The Speed of Light Ride is the new test of toughness, grit and the weekly opportunity to race for second place behind Jorden Wakeley. 

The infamous Tuesday Night Worlds road race, er, ride, has been a Traverse City institution for a number of years. The pace is fast, the attacks face-melting and the sprints first class. But the new test for Up North cyclists comes a day later and on fat tires. kolo t.c. submits, for your training consideration, the Speed of Light Ride.

Now replete with a website, leader board and celebrity appearance, the Speed of Light ride is becoming a hot ticket. The Einstein Cycles creation takes place every Thursday night at roughly 6.15 in the parking lot of the Einstein Cycles establishment. The riders take a short spin over to the VASA 25km via the TART trail before readying themselves for battle.

The course is one counter-clockwise time trial of the 25km loop, politely skipping the Jack Pine section and finishing at high speed along the opening section of trail from whence the ride began. Last week, the most dominate rider of 2012 made an appearance. Jorden Wakeley, the Einstein Racing giant, quietly squashed and demolished every single course record on his way to a blistering 38:03 time. Over four minutes back in second place is Scott Luca, a fresh Einstein recruit. The new site  allows riders and fans to check times, compare racers and confirm all of their bragging to friends.

The Thursday night time slot, normally a relatively easy day for cyclists heading into a race weekend, is actually perfect for the SOL. It’s a short, hard effort that opens up the lungs and legs but doesn’t pack in too much lingering fatigue. That said, you’re going to feel your effort in the saddle, especially ripping over the flat, fast sections at white-knuckle speeds.

Check out the Einstein Cycles Facebook to post questions, share your best time and get your riding buddies to join!