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| Famished 2011 ODRAM cyclists - belly-up to their food trough SAG vehicle. |
Ask anyone who has completed the ride and you'll likely find that no 2 cyclocomputers agree, due to computer calibration errors and GPS accuracy and tracking methods. Generally the accepted distance falls in the 147-152 mile range...your mileage [really] may vary.
How difficult is the route?
The first 80 miles until the official lunch stop on the east side of Blanchard have some rolling hills, but generally we are blessed with a prevailing tailwind, so the most challenging portion of the course presents itself while riders still have fresh legs. The roads are also overwhelmingly rural and present minimal car traffic, with the exception of a few communities (short stretches through Fremont and Bay City).
Is ODRAM a ride that only really hardcore cyclists can complete?
No way! Cyclists of all ability and experience levels can and do finish ODRAM...most even roll into the finish party with an ear-to-ear grin on their face (a phenomenon known as "BikeFace"). If you can complete a century, you can pedal ODRAM. The hardcore folks do the return ride (MARDO - Mad Ass Ride Do-Over) into the prevailing winds the following day.
Do most riders ride in packs / pace lines?
A few groups of 5 or more, usually organized before the ride some groups of 3-5 develop during the day.
How many riders do you expect?
We had 119 last year and are expecting it to grow this year.
What kind of bike do you recommend?
What kind of milage should we be putting in by the summer?
A road bike is definitely recommended, although other styles of bicycles have been ridden for the event in the past. Most of our riders have a 100 mile ride under their belt sometime during the year. I would recommend you are comfortable spending at least 10 hours on your bicycle (10 hours at 15 miles per hour) or more if you will ride slower. Most riders take off at sunrise - about 6:30am and most are finished by 6:30pm.
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| It's not a mirage, it's the church ladies! |
Yes the road is marked for all turns and we will also have some "yard signs." We will also provide a map at the start.
What does "unsupported" mean?
With the exception of a delicious catered lunch (at Pine River United Methodist Church in Blanchard and is approximately 83 miles from the start) and BBQd burgers, dogs, fruit, veggies & drinks at the finish, there are no specific food or SAG stops on the ODRAM route. There are also no official SAG vehicles. There are a variety of rest areas and convenience stores en route to Bay City, which are marked on the maps, but most riders also opt to have a friend or family member drive "leap-frog" with snacks, fluids, and basic first aid.
This is a wise option, as there are a few relatively desolate stretches on the route where serious cases of the munchies have been known to hit riders. The weather can also change suddenly and drastically (as riders discovered in 2011), so having access to rain gear and warmer kit is a priceless thing.
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| 2011 riders enjoy a hard-earned finish celebration |
The finish line and cookout celebration takes place in a pavilion at the Bay City State Recreation area.
A restroom will be available in our pavilion and showers will be available across the street at the campground. Please see an ODRAM volunteer at the finish to get a pass to access the showers (we have to pay to access the showers).
We have an alcohol permit, so feel free to BYOB to enjoy in the pavilion area only.
If a friend or family member wants to enjoy the cookout (or lunch), they may do so for only $5.
We've arranged for it to be free to park your cars/trucks at Meinert Park to drop off riders, but Bay City is a state recreation area and requires a "vehicle entrance permit." Bicycles do not require permits, but your car/truck will need one. A daily permit will be available (if you do not have a state park permit already) for $6.00 as you enter the park.
How do I get back to the western side of the state?
The option of a bus shuttle is provided to return riders to Montague. Your bike will follow safely along in a transport truck with many other 2-wheeled friends. The return transportation is available for $35, leaving no later than 8:00pm. Pack service is also available for one bag labeled with your name from the ride start to the finish.
Parking for those people riding the bus back to Montague will be available at a lot next to the picnic shelter where registration occurs. Please make sure you get a bus card at registration so we can make sure no one is left behind that has paid for the bus.
Can you recommend lodging options in the Montague area?
For lodging options on Friday/Saturday night in Montague go to whitelake.org. The Comfort Inn (231-893-4833) has given us a discounted rate, but it is still a seasonal rate. Please mention ODRAM when you make your reservation.
Is there a forum or central message board where I can contact other riders?
Come check out our Facebook page to communicate with other ODRAM riders.
Is it pronounced OhDRAM or OddDRAM?
You say eether and I say eyether,
You say neether and I say nyther;
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther...
Contact us if there are questions you would like to see answered on this page.
