In normal times our regularly scheduled training would start this Saturday. This schedule allows up to build up the mileage to do the full 150 mile ride at the Bike MS on 8/22. We still don't know if we will have a "real" in person ride or a "virtual" ride this year - hopefully, we will hear soon. (But regardless, we will do it with our normal Penultimate panache!)
Having a team to train with and hold me accountable is basically why I formed the Penultimates 11 years ago! (It is easier to sleep through your alarm if you are accountable only to yourself.) So the focus this year is to put together some platform for us to train "together" while apart. Some details still need to be worked through and things will change as we go, but all of us should be used to that uncertainty by now in the time of pandemic. So here is our season as we see it:
Health & Safety - I take this really seriously. No one want to get sick, so we want to minimize our chances of infection. A great summary of the risks are spelled out here. Basically - proximity x time = infection. This is obviously minimized being outside, but still not a zero risk activity. Also there is evidence that COVID infections can trigger relapses in those that have MS. No bueno!
Mask policy - Our mandatory team policy is that all riders should be carrying a mask with them on any team event. At a minimum, you have them for rest stops. Whether you wear them while riding is up to you, and there is great debate on the efficacy of wearing masks while doing aerobic activity (a NYT article here behind a pay wall here but the short of it, it's hard to wear a mask and little research proving its benefit).
"Group" Rides - There is safety in numbers while riding - beyond companionship - visibility, support, in case of emergencies, etc... and many won't ride by themselves. So the plan is to have small groups of 4-6 people that will be organized geographically. Each squadron will have 1-2 leaders and 2-4 wing people. As part of this group, we will still maintain social distance (unless you live with the person) when necessary both exercising and taking breaks. Those training groups will then do the team ride of the week (or whatever they agree upon) when best for the group. For example, Nob Hill Squadron 1 leaves Sat at 6 am, while the Heights Squadron 1 leaves Sun at 7 am. Our typical ride schedule is posted here, and I think we can do most rides safely with the exception of the ride to Santa Fe. Rest stops are the biggest question now, but we will figure it out as we go.
Social Media - This is a tool we should use to the maximum this year. If you are on Strava we already have a Penultimates team and you can see the rides and activities that others do. If you are on Facebook we will do lots of challenges related to posting fun pictures from our rides and events.
Special events - We are organizing a scavenger hunt for one of the weekends. In this, you will need to decipher the clues and ride to every feature and take a picture to prove you were there. We will have metrics for doing it the first, the fastest, with the most style, solo and team, etc...
Team Challenge 2020 - Combining all the above together - we are finalizing a team challenge that will take place every weekend this summer. Participation can take many forms, and will not be only centered around mileage (you may be able to participate while never getting on a bike). We are making a scoring system to incentive participation. So points for say:
- completing the weekend ride
- completing any weekday rides
- increasing your mileage/elevation over your last weeks training
- taking fun pictures, seeing other riders out in the wild, etc..
- participation in social media (posting pictures etc..)
- bringing new riders along (provided you don't violate our small team model)
- attending a weekly virtual team happy hour Saturday evenings
- donations to BikeMS and other local charities
We hope to have weekly prizes, and of course, the always important bragging rights. We also have vague plans to design a 2020 quarantine jersey which you will be eligible for it you participate!
I want to participate! - Look, times are weird, right? But likely you are not traveling anywhere this summer, and most activities are cancelled. So regardless of your comfort level regarding riding, we hope you can join us and participate in some way! Because of the increased effort organizing everything this year, I will need to collect some information. So if you are interested in riding to please click here and fill out the form ASAP and use the best email address to communicate with you! It's just a few questions and should take less than 5 minute.
Thanks everyone!
David aka Captain Snookums
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