Monday, December 21, 2015

All systems are green... go!



And we're officially accepting registration for the 2016 event! Emails went out to prior participants, giving them first opportunity to sign up. Now it's open to all (well, technically always was)!

http://www.iebikingalliance.org/content.aspx?page_id=87&club_id=961736&item_id=483217

There are three courses available: English century (100 miles), metric century (62 miles) and metric half century (30 miles). As in previous years, all share the same course! A shared riding experience is one of the foundations of the RSR. The half-metric will be really straighforward, and a good ride for someone just getting into multi-surface rides. The metric century will begin the same as the half, but instead will keep going up to Yucaipa, Crafton and then Mentone. Great sampler of what we have to offer out here!

What's new this year is the 100 mile century ride. It's still being hammered out, but will add on at least two additional segments to the metric century route. The second of which, if all goes according to plan, will have a wee bit of elevation gain on it!

We will be capping registration off at 100 for the metric and half metric, and 50 for the English.

And while registering, please consider becoming an IEBA member. While it does save you a little bit on the fees, it helps us grow our organization. Membership is the key to a successful advocacy group, we need your help!

Friday, November 20, 2015

100 Is The Magic Number!



As in miles.

You read that right! We will continue to have the now-traditional 100km (62mile) route, but add on to it an additional 34 mile segment. All riders will still share the same basic route, which is one of our goals. The mile century riders will have extra segments added onto the metric route.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/fT4n6ZcZ3YEt=2h5m23s

Don't want to give too much away, but tacking on those extra 34 miles, will also add 4,700ft of climbing! Hmmm, where could we possibly find a way to get mixed-surface miles like that... I wonder...

What this means in addition to having to ramp up the base miles: We need volunteers! More will follow on that note, but please be thinking if you or someone you know can staff an aid station on the 19th. Bonus points if they want to run a smoothie-bike!!!


Monday, November 16, 2015

Redlands Strada Sterrata re-cap

The Redlands Strada Rossa if a FANTASTIC and fun ride. Not too long, not too short. Not to hard, not too easy. Not too flat, not too hilly. Just all-around great and hard to improve upon. But we rose to the occasion, and put together a shorter but dirtier version, the Strada Sterrata.

"Dirt Roads" in Italian, the Strada Sterrata intended to link up as much dirt in the surrounding communities as possible, and create a mostly off-road route. In the end, it was 38 miles with 3,630 feet of climbing. Not too bad. Of that, only approximately six miles were on road. Most of that was leading out of and returning to downtown Redlands. You can see the map below, and link to it here.


We had 16 riders show up. A good mix of riders, similar to the Strada Rossa, but obviously more dirt focused. Everyone was encouraged to have 2" tires at a minimum, and to not ride it unless they had some sort of puncture protection. The fat tires were to get through the sandy sections
Strada Sterrata pre-ride
and the sealant was to make sure you weren't stopped by goatheads. Good advice for RSR as well, but not quite as imperative as it was for the RSS.


Different degrees of success with that.

In the end, two riders made the entire route, with six of us coming together at the end for pizza and beer at Gourmet Pizza in downtown Redlands. I think it was a great, but long day. Everyone seemed happy and positive about it, and are updating their family's calendars to make sure they come back for the longer, but less-rugged Strada Rossa on March 19th.

The best write up and pictures from the day can be found on the IMTB site:  http://www.imtbtrails.com/forum/threads/rr-redlands-strada-sterrata.3383/
Click through and check it out! I love seeing the different pictures from the day as well as reading the different thoughts on the ride and trails

Hope to see you here in March!!!



Sunday, August 30, 2015

Impact: Where do participants come from?

It's always great to see where participants come from! Just as for last year, we like to see where what kind of an impact we're having. Is this a local thing, is word spreading, are people traveling to our region? Well yeah, all of the above!

Now find yourself on this map:



And here is last year's map to compare/contrast:

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Survey Says:

Welcome!
We are strong believers in Bicycle Tourism. While Redlands is not a rural community, like many small towns, it does rely heavily on retail sales and individuals spending discretionary money in the city. Along these lines, Redlands is positioning itself to be a destination city. This obviously supports local businesses which employ residents as well as providing sales tax to fund much of the civic budget. Given that, we would like to see bicycle tourism added to the consideration as a viable economic benefit to our community!

In additional to hospitality and general retail, there are several bicycle-related businesses also located in town, including two retail bicycle stores, a bicycle parts wholesaler, an athletic clothing & shoe company, and a community bicycle repair and education source.

With this in mind, we wanted to see what kind of a financial benefit a one day cycling event would have on our community. A survey was sent out to all the registered participants of the 2015 Redlands Strada Rossa. Our goal was to find out approximately how much money was spent IN Redlands specifically, but also to highlight the amount of money that recreational cyclists spend in general.

We also used this opportunity to seek out suggestions for improving the event, as well as to find out the things that really worked on this one!

Lastly, we asked how many respondents would come back to Redlands for another bicycle-related event.

All questions and results can be seen by following this public link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-86ZVFMJ9/

We compiled the responses from the survey, and came up with the following results:
  • The 55 respondents spent a total of $11,060 specifically related to the RSR. That could include anything from nutrition, tires, a bicycle frame, gas and lodging, etc. 
  • That $11,060 total averages to $201 per respondent!
  • We went on to ask how much of that was spent specifically in the City of Redlands. The total which included food ($1,462), lodging ($605) and the catch-all "other" category ($2288) adds up to $4,355.
  • That in turn averages to $79.18 being spent per person in Redlands.
  • Nearly 40% of total expenditures were made in Redlands.

From these responses, we can safely state that the Redlands Strada Rossa, a one-day event that charged a minimal amount to participate ($25 per person) and was produced with volunteer time, money and generosity, brought $4,355 into our community!

If we take a moment and extrapolate that average to all registered participants, we can project what the overall impact was. There were 135 people who registered and paid for the ride. If each one of them spent that average of $79.18 in Redlands, a total of  $10,689 came into our community!

Imagine that. A one day, recreational event bringing in over $10,000 to a town. There is an incentive to have one monthly! Not only does recreational bike riding encourage trail procurement and use, it benefits both local businesses and the larger community financially.

Finally, to tie this all together, please notice question five on the survey. We asked if the respondents plan to return to Redlands for future rides. An amazing 100% of them said yes! And you can be sure they will spend some money here when they do!



Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Please Take A Moment...

We've put together a quick (two minute???) survey that has been emailed to RSR 2015 participants. We're trying to get some data on the economic benefits an event like this brings to a community. We're also soliciting suggestions for ways to improve the event for next year, so feel free to (gently) let us know what we can work on! 

The quick Survey Monkey survey is anonymous and does not require logging in. Link to it: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FSTXCQB

Thanks!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

So, where do I start?

How to express how incredibly pleased I/we are with how this turned out this last Saturday. An amazing response from participants who travelled here, voted with their wallets, and then rode this amazing ride! I'm totally biased but I think the route was fantastic. 60+ miles of great roads and trails in a compact geographical area, connected together to make one (or two!) great rides!

And the volunteers that put the ride together, staffed the SAG stops, hosted the party, provided the beer (THANKS Ritual & Escape) and just plain ol' made this thing happen. The praise goes to the riders and community in Redlands and the IE that supported this, talked it up, and put their $$$ and time into it. Can't thank any of you enough!

I want to encourage everyone to friend/like the IEBA on fb as well as post their pictures, video, and any feedback they have for us. While the RSR was in part a fundraiser for the IEBA, it is much more-so a form of advocacy in and of itself. The more people know this quality riding is here, the more bikes that are out in the public, the more the cities and communities out here will realize how important infrastructure and access is. So while you were having fun on a great ride, you were also participating in bike advocacy! Way to multi-task out there, people!

We plan on doing this again next year, so be sure to talk it up, as it is 100% a word of mouth sort of an event!

And finally, below is a video from one of the participants James W. It's a blast to watch and re-live some of the riding from Saturday! Check it out!


Thanks to all!

David

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Alternative Routes Home

As you're looking at the routes, keep in mind that there are LOTS of ways to get around the eastern end of the San Bernardino Valley. Out of towners or locals that aren't familiar with the trails on this route are highly encouraged to look it over and wrap their head around the different portions of it. To assist with that, shown below are two of the options available on the route to get you back to Redlands if things just aren't working out as planned.

Sand Canyon: The two routes share the same course up to mile 17/27.5km. At that point, the 100 km continues east into Yucaipa proper, while the 50 heads back west to Redlands. The 100km riders who are looking for an early exit can simply follow the 50km route at this point.


Bryant St: If you want something a little bit more, and are feeling decent but not quite good enough to finish, hang in there till the next alt-option at the 22.3 mile/36km mark. The 100km route at this point heads east on Fir Ave (and you should stay on it!!!), but if you want to go north on Bryant, and then over to Grape St, you'll still be able to do all the Crafton Hills portion. That keeps you on the rest of the route and lets you finish with everyone else. That is highly encouraged!


There are lots of other ways to bail if you have to, but these are the two big options to help you finish the ride, rather than just getting back to your car. The goal is to have fun, see some new territory, and enjoy the day. If you're miserable during the ride, you're not doing any of the above. Get back to Redlands and have lunch already!!!



Donations

Redlands Bike BBQ Alley PartyThe Redlands Bike BBQ is hosting Saturday morning's send off, and last-minute maintenance can be had there. The BBBQ is a great asset to the community, and is the local source of all-volunteer and donation based bicycle assistance.

If you happen to have any bikes, parts, components, tools or miscellaneous gathering dust in the garage, please consider donating them to the BBBQ. Any and all help is appreciated!!!

Full House!

They also have great t-shirts for sale for $20!!!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Good Omens!

A solid half hour of rain and hail this afternoon... dirt's going to be perfect!

Double Rainbow RIP Sir Terry

Crafton Hills Sector



Crafton is the final climbing segment and longest dirt portion of the 100km route. It comes along at the 71st kilometer and requires you to climb 5km of buffed single track. This is worth pushing for, as the trails and views are both amazing and the accomplishment you'll get from this will be worth it. If you can make it here, the rest is (mostly) all down hill. Still 20km more to go, but downhill nonetheless!

For those in the know or who want to look at it on the Google, the route is first climbing climbing Grape St. Trail (follow the singletrack, not the direct downhill). Then taking the construction site single track over to Yikes! trail and descending to the paved access road at the bottom. Once there, climbing back up 38 Special to the fire road is where you earn your bragging rights! This is one of the best trails around, with unencumbered views of the Santa Ana River watershed. Again, buffed singletrack, with several switchback sections to keep the grade reasonable. It's SoCal hardpan with slick ball-bearing like sand on top. There might be a dab or two.



At the top of 38 Special, you'll made the Crafton fire road. You can really open it up on until you get to Thunderbird Trail. That's a quick right and minor uphills, then a GREAT downhill singletrack! Descend down that, then climb half-way back up Three Hawks Trail to the college.



Whew, got all that? Crafton Hills College has water, but restrooms are closed on the weekend.

Exit the college onto Sand Canyon at the light (fast traffic here!). Turn left on Sand Canon and go for no more than 200 meters, then right at the cable gate into the Crafton Hills Conservancy property and back onto the 50km route. The 50km does not need to ride to Sand Canyon, but instead picks up the trail through the housing development (50K Cutoff on map below).



This also serves as a bailout option for the 100km.  If you are planning on the 100, and just having a bad day, simply follow the 50km route at this point and it's still going to be a good ride!




Tuesday, March 17, 2015

El Dorado Sector



Most of the dirt portions on the RSR are fairly intuitive, with an obvious route forward. One of the areas that can involve some guesstimating is in Yucaipa's newest open space, El Dorado. The route goes straight into it as you climb east (and up!) on Fir Ave. At a little below the 24th mile, the designated route follows a tree-line north-east through the area, till it parallels Carter St. You continue both along and on Carter for about half a mile and then drop south to the parking area where the second SAG stop will be located.

Looking at the screen cap above, you can see a lot of trails all over the place up there. The potential to go off the main designated trail exists. If that happens, just meander till you get to Oak Glen Rd. and you'll be fine!



















Most of the dirt portions are fairly straightforward, with an obvious route forward. One of the areas that does involve some guesstimating is in Yucaipa's newest open space, El Dorado. The route goes straight into it as you climb east (and up!) on Fir Ave. The designated route follows a tree-line north-east through the area, till it parallels Carter St. You continue both along and on Carter for about half a mile and then drop south to the parking area where the second SAG stop will be located.

Looking at the screen cap above, you can see a lot of trails all over the place up there. The potential to go off the main designated trail exists. If that happens, just meander till you get to Oak Glen Rd. and you'll be fine!

Monday, March 16, 2015

RSR Training Ride - Wed 3/18

For anyone that is a little anxious about riding their road bike on the trails, there is going to be a pre-RSR skills clinic this Wednesday the 18th. It will be put on by master-cyclist extraordinaire Chuck D (Appearing without Flava Flave). He's going to be leaving out of Stell's Coffee here in Redlands at 5:30. Twenty miles, not tough or fast necessarily, but to get people comfortable on the dirt. Mountain bike riders are obviously invited as well. Heck it's just a plain ol' excuse to go for a bike ride!


Sunday, March 15, 2015

2015 Strada Rossa Official Route Reveal

Photo-op on Three Hawks Trail Four, three, two, one... we're live!


50km:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7205176

Please take a look at both, because the 50 can serve as a bail-out route for the 100. In fact I am quite proud of how both share the same course, with the 100 simply going on for more.

I'll be pointing out some bail options during the week, but feel the 100 is very doable if you pace yourself on it. Go for the 100!!!

Weather is still looking good, projected to be under 80 American units of temperature. All lights are green!!!


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Seven Days And Counting...

Untitled

Weather is holding at a projected 78F. Rode today and it was 86F and not a problem.
Every thing seems to be falling in to place!
Final routes (100 and 50) should be ready to post on Monday... stay tuned!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Two Weeks To Go. Now With Lunch Included!

The message below was sent out to registrants, but we wanted to post here as well:
DSC_0607

Wanted to give you all a quick update.
The course is about set. A couple of adds to let you know about.
First, lunch will be included with entry!!!
Second, we are working on having different types of drinks not just beer. 
Third we have a patch available this year and we did not print t shirts as it is a hassle to be left with extra stock. We will be offering an new IEBA t-shirt along with some of last years Strada.
Fourth and coolest, we are having a FREE ride up to the Redlands "R" on Sunday. For those of you that want to stick around for more suffering, we promise a slightly easier pace and incredible views of the San Bernardino Valley. Maybe even some SNOW!
We will have 2 more updates coming so make sure to tell your friends. We currently have about 100 riders signed up.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

I don't think I have the right bike for the Redlands Strada Rossa!!!

Can you do it on road slicks?

DSC_0503
Of course! Just ride wheelies the whole way!

Will you have a good time on a dual-suspension MTB?

Redlands Strada Rossa
I don't know, does she look like she's having a bad time???

There is no bike that can't do this on, but yes, a cross bike with 35-ish tires would be best. But if you're at all interested, the entry bar is pretty low, so run what you brung and get out there!

Uphill section that many with road bikes walked. Great surroundings!

The 50km will be designed so that just about any bike and rider and do it without problems. Don't worry about the terrain or bike, just the rider's fitness. If you can ride 25-35 miles, you can do this! The idea is to promote mixed-terrain riding, and the whole run whatcha' brung philosophy of getting it done!

The 100km is going to be tougher. No joke. Not only is the distance doubled, but there is a lot more climbing and a lot more dirt. Whatever bike you bring, you need to feel comfortable ascending and descending in the dirt on it. The 100km is not the ride to find out if you like riding stuff like this! You have four weeks to figure that part out!!!

That said, the safe bet is to sign up for the 100, and then peel off and do the 50 if you just aren't feeling it. Only downside is that you'll end up finishing early, and may arrive back in town too early for the post-ride festivities. So hang out, ride around a bit more, and come back for the fun!

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Patches, patches, come get your patches!!!

Some of us, who will remain nameless, love ride patches. Can't get enough of 'em. Small, inexpensive, memorable, what's not to like!!! 

Below is the commemorative patch for the Redlands Strada Rossa. It is designed by friend and RSR participant Philip who is selling them pre-order through his Etsy store. Made by Walter at Falls Creek Outfitters. Good people involved in this, all the way around!!!

Please take a moment to look at them, and I would encourage you to purchase! Philip will be bringing them down on the day of the event, and mailing to those who cannot make it. $5 investment in something unique and handmade!




In addition, he also made up the +3 Goathead Talisman of Power. Be sure to get one of these to ward off any unfortunate happenings whilst on the RSR or elsewhere on your travels! You can never be too safe!!!



If you are wondering how these will look IRL, take a look at one of the previous patches he did for last year's Entmoot at China Camp. No messing around with this guy!

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Quotes of Awesomeness

Below are some of the responses we had from last year's event. A lot of satisfied customers!

"I went last year and it was a blast! I have ridden many century road rides, many pure MTB rides, but never a mixed surface event that was a little bit of everything with some navigating required. I found my 29er perfect for the event. The people I met were all friendly and in for a good ride (somebody was handing out cold PBRs just before the last big climb...thanks!)....I discovered places to ride I never would have known, and the beer at the end was cold and in a nice Strada Rosa mug.
Kudos for having such a fun event! I'm getting psyched up!" - emejay


"This was a great ride! I found the last 25 miles definitely the toughest, riding on San Timeteo a terror, and the people I met so friendly and helpful. It was challenging, but doable. A big thanks to all who helped put this on, and certainly whoever donated their house for the after ride party. That band playing had talent.....Thanks for a great day! I feel guilty it didn't cost anything, other than $20 for a tee shirt, and $10 for Strada Rossa glass full of cold brew" - emejay (again!)


"Strada Rossa in Redlands was an event worthy of annual status.  I couldn't ride the course but got to spend some time exploring downtown Redlands, a wonderful city with plenty of local businesses.  The apres' ride party featured music, food, beer & bikes.  Equipment was everything from serious looking MTBs to MCRBs." - dougP



"Bailed at mile 41. Total was 51.6 miles and 4,446 ft of elevation.Dave. Mark and the rest of IEBA, thanks for setting up the ride and your hospitality at the "Finish Line" party!!" - RFG

"One of the funnest cycling events, hell things, I did all last year! I'm IN! Thank you for hosting again." - Matt B.


"Simply amazing. Easily the most fun I've ever had on my cross-bike, and definitely up there as one of the coolest events around. The Strada Rossa refreshed my faith in humanity and reminds me how lucky we are to share the cycling bond. I expected the route to be really fun, and my expectations were exceeded! The cue sheet proved essential and the chalk arrows were there when I needed them. Beautiful Route, beautiful people, beautiful day! I will be jazzed on this event all the way to the next one. Thanks! IEBA!" - roach

Thanks to all the great riders I met that day and to those who organized this event." - Jose B-T


"Great course, I bailed at the 2nd crossing of San Timoteo and headed back to town, that was scary going up hill. Did a little over 37 miles. I definitely need to train if I ever want to finish this ride. May be I will head over to Crafton Hills just to do that section!!" - allroy71


"Had great time at this event! I hope you put some more on. Didn't take any pics to busy riding the route. Oh also thanks to the sweeper that rode with me to the 10 freeway." - Alex B.


"Great time though and big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen and to everyone else who stuck it out. Looks forward to hacking off a couple hours next time and now that I've seen of the trails the area has to offer might start doing some pre-rides well before then." - socal_eric

"Thanks so much for the ride! I didn't finish, but I had a lot of fun. Next year!" - Angela C.


"I am fine with the idea of having people join the IEBA. $25 is pretty cheap for something like this. Of course, the problem that you will run into is that the more people pay, the more support they expect. I didn't expect any support, so I was ready to ride it that way. But I did really like the beer at the bottom of the Grape Street section, so that was a good bonus. I'm up for a Fall one. It will motivate me to train a little bit more to try to finish it in better style. Thanks again. I thought it rocked." - Reedster


"Great event, Mark (and all those who helped put this together). Nathan and I both really enjoyed it. A good mix of everything: road, dirt, grueling climbs, fun downhill coasts, good scenery, gravel and sandy areas to slog through, etc. Best of all, we really enjoyed getting to know other riders along the way. Events like this always remind me of how cool the cycling community is. Made a lot of new friends today!" - Grace Y-C

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Registration is open!

You are now able to register for the event on the IEBA's site: http://www.iebikingalliance.org/

You can also follow news and info postings on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1562664113989341/

Last year's ride was a free, no-cost, gratis event. That was fantastic for everyone, but in efforts to expand, we've set this year's up as a fund-raiser for the IEBA. $35 $25 gets you in on what we hope to be a fantastic rollicking & rolling good time! The $35 $25 includes an annual membership in the IEBA, which goes directly to promoting more and safer bike riding in the Inland Empire. Cost is only $10 for current IEBA members. New members signing up with a $15 membership pay a total of only $25 for membership and RSR! Act now, supplies are limited! Operators are standing by!

Experience what we collectively consider some of the best roads and trails in the Eastern San Bernardino Valley, linked together in one full day of riding. Good trails, back roads, great scenery, fantastic people!

Redlands Strada Rossa
Pics from last year, show that if we're lyin' we're dyin': https://www.flickr.com/groups/redlands-strada-rossa/

Thursday, January 8, 2015

March 21, 2015

It's official! We're going to pull this off again! The Second Annual Redlands Strada Rossa will be held on the second day of spring this year. A metric century 100km course is the main event, but we are planning on also having a half-metric 50km route that shares most of the longer route's course. In order to really get people's attention, there will be a Friday night pre-ride party, and for folks that want to stick around till Sunday, a post-ride ride in the front-range of the San Bernardino Mtns just to our north.

Oh yeah, here's a preview: