Step-Up Ride for March 14th - 8:00 AM Sched Start

Weather forecast for Saturday, Mar 14th, shows Saturday AM temps are in the 60s, but the rain chance is in the 60 percent range, with Friday and overnight rain into Saturday as well. We'll all have to check the weather on Saturday AM to see how the actual weather came in and if we'll be able to have the ride. I'll post any delay or cancellation for the Step-Up Ride in this space and on the PBA Facebook page by 6:00 AM Saturday. Due to the high chance of a cancellation this weekend, I'll also be posting if we really are going to go as scheduled at 8:00 AM (with sign-in at 7:45 AM). As always, when on Facebook, any posts addressing all developmental rides -- of which Step-Up is one -- put out by Michael Gacki, the PBA Ride Coordinator, supersedes whatever Step-Up ride leaders are posting, so look for anything from him as well. With the rain that has hit the area the last few weeks, we will again take the "bypass-the-park" route.

The Step-Up Ride start area is at the Gulledge Elementary School (west side Preston Meadow just south of Legacy). Please sign-in 15 minutes prior to the announced start for the pre-ride safety briefing so we'll be able to start as planned. Please have checked and aired up your bike prior to the pre-ride briefing and remember helmet, water, and tire repair kit and dress for the expected conditions.

The Step-Up 31.3 mile normal route can be viewed at this link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28626042
There is also a route we use if the path through Oak Point Park is questionable. That 31.2 mile park-bypass Step-Up route is at this link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30852469
The actual route that Step-Up takes, between these two choices, on any particular day will be announced before the ride start. Step-Up pace is a 13-14 mph avg speed over the route (last week we came in at an average of 13.5 mph). Rolling speed at any one point might be anywhere from 9 to 25 mph due to hills. There is one rest stop planned at the 17.5 mile mark. This is a no-drop ride.