Newbie’s Guide to ODRAM: 8 Tips and Tricks
As I am prepping for our wedding ride, I thought I would put together some thoughts on ODRAM. I am no expert, but I hope some of this helps those embarking this ride! Enjoy my Newbie’s Guide to ODRAM.
What is ODRAM?
ODRAM, aka the one day ride across of Michigan, is a 145ish mile ride that serves to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Usually, this ride is one of many rides each year that serves to raise funds for JDRF. However, due to COVID the fundraising events have been put on hold. While many of us have worked to complete virtual fundraisers and rides, it is exciting to be able to plan for in person participation this year.
Where to stay!
Places get booked well in advance for this event, so I recommend booking EARLY. Previous years the start has been at a local school in Montague. This year will start in Rothbury at the Double JJ Resort. While it is convenient to stay at the resort there are Airbnb’s in the area, plus motels and hotels. I cannot encourage you enough to book early! It is very easy to end up in a sketchy motel the night before. Dave and I ended up in a motel room that didn’t have a toilet seat, and visibly dirty sheets. Yeah, I know… Exactly the place you want to rest and relax in before you go on a century plus ride.
If you don’t want to stay in the area ODRAM has previously offered bus rides for those interested. Click here for a link to their information on rides!
Course
In 2021 the course will start at a resort in Rothbury and end at Bay City Recreation Area. Think, flat. No really, I mean flat. Over 145ish miles there is about 2877 ft of climbing. A lot of people talked about the “hill”, it was located soon after the lunch spot. On strava this is labeled as Blanchard Hill. If you training includes some sort of sustained climb prep you will be fine! If it doesn’t then you should expect a challenge.
The course is well marked! Dave and I only ended up with one small detour after the final rest stop before the finish. Between a bike computer and the route markings you are good to go! To be clear though, a bike computer is not required. Between maps, and route markings you will find your way to the finish line.
Speaking of challenges, the course usually has a tailwind. However, as always there is the potential for a head wind, but I have only ever heard of happening once. You should be prepared for a more difficult ride if this does take place during your ODRAM experience. Given the events in the last year, I am prepared for a headwind in 2021.
There will be times where you will be alone or with anyone you are riding with. Try and take advantage of big groups as they swing past. When I first started I felt really self conscious about joining groups and “hitching a ride”. I think I felt rude? However, they expect it! So, take advantage, and conserve energy. Plus, you will find that these groups can go a lot faster than you can alone.
Support
There are two supported stops, and two supplemental stops. One toward the beginning represents a breakfast stop. In 2018 they offered pancakes, and bananas. The second big stop is a supported lunch stop. This is a great place to meet up with your support car, if you have one. This stop had indoor restrooms, water, gatorade, and plenty of food.
You might feel a little nervous about four supported rest stops on a 145ish mile route. What if I don’t want to stop when the rest stop is available? What if I need a rest stop before the planned stop? Do not despair! The route has a ton of gas stations and other fast food restaurants that one can stop to refuel.
In terms of support vehicles, it is really important to respect the guidelines about routes. ODRAM organizers put together a great alternative route for your support vehicles to follow. Click here to download the SAG route. Previously, it took our support person about ~15-30 min to reach us from their route. With map application assistance we were able to coordinate meet ups to trade out water bottles etc.
Tips and Tricks
- Bring an a fresh bib, and maybe a kit to change into at the lunch stop. I have integrated this tip into every century plus ride I have participated in. It is glorious going into the second half with a fresh bib.
- Bring a second bike computer. I usually find that my bike computer makes it just past 160 miles if everything is perfect! I always pack a second one with the course loaded and ready just in case. Given that we have a support vehicle for this ride I will be leaving this with them.
- Do not forget lights! We start this ride before sunrise, and finish in the early evening. Safety is a big concern.
- Hitch a ride! Riding 145ish miles is hard enough, draft big groups.
- If you have a support vehicle plan some meet ups! Usually the last 25 miles are pretty tough for me. It helps to have a meet up with my support vehicle and friends around then.
- Stay for the barbecue! At the end there is always an outdoor barbecue. The cost is reasonable. The barbecue is a great opportunity rest and relax with your support vehicle friends, and your fellow riders.
- Bring a change of clothes for your ride home! Nothing quite like clean underwear and clothes after a long sweaty ride.
- Have fun! Remember that you doing this to benefit a great cause, and for many of us a cause close to our hearts.
Links for Additional Information
Click here for more information on ODRAM!
Interested in reading about why we are completing ODRAM this year? Click here!
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