2019 Rwanda Ride

From the looks of things, this may be my shortest Rwanda Ride ever.

 

Are there not any alternate routes? Is the 25 good to go? I don't want Jennifer thrashing her new bike.

 

The 25 is not as bad as the Casper’s loop, but there is still a lot of sand between miles 3-5, and then from 20-23. And maybe 6 water crossings in all.

 

I'm not real interested in thraashing MY bike.

I remember what it did to my bike in 2017. That was no bueno.

 

Understood but it wasn't SS that caused this.

 

Okay, after much thought over the weekend I decided to ride Rwanda for the first time in years, merely as a final prep ride for Koko. Now I am on the fence again and may go elsewhere without crowds and worrying about thrashing my drivetrain.

 

I just picked my bike up from my mechanic this morning with a new chain, derailleur, and B.B. service. Took it out at Aliso for shakedown and drivetrain felt better then it has in months. Now I’m reading about veteran riders being worried about thrashing their bikes on this ride. What am I supposed to do here boys? I’m not stoked about destroying my new trivetrain after just getting it.

 

No.. And it wasn't chain slap. The chain did not release from the chainring, and wrapped around up onto the top of the yoke. And it kept turning, without much resistance. I only stopped, because I saw it happen. Any tape (rubber, plastic, etc) in that spot would not have stopped a moving chain from cutting through... It was basically a spinning chainsaw against the frame.

 

Welp, sorry to see that happen.

 

I still intend to do the 75 but will pull the plug at 50 if I need to.

 

Good luck!

 

It’s a mountain bike... not a Hummel.

 

I still intend to ride with the group.

 

I will say that my 1 gear still sounded good at the end of the ride.

 

Pick your bike up and walk through the water crossings.

The sand isn’t the issue.....it’s the sand AND water that causes the problems.

Carry a brush and lube in your pack.

 

I'm telling you... Set up a drive train cleaning stand in Caspers and put out a tip jar! Ka-ching!

 

I did most of the course the other day and I am going back out there again today for a couple hours. It's really not that bad. A lot of work has been done to bypass some of the water. Just don't go thrashing through it full speed and then into a sand pit and you'll be fine. As J said, if you're worried just carry and walk across the water sections and you'll never have anything to worry about.

 

...except soaked feet and blisters.

 

Wet feet can feel good on a long ride... Jumping in the water on lower Holy Jim was heaven during Vision Quest.

 

Is that where he will be stationed?

 

I'm hoping @mtnbikej rides with us this year...

In 2013 or 2014, though, there was a volunteer set up at the base of the Star Rise climb heading out of Caspers (mile 25ish). He was cleaning and lubing chains. I haven't seen that again the other times I've done it.

 

I still plan on doing the 75 and like @mtnbikej said just walk the creek crossings. They do have mechanics at three of the stations (Dove Canyon Waterfall, Caspers and one on Tijeras) with brushes, lube, tools, etc., but I will bring my own brush and lube, so you guys are welcome to use mine. Also, I will be picking up my packet on Friday from Rock N Road. Please let me know if any of you want me to pick up yours and I will bring it on Saturday.

Lubo

 

Is Rock N Road the official location to pick up packets instead of Early Saturday morning? THanks

 

I’ll probably be there.....

But, I’m gonna complain about the conditions the whole time.

And....

I ain’t fixing anybody’s sh!t on the ride.

 

You can do either or.

 

I'm bailing. Wanna meet up on trails that will hopefully not be crowded and thrashed? LOL I need to get some miles in on Saturday, just not where I will trash my brand new bike 2 weeks before Koko!!!!

 

Nah, Suz still has to work the event, so worse come to worse, I just hang out and sweep the 25 mile ride with her. She already knows she is riding her SS.

 

Too late! I already told her you offered and she said that would be nice.

Reading through the posts I'm still planning on doing the 75 and will bring my own brush and lube just in case. I'm not one to blast through water crossings so hopefully I'll be okay. Worst-case my feet are getting wet.

 

Yes, Rock n' Road Mission Viejo, 10AM to 6PM. I will be there volunteering 10AM - 2 PM

 

Heeey... There's a 10 miler!??