Well.....it was my first since September anyways-and the 11th this year.

We'll do these every Saturday in December just to get in some good winter base miles.

Beautiful day to ride in NC with fairly calm winds and temps around 30 at the start and high's in the mid 50's.

We had around 40 riders at the start but many of those only rode 30-60 miles. I finished with a group of 5 riders at a very comfortable pace-around 5 hr 40 min riding time.

We had to do a few more miles to get around the Christmas parade that is on the street where we start/finish so I think we had around 104-105 miles total. Usually we just jump in the parade and ride with the floats and tractors but some folks complained last year so we tried to be good citizens this year.

I changed the rear cassette on my bike last night and didn't get it on exactly right-the last gear anyway. As the result the gears weren't completely tightened together so I got to listen to a constant loud rattle for almost 6 hrs. Don't you just hate noises like that. Ugh!!

The biggest disappointment is the store at 67 miles that has the fabulous cobbler was closed for remodeling. Noone was aware of it so we were shocked as that was our one and only planned stop. Doesn't look like it will be ready by the end of December either.

With 5 Saturdays in December plus around 50 miles during the week the total miles in December could be noteable. But who's counting!!!!!!

The grilled Salmon, asparagus, rice, sweet potato and Shiraz for supper tonight tasted even better for some reason.

You are living the life, my friend.

Consider, jppe, if we could harness your bicycle chain to a power generator and have you simply ride a trainer in place......why your December base mileage would power all the Christmas lights on my street. AlGore would be proud! Might even dish up some Christmas peach cobbler.

I HATE YOU!! Just kidding. Snowing and 22 F here right now. Sounds like a great day and very glad to hear that you enjoyed it. (I would have put two wine glass clinking our of respect for the Shiraz, but they are not on the list.)

5 hrs 40 min riding time...a very comfortable pace????

My FASTEST century was about that speed when I was a kid of 44, riding a paceline. You guys were smokin'.

A tip of the hat t' ya.

Glad to see you back in form.

Good joy, jppe. I rode a 200K brevet. It was a dark day with the wind blowing 30 mph, but as least the rain held off until we were done.

I was fortunate to ride two centuries between Oct 28 and Nov 16, the Palo Verde Nuclear Century (Phoenix) and the Tour de Tucson.

I topped it off with my first triathlon on Dec 8, a sprint

So now I HATE you too! Guess I should stop complaining or move.

You, sir, are an inspiration.

I hate you.