chefisaac

Today’s ride was great (I think I say that about all ride… and its true. 96% of the rides thus far have been great). Prior to the ride, I planned on doing the 50 miler at the South Jersey Devils Ride but decided to opt out of it when when my friend told me that he was going back to where we did the Amish ride. I was sold! But he sweetened the deal with info on the Baltimore ride in October. Might just have to do that one.

So anyway, met up with him at 9 am in Delaware and as I was putting my stuff in his truck and getting ready to carpool to Dover, he said “you know we are riding around here today?” Nope I didn’t realize that and I didn’t care. A ride is a ride and I love it. So off we went.

Went through some pretty areas of Delaware and I would like to tell you about them but to be honest, I couldn’t tell you where we went. Ask Jim. He knows! I will tell you though…. The first 8 miles of the ride almost took all my energy out of me. The head winds were a challenge and I was working hard to stay about 13 MPH average and that’s with drafting off Jim! But we took some rests and had a great time for up to the 15 mile point. We stopped and chatted on a park bench and then noticed some bikers at the rest stop. More then what you would see in a group ride. Perhaps it was an organized ride? But off we went.

We get to a point where Jim stops me and says “When you see this don’t freak out. It will be ok”. I had no clue what he was talking about and when we started riding, it got a little smelly and I thought that was what he meant until I saw it. Yes IT did scare the $hit out of me. See, I hate hills. Why? Cause I am 330 pounds and have issues with hills. We don’t play nice in the sand box. I think you could say I am scared of them. So when I saw the bridge…. The climb up to the bridge I realized why it was stinky back there because if other people saw it (you couldn’t miss it) they too must of taken a **** right after they saw the bridge (hence the reason it was stinky).

We rode closer to the bridge (called Reedy Bridge I think) but still on flat roads and Jim stopped. I was surprised because I wanted to get this thing over. But he said to me…. “Listen… the prize to get to the top is the pictures we can take.” I didn’t care about the pictures at that moment… I was hoping just to make it up the bridge still alive. Then we started riding and I started yelling “LETS DO THIS JIM!!!!” and off we went.

A nano second into the start, Jim blew past me. He doesn’t think so but he did… and no I wasn’t watching Jims butt…. He does have a nice bike though! Jim flies past me and I started to attempt to catch up but stopped because I knew it was a mistake. I needed a few things to get up this bridge: 1) rhythm 2)to pace myself 3)work on breathing 4)keep head down and just do it and 5)some help from God and 6)if all else fails… a hard drink and a cab home. Yes I know if I couldn’t do it, I could have walked it but that’s not what I wanted plus these shoes I have suck when it comes to walking.
Huff and puff….. lots of head wind but I made it. Jim broke out the lawn chair, took a 20 minute nap all before I got up there but we did it. WE did it. I was surprised I did it… still surprised. Felt great. As we were going up, the peloton from the organized ride blasted past us down hill. They had it easy with the wind against their backs. But it was good to see so many riders.

Downhill was great. Almost got to 30 miles an hour. He he he he … love that feeling too!
All in all, great ride. Challenging for sure but it was another milestone for me.
Afterwards, Jim and I went to Crabby Dicks Seafood Restaurant and it was delicious. And Sal…. One of the waitresses asked about you. Wish you could have been there. She sent Jim and I home with 2 big bags of popcorn! Maybe she has the hots for you Sal *wink wink*.

Of course I couldn’t come home with no produce. Stopped by a farmer, handed him 10 dollars and he gave me plums, peaches, corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. Deliciousness for the rest of the week!

Thanks Jim! Great ride. I have had a chance to ride with several different clubs and a lot of ride leaders within those clubs and by far I find that riding with you is a pleasure. A pleasure from the standpoint that you challenge me to make me a better faster and stronger rider but also shows me cool places and teaches me about the history of those places. Only one other ride leader has done that since I have been to the east coast. So I sincerely thank you!

And P.S. I think its best I don’t know about the hills before I start. I am gullible so just tell me no hills and I will come riding…. Lie or truth… it doesn’t matter! So much fun today! I think it was Jim’s dirty little secret not to tell me and thank goodness he did. I would have missed so much!

chefisaac

Pictures!

chefisaac

Picture 1: Reedy Bridge in DE. I am huffing and puffing and almost done.
Picture 2: Made it and still alive
Picture 3: Picture under the bridge. Cant believe I did it.
Picture 4: There was a strong head wind. If you see in the picture at the chimney, you will see.
Picture 5: At the restaurant after the ride. They serve popcorn. Delicious!
Picture 6: Jim under the bridge
Picture 7: You know.... us fat folk get tired and need to rest! Great place on the water for a little break.
Picture 8: Iron chef under the bridge.

Mr. Beanz

Nice write up and excellent move by the way!

zoste

Chef, that bridge is in Delaware City and carries Delaware Route 9 over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. I used to take Rt 9 as an alternative to 13 when going from Philadelphia to the stock car race in Dover.

goldfinch

Nice ride report!

chefisaac

that bridge was tugh but the most important thing I learned was to breath right, pace myself, pray to God while riding, etc.

Neil_B

When I crossed Delaware south to north in 2009 I used the bridge on the western side of the state, near Bear.

Neil_B

That's the same group that dissed the Bike Forums people on the Peach Ride. Congratulations.

chefisaac

I know that was an issue Neil. I think each riding group has its positives and negatives.... atl east what I have found. Delaware group, Philly bike club for sure, and recently the Outdoor Club of South Jersey. But at the end of the day, for me, riding is riding and I need the excersise.

green427

Looks like the same group that I ride with on Tuesdays in Red Lion.

Too bad I did not join, as I was in White Clay doing 11 miles of MTB'ing for 3 hours.

The Reedy Pt bridge gives me the heebie-jeebies every time I ride my motorcycle over it, as it is VERY narrow.

Chefissac: next time you plan to ride in this area, let me know, as I only live a few miles from DE City.

Mithrandir

That's a nice bridge! Good work!

gcottay

I think you have discovered a key secret to climbing in not being defeated by a grade before you begin. Even after years of riding and on a familiar route I use your strategy. "Hill? What hill?"

Sayre Kulp 

Looks like it was a great time.

Neil_B

Says a lot about you.... more than perhaps you realize.

chefisaac

neil: what do you mean by this?

Mithrandir

I think in a way I've been spoiled by technology. Before doing any route I always map it out beforehand. I'm getting to a point where I pretty much know exactly what is going to happen before it happens. As a young lad I would just hop on the bike and see where it took me, no plans, no maps, always a surprise where I ended up. "Oh wow, this road took me all the way to the Erie Canal in Lockport?!" or "Whoa cool, how the hell did I make it to Downtown Buffalo?!". Now, there's none of that.

I suppose as I get older I find myself becoming more prudent; less willing to take chances with the unknown, always feeling like I need to be prepared. So unfortunately I always know when there are big hills coming up.

chefisaac

Easier when you know where you live and ride. I have no clue! Thats half the fun of it but also can be tough riding.

Duckles McGee

Ahh so this is how you know about the trails in Delaware. I didn't realize you had just ridden there a day prior to our ride.

Great ride yesterday too on the SRT!

chefisaac

Yea, I rode on friday (31 miles) and saturday (27 miles). Was tired on Sunday and really tired today. Could use a nap!

zoste

Ahhh...the SRT...I don't miss much about Pennsylvania, but the SRT is at the top of that list:

My girlfriend/wife at the Betzwood lot on the SRT: