ABC Team Rides Across Maryland planning #2

This will be call #2 with ever changing specifications while things settle. Read below for updated information from last week.  Members from the first call have been invited.

To join the video meeting, click this link: expired

Check back for updates. As of 3/2/24:

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Some members of ABC have expressed an interest in a VERY different event -

The ABC Team Rides Across Maryland

If you are interested 4 different rides 4 days in a row that in total cover the state from the western MD border to the Atlantic Ocean, feel free to join. You can ride all 4 stages or just pick the stages that are of interest to you.

We held a kickoff on 2/20/24 to discuss the rides and concepts. This was meeting #2.

• The overall concept - Not leisurely tour rides, not a fundraiser, not races, or total crank fest, but challenging rides. A way to promote ABC and our brand and image and grow membership. Accomplish personal goals with help from colleagues.
• Register and ride any of the stages. You are not required to ride all or any of them.
• The 4 stages span ~325 miles and 15,500 feet of climbing over 4 consecutive days with a celebration at the end at the Ocean. 
• Some members are interested in trying to ride all 4 stages in a row as an ABC team.
• Must be an ABC member to participate in any of the stages. Just join ABC and ride.
• The riders cover the expenses (SAG, gas, meals, lodging, etc). 
• ABC provides the trophies and medal awards based on accomplishments:

• West to east route, stops, lodging. All 4 stage routes from RidewithGPS will be finalized  using this ever evolving overall end-to-end  draft route template.
• 100% of the 4 stages are in MD. 
• We will test the final routes using a car far in advance.

• Network with others about sharing lodging if you are going to do that.

• We need dedicated SAG support, especially in Western Maryland and riders will cover the expenses (Sprinter van if needed, SAG supplies, gas, etc.). Let me know if you are interested.
• Many volunteer roles to fill. Please volunteer to support any of the stages for SAG, meal stops, route research, emergency services, training / coaching, etc. 
• Review our our insurance policy and coverage posted in the members area of our website. 
• Strength, conditioning, and performance ability. - ride whatever you are comfortable riding, even part of a stage is OK! Talk to other cyclists and sources for coaching and preparation. You can set and meet personal goals and accomplish some personal "firsts".
• Semi-drop / no-drop / swept up into SAG vehicle depending on circumstances. The cyclists will pretty much keep moving at their own paces since there is a lot of ground to cover, or pause briefly for a simple issue. SAG will follow the last rider.
• Safety, security, first aid are paramount and will be addressed in advance.
• Rules of the road will be defined in advance.
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 rides are on Saturday & Sunday to get maximum volunteer support while so far from home.
• Will determine the time to start each day depending on weather and distance.
• TBD in advance what to do if there is foul weather.
• Will send out advance promotion and press releases to increase awareness. A participants must be members of ABC. Spread the word to invite joining and riding the stages.
• Wear ABC jerseys for identification when possible, especially at the Ocean. Share weblink of position with SAG drivers. Get bib numbers for the awesome factor.
• Other topics TBD.
• LOTS TO BE FINALIZED...
• These stages will accomplish many of the counties that are part of the ABC Tour of Maryland Challenge.

Watch our event calendar for Google Meet planning meetings.  Please volunteer to ride or help support the rides.

"Join the Ride Across Maryland"

Posted by John Tyrrell, Event Organizer, 2/23/24. Contact John if you have ideas or offers of help.