Blog extras #5: The SAG Stops

Our first SAG stop on our first day of the ride.

We would be totally lost without Jesse and all the SAG stops along this trip.  If we were doing this as a solo support effort, we'd have to be carrying much of the supplies (along with our clothing).  Jesse and the car provide us with a major degree of freedom to just ride.

But some of you have asked just what is a SAG stop?

On a typical ride, we usually break about every 20-30 miles.  That's about as long as any of us can ride before we've drunk all our water in two bottles (we average about 15 miles/water bottle if we're going to stay properly hydrated).   And we're burning calories at a rate of around 500 per hour.  Even with a big breakfast, we're still looking for fuel.

Each stop has been planned ahead of time by James, who outlined the entire route.  Jesse will be waiting there for each of us to pass.  He won't leave a stop until everyone has passed.

We stop to get our water bottles refilled and to either pick up energy bars, additional sunscreen or whatever else we'll need. In the late mornings, we might be dropping off our windbreakers or arm warmers.  On days with intermittent rains, we might either be putting our rain jackets on or taking them off, leaving them with Jesse.

About every three days, Jesse and I or Michelle, will go shopping at a nearby Carrefour or other big box store to pick up gallons/liters of water, wipes, energy bars, and sunscreen.

In addition to the planned SAG stops, Jesse will often hopscotch a number of riders to ensure that everyone is okay during their riding day.  Whether it's a potential mechanical problem (we've had a number of flat tires along the way) or other issues, he's just a phone call away to assist and have the necessary supplies.

Jesse is our hero on this trip!