CNCPT x The Big Stupid Ride
CNCPT x The Big Stupid Ride
Remember the Big Stupid Ride? It’s a favorite of your kinda-unhinged riding pal who loves to suggest a Saturday send… and then take it to 11 once everyone's committed.
This summer the CNCPT team (seasoned pros of the BSR) rallied down the California coast on a fleet of Caledonias. They took the train to San Luis Obispo, pedaled to Santa Barbara, and then pedaled more back to LA—collecting 300km of rain, hail, hot dogs, and good times along the way.
“Ride planning for us, is almost a reflex at this point." says Greg Garth. "There’s the obvious things to consider, mostly who’s available on the dates we’re kicking around, what bike to ride, where to ride them, and for how long. The time of year always plays a factor, especially for the latter two decisions."
"Our recent BSR was a fine example of making a thorough plan and having Mother Nature do her thing instead. Rain can be planned for but it can also be very demoralizing when you’re just stuck in it for hours on end. And even worse, rain turned to marble sized hail—a defining low of the trip for me as it forced us off the road, albeit briefly. But even with bad weather I’d do it over and over again. The BSR mentality is a way of life.”
Advice From the Glizzy King
"Planning a BSR can take many forms, but my strategy is usually creating a route where you can’t turn around, and if you do, it’ll be as bad as finishing. So as much as I love doing a big loop from my door, it’s always a treat to start from somewhere unfamiliar."
- Alvin Escajeda @alvinescajeda
Where to Next?
"We are no strangers to Big Stupid Rides. They encompass everything I love about cycling, traveling long distances under your own power, purposely routing through unknown territory, challenging yourself physically and mentally and pushing past your limits. It’s beautiful. I couldn’t shake the question of, 'Where to next?'"
- Greg Garth @human_trash_heap
My favorite style of Big Stupid Ride
"It’s my favorite style of touring or doing a Big Stupid Ride. Pick an “A” destination, add in a B, C, D, etc stops along the way. Load your bike & take a mode of transportation that isn’t a car, get to your starting point and head out for the ride. You learn a lot about yourself putting down long miles & days in the saddle. Add in taking along your friends & teammates to share in the experience of the road, route, weather, hard daily stops makes for unforgettable experiences.”
- Sean Martin @sean_eric_martin