Tanglewood Training Ride: The Bike Shop, Clemmons NC

Hi to all. This is one of my favorite routes and Elizabeth concurs. As I recall we skate backward (skating for ward) on the course so we go up the big hill near the finish of the Saturday Tour to Tanglewood route, but we also get to enjoy the Yadkin River descent instead of ascent as well. I seem to recall an other-worldly fog photo or memory from one of these rides in Clemmons, down by the Angus farm and vineyard area. Check roadskater.net classic if you'd like to see some photos from years past. (Maybe some of these photos I recall have not made it to the site yet!) I think Tim and Craig biked this one year, and Erik skated it once at least I believe in a bright yellow shirt!

I am hoping we can get some more roadskaters out for this one, and I think we'll be doing one of the shorter distances, unless we decide mid-route to extend it a bit like last week. I think this route is less conducive to such a decision. If anyone has more info, or links to the route, please jump in and comment.

As with all training rides, I'd say shoot for averaging 10 mph or better including stops and you will be fine. Slower than that, you may at some point be asked to take a ride in to the finish, and I think skaters should do that if asked. It's best if we're not the last ones on the course. Usually there are some beginner cyclists on the course as well, and there's usually a route sweeper and these guys tend to be pro-skater and very encouraging, so we need to keep our skateylove on as much as possible.

You'll be fine even if going slower, as long as you have some road experience. If not, let's plan to get you out on the road some and go over pointers on peaceful coexistence with our friendly cyclists so we keep things safe and happy.