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    Unsupported BALLS


    March 25, 2015, 01:53 PM

    For those of you lamenting the retirement of the BALLS ride there is a replacement ride in the works.  We're calling it "Unsupported BALLS", it's not quite the same thing but it offers new challenges on the familiar route.  Here's the overview:


    The key change this year is the ride is completely unsupported, what you need you carry. This will a great chance to do a gear shakedown if you have a bikepacking trip planned this year, use that gear that is sitting around from a past adventure, or burn up that REI dividend you just got in the mail.


    - Meet at Revolution Cycles on April 25 at 6am, the group departs at 7am.
    - We'll follow the South West Commuter trail on to the Badger Trail and do essentially the old familiar route backwards with the exception that we will not do the Sugar River spur to Broadhead
    - Ride to Monroe, hop on the good ol Cheese Country trail and head to Darlington which will be the stopping point for day 1.  The first person to arrive at Darlington will be the first person to arrive at Darlington!
    - There is a campground there which we'll the official home base for the night*.  Again, this is self supported, you'll be carrying all our own stuff.  There is also a hotel in Darlington so you can reduce your camping gear to a credit card if you like.
    - After building up a good solid hangover in Darlington we'll take off the next morning to finish the loop on the Cheese Country, to Military ridge, a lap at Blue Mounds if the trails are open, a lap of Quarry Ridge if it's open, and back to Madison and to end up at Revolution Cycles.


    That's it. Simple, challenging, fun. We have 6 people signed up so far and the gear discussions are already ramping up.


    * The campground at Darlington does not take reservations, I'm working on that, so be prepared for some adventure when it comes time to setup camp if the ATVers are out in force.  We have some alternate spots in mind.

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    « Last Edit: March 25, 2015, 02:58 PM by Rich »

    XXX
    g
    And last but not least.......

    March 25, 2015, 02:01 PM

    Sweet.  I am in.  Now I am just torn between the trusty Mukluk or my Vaya with 40c tires.  Leaning towards Vaya at the moment.

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    XXX

    March 25, 2015, 02:55 PM


    I am SUPER bummed that I can't make this ride. I know I had previously said I was in, but I forgot I will be out of town on that weekend.


    Also, I believe you mean you won't be going to Brodhead:

    - We'll follow the South West Commuter trail on to the Badger Trail and do essentially the old familiar route backwards with the exception that we will not do the Sugar River spur to Barneveld Brodhead

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    XXX

    March 25, 2015, 03:43 PM

    Trying to convince the former chef/gear hauler/cookie maker to join ya!  I have to work.  She's mumbling something about having never ridden that far.....


    ~ I like beer and men


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    XXX

    March 25, 2015, 03:48 PM

    She would absolutely be the guest of honor if she attended!


    The distance is a little more balanced between the days, probably about 80/day, and you don't have to do the cheese country all in one bite (though it will be the first thing to greet you in the morning).  Easy!  We can have Jin talk her into it, he's good at that sort of thing.

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    XXX
    JHenry
    Technical Terrain (TTF) Crew

    March 25, 2015, 04:12 PM

    Trying to convince the former chef/gear hauler/cookie maker to join ya!  I have to work.  She's mumbling something about having never ridden that far.....


    Remind her that it's time to start training for the BYC......
    XXX
    farmguy
    Trail Steward - The Farm
    Trail Steward

    March 26, 2015, 09:08 AM

    You've got my  attention.


    Was thinking though, would it be better to delay it a week or two in hopes of better weather considering we will be sleeping on the ground in tents rather than heated cabins?
    OK so I'm a puss  ;)


    ~ Here uncultivated acres wait prime for adventure....back 40


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    XXX
    Tim Barber
    Board Member at Large

    March 26, 2015, 09:43 AM

    I am signed up.  First bikecamping trip ever and first time "real camping" in a long while.  I will be taking my Pugs.  No clue how I am going to strap all my crap to my bike.

    Likely will be doing training rides early ams on weekends, if anyone wants to join.

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    XXX

    March 26, 2015, 10:05 AM

    This is gonna be a great time! I hope the weather is crap to make it more memorable....and to make the whiskey taste that much better!

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    XXX

    April 23, 2015, 04:50 PM

    The weather is really starting to shape up nicely for a classic rainy and cold BALLS experience on Saturday, none of that pansy sunshine days from the last few years.  I've heard lots of people mention that they were interested in but not a lot of firm commitments.  What's the deal folks?  Who's actually going?

    To sweeten the pot, the first official rest stop will be at Bennetts on Saturday morning for smut-n-eggs.

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    XXX
    Renegade Rick
    Webmaster

    April 23, 2015, 04:58 PM

    The weather is really starting to shape up nicely for a classic rainy and cold BALLS experience on Saturday, none of that pansy sunshine days from the last few years.  I've heard lots of people mention that they were interested in but not a lot of firm commitments.  What's the deal folks?  Who's actually going?

    To sweeten the pot, the first official rest stop will be at Bennetts on Saturday morning for smut-n-eggs.

    When you say Bennett's you mean over by the Home Depot?
    What is the plan for accommodations? Still that campground in Darlington?
    I'm thinking about this, but the weather has me scared.

    Also, I'm thinking about a shorter, "shaved" balls ride where I roll out straight from home in Verona and save 40 miles and all that pesky driving stuff.

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    XXX

    April 23, 2015, 05:04 PM

    Officially we'll be camping in darlington where there is a campground with showers.  If you want to go rogue then there is a hotel there which is an option that a few people have been interested in and you could probably do some room sharing to save some bucks.

    Yes, Bennetts by Home Depot.

    No one is going to say anything if you shave your Unsupported BALLS by a few miles.

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    XXX

    April 23, 2015, 05:40 PM

    I think it's perfectly natural to be scared by rainy on BALLS.  But it won't stop me.

    What are people thinking for food? 
    Camp stove & carry or credit card & purchase.  I don't want to be the weirdo determined to make my own coffee cause I brought a stove while everyone is eating a grand slam at Denny's.

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    XXX
    g
    And last but not least.......

    April 23, 2015, 06:55 PM

    I am not really planning on bringing any cooking stuff. For one night it really isn't worth the bother or the extra time. I will probably just get a can of Starbucks or something for the morning for a kick.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    XXX
    Renegade Rick
    Webmaster

    April 23, 2015, 07:53 PM

    If I go, I'll be as light as possible. And who could pass up smut'n eggs?

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