: Remember to bring water/sports drink and maybe an energy snack (bar, gel, banana, etc.).  Tire Pressure: pump your tires up before coming to the ride, or bring a floor pump that you can use in the parking lot before the ride. If you need help, MTC3 ride leaders will be there to help you learn.  Your bike: Give it a quick inspection. Spin the wheels to make sure they are not rubbing. Do the gears shift accurately and easily? Does everything seem to be in order? This is called an ABC check. (Air, Brakes, and Chain)  Optional items: The following will make your ride more enjoyable, but are not absolutely necessary. Cycling gloves, sunglasses, cycling shoes and clipless pedals, padded cycling shorts.  Be on Time: MTC3 rides leave promptly at the advertised time. Get to the start of the ride with plenty of time to get yourself and your bike ready to roll with soul!