1986raleigh

Anyone here in 50 + riding the goatneck ride this year besides me?

CandSAdventures

Wanted to pretty bad. There were just too many other commitments. My son is getting married in August and of course I asked the obvious question: You are not planning it for HHH weekend are you? (No!).

1986raleigh

I just cannot face the HHH due to sheer volume of riders, I hate crowds to begin with and goatneck volume is more than enough for me.

Goatneck is a well organized and supported ride with not the sheer madness of HHH.

CandSAdventures

I agree, HHH is sheer madness. It is one of the things I like about it. This year I will complete either 8 or 10 of the charity rides. It is the only one that is madness. This year is a challenge ride for me too. I broke a couple of spokes at almost the half way point last year on the 100k route and had to stop. My rear tire was toast and there was just no way to fix it.

Goatneck has such a good reputation. It has been on the list for the last three years for me and something keeps happening. I hope you enjoy your ride, take some photos for those of us that don't get to ride it.

Leadrunner

Is Goatneck the Cleburne ride? I am still a rookie, so I am always curious about climbs. How are they?

1986raleigh

Not too bad I only rode it once before, was a rookie riding my raleigh 12 speed touring geared for 6 mos before the ride, I rode it with flat pedals, no toe clips... I only had to stop and rest on one hill, but it was a kicker for me at that time.

This year Im gonna be on the cannondale, road pedals and cleats, hopefully a lot better ride.

If your riding your signature bike you should be good to go.

The ride is well supported, the rest stops are well supplied and staff is friendly the routes are clearly marked so you aint gonna get lost and wonder into central texas by accident.

IMHO well worth the trip from DFW and entry fee for the ride, although I live about 10 miles from Cleburne.