Saturdays Sept 10 and 17.
They close the east rim road to motor vehicles until 6pm
I've done this ride a few times on regular non-assist bikes and it is not to be missed. I've met people from Europe who came over for it. Ebikes allowed but no throttles - it's a hike/bike event not a motor scooter event. I hope there aren't any idiots riding their pseudo - ebikes throttling along like little motorcycles, or if they are they get kicked off the route unless they have a real disability.
FYIs
- there are well provisioned rest stops about every 5 miles with porta johns, water, oranges/bananas clif and other energy bars etc - free and registration isn't required although a $10 donation is suggested and well deserved.
- past years you could ride 24 miles down to the visitors center, leave your bike and take a free (donation) bus back to the start of the ride where most people park, this year no buses apparently. The west rim road isn't as long but doesn't have a shoulder (or much of one) and traffic can be heavy including wide RVs. I'm just going to ride the east rim most scenic area which is about 20 miles to the last rest stop before a long downhill, then turn around and ride back. That is the most scenic area and will get to experience it twice.
Edit:
the web site seems to have removed the statement that there will be no shuttle this year, at least I can't find that info today (9/5).
I'm sort of going back and forth about riding ebike or regular bike. It is hilly and I thought a good workout but past years I've only seen a couple ebikes and I've seen very obese people riding the entire route on beach cruisers with rusty chains so an ebike isn't at all necessary but might make it more fun instead of a more strenuous/exercise ride.
They close the east rim road to motor vehicles until 6pm
I've done this ride a few times on regular non-assist bikes and it is not to be missed. I've met people from Europe who came over for it. Ebikes allowed but no throttles - it's a hike/bike event not a motor scooter event. I hope there aren't any idiots riding their pseudo - ebikes throttling along like little motorcycles, or if they are they get kicked off the route unless they have a real disability.
FYIs
- there are well provisioned rest stops about every 5 miles with porta johns, water, oranges/bananas clif and other energy bars etc - free and registration isn't required although a $10 donation is suggested and well deserved.
- past years you could ride 24 miles down to the visitors center, leave your bike and take a free (donation) bus back to the start of the ride where most people park, this year no buses apparently. The west rim road isn't as long but doesn't have a shoulder (or much of one) and traffic can be heavy including wide RVs. I'm just going to ride the east rim most scenic area which is about 20 miles to the last rest stop before a long downhill, then turn around and ride back. That is the most scenic area and will get to experience it twice.
Edit:
the web site seems to have removed the statement that there will be no shuttle this year, at least I can't find that info today (9/5).
I'm sort of going back and forth about riding ebike or regular bike. It is hilly and I thought a good workout but past years I've only seen a couple ebikes and I've seen very obese people riding the entire route on beach cruisers with rusty chains so an ebike isn't at all necessary but might make it more fun instead of a more strenuous/exercise ride.
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