Beignet Barnstorm! | 40 Miles @ 15+ MPH

* WEATHER PERMITTING
* 40 MILE ROAD RIDE: 15-16 MPH AVERAGE SPEED
* ONE REST STOP: Benedict's La Strata
* NO DROP - ADVANCED BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED RIDERS
* ROLL AT 9:00 AM
* BRING CA$H FOR BEIGNETS $3.00 (if you want beignets)
* FRONT & REAR LIGHTS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
* BRING A CHAIR FOR AFTER THE RIDE

MEET at HAWTHORN WOODS COMMUNITY PARK

40 Mile "Beignet Barnstorm"
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51100780

We're well into the riding season now and it's time to put those early months of riding to good use. Join us on this 40 mile ride to Crystal Lake to enjoy the delicious beignets at Benedict's La Strata. Anyone wanting to indulge in these culinary treasures from New Orleans needs to kick in $3.00 to do so. "Buying in" to the beignet experience is NOT MANDATORY but we will pre-order so we have them ready when we arrive at the restaurant.

This is a "no drop" ADVANCED BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE RIDE. Faster riders can ride off the front but they are on their own. We will regroup periodically throughout the ride.

While no one will be dropped outright, you should be able to MAINTAIN AT LEAST A 15 MPH AVERAGE speed. Otherwise, you may find yourself riding solo.

If you invite and bring non-member guests, you are their ride leader. It's your responsibility to marshal your guests and stick with them.

If you are uncertain if you can maintain this speed over the course of the ride, please contact me to discuss your concerns.

Road, race, fitness and solid fork hybrid bikes are your best weapon of choice on this ride. We do not recommend any bikes which incorporate front, or rear, active suspension. Knobby tires are not your friend on this ride.

A HELMET IS MANDATORY for all Let's Ride bicycle rides. Also required, a working and properly maintained bicycle that will allow you to travel the distance and pace you have elected to ride.

As 'situational awareness' is critical to safe bicycling, EARBUDS, EARPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS will NOT be ALLOWED on this ride.

You should also bring the normal accoutrement; (ID with Emergency Contact and insurance card(s), spare inner tube, pump, etc.), proper attire based on the weather forecast, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for food and/or beverage, a bicycle lock and a good attitude!

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Please make certain you have "email communication turned on" in your meetup account settings.

NOTE: All riders participate and ride at their own risk. Meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well being.