Tour of Qatar 2011 Final Day Stage Ride
As noted in my email last week, we have once again been granted permission to ride part of the final stage of the Men's Tour of Qatar on Friday, 11 February. As with last year, this opportunity comes with an invitation from the Qatar Cycling Federation to join them and the professional teams before the start for a barbecue lunch, and the chance to (perhaps) meet some of the riders. Those of you who were at last year's ride know that this is an opportunity not to be missed. Nowhere else would you have this kind of access to riders at this level, and I encourage all of you to make an effort to participate - whether riding or just showing up for the pre-ride activities. Details of the event follow, and more discussion is included below: <?xml:namespace prefix = o />
- Date: Friday, 11 February, 2011
- Route: Start at Sealine Beach Resort (south of Mesaieed), ride directly to Doha via Mesaieed/Wakrah, then (time depending) complete 3 laps of the Corniche (between Diwan and Post-Office roundabouts - to be confirmed)...
- Meeting Place: Sealine Beach Resort (see attached map)
- Timing: Be at Sealine Beach Resort between 10:30 and 11:00 to take part in pre-race festivities including lunch, and opportunities to mix with the pros; ride will start ~12:15-12:30, (30-45 minutes before the pros depart)...
- Ride Format: This is a group ride, not a race! As such, we will all ride together from Sealine to Doha, and for the first lap on the Corniche, at which point we will let people turn on the gas and stretch their legs for the final lap(s)...
- Ride Support: We are still in the process of organizing ride support, and would greatly welcome any help in this area. Because we plan to take a slightly different route, and because the roads we will ride will be open to traffic, it is important that we have at least 2 support vehicles at all times until we arrive at the Corniche. If you are not up to riding from Sealine, but would still like to join us for the pre-ride festivities, and follow us back to Doha in your vehicle, please send me a note. We hope to also arrange a police escort, but may not get it, therefore all riders need to be aware of traffic at all times, and especially on the 2-lane section from Sealine to Mesaieed...
- Re-fueling: No stops en route, but come early to Sealine for refreshments, and if you are riding, be sure to have at least 2 full water bottles at the start...
- Approximate Distance: 50-60 km from Sealine Beach Resort to Doha (to be confirmed), plus an additional 20 km on the Corniche (see below for additional ride options)...
- Approximate Duration: 1 hr 40 min to 2 hrs from Sealine to Doha (at 30 kph) plus an additional 30-40 minutes on the Corniche...
- Average Speed: Minimum 30 kph riding to Doha - leg from Sealine to Wakrah may be slightly faster, and the final Corniche lap is likely to be even faster. Average speed will be maintained/enforced (within reason) so the group can stay together --- if you do not feel that you are able to maintain the pace for 2 hrs, then you may want to consider meeting the group in Wakrah for the ride into Doha...
- Entry: Open to all / no-charge -- if you intend to participate, please email me (do not copy all) so that we can get an idea of interest. As with last year, you are welcome to ride a mountain bike, but please ensure that you are able to maintain a 30 kph pace while riding in the group, as we will not be able to slow the pace below this and make it to the Corniche ahead of the pros. While this would normally not be too difficult, keep in mind that the distance to Doha is considerably farther than what we rode last year --- so again, if in doubt of your ability it may be best to forgo the full ride and perhaps catch us as we come through Wakrah. (In this case, you may still come to Sealine for the pre-ride festivities, then drive to Wakrah to join the ride.)
With regard to the route, note that the final stage runs from Sealine Beach Resort, up the back roads through Wukair, and Wakrah, before proceeding to the Doha Corniche. On the Corniche, the pro riders will complete 9 laps for a total distance of 126 km. We will ride directly from Sealine to Doha via the main roads - a distance of ~ 50-60 km (exact route and distance to be confirmed this early next week). We hope to arrive on the Corniche sufficiently ahead of the first pro riders so that we can complete at least 2 laps around the circuit.
Total distance of the ride will be ~70-80 km. For those desiring a longer ride, we will depart at Al Bida Park between 08:00 and 08:30 and ride to Sealine Beach Resort arriving by ~10:30. If you want to make the ride down, please note that this will put the total distance for the day somewhere around 130-140 km. If driving to Sealine, road closures should not be an issue for your return as long as you do not linger too long after the group departs. Closer in to Doha, some roads may be closed to traffic while the cyclists come through. (Check this link for an idea on the timing: http://www.letour.fr/2011/TQA/COURSE/us/500/etape_par_etape.html.)
I want to stress that this is a group ride, not the typical Friday morning blow-out / watch-them-drop-like-flies ride that some are used to....One of the main purposes of this ride is to support the QCF in their goal to promote cycling in Qatar --- to show the community (and probably some people around the world who will be following the Tour of Qatar on TV) that cycling is big here. We had a great ride last year; we want this year to be equally as good, if not better, and continue to try to expand the scope for next year...
Finally, it goes without saying that we want this to be a safe event, so please, stay to the right of the roadway, obey traffic rules, make sure you are wearing a helmet, and be mindful of those riding around you....
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Craig
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