Tour of Flanders on NBC Sports Comcast Ch 448 at 8:30 AM

Omega Quick Step Recon of the Tour of Flanders

Set your DVR for the live coverage of the Tour of Flanders Sunday morning at 8:30 AM on Comcast Ch 448 on NBC Sports.

Look for some of our BFSC riders and Champion Bike store owners in the crowd.

BFSC Ride Schedule - March 31 & April 1 - Sunday Ride To Amelia Island

Sunday, April 1 we ride to Amelia Island!!

Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

The Beaches Weekend weather calls for on Saturday’s start time 67F, 11 mph SW wind, and cloudy with 20% chance of rain. On Sunday the forecast at the start time is 65F, 8 mph WSW windy and partly sunny.

First Coast News Weather Doppler radar.

   

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

On Saturday there are Group 2 now!

 

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

Sunday - 7:30 AM at the Lodge - Ride to Amelia Island 

Wear your Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Kit

70 miles round trip from the Lodge, Approximately 50 miles from Rag Time. 
We will ride North on PVB, Duval Dr., First Street, and Plaza to A1A to the Ferry. 
We will pass Rag Time in Atlantic Beach around 8:00 AM.
Catch the 8:30 Ferry - $1.00 Each Way. 
We will catch the returning 10:45 AM Ferry. 
This is a group ride; we try to keep the group together. 
Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH

Sunrise is 7:16 AM with Twilight beginning at 6:53 AM

Next BFSC Ride To Amelia Island - Sunday April 1

The next Beaches First Street Cycling ride to Amelia Island is this Sunday, April 1.
Due to the still later sunrise we will again catch the 8:30 AM Ferry.
Leave the Lodge at 7:30 AM; Rag Time at 8:00.

Our goal is to ride to Amelia Island the first Sunday of each month and/or on Sunday of a three day holiday weekend. Depending on any special events that might increase car traffic on Amelia Island or bad forecast weather.

Please wear your BFSC bike kit to show our support to keep the Ferry running.

BFSC Tuesday/Thursday Morning and Night Rides - Week of March 26

The Beaches First Street Cycling Tuesday and Thursday Morning and Night Rides are in full speed ahead mode. Come out and ride as your schedule and SKILL level permits.

Tuesday/Thursday Morning - 6:30 AM - Leaves from the Gym at The Ponte Vedra Inn.
The ride pace is around 18/20 MPH as riders build up their endurance.
Distance about 20 miles.
Due to late sunrise this ride may turn around at A1A and PV Boulevard and Mickler's traffic light.
Twilight begins at 6:58 AM and Sunrise is 7:21 AM

Tuesday/Thursday Night - 6:30 PM - Leaves from the "County Line" Corner of PVB & Duval Dr.
This is a Fast Race pace 25 - 30+ MPH, Similar to the Saturday BFSC fast ride.
Currently we are completing Spoke 1 & Spoke 3 in Nocatee due to early Sunset.
When there is enough daylight Spoke 3 will be added.
Sunset is 7:42 PM with Twilight ending 8:05 PM

BFSC Ride Schedule - March 24 & 25

There continues to be a lot of discussions, as the rides get FASTER & a Larger number of riders, at different skill levels, and the number of TT Bikes, on the Beaches First Street Cycling Facebook page about dropped riders trying to merge back into Group 1 on the Saturday and Tuesday/Thursday night rides.

Please make a path for the faster riders to come though either just to the left staying in our lane or to the far right. YOU MUST get back up to the peloton’s speed before you merger back in.

Also the Saturday, Tuesday/Thursday Night BFSC rides are a Road Ride NOT a Time trial or Triathlon. You should be riding a road bike not a TT bike. Please if you must ride a TT STAY OFF the AERO BARS!!! TT bike are very dangerous in a group ride, you have no control of steering or braking. There appeared to be a lot more than normal amount of TT bike on last few rides.

With the increasing numbers of riders coming back out to ride on Saturday, we have started back up the Saturday the Group 2, Group 2 will turn LEFT at Crosswater Parkway after coming off of Old 210 after the bridge.

Beaches Weekend WeatherForecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

The Beaches Weekend weather calls Saturday start time 69F, 9 mph SSW wind, Cloudy with a 40% chance of rain. Sunday start time is 64F, 14 mph W wind, Cloudy with a 20% chance of rain.

First Coast News WeatherDoppler radar.

   

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

 

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

Sunday - 8:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 55 - 60 miles

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.

ALL RIDE MILLAGE IS BASED on from the starting location: The Lodge and back to The Lodge

BFSC 2012 Bike Kit Order DeadLine is March 26, Monday

The DeadLine for order your 2012 Beaches First Street Cycling bike kit and wind vest is Monday, March 26.

Your last chance to confirm your kit size is Saturday, March 24 at the Bike Kit Fit party.

If you have not paid for your kit, by Monday, your order will not be processed!!!

Make your check payable to: Beaches First Street Cycling.

Give your money to Walter Campbell.

Or you can mail your check to Walter Campbell at:

1865 Hickory Lane

Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

BFSC Kit Fit Party - Saturday March 24 - 4:00 To 7:00 PM

The Bike Kit Fit Sizing Party is this Saturday, March 24.

 The party is being hosted by Dave and Debbie Gottschalk at their Marsh Landing Home.
 Party Hours are 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Dave & Debbie's Marsh Landing address is:

 205 Green Heron Way,
 Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082

 Dave's cell phone number is 904-923-0765.

 Even if you know your size, please come by and socialize and see your fellow cyclists without a helmet. 

Please feel free to bring an appetizer if you wish!

 Our Title Sponsor Ty Ku will be providing Adult Beverages from their offering.

 Also Soft Drinks, Beer and Wine will be provided.

 When you RSVP about the party and place your bike kit reservation at Beaches First Street Cycling email address: bfscycling@gmail.com We will place your name on the Marsh Landing guard gate list for entrance.

 Bring your money/check book to pay for your kit that you have reserved!!!!

Your kit order will not be processed if you have not paid.

Safety Issues on the County Line Ride

Shawn Burke sent this email out to several people this morning. I think he has several valid points about keeping the Tuesday/Thursday County Line Ride safer. I'm reposting this with his permission. -Clint


Hey guys –


I was thinking about 3 things in the pool this morning and I thought it would be worthwhile to see what you guys thought:


First, the Tuesday / Thursday group rides are getting REALLY big.

I want to say last night had 60-70 people start the ride.

I don’t think anyone wants a B group but it probably makes sense…

I saw a bunch of guys last night were short turning the course and then jumping back on…

I have no issue with that…it’s just makes it a little less safe when someone or a lot of people are “over their limits”.

Self-selection and ride speed will ultimately limit this but with the setup of the course…you can pop and then get back on again and again.



Second point is with the group so large, it would be REALLY nice to have some motorcycle / Vespa escorts.

In Panama City, some Harley guys (2 of them) go out with the group on their longer Saturday morning rides.

They provide safety, mechanical support and a phone if needed.

When I was there they actually paced some guys who got caught out by a stoplight back to the field.

With as well connected as we are, I think it would be REALLY easy to invite a few motorcyclists to accompany us for these rides.

The guys in PCB were older retired guys and they really like the “support” role and looked forward to it every week.

In my opinion, it is really only a matter of time until we have an incident / accident with a car.

While a motorcyclist or two will not eliminate the risk, having someone with flashers on and maybe a sign that says “Cyclists Ahead” helps to mediate it.


Last, about the route.

There was almost a wreck last night when Owen heard a guy with a very heavy accent yelling “stright”…yeah “stright” J

Owen thought that was right and he turned when the group went straight…he locked up but saved it at the last minute…it could have been a lot worse.

I think we need to make sure everyone knows the route and if we are skipping spoke 2 then a bunch of us should be yelling that from the overpass to the roundabout…

This is the 2nd time this has happened when I have been on the ride. Just for the record…I knew we going straight and it was not Sassy yelling J



Sorry for the length of this…I have nothing to think about in the pool but the black line so…this happens J

I know 1 and 3 will take care of themselves but having some escorts really would make things a LOT safer in my opinion…it implies “authorization” and I think cars will be more respectful.

Let me know what you guys think…and feel free to forward to anyone else if I missed someone.

Take care,


Shawn Burke
Velocity Multisport Coaching
http://vmscoaching.blogspot.com
shawn@vmscoaching.com
(904) 537-5294

BFSC Sizing Bike Kit Today at Open Road

Today, March 21, we have arranged to have the sample kits at the new Open Road store (3rd St & 10th Ave S in Jax Beach) on Wednesday, March 21 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
Hopefully, this will accommodate those BFSC riders that cannot make the March 24 Kit Fit party.

BFSC Ride Schedule March 17 & 18 - Sunday First Ride to Amelia Island

Sunday, March 18 is the first BFSC ride of the season to Amelia Island.

Have you made your reservation for the 2012 Beaches Frist Street Cycling bike kit and given your name for attending the Fit Kit Party in Marsh Landing. Need your name for the Marsh Landing guard gate, if you are attending.

The Sponsorship fees are helping to subsidize the first 100 bike kits (jersey & shorts) and the first 50 Wind Vest. After these quantities are met, you will need to add $15 to each item. We are at around 60 bike kits so get your reservation in quickly.

The 2012 Beaches First Street Cycling bike kits are ready to order now. Get your reservation/order into Beaches First Street Cycling email address at bfscycling@gmail.com Bike Kit information is also on the blog.

The Bike Kit Fit/Sizing Party is March 24 @ 4:00 to 7:00 at Dave & Debbie Gottschalk Marsh Landing home. Bring your checkbook and an appetizer. Beer, wine & drinks will be provided.

We have also arranged a second Fit Kit for Wednesday, March 21 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Open Road Beaches store at 3^rd Street & 10^th Ave S next door to Sun Deli. Hopefully this will accommodate those BFSC riders that cannot make the March 24 Kit Fit party. If you need another time to try on a sizing kit, please contact Walter Campbell

With the time change to Day Light Saving Time the morning and evening BFSC rides have started back.

Tuesday/Thursday AM road bike rides start time is 7:00 AM leaving from in front of The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. The Ride Pace is 20 – 24 MPH. The route is the South Loop in Palm Valley. This is approximately 20 miles from Inn to Inn.

Sunrise is 7:31 AM with Twilight beginning at 7:08 AM

Tuesday/Thursday PM road bike rides start time is 6:30 PM. The leave from the “County Line” this is the corner of PVB and Duval Dr. Ride pace is the same as Group 1 on Saturday. Due to the Shortness of light, currently the route is Spoke 1 & Spoke 2 back to Nocatee Parkway to PVB.

Sunset is 7:37 PM with Twilight ending at 8:00 PM

Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

The Beaches Weekend weather calls for on Saturday’s start time 63F, 3 mph S windy, and maybe some fog and cloudy. On Sunday the forecast at the start time is 63F, 3 mph SSE windy and partly sunny.

First Coast News Weather Doppler radar.

   

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

On Saturday Group 2 has started back up now!

 

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

Sunday - 7:30 AM at the Lodge - Ride to Amelia Island 

Wear your Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Kit

70 miles round trip from the Lodge, Approximately 50 miles from Rag Time. 
We will ride North on PVB, Duval Dr., First Street, and Plaza to A1A to the Ferry. 
We will pass Rag Time in Atlantic Beach around 8:00 AM.
Catch the 8:30 Ferry - $1.00 Each Way. 
We will catch the returning 10:45 AM Ferry. 
This is a group ride; we try to keep the group together. 
Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH

Sunrise is 7:33 AM with Twilight beginning at 7:10 AM

                                                                 2012 BFSC Bike Kit

2012 BFSC Wind Vest

Milano - San Remo Saturday March 17

http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/03/milan-san-remo-preivew

First BFSC Ride To Amelia Island Sunday, March 18

It looks like this weekend weather's is finally going to cooperate and the Beaches First Street Cycling will make it's first ride of 2012 to Amelia Island this Sunday, March 18.

Leave The Lodge at 7:30 AM; Rag Time at 8:00 AM and catch the 8:30 Ferry.

Sunrise Sunday is 7:33 AM with Twilight beginning at 7:10 AM.

Check back on Friday for confirmation that the Sunday ride will be to Amelia Island.

BFSC Tuesday/Thursday Night Rides Start Tuesday, March 13 @ 6:30 PM

With Day Light Saving Time beginning this past Sunday, the Tuesday/Thursday Night Bike Rides will start Tuesday, March 13 at 6:30 PM. The Ride starts at the "County Line" that is the corner of Ponte Vedra Blvd and Duval Drive.

You should have a white front light and red tail light for your ride home. This is a state law for bicycles riding after Sunset.

The Ride pace is similar to the fast Group 1 ride on the BFSC Saturday Ride.
Ride Pace 25+ MPH

Sunset is 7:33 PM with Twilight ending at 7:57 PM

Until it stays lighter longer, the route will be the short Nocatee route. Spoke 1 then to the roundabout. If the group judges that there is enough light we may complete spoke 3. But most likely for the next couple of weeks we will turn around at the roundabout to return back to PVB.

BFSC Ride Schedule March 10 & 11 - Day Light Saving Time Starts Sunday, Turn Your Clocks Ahead!

Turn you clock ahead one hour Saturday night, Day Light Saving Time changes this weekend, Sunday March 11.

There was a lot of discussion last weekend on the Beaches First Street Cycling Facebook page about dropped riders trying to merge back into Group 1. Please make a path for the faster riders to come though either just to the left, staying in our lane or to the far right. YOU MUST get back up to the peloton’s speed before you merger back in. Also the Saturday BFSC ride is a Road ride NOT a Time trial or Triathlon. You should be riding a road bike not a TT bike. Please if you must ride a TT bike STAY OFF the AERO BARS!!! TT bike are very dangerous in a group ride, you have no control over steering or braking. There appeared to be a lot more than normal amount of TT bike on last Saturday’s ride.

With the increasing numbers of riders coming back out to ride on Saturday, we will start back up this Saturday the Group 2, Group 2 will turn LEFT at Crosswater Parkway after coming off of Old 210 after the bridge.

The BFSC Sunday Road Bike returns to its regular 8:00 AM start time. The first Sunday road ride will be the 40-mile loop at an easy calm pace. This will allow the River Runners a little recovery and all of you all that are just starting to get back into riding shape, be able to hang on.

Good Luck and Run Fast to the BFSC riders running the 15K River Run Saturday, March 10.

The 2012 Beaches First Street Cycling bike kits are ready to order now. Get your order into bfscycling@gmail.com  Bike Kit information is on the blog.

The Bike Kit Fit/Sizing Party is March 24 @ 4:00 to 7:00 at Dave & Debbie Gottschalk Marsh Landing home. Bring your checkbook and an appetizer. Beer, wine & drinks will be provided.

Open Road Beaches Store Grand Opening is Friday, March 16. Grand Opening party is at 7:00 PM.

Big Banana MS Fundraiser Awareness Party is Monday, March 12 at 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Bogey Grill in Ponte Vedra Beach. Raffles, door prizes and the bike riding movie “The Ride -- Phil Keoghan's 3,500-mile journey on bike riding across the US.

Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

The Beaches Weekend weather calls for windy/breezy days, cloudy with a 20% chance of rain at ride times on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s forecast is 61F, 23 NE wind, Cloudy with 20% chance of rain. Sunday’s forecast is 59F, 15 ENE wind, Cloudy with a 20% chance of rain.

First Coast News WeatherDoppler radar.

   

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

With the beginning of March most of the BFSC riders are starting to road bike. So we will discontinue the posting of the mountain bike optional ride.

The Sunday ride will return to the regular 8:00 AM start time and we will ride the 40-mile loop. We will maintain an easy pace 19/22 MPH and keep the group together so everyone can build back their riding level.

Saturday Group 2 will start back up!

 

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

Sunday - 8:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 40 miles

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.

Ordering For The New 2012 Beaches First Street Cycling Kit Is Now Open!

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, the costs of the kit are greatly reduced. A men’s kit is $130 ($65 Louis Garneau Performance Vuelta Jersey with upgrade Carbon fabric – $65 Louis Garneau Elite power bib/shorts). A women’s kit is $125 ($60 Louis Garneau Performance Vuelta Sleeved Jersey with upgrade Carbon fabric , and/or Performance Clasico Sleeveless Jersey – $65 Louis Garneau Elite Power Shorts). Also a Louis Garneau Performance Pro-Light Vest is $65. Those prices are good for the first 100 jerseys, first 100 bibs/shorts, and first 50 vests. After that you can add $15 per item. Please thank all our sponsors, when you see them out on the road. Their sponsorship has made it possible for this year’s low kit prices.


If you’d like to order a kit, please send us an email detailing which items you want to: bfscycling@gmail.com. You can make your checks out to Beaches First Street Cycling or pay cash at the kit fit party. This year, payment is due in full prior to our order deadline of March, 26th. No exceptions!



Speaking of the Kit Party, David Gottschalk has volunteered his new house in Marsh Landing on Saturday, March 24th from 4-7 pm. Please bring your checkbook. His address is: 205 Green Heron Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082. When you send us an email order, we will put your name on the list for the entrance gate. David's cell phone number is 923-0765 and he says even if you know your size, come by and socialize and see your fellow cyclist without a helmet. Feel free to bring an appetizer if you wish!


If we can put the order in by March 26th, then we expect delivery by mid May. That would be just in time for our main cycling season (though with this winter, cycling season never really ended)!

Big Banana MS Awareness Week Fundraiser

BFSC Rider Bruce Reid’s Big Banana MS bike team is hosting a fundraiser Monday, March 12 – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM -- at Bogey Grille in Ponte Vedra Beach.

They will be featuring the movie The Ride -- Phil Keoghan's 3,500-mile journey on bike riding across the US. It's great a movie and it is also entertaining. You'll love it.

The movie is free -- no cover. We may pass the hat.

Proceeds from the food and beverage will help us -- MS Society.

Raffles and silent auctions.

You've may have heard the news -- we have some very nice silent auction items for Monday, March 12 night at Bogey Grille and we'd like for all of you to continue spreading the word.

Check out the latest item:

A Dessert of the Month package. That's right -- a dessert a month for a year. ----------Pies...cakes...brownies and cookies...cheesecake and more.

A 50-50 raffle is included in the lineup.

Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win half of the money pot. The other 50 percent goes to MS. 

Plus Players Championship tickets, a professional prepared and served dinner, a Bed & Breakfast stay, personal bicycle coaching and conditioning, a summer basketball camp at JU, a Visa gift card, and much more.   

Auction action begins at 6 p.m.

The movie, The Ride, starts at 7 p.m. You can eat and down beverages until 9 p.m.

Hope you can make it and bring your families, friends, and co-workers.

BFSC Ride Schedule March 3 & 4

Day Light Saving Time will change Sunday at 2:00 AM on March 11. That means you turn your clock ahead 1 hour. 8:00 will now be 9:00. 

The Tuesday/Thursday Night rides will begin Tuesday, March 13. Sunset will be 7:33 with Twilight ending at 7:56 PM.

The Tuesday/Thursday Morning ride are now leaving the PV Inn at 7:15 AM. They will will continue this schedule until it Sunrise is earlier. March 13 Sunrise is 7:39 with Twilight beginning at 7:16 AM.

BeachesWeekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

The Beaches Weekend shows spring is coming.  The weather forecast for the 8:00 ride start time on Saturday is Mostly Cloudy at 66F, 14 SW winds. Sunday’s 9:00 ride time forecast is Cloudy and a chance of rain hold over from Saturday night at 55F, 15 NW winds.

FirstCoast News Weather Doppler radar.

   

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

With the beginning of March most of the BFSC riders are starting to road bike. So we will discontinue the posting of the mountain bike optional ride.

If the rain has finished by our 9:00 Road Bike Start time on Sunday we will start our road bike season. The first ride will be the 40-mile loop. We will maintain an easy pace 19/22 MPH and keep the group together so everyone can build back their riding level.

 

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

Sunday - 9:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge – 40 miles

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.