Prelude: The 2011 Crotona Midnight Run

I am a sheer force of…

stupidity.
2011 Crotona Midnight Run Flier
I received my flyer for the Crotona Midnight Run weeks ago. It’s be taunting me from it’s yearly perch on my refrigerator door. You would think that after having done it once, I would have learned my lesson. But, then that would probably be wise. And that is something that I am not.

This morning I realized that I am committed to doing the ride again. I don’t know how it happened. My subconscious mind must be working against me. But here I am. I’m saying it: I’m In.

What Is the Crotona Midnight Run?

The Crotona is a timed road ride in which participants must sustain moving at 30 miles per hour over a course of 120 miles. The full course is broken in to two 60 mile legs, with a 2 hour layover at the halfway mark. The ride starts at midnight, with riders being released 1 every minute.

Throughout the course are random checkpoints, logging your speed. You start the ride with a bank of 1,000 points. Points are then deducted from your score based on what time you arrive at the checkpoints along the route. Points are deducted at 2 points for every minute early, 1 point for every minute late. You must make all checkpoints.

Midnight to 6:00am in the freezing cold. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it?

The ride is held by the nice folks at the Ramapo Motorcycle Club.

Which Bike to Use?

I’ve tentatively decided to use my DRZ to do the ride. It seems like I would be most comfortable in terms of feeling sure footed on the DRZ. Of course when there is a potential for black ice, that would all be an illusion, anyway.

DRZ Pros:

  • Least emotional commitment to throwing it on the ground
  • Easiest to pick up after throwing it on the ground
  • Suits 30mph on the street just fine

DRZ Cons:

  • No electrics
  • Headlamp like a Bic lighter
  • No electrics

Do I have other bikes that might seem like a more logical choice to use? Yes. The idea of not having electrics is the only thing that scares me. Seeing temperatures that will dip into the teens is what I find most troubling.

Now I just have to work out a route sheet holder, light to read it and how to best keep myself warm without plugging in. Wish me luck!

Crotona Midnight Run – 2007 Edition

You can read about my last foray into the freezing cold world of the Crotona Midgnight Run through these posts from 2007. I’m still of the same frame of mind as I was then. I don’t want to win. I just want to finish the ride. Though getting a trophy is kind of nice 😉

Fuzzygalore 2007 Crotona Midnight Run

4am at the 2007 Crotona Midnight Run

So – Who’s With Me?

Will you be there in Yonkers for the midnight key time?

Fuzzygalore

Rachael is the whimsical writer behind the 20+ year old Girlie Motorcycle Blog. As a freelance blogger, she is on a mission to inspire laughter, self-examination, curiosity, and human connection. Girlie Motorcycle Blog can be found on several Best Motorcycle Blog lists.

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18 Responses

  1. GLantern says:

    I said I was going this year and I meant it but after doing all this work on my bike this winter and getting everything cleaned up nice I can’t justify riding in below freezing temps and risking ice with it. I would hate to bring it out there and drop it after putting all that effort into it. But I will wait and see what the temps are when the time comes maybe the stars will align. Only thing is my street stuff is out getting repaired and detailed right now =/ Not to mention the bike chugs and surges at 30mph nonstop…. If I had a different bike I would.

    But good luck Fuzz I think you picked the right bike for it. Anything bigger would just be unwieldy at slow speeds.

  2. Press On Regardless Fuzzy!

    Have you considered an Osram/Phillips Silverstar or similar bulb to try to get a little more light while staying with the OEM wattage?

    Looks insane; wish it were closer to home, or NOT, ‘cuz then I wouldn’t have an excuse. :^)

  3. soth says:

    GL – I KNEW you were going to bail, everyone always does. ALWAYS.

    Fuzz – Route sheet holder? I can let you in on my little secret… if you’re interested, let me know 🙂

  4. ToadMama says:

    Woman, you are crazy. As for keeping warm, I think I remember reading somewhere that scuba divers have a great trick for staying warm in the cold. They just pee inside their wetsuit. Since the urine is 98.6 coming out, it helps heat things up a bit. You know, an extra insulating layer. You might not smell so great when you’re done, though. 🙂

  5. Jess says:

    I’m jealous of your devotion to moto riding in such weather! Good luck and stay safe! Oh, and yeah, I concur with ToadMama, you ARE CRAZY! 🙂 (But you are entertaining for the rest of us so keep it up!)

  6. Shybiker says:

    Good luck, buddy! Ride safe and stay warm.

  7. OG says:

    Do you have to register in advance or just show up with 20 bucks and a motorcycle?

  8. Anthony says:

    Good luck with that Fuzzy…..Sounds like a great way to spend 6 hours in the dark!!! seriously, hope it goes good and you have some fun along the way!

  9. OG says:

    Hmmmmm, flight back from Mississippi lands after midnight on Friday…

  10. OG says:

    Trust me Fuzzy, I couldn’t agree more 😀

    Then, there’s my crazy bike choice….

  11. Steve says:

    Well it looks like a warm night, maybe even 40!

    At 30mph the wind is not so bad, and when you come to my check point, I’ll have a really warm smile.

    See you soon.
    Steve

  12. Ben says:

    See you at Lake carmel. Ride safe

    Ben

  13. Fuzzygalore says:

    BEN!!

    I was hoping i’d see you some time tonight. Will you be at the diner or manning a checkpoint?

  1. February 11, 2011

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