Hey, Papedaler -
Did you make it to the ride? From my end, it all went great (I was involved in all the pre-registrations for the Bike Club), and the organization and coordination worked well. Knowing the folks who put this together, and watching the process a little closer this year I was in awe of the energy that goes into these organized rides. Being there last night to bring in last-minute supplies, registration lists, etc., put the whole process into perspective, and I will never take an organized ride for granted!
Plus, I got to ride - a long "metric" at 69 miles - but I feel good. I wasn't too thrilled with the damp breeze, but after riding in winter winds it was tolerable. We did the Mt. Gretna loop first, leaving at about 7:45 this morning, stopped at the school, and headed out for the Indiantown Gap loop. The first 5 miles or so of the Gap loop I was feeling a little cold and grumpy (cursing the rollers and the fact that we had stopped at all between loops), but it settled out. Just after we crossed 322, one of our guys cramped up and stopped, and the other had shot off ahead of me - so I continued on solo, thinking I was chasing the guy in front. Wrong - I was chasing the wrong guy - oops. My pal had stopped at the rest stop by the lake, and was waiting for me - but I didn't stop. So I had about 15 miles solo out there, which was fantastic. I had the road all to myself, pushed my own pace, and found a great rhythm. Didn't even mind the wind. My winter riding has all been in groups, so it's been a while since I've had some solo time, which I love. The guy I thought I was "chasing" caught up near the end, and the other recovered well after a little nourishment and found us at the finish. Great partners, both of them - I'll be happy to ride with both again!
So we finished up at just over a 16 avg, my weekly total at 195 miles, and my Subway Sub hit the spot. I made a few "new friends" (see below - gotta love those cute troopers on their big bikes stopping traffic for us - wow, they just swooped in from behind us and stopped those cars on 322 so we could cross - took my breath away a little, I think
)
How did your ride go?
Beth
Start of a promising day:
My new friends:
Now THIS is the way to go:
