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Bloomin' Metric®:

Ride Day Highlights

Bloomin' Metric Riders Bloomin' Metric Riders

Your registration includes a day of fun and fitness plus activities and support from the day you register until the Bloomin' Metric®.

On your arrival you will be directed where to park your car. From the parking lot, head toward the check in area. Don't forget your helmet! We will have bike racks set up for you to leave your bike so you can conveniently check in.
Bloomin' Metric Riders Bloomin' Metric Riders
The line moves quickly as you check in for the event. Just look for the letter that corresponds to your last name hanging over the check-in tables which helps speed the process. Once checked in, you will receive your bib number and you can pick up your free, official Bloomin' Metric® T-shirt. Be aware that your bib will also contain your lunch ticket that you will need for the lunch waiting on your arrival back to the starting point.
VeloFix Truck VeloFix Truck
If you didn't have a chance to have your bike inspected or you're concerned about a problem with your bike, there will be bike techs around to assist you should you need service. We do try to have bike techs located at various food stops as well. We also have SAG support around the different routes.
Want to look your best and show that your are really part of the event? Why not consider getting a Bloomin' Mertic® Jersey. In fact, if you really want to get into the spirit, we're offering an array of cyclewear for the event. A lot of women like the sleeveless jersey and we are including a wind vest. We also have shorts and bibs to complete the kit.
Bloomin' Metric Jersey Bloomin' Metric Jersey
Ordering is simple but there is a ordering window if you want to receive your cyclewear ahead of time and wear it at the event. You must have your order in by March 16th! If you haven't already seen our section on ordering, just click here. Make sure you download the sizing chart and check your measurements. There is also a comparison chart to explain the two different models: Elevate and Volare Elite. Each model has their own fits: Elevate has a Relax & Sport fit, while the Volare Elite has a Sport & Race fit. Jerseys. vests, shorts/bibs will not be sold at the event.

Schedule

6:30 am

Parking opens at Sherwood Island State Park.

7:00 am

Check-in/Registration opens. You must bring your helmet.

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

This ride is self-paced for all routes. It is NOT a race. (optional Ride Leader guided rides will be led at an easy 9 to 10 mph pace)

9:00 am

Optional Ride Leader guided rides (15 mile or 25 mile routes): Will meet at 9:00 am and be led by experienced ride leaders at an average speed of 9-10 mph, after an important safety and group riding review.

1:00 pm

Food/rest stops on ride routes close. The 25 mile route has 1 food stop, the 47 mile has 2 food stops and 62 mile route has 3 food stops (there are no food stops on the 15 mile route).

11:30 am – 2:00 pm

After your ride, participants enjoy: Free lunch (use the stub on your bib for your lunch; additional 'guest passes', which include lunch, are available for purchase); Vendors to browse; Music and more! Stay and enjoy the day at the Park by the Sound!

Suggested Start Times

(There are NO official start times except for the Ride Leader guided rides described above)
100 km (62 mi): 7 am to 7:30 am
75 km (47 mi): 7:30 am to 9 am
40 km (25 mi): 8:30 am to 9:30 am
25 km (15 mi): 9:30 am to 10:00 am

New to Recreational Cycling?

Interested in recreational road cycling but not sure how to start? There will be special rides led by experienced ride leaders at the Bloomin' Metric® for new or less experienced riders.
E-bikes
E-bikes are permitted but there are certain restrictions. Class 1 (max speed 20mph) and Class 3 (max speed 28mph) are permitted. These are pedal-assisted bikes. Class 2 throttle bikes (not pedal-assisted) are not permitted. Your pedal-assisted bike MUST look like a bike and not a moped or motorized scooter. It should not have small and/or fat wheels and cannot be so heavy that stopping suddenly can become a serious problem. If your bike looks like a mini motorcycle or a motorized scooter, don't bring it.

Sherwood Island Park Pavilion Sherwood Island Park Pavilion
Guided Group Rides at the Bloomin' Metric®
If you wish, join a group ride for the 15 mile or the 25 mile routes. Experienced ride leaders will guide you through a fairly easy course, with stops, at an easy pace for a 'no worry' ride. No one is left behind. We are asking riders to plan on arriving early enough at the Event to give yourselves time to park, gather up your bike, helmet, water bottle and other things you might need and getting to and through the registration area. Don't forget to bring that helmet!
Ride Leader Jeff Munk Ride Leader Jeff Munk
The plan is just before 9:00 am we will gather together these riders in a designated area marked by "15 mi & 25 mi Guided Rides" signs (see aerial view for location). Look around inside and outside the check-in area for signs leading you to the "15 mi & 25 mi Guided Rides" area. This is usually outside the circle of picnic benches surrounding the flagpole before you get to the pavilion. You'll see this area as you head from the parking area to the registration area.
25KM Sign 25KM Sign
Once we are all together there you will meet the Ride Leaders and will get a brief orientation on Safety and Group Riding. Riders doing other routes are welcome to sit in on this orientation. Be sure your bicycle is in good working order before you arrive at the park. We recommend that you find out the tube size for your tires and purchase and bring the extra tube with you. Not sure? Get a free inspection at your participating local bike shop. We strongly recommend all cyclists to be 12 or older at the Bloomin' Metric®. Also, a parental waiver is required for each rider under age 18. Parent can retrieve the waiver from the confirmation email you will receive after registering. Sorry, no bicycle child/pet trailers are permitted.

We Make Sure You'll Be Well Fed

Throughout your ride and on your return, we make certain that you don't go hungry.
During your ride there will be from one to three food stops along the way (except the 15 mile route, which has no food stops). After you finish, back at the Park there will be lunch at the Event's starting point with delicious food waiting for you.
Food stop at the Bloomin' Metric
Food/Rest Stops
The Bloomin' Metric® has fully serviced food stops, serving the 40 km, 75 km and 100 km routes.
Food truck at the Bloomin' Metric
Lunch After Ride
On your return back to the Park, you will see that we have lunch ready for you.
 
Bloomin' Metric Store
Hanging Out
Stay all afternoon, maybe bring a comfy lounge chair and hang out with your friends - new and old.