bikingshearer 

I've talked this over with bigbossman, and he's sold on the idea, too (which should be enough to scare off anyone with sense right there. ) - we want to put together a series of rides for folks who want to do fun rides of varying lengths and difficulties but are a bit, shall we say, intimidated by some of the rides some of our fellow NorCal types do.

So we are proposing an alternative: the B&B Slowpoke Ride Series. The idea is to set up a series of reasonably paced, no-drop, plenty-of-regrouping rides for folks who are aiming to take that first-ever 30 miler. Or who climb at 4 or 5 mph (which is me on a good day). Or who think that a 39x23 gear is a torture device, not a granny gear. Or who think 19 mph is not an easy cruising speed on a gentle rise into a headwind.

We will be focusing on rides in the central Contra Costa County area, at least to start, mainly because bigbossman is lazy as hell and doesn't want to have to get up early enough to travel anywhere else. And finding fun places to stop to eat and will be prominently featured.

So is anyone interested? You can respond in this thread, or you can PM bigbossman and me in case you're afraid that Pete/taxi777 will make fun of you. (He will, but Pete makes fun of everyone, especially himself, so don't sweat it. For that matter, the same holds true for BBM. )

Now don't get me wrong - I have absolutely nothing whatsoever against the Usual Gang of NorCal riders who get together many weekends. These folks are friendly and very welcoming. I have ridden with them (well, I've met them at them the start of several rides and waved as they disappeared as soon as the road tilted up) and what they say about themselves and their lack of cycling prowess is absolutely true - compared to the Tour de France peloton. But compared to me, these folks move like Ferraris and climb like Saturn V boosters, know what I'm sayin'?

So who wants in?

BenRidin

Oh man,

My speed reading eyes (w/out the glasses) read this as BBQ Slowpoke Ride.


Mmmmm BBQ.

MarkoPolo

I'm game You can always sign me up for climbing slow and being on the lookout for food stops.

But the least that lazy*** BBM could do is commit to one Slowpoke ride in the South Bay or Peninsula sometime!

bikingshearer 

Well, there certainly is nothing that says that BBQ can't feature prominently in some of the rides.

overthere

Ha! MY kind of ride!! Yep, I've seen the backside of those Norcal riders too many times. If I'm going to ride with someone, it's nice to ride with someone

If I can make 'em, I'll be there!

bikingshearer 

Leave that to me. After all, I know where he lives . . . .

PrincessZippy

What does B&B stand for? It's clearly not Bed & Breakfast. If I weren't such a goody two shoes I'm sure I could come up with some words it could stand for.

Veronica

cccorlew

This sounds like a series I could embrace.
Carry on.

Will there be tee shirts?

bigbossman 

Since I responded first, it stands for Bossman and Bikingshearer - not the other way around.

And, we can definitely do a BBQ ride - the idea is brilliance defined. I'm surprised I didn't think of it.

SesameCrunch

GREAT idea, guys!!! We need this series to go along with the other rides!

Thanks for introducing it, even if BBM is a lazy b@st@*d and will only do East Bay rides

bigbossman 

Take it easy, Tex - I willingly concede that I am lazy, but I think I've demonstrated pretty thoroughly my willingness to travel far and wide in search of a good time.

ricebowl

Sound great! I've wanted to join the group rides but they seem a little too intimidating.

SesameCrunch

Oh yeah, good point....




....never mind....

MarkoPolo

So are you cooking up Kansas City, Memphis or Carolina style? Or your own personal Italian style "East Bay Grease"!

Red Rider

I can testify to that -- he's come to Davis to ride, twice. No, hell didn't freeze over.

I like the sound of this. I hope we can make a few of them. We love to ride and we love to eat. And B&B will make you like you've never before.

Siu Blue Wind

OMG. How about a flat ride with lots of downhills?

I'll try. Dangit. Don't forget about my asthma.

I'll have to see how my schedule is. *goes to dust off roadie*

pacificaslim

Sounds like a great idea guys. It be cool to check out your side of the bay.

cantdrv55

Woo Hoo!!! Count me in. Last time I climbed up Cummings Skyway, I was doing 4 mph and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. Let's do a ride soon.

bigbossman 

Ummm - twice to Davis and once for the Monticello ride. Oh, and Foxy's Fall - that was a night to remember.

OK - so Rich and I are going to ride this weekend. We'll begin planning the first one then. Heck, we can always reprise the Livermore Loop from last year to kick things off.

Red Rider

Oh, right! I forgot about Monticello -- and Foxy's pre-ride party was a blur of pain and self-medication. So more proof that you will drive for a good ride and food.

This weekend I'm required to ride fast in Sacramento. Next time...

I_meant2do_that

Will keep my eye out for ride dates and locations. If you want to put something together close to the East Bay waterfront, I could throw out some routes or locales north and south of Oakland/Alameda. And a couple places to do a post ride BBQ

backinthesaddle

Hey, that's my kind of ride. Though I'm still not sure I can keep up with you all. BigBossMan smoked me the times I rode with him.

blewgo

I'm interested as well, and would be even more interested if on the west side of the bay

huytheskigod

Julie and I are definitely interested. Keep us updated.

bikingshearer 

Thanks for the responses, folks. We may have a winner here.


Yup. You're in charge. Make mine quintuple-humongous.


Actually, "B&B" stands for "Beavis and Butthead." I'm Beavis.



Depends. Which do you like better, KC Masterpiece or Kraft?


Already, we're bringing together diverse talents. Cantdrv55 has his heart jump out of his chest on Cummings Skyway. I barf up lungs on that same road. Maybe Rodney King's dream of us all getting along can come true.


Bigbossman can leave me in the dust pretty much any time he wants, although he usually either hangs back with me or at least circles back every so often like a vulture waiting for lunch. In any event, fear not - you will not be alone.