Northern California - Blown On The Bayou: 55 MPH wind ride in Delta

Yesterday my buddy Midland (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=148683) and I went for a ride that was worthy of Bikesnob's (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/)"palpably epic" label.

55 miles in the Delta looping around several islands in 40 mph winds gusting to 55 mph.
Tailwinds were like being motorized, 24 mph and barely turning cranks was fun!
Unfortunately we had headwinds or cross winds for most of the ride. I don't have to tell you folks that though, for thus is cycling.

I weight 195 so in the crosswinds I tried to ride echelon to protect Midland at 140 lb. as much as I could, but I was even getting blown towards him at times. Yes he is 5'6" and 140, do not climb with this man.

We saw some gorgeous river scenery, took 2 ferry rides, got chased by 2 dogs, were nearly blown over once or twice and all in all had a great adventure. Sometime the Antioch and Sacramento contingents must get together out in the Delta for some more wild times.

Midland developed a new team tactic: Dog Lead Out Man... Taking turns, each rider in the peleton has a slot as Dog Lead Out Man keeping vigilant for farm dog missiles from the side of the road. The designated Dog Lead Out Man sprints like Cavendish to tire out the dog and the other rider(s) hang back so they do not run over the dog when it tires or tempt it to turn on them. Midland was the greatest Dog Lead Out Man I have ever seen. He took on a young black lab and sprinted away from him into a brutal headwind. When that dog cracked he just dropped off the levee into the corn to never be seen again.
I was luckier when I pulled Dog Lead Out duty, I got an older slower dog and a tailwind to help me. :)

Some pics:
Cue the Dog Lead Out Man
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03329.jpg?t=1249242690
The area we rode in Locke, Isleton, Rio Vista, Molekumne River area
http://z.about.com/d/gocalifornia/1/7/E/0/3/deltamap.jpg
Ferry #1: The J-Mack
http://z.about.com/d/gocalifornia/1/0/5/0/3/20070707_0298-a.JPG
Ferry #2: The Real Mcoy
[http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/ferry-rio51.jpg?t=1249240451
On the ferry - Pete would have liked the scenery
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03537.jpg?t=1249241875
Midland on the ferry
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03528.jpg?t=1249242104
Leaning left into a 45 mph cross wind from the left
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03395.jpg?t=1249241981
Midland and Cornfield
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03437.jpg?t=1249242185
There is even a Delta town called Ryde, which is appropriate.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q250/LanceOldstrong/Delta%20Ride%20Aug%201%202009/DSC03471.jpg?t=1249242286

Twas quite an adventure for sure.
Sweeping views of the water & Diablo...check.
Tailwinds that make you feel like Superman...check.
Full on sprint to the point of exhaustion dog chase...check.
Fun, laughs & Ferry rides...check.

Worst headwindwind ever ridden into... oh man, check. http://www.bikeforums.net/DSCO3352.JPG

Great ride. Good pics. The hardest century that I ever rode was the Delta Century. Advertised as dead flat, it was. But, no matter which way the course turned the wind was in our face at 35+ mph. I would not have finished if a wonderful couple on a tandem had not pulled a group of us in for the last 20 miles.

Riding the ferry was cool!

My bother lives in Galt. I have been contemplating a ride to his house, but i still remember the winds!
Cheers,
Geary

Midland developed a new team tactic: Dog Lead Out Man...

This is awesome.