Dog Days of Dallas 2007 Report
The 2007 Dog Days Metric Century ride was held on Sunday, July 8. The skies were mostly clear, with temperatures from 80 to 89 degrees F.
Participants: 125 riders participated (37 GCC members and 88 non-GCC members). This was an increase of one rider from 2006.
65 Mile Course: 91 registrants (28 GCC members & 63 non-members)
48 Mile Course: 29 registrants (8 GCC members & 21 non-members)
25 Mile Course: 5 registrants (1 GCC member & 4 non-members)
It should be noted that some 48 milers actually skipped the 2nd shortcut, which added five miles & the tough Laboratory hill climb. Also, some 65 milers actually took the last shortcut, which eliminated the aforementioned section.
Club member Leigh Gintert organized the ride, and the Animal League of Gaston County (ALGC) www.algc.us provided the support. Support included a police escort out of Dallas, three water stops, marked courses of 65, 48, and 25 miles, cue sheet, two port-a-johns at the start, rolling SAG vehicles, and pizza & soda at the end. The Gaston County Cyclists were able to donate $1500 in proceeds to the ALGC.
Course Modification: At the suggestion of club member Dean Bush, the course was modified to eliminate the fast curve on Fancy Hill Rd. The left turn off of Philadelphia Church Rd onto Fancy Hill Rd was eliminated, instead the course continued straight on Philadelphia Church Rd until the left onto Old Hardin Rd, then rejoined the original route by making the left onto Hardin Rd.
Dog Days 2007 Photo Page courtesy of Joe Price