5 UP

[blazingpedals]

I'm not sure what Pat means about a tight left-hander. Here's a my (lowracer) handlebar's view of the Old State downhill. The next turn is near, but not at the bottom; so there's plenty of time to lose speed whether you want to or not.

http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/ ... wnhill.flv

I hit 51 mph on it. There are some bad pavement cracks that you have to watch ahead for, but no sharp turns.

No matter how cool the downhill, I wouldn't recommend leaving the marked route unless you're with a group and they know for sure how to get back ON the route.

[JohnL]

Nice video!

Leaving the tour route requires that you be totally self-sufficient. If you are not comfortable with that, by all means stay on the assigned route.

[ThirdCoastColnago]

The following is a link to maps that illustrate the 5 day Up. Is this the route this year? The Map on the DALMAC site looks different, a little confusing even.

http://www.mapmyride.com/search?txtLocation=MI&txtKeyword=DALMAC+5+Day+UP&lstSortBy=cs.view_count+desc&lstDistanceMin=&lstDistanceMax=&lstRatingMin=&lstRatingMax=&lstRouteTypeID=&btnSearch=SEARCH+%3E

[Fred]

Great question! I see in the FAQ that routes will be handed out during registration, but as a first time out-of-state rider I would also appreciate a preview to help me plan ahead. Can anyone post or send private email of the UP route?

[John Foltz]

The 5-UP route from 2 years ago is certainly different from what it will be this year. For one thing, in 2008 it went to DeTour. The '5-Tears' hill wasn't on the map then, either. Maps aren't published ahead of time because the map committee is working right up until the ride and often have to make last-minute changes to the route due to unannounced road work.

[Fred]

Thanks for the info John. I don't know if it is possible, or feasible, but even a 48 hour advance peak of the route would allow first time or out-of-state riders like me greater peace of mind about where we're going, and sufficient time to download the electronic data into bicycle GPS devices. Again, I don't know if it is possible, but it sure would be nice.

[shebikes]

Uh Uh Uh !!!!!!!!  No fair peeking........where's your sense of adventure.  Five years ago....first time around on the bridge route.......Didn't see the map until registration night. The folks with DALMAC do a fantastic job with the maps and road marking......don't fear the unknown and enjoy the ride!