As of Wednesday the creek was dry. It's raining now and has been on and off since then, but I wouldn't expect much more than a trickle, if any at all.

Anyone driving down late Fri night with room for one more? I work until 8pm and don't have a car. I'll rent a car if I don't find a ride, or just bike down. Can't decide. Thanks!

I plan on leaving mpls by 3pm-ish. Camping with some fellow bikelubbers.

My car seats two people and two bikes comfortably, but if it means getting another down there/saving a little on gas - we can probably squeeze three people and three bikes

PM me if you're interested. I'll probably head back saturday night or early sunday, pending upon what kind of day saturday turns into.

hey hey hey..

I've never done Almanzo before and am wondering what people bring for food. Normally when I go for long rides (like the century I did on sunday to prepare for Almanzo) I count on stopping by a restaraunt or fast food joint to get lunch. It sounds like this route doesn't ahve that many options (other than an arby's) That being said. Do you all normally bring a pannier with snacks or what?

Thanks
-PIC

yeah, pack a bag full of snacks for on the bike (I put em in my saddlebag/framebag/handlebar bag) we do pass through the state park (and very close to your campsite) at around the 70 mile mark, so you can grab a lunch or whatever from camp if you like.

there is an arby's on the course? wow!

There might be one in Preston. There's at least a convenience store there.

Pretty sure there isn't an Arbys in Preston...I drive to my parents house in Iowa on 52 and have never seen one in the 10+ years they have lived down that way

But there is a nice, brand spankin' new Casey's General Store in Preston right by the High School that I believe has hot-food options within the store (not 100% so you might want to call them first)

A quick Google shows Chic's Pizza, Sweet Stop & Sandwich Shop, and Victory Cafe (a user comment says it's closed).

I've never rode the Almanzo so I don't know the route, but I've heard decent reviews of Los Gables in Fountain. It's about 6 miles north of Preston

From stuff I've read you should take in approx 280 calories an hour. The Clif bars I have right now are 230. I think I could fit a dozen in my larger sized banjo brothers saddle bag.

yeah.. rode a century on Sunday in prepreation for Almanzo and we carried with us some shot blocks and stinger waffles, and stopped for lunch in stillwater.

We're planning on bringing with us, shot blocks and some stinger waffles along with some protein bars, a couple of peanut butter sandwhiches a piece, fruit snacks nuts, and some gatorade. Thanks for you rinput people!

yeah.. rode a century on Sunday in prepreation for Almanzo and we carried with us some shot blocks and stinger waffles, and stopped for lunch in stillwater.

We're planning on bringing with us, shot blocks and some stinger waffles along with some protein bars, a couple of peanut butter sandwhiches a piece, fruit snacks nuts, and some gatorade. Thanks for you rinput people!

One day
"Oh you're doing the almanzo?"
"yeah man I'm totally not ready."
another day
"Oh you're doing the almanzo?"
"yeah man I'm totally not ready."
a few days ago
"Oh you're doing the almanzo?"
"yeah man I'm totally not ready."
later that day
"Oh you're doing the almanzo?"
"yeah man I'm totally not ready."

Anybody in the Northern/Northeastern burbs (shoreviewish area) looking for a ride or have room for another person/bike on the way to and from Almanzo? I can drive or ride with you. Planned on riding with 2 friends, but they are bailing.

Planning on heading out early Sat. morning (5:30ish?) and returning late Saturday evening, as I will be near the back of the pack. Open to leaving tonight and/or coming back sunday morning. Camping is cool.

Well. that was fun.

Congrats everyone who finished, especially you 162 beasts. and thanks again for a good time Chris.