Is The Ride On May Day? The MDM is always held on a Sunday where May Day is always May 1st. Since the MDM is always held on the first Sunday of May the event date could land anywhere from the 1st to the 7th.
What Is Metric About This Ride? The MDM used to have two choices 100K or 150+K. We have since evolved into three routes which are all calibrated in miles, 50 – 72 – and 104, respectively. Most of us have hated the metric system ever since we were force fed it in grade school so we also call this ride The May Day Classic. If you do choose to travel in kilometers recalibrate your cycling computer and multiply your cue sheet mileage by 1.61 and you will then be metric.
How Hilly Is This Ride? This is not an easy ride but it is far from the most difficult in the region. Hills can be categorized as rolling, small, moderate, and “character building.” All four types will be encountered on all three routes; we don’t even have a count on the first three types but as for the fourth; if you choose the 50 mile route you will have two “character builders,” on the 72 mile route there are three, and on the 104 mile route there are five. The 50 mile route has a cumulative vertical gain {and descent} of 1,200 feet; the 72 mile route has 2,200 feet, and the 104 mile route 4,215. As a point of reference here are some other popular rides / mileage / and elevation gain statistics: Chilly Hilly: 32.8 / 2,850; STP: 202 / 3,750; RAMROD: 170 / 9,885; Courage Classic: 187 / 9,250; RAPSody: 165 /6,350.
What Is “Phil’s Hill?” Ahhh yes, a May Day Classic and a “Character Builder” all in one! Phil’s Hill is a lovely little {yet feels big} secret one way road with super sweet new pavement {58th Pl S.} that comes UP from the Algona Pacific area to the heights of Military Road and 5 Mile Lake {approx elev at the top a whopping 465 ft}. It is a .7 mile climb with a vertical gain of 385 feet and an average grade of 7 .7 degrees. Some also call it “Little Italy” because the narrow winding road may remind one of the Pyrenees and its spectacular scenery. The reason this little hill gets your attention is you have been pedaling the flats of the valley for the past 20 miles and you are only nine miles from the finish; then you round the corner and Uppy Uppy…Go! Go! Go! All routes go this way, enjoy your stay.
How Do I Decide Which Route Is Best For Me? Since all three routes follow the same course you will have the flexibility to determine your distance by choosing a mid day turn around point. If you arrive in Orting {50mile turn around} to be welcomed by sunshine and strong legs then you can push on to Wilkeson {72 mile turn around}. If you arrive in Wilkeson and can’t believe what a great time you are having you can forge on to climb the Carbon River Valley and see one of the most beautiful {and challenging} parts of the ride. Choose a route based on your prior experiences, your allotted time schedule, and your current physical fitness.
Do I Have To Ride On Streets, Trails, Backroads, or Highways? Yes to all of the above. This ride is put together by people who love to ride their road bikes in beautiful limited access low traffic areas that have stunning scenery and brand new pavement. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find 100 miles of that but great care has been taken to incorporate the lesser traveled backroads, byways, and bike trails of the South Sound Region.
Can I Have A Map Prior To The Event? We do not have a map or turn by turn route guide available for you online. If you wish to obtain a copy of last years route guide and map prior to packet pick up please show up in person or send a SASE with a nice note to Phil’s South Side Cyclery at 2310 SW 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98023.
How Do I Know Which Way To Go? All riders will have a turn by turn route guide and a map as reference sources when needed. Since we are cyclists and we know attempting to ride safely while looking at a map is difficult at best we have taken great efforts to mark every single turn with “Henrys.” We have a round template with a large M in the middle of a circle; from that circle emanates an arrow to the left, right, or straight ahead. We lay a marker down 100 – 150 yds from the turn to warn you, then we have a second marker at the turn, then we have a confirmation arrow template (or two) after the turn. If you pay attention to these markers you will not get lost. We mark every turn and most major intersections even if you are rolling through and going straight. This monumental effort takes my Wife and I: 12 hours, 4 templates, 14 cans of ever glow orange marking paint, and innumerable stops and starts in our vehicle. As a result we have two sore backs, orange splattered feet, and two stressed out spouses; but we recover from all because we have heard many comments like…"I am a long time avid cyclist and this is the best marked course I have ever seen in my life!"
Why Do I Have To Check In At Registration After The Ride? For your well earned free slice of pie! If that isn’t reason enough we would like to know that all participants have been safely “swept” off the course by 5:00 P.M. so we can send our volunteers home. Nobody gets left behind.
What If I Am Not Strong Enough To Finish The Ride? We have two SAG vehicles that will be patrolling the course throughout the day to help with any roadside emergencies that may arise. These vehicles are there for mechanically stranded or medically immovable participants; do not rely on them as a ride out if you get tired. If you think you may not be up for the whole ride please plan accordingly with cell phone contact to a friend or loved one for a ride home. If you leave the ride for any reason we ask you to remember to contact the nice folks at registration to let them know you are abandoning the course.
What If My Bike Has A Problem? You will of course begin this ride with a bike you have been maintaining and using {recently not STP 2002}but if there is a problem the SAG vehicles will be able to help with minor repairs on the road {or transport you to a mechanic}. In addition there are three bike shops on the course. You will start and end at Phil’s Bike Shop, you will pass the Bonney Lake Bike Shop in Sumner twice, and the Trailside Cyclery in Orting twice. Most labor services will be free for participants but parts are not so please pack a few emergency dollars with you.
Is There Food Available? There are well stocked rest stops every 20-25 miles with lots of water, bagels, peanut butter, fruit, Gatorade, Hostess snacks, and other surprises for all registered participants. There are also many stores and restaurants along the route if you wish for something more substantial.
I Heard Unicycles Ride For Free? Yes, it is true that Unicyclists can ride for free but keep in mind that the shortest route is 50 miles with a 1,200 foot vertical elevation gain {& descent}. Nobody has taken me up on the offer yet but I am sure someone will soon; Giddy Up!
What If It Rains? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but: you get wet. An event such as this cannot have the flexibility to reschedule based on weather conditions. The ride goes on the scheduled date regardless of weather, but please keep in mind that higher elevations are colder and riding in wet cool conditions can be un-comfortable; please prepare accordingly. There is no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate attire.
Is This A Fund Raising Ride? Even at our reasonable rate of $20 - $25 we are managing to put on this great ride while raising some money for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington as well. The Alliance is our voice and representative in all matters regarding bicycle safety, advocacy, and planning. We have donated $5,000+ to the Alliance over the past 5 years and with continued support we are hoping to raise more. Help out by participating in this ride and please learn more at www.bicyclealliance.org. The town of Orting is a longstanding supporter of the cycling community and we are giving a little back by helping out the Orting Food Bank. In times of need the food bank is there for people that need a little help out with basic provisions. We will continue to donate all our extra food from the rest stops and a portion of the residual funds collected.
Can I Get A Refund If I Cannot Ride? Sorry but there are no refunds given. If you have a medical or family emergency we will carry over your registration to the following year. Contact Phil.
When Can I Get My Socks And My Registration Information? Registration packets and your complimentary socks will be available at Phil’s Bike Shop one week prior to the event. You will have to come here in person as I will not be mailing packets out. The lines have not been long so you can easily pick up all your goodies on the morning of the event. Please note that the cutoff time for registration packet pickup on the day of the ride is 9:30 a.m. and socks are only for those who pre-register.
Does Everyone Get the Socks? No. Early registration numbers help us to plan this event so socks are a reward for all the pre-registered riders only. There will be NO SOCKS given to any "DAY OF" ride registrations.
Can I Pick Up My Friends Packet Also? Yes.
Can I Transfer My registration To Someone Else? Yes. Original registrant needs to contact Phil prior to day of event with the transfer information. Sock size change will be allowed based on availability.
Can I Get My Packet & Start The Ride Elsewhere? Yes. Some folks have chosen to pick up their packets and then drive to Orting or some point in between to work out their own route. Great efforts and numerous considerations have been made to set up the route; if you modify the course to suit your needs you may do so at your own risk. If you choose this option please contact Phil before the event {or at registration} so we know not to expect you at the finish.
When Is The Course Open? Registration is open from 6:00 A.M. till 9:30 A.M. at Johnnys Bar & Grill adjacent to Phil’s Bike Shop. The course is open and patrolled from 6:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
What Time Should I Start? Your start time is, of course, dependent on your prior long distance cycling experiences and your personal fitness; but as a rule of thumb: 104 mile participants should be in the saddle by 7:30, 72 mile participants by 9:00, & 50 mile participants by 10:00.
Do We Start At The Same Time & Ride As A Group? No. Well I guess you do if you bring a group of friends; or you are such a wonderful person that you make a group of friends at registration. The course is well marked with “Henrys” and open for all participants to ride at their own pace from 6:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Saddle up and go whenever you are ready.
Where Is The Start / Finish? Start, finish, registration, and complimentary pie are all at Johnnys’ Famous Bar & Grill adjacent to Phil’s Bike Shop. Directions To Start: Phil’s South Side Cyclery 2310 SW 336th St. Federal Way, 98023 I-5 to Exit #142B {348th St.} Go West on 348th. {go East & you’re on Hwy 18} Cross Hwy 161 & 99 follow signs for King Co. Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center. Cross 1st Ave. (at WinCo Foods) street is renamed SW Campus Drive. Pass Aquatic Center on R. & continue West to Light at 21st Ave SW (street becomes 336th St}. Cross 21st Ave & after 100 yards turn Right at KFC into lot (Total distance from I-5 = 2.8 Miles).
If I Don’t Ride Can I Still Participate? Absolutely! Happy & helpful volunteers make this event happen so we would love to have your support on the course, at a rest stop, or at registration. Contact Phil.
Is My Bike Good Enough To Complete This Ride? The bike is an important tool but 75% of the hootzpah needed to complete this challenging hilly ride is between your ears. You have to have the self-confidence, determination, and fortitude to be successful at this difficult challenge. I have seen people on $9,000 dream machines made of “Obscurium” and carbon; yet I have also seen people on $89 bikes from Wal Mart that are made of “Unreliabum” and low grade steel. Somehow they both finish the ride but I am sure their stories and personal experiences will be different. Regardless of the cost or weight; the bottom line is that you will have a more positive enjoyable experience if you keep your bicycle in good working order {sometimes that means the best you can do with what you have to work with}. If you are unsure what this means please contact your Local Bike Shop for professional advice. Tough love and sound advice are always free here at Phil’s South Side.
The Most Important Thing To Know? Our Team Tailwind Motto: Prepare for the worst yet hope for the best; ride your bike more and worry less!
Is This Ride Crowded? How Many People Participate? No. This is our 7th year and we are averaging 200 riders. Since this is such an awesome ride at a reasonale price the numbers are sure to rise over the years. For now there is plenty of room for you and all your friends; please tell them to come along for the adventure.
Where Do I Park My Car? Three options for you...1) limited space in front of Johnny's and Phil's Bike Shop {NOT in front row by merchant entrances, please}; 2) directly across the street in the Safeway lot; 3) 1/4 mile south on 21st Ave SW at the King County Park & Ride. As always, wherever you park, it is at your own risk. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicles and lock them before you leave.
