Saturday's hot Sufferfest (See Glossary) showed us more than just who wasn't drinking enough. No, the heat brought out another side to the peloton. It showed us who has been doing double secret workouts. ( The little known training method that was made famous by the '70s frathouse movie with the cult like following.) Yes, the heat brought out the best in some of us and it caused others to literally throw down the bike and exclaim, "No mas!" It was a tough day in the saddle. The heat combined with the seemingly relentless hills made for a whole lot of suffering.
There was, however, one who seemed to be on top of his game. He was loving the hills, if not the heat. Yes, the little climber we all love to hate...or is it hate to love. The master of ride banter or, more commonly known as the masterbanter. The man himself, Coolio. Back from the knee surgery of last Fall, (not actually his last fall, I meant last Autumn when he crashed at Fort Pickens). He's back from his crash this Spring. He's back from his donut induced coma. In a word: He's back.
He really appears to be back at his old antics. Riding with the fast group up the hills in Blackwater, his little shoulders rocking back and forth. Making his usual sarcastic comments to those less fortunate than his 140 pound self. Like the one he made to one of the big Clydesdale boys on the first climb in Blackwater, "Hills make Clydesdales suffer like dog!" Ah yes, it's good to have the little man back in top condition...mouth and all. I'm sure I say for all of us, welcome back, you've been missed! Now, don't do anything stupid, we'd like to have you around for the rest of the season.
Saturday's 55 miler was indeed a Sufferfest. I pretty much rode the entire ride with David "2 Wheels" Mayo, John "Gianni Bugno" Duke and for the second half David Carroll joined us. Great ride, I love the route. At one point 2 Wheels asked if there was any portion of the route more than 100 yards that wasn't either up or down. Yeah, some flats would have been nice. But we got that Sunday evening. The heat took it out of most. I drank 8 water bottles...and 2 more on the way home. Several of our group rode, however, many were missing. I think when it's really hot, we should probably do a shorter ride on Saturday mornings. All in favor?
Sunday evening was an absolute joy. The temps were just about perfect. A beautiful sunset on the way out to Fort Pickens. (Will the rangers ever get their story right on how many cyclists can actually get in on one card?) Circle K and a new guy named Conner slowly gapped the field. With about 2 miles left before the Brick Wall, Dana "The Animal" Foster started cranking it up. We couldn't tell how fast we were going because it was too dark to read our speedometers. The legs were saying about 25mph or so. With about 1/2 mile to go, we decided it wasn't going to happen, Circle K and Conner had held off the charging peloton. Just then, the little man who's good in the hills, (but only fair in the flats) went around us trying to chase down the breakaway. We finished about 100yards back. Circle K had pulled off a Left Lane! Congrats to them both!
The trip back was uneventful. The whole idea was to ride under the light of the full moon. However, the clouds weren't cooperating and we didn't see the moon until the drive home. Oh well, maybe next time...which will be in late July.
Well, if you missed those exciting rides, don't fret, here's some more:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm at Firestone and Summit. About 20 miles at a moderate pace.
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. About 25 miles at a moderate to very fast pace.
Saturday morning at 7am at Fish and Wildlife Center. About a 40 miler around Navy Point and back. Moderate pace.
Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. A recovery ride around town. About 30 miles at a moderate pace.
Monday (Holiday) at 7am at Firestone and Summit. 45 miles at a moderate pace. New loop...you're going to love it!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Heat is On...
Cycling is the world's greatest sport...in my humble opinion. It offers to it's participants a rare view of life as you travel down the road. It's good for your health, your outlook on life and even has beneficial social aspects. I have enjoyed riding my machines now for almost 40 years. I've ridden all over this country, although not across it. I've ridden through winters in Ohio as well as the hottest summers of California, Virginia and here in Florida. I learned alot regarding how to survive a northern winter on your bike. Everything from clothing to type of tires to what to put in your water bottle and so much more. Things we never have to think about here on the Gulf Coast...thankfully.
But, I have learned alot about summer riding as well. Since moving to the deep south I began reading up on riding in the heat and humidity, as well as trying numerous experiments. I had a really rough day a few years ago. I almost didn't make it home at the end of a 60 miler in our unique combination of heat and humidity. I thought it was just me. However, upon asking others how they were doing, I realized at times we all suffer on the machine in the heat. Now, suffering is a good thing. I tell young Weedhoppers that you must first learn how to suffer to become a good cyclist. However, to be great, you must love suffering. (It's actually a wonderful spiritual truth) I believe this is the difference between the greatest cyclists and the rest of us. They have crossed over into the invisible realm of not just tolerating the pain, they actually enjoy it...they love it. When it comes to the effects of the heat however, we must be extremely careful. One of our own, a very fit young man who has trained in this heat for years was overcome by the heat last weekend at the Ride Yellow event and had to be administered 3 liters of fluids by IV. (He drank 4 water bottles during the ride)
I say all this to say; we have a long and hilly ride this Saturday in Blackwater State Park. The distances between stops are fairly long as well. It's going to be hot and climbing those hills take longer and at a slower pace, yet using the same amount of effort if not more. Drink early and often. The amount of fluids will depend on your body, only you know how much. However, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already behind. Remember also, that you are not just sweating out water, but valuable nutrients and electrolytes. As you select what you will be drinking (and eating), keep in mind replenishing what you are actually losing through your sweat.
Don't wait for the rest stop, drink as you're riding down the road. It's very important. Also, if someone asks you how you're feeling, be honest. If you're hurting, tell them. If your dying for a drink and you're out of water fess up. We'll get you some from somebody. By letting others know that you're having a tough time, they'll be watching out for you and hopefully telling others as well. It's no shame to say you're having a bad day...we all have bad days. Better that than being hauled off in an ambulance after waiting for an hour out in the hot Blackwater sun for it to arrive!
Lastly, watch out for each other. If you see someone getting dropped let us know. If someone is sucking wheel, (other than Coolio, that's just his typical mode of operation) let others know to be watching out for the one that's dragging. And, if you need to turn back, PLEASE let as many people know as possible. I can't stress the importance of this enough! If you're hurting and need to turn back, we'll get someone to go with you.
This should be a great ride with a huge group of riders. There will be at least two pace groups. Please everyone remember to wear your team jersey! They'll be wearing theirs! See you there at:
Saturday at 7:30am at Milton Bike Trailhead behind Truly Spokin'. They leave promptly at 7:30am so don't be late!!!
Also Sunday evening at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. We'll ride to Fort Pickens while enjoying the beautiful sunset and back under the light of the full moon. Please bring $3.50 to enter the park.
See you out on the road,
Bob
But, I have learned alot about summer riding as well. Since moving to the deep south I began reading up on riding in the heat and humidity, as well as trying numerous experiments. I had a really rough day a few years ago. I almost didn't make it home at the end of a 60 miler in our unique combination of heat and humidity. I thought it was just me. However, upon asking others how they were doing, I realized at times we all suffer on the machine in the heat. Now, suffering is a good thing. I tell young Weedhoppers that you must first learn how to suffer to become a good cyclist. However, to be great, you must love suffering. (It's actually a wonderful spiritual truth) I believe this is the difference between the greatest cyclists and the rest of us. They have crossed over into the invisible realm of not just tolerating the pain, they actually enjoy it...they love it. When it comes to the effects of the heat however, we must be extremely careful. One of our own, a very fit young man who has trained in this heat for years was overcome by the heat last weekend at the Ride Yellow event and had to be administered 3 liters of fluids by IV. (He drank 4 water bottles during the ride)
I say all this to say; we have a long and hilly ride this Saturday in Blackwater State Park. The distances between stops are fairly long as well. It's going to be hot and climbing those hills take longer and at a slower pace, yet using the same amount of effort if not more. Drink early and often. The amount of fluids will depend on your body, only you know how much. However, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already behind. Remember also, that you are not just sweating out water, but valuable nutrients and electrolytes. As you select what you will be drinking (and eating), keep in mind replenishing what you are actually losing through your sweat.
Don't wait for the rest stop, drink as you're riding down the road. It's very important. Also, if someone asks you how you're feeling, be honest. If you're hurting, tell them. If your dying for a drink and you're out of water fess up. We'll get you some from somebody. By letting others know that you're having a tough time, they'll be watching out for you and hopefully telling others as well. It's no shame to say you're having a bad day...we all have bad days. Better that than being hauled off in an ambulance after waiting for an hour out in the hot Blackwater sun for it to arrive!
Lastly, watch out for each other. If you see someone getting dropped let us know. If someone is sucking wheel, (other than Coolio, that's just his typical mode of operation) let others know to be watching out for the one that's dragging. And, if you need to turn back, PLEASE let as many people know as possible. I can't stress the importance of this enough! If you're hurting and need to turn back, we'll get someone to go with you.
This should be a great ride with a huge group of riders. There will be at least two pace groups. Please everyone remember to wear your team jersey! They'll be wearing theirs! See you there at:
Saturday at 7:30am at Milton Bike Trailhead behind Truly Spokin'. They leave promptly at 7:30am so don't be late!!!
Also Sunday evening at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. We'll ride to Fort Pickens while enjoying the beautiful sunset and back under the light of the full moon. Please bring $3.50 to enter the park.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
This Week's Ride Schedule... with some horsin' (Clydesdale) around
We had two really nice rides this past weekend. Saturday's ride was a new loop out to the west using a variety of roads from our current arsenal. Light group for this 45 miler. Several of the usual peloton rode the Yellow Ride or is it Ride Yellow?! Regardless, a number were in Bay Minette for that ride and a two were in Banff in the Canadian Rockies celebrating their wedding anniversary. Great place to do that by the way...the, uh lovely Mrs. Graves and myself spent our honeymoon there way back in 1980. Ah yes, the Banff Springs Hotel, how I remember it well. Although, I'm sure David and Beverly remember it better. Beautiful, majestic place.
Back to live action; the final few miles Saturday had gotten a bit frisky as Chuck Norton, (badly in need of a nickname) went on a beastly pull that resembled a pull of suicide classification. (See Glossary). You see, a small group had gapped the main group on Langley. As the 3 made the turn onto Maygarden, they noticed that John "Gianni Bugno" Duke was trying to bridge the gap. That's when "El Chucko", naa that's no good; that's when "Upchuck"...nope, I don't like that one either. Hmmm...how 'bout "Norton Anti-virus"? Crud, don't like that one either. Anyway, that's when Chuck put the hammer down all the way to the top of Maygarden with Left Lane and one of the Clydesdale boys in tow. Poor Gianni was giving it all he had, but "Chuckie's in Love" had the bit between the teeth! (Hmmm, now that nickname might stick)
As we crested the hill he still had something left in the tank and cranked it up to the mid 20s. However, as soon as the finish line came into view that big Clydesdale behemoth started tweaking his frame and it was game over. Left Lane later expressed in the post ride interview that he was toast and had to relegate himself to sucking the wheel of Chuckie's in Love. (Uh, somehow that doesn't sound right...might still be searching for a nickname for Chuck)
Sunday's ride had some of the usual suspects with a extra helping of Young Jedis. (See Glossary) We looped around to the north and then downtown to ride the new crit course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. The Young Jedis seem to delight in this with attacks and sprints that were never ending. We finished up the ride by ascending the 5 story parking deck. On the way up, Chip "Circle K" Wilson somehow laid it down in one of the corners. When asked to explain himself, he seemed confused and disoriented stating "I dunno wha happened!" However, he and his lime green machine were fine so to the top we went. The ride home was uneventful with no attacks or sprints to mention here. (I think the heat is really starting to get to some. More on that later this week). For now, here's this week's ride schedule:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm at Firestone and Summit. Usually 20 to 25 miles at a moderate pace.
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. This is the midweek Hammerfest. Around 25 miles at a moderate to very fast pace.
Saturday at 7:30am at Milton Bike trailhead behind Truly Spokin. This is the 2nd in our SSORES events. We are joining the Blackwater Group for a ride out to the new road race course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. About 55 miles with pace groups for fast, moderate and easy riders.
Sunday evening at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. Come beat the heat in this cool evening ride down to Fort Pickens. We'll enjoy a beautiful sunset on the way there and a full moon to light the road on the way back. About 20 miles at an easy pace. Great, fun ride!
It would be nice to have a ride calendar attached to this blog somehow. Hmmm, I'm going to work on that. Might take a while, I'm not exactly a Bloganator yet!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Back to live action; the final few miles Saturday had gotten a bit frisky as Chuck Norton, (badly in need of a nickname) went on a beastly pull that resembled a pull of suicide classification. (See Glossary). You see, a small group had gapped the main group on Langley. As the 3 made the turn onto Maygarden, they noticed that John "Gianni Bugno" Duke was trying to bridge the gap. That's when "El Chucko", naa that's no good; that's when "Upchuck"...nope, I don't like that one either. Hmmm...how 'bout "Norton Anti-virus"? Crud, don't like that one either. Anyway, that's when Chuck put the hammer down all the way to the top of Maygarden with Left Lane and one of the Clydesdale boys in tow. Poor Gianni was giving it all he had, but "Chuckie's in Love" had the bit between the teeth! (Hmmm, now that nickname might stick)
As we crested the hill he still had something left in the tank and cranked it up to the mid 20s. However, as soon as the finish line came into view that big Clydesdale behemoth started tweaking his frame and it was game over. Left Lane later expressed in the post ride interview that he was toast and had to relegate himself to sucking the wheel of Chuckie's in Love. (Uh, somehow that doesn't sound right...might still be searching for a nickname for Chuck)
Sunday's ride had some of the usual suspects with a extra helping of Young Jedis. (See Glossary) We looped around to the north and then downtown to ride the new crit course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. The Young Jedis seem to delight in this with attacks and sprints that were never ending. We finished up the ride by ascending the 5 story parking deck. On the way up, Chip "Circle K" Wilson somehow laid it down in one of the corners. When asked to explain himself, he seemed confused and disoriented stating "I dunno wha happened!" However, he and his lime green machine were fine so to the top we went. The ride home was uneventful with no attacks or sprints to mention here. (I think the heat is really starting to get to some. More on that later this week). For now, here's this week's ride schedule:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm at Firestone and Summit. Usually 20 to 25 miles at a moderate pace.
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. This is the midweek Hammerfest. Around 25 miles at a moderate to very fast pace.
Saturday at 7:30am at Milton Bike trailhead behind Truly Spokin. This is the 2nd in our SSORES events. We are joining the Blackwater Group for a ride out to the new road race course for the Pensacola Cycling Classic. About 55 miles with pace groups for fast, moderate and easy riders.
Sunday evening at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. Come beat the heat in this cool evening ride down to Fort Pickens. We'll enjoy a beautiful sunset on the way there and a full moon to light the road on the way back. About 20 miles at an easy pace. Great, fun ride!
It would be nice to have a ride calendar attached to this blog somehow. Hmmm, I'm going to work on that. Might take a while, I'm not exactly a Bloganator yet!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, June 18, 2010
This Weekend's Ride Schedule...with a bit of Commentary
Great midweek rides the last few evenings. As you know, we did the new Crit Course on Tuesday to much acclaim, with one exception...no need to mention a name, I think you know to whom I am referring. (Do the initials LL mean anything to you?!) Regardless, it was good fun and Chip "Circle K" Wilson expressed that it was a very hard workout. Ooo, an unsolicited testimonial. David "2 Wheels" Mayo said he really wants to do the new crit course soon...and what David wants...uh, sorry Left Lane, it's only once every other week.
Wednesday evening was the classic Super Figure 8 and it was quite frisky. John "Simonize"Brizzard, (the elder, not Rockets) had an absolute beastly pull at what?...25mph+...for how long? Stinking animal! However, at the top of the hill on Maygarden, Joe "Yikes" Dykes came from nowhere to put the hammer down on his new Kestrel TT machine. Oh, but it was not to be on this night...nope, David "Twin Six" Murphy riding his single speed roadster, (which is really a track bike disguised as a road bike), jumped him to take the final sprint and bragging rights for the week! Coolio claims to have nipped a 3rd place. Not bad for a senior citizen.
Last night was more of the same. A very large group for Thursday and a bit of a hammerfest as well. We did the Airport/Palafox/Burgess Loop. (Airfoxess Loop) We had 2 father and son teams out for the ride. The Prenti and the Brizzard Boys, uh... Johnny and Johnny. Once again, the elder Brizzard went on a suicide pull, (Hmm, I'll need to put that one in the Glossary. But for now you get the idea.) This time the final sprint came down to Clydesdale Tim "Grocery" Fox and little Johnny "Rockets" Brizzard. It was a very close finish. But, alas, the Grocery needs to reorder as he was out of stock. Congrats to Little Rockets. Who expressed after the sprint that he was, "just out for a warm up ride." Whatever!
Great midweek rides. Good fun and exercise for all...some more than others. However, if you missed these don't despair, there's more coming up this weekend. Speaking of missing, anyone see Clydesdale member Ken "King Tut" Tuttle around? He's not been on a ride for about a month and he was a frequent flyer...racking up those miles for a free first class ticket to Krispy Kreme. (That's why we've been seeing so much of Coolio lately.) Looking for free donuts...
This Weekend's Ride Schedule:
Saturday morning at 7am at Firestone and Summit. We are doing a bit shorter route this week. looks like around 40 miles. Several have asked if we could do a shorter route every so often and next week will be quite long...with beaucoup hills! ( Uh, that's French for those of you less fortunate than my bilingual self.) Therefore, this week is shorter.
Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. This week we will do a loop of about 30 miles including a trip downtown to ride the Crit Course for September's Pensacola Cycling Classic. We'll just do a couple laps before heading home...and a surprise twist. No, Coolio it's not a stop for donuts. Hint: Indoor mini L'alpe Duez. You're gonna love it! First one to the top get's a...you guessed it, Krispy Kreme...Coolio's treat.
Mark your Calendars:
Next Saturday, June 26th at 7:30am at the trailhead behind Truly Spokin' in Milton. We'll be riding with the Blackwater Club out to the Pensacola Cycling Classic Road Race Course. This loop is full of hills and about 55 to 60 miles long. Great ride but difficult at best. However, I'm sure the main group will break up into different pace groups. Please be ready to pedal at 7:30am sharp! And, don't forget to wear your team jersey!!!
Sunday, June 27th at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. Our second Full Moon Ride. (No, you must wear appropriate clothing...it's not that kind of full moon.) We'll enjoy a beautiful sunset ride on the way out to Fort Pickens and the pleasure of a full moon to light our way back to Casino Beach parking lot. The last time we did this ride everyone loved it and asked when could we do it again...well, here 'tis! About 20 miles at an easy pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday evening was the classic Super Figure 8 and it was quite frisky. John "Simonize"Brizzard, (the elder, not Rockets) had an absolute beastly pull at what?...25mph+...for how long? Stinking animal! However, at the top of the hill on Maygarden, Joe "Yikes" Dykes came from nowhere to put the hammer down on his new Kestrel TT machine. Oh, but it was not to be on this night...nope, David "Twin Six" Murphy riding his single speed roadster, (which is really a track bike disguised as a road bike), jumped him to take the final sprint and bragging rights for the week! Coolio claims to have nipped a 3rd place. Not bad for a senior citizen.
Last night was more of the same. A very large group for Thursday and a bit of a hammerfest as well. We did the Airport/Palafox/Burgess Loop. (Airfoxess Loop) We had 2 father and son teams out for the ride. The Prenti and the Brizzard Boys, uh... Johnny and Johnny. Once again, the elder Brizzard went on a suicide pull, (Hmm, I'll need to put that one in the Glossary. But for now you get the idea.) This time the final sprint came down to Clydesdale Tim "Grocery" Fox and little Johnny "Rockets" Brizzard. It was a very close finish. But, alas, the Grocery needs to reorder as he was out of stock. Congrats to Little Rockets. Who expressed after the sprint that he was, "just out for a warm up ride." Whatever!
Great midweek rides. Good fun and exercise for all...some more than others. However, if you missed these don't despair, there's more coming up this weekend. Speaking of missing, anyone see Clydesdale member Ken "King Tut" Tuttle around? He's not been on a ride for about a month and he was a frequent flyer...racking up those miles for a free first class ticket to Krispy Kreme. (That's why we've been seeing so much of Coolio lately.) Looking for free donuts...
This Weekend's Ride Schedule:
Saturday morning at 7am at Firestone and Summit. We are doing a bit shorter route this week. looks like around 40 miles. Several have asked if we could do a shorter route every so often and next week will be quite long...with beaucoup hills! ( Uh, that's French for those of you less fortunate than my bilingual self.) Therefore, this week is shorter.
Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. This week we will do a loop of about 30 miles including a trip downtown to ride the Crit Course for September's Pensacola Cycling Classic. We'll just do a couple laps before heading home...and a surprise twist. No, Coolio it's not a stop for donuts. Hint: Indoor mini L'alpe Duez. You're gonna love it! First one to the top get's a...you guessed it, Krispy Kreme...Coolio's treat.
Mark your Calendars:
Next Saturday, June 26th at 7:30am at the trailhead behind Truly Spokin' in Milton. We'll be riding with the Blackwater Club out to the Pensacola Cycling Classic Road Race Course. This loop is full of hills and about 55 to 60 miles long. Great ride but difficult at best. However, I'm sure the main group will break up into different pace groups. Please be ready to pedal at 7:30am sharp! And, don't forget to wear your team jersey!!!
Sunday, June 27th at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. Our second Full Moon Ride. (No, you must wear appropriate clothing...it's not that kind of full moon.) We'll enjoy a beautiful sunset ride on the way out to Fort Pickens and the pleasure of a full moon to light our way back to Casino Beach parking lot. The last time we did this ride everyone loved it and asked when could we do it again...well, here 'tis! About 20 miles at an easy pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Good group this past Saturday as we headed out across 3 mile bridge for the Soundside Ride. A smattering of the usual suspects including Young Jedis, Weedhoppers and Clydesdales as well as a few members of the Sultans of Speed. (SOS) (See Glossary page.) When we arrived at the south end of the bridge, we picked up Dana "The Animal" Foster, uh...founding member of the SOSs and a few others and then we looped through Proper. The bike trail through the National Park was full of glass, so a number of the group decided to brave it on Hwy. 98. Once in Villa Venyce the peloton was back together and the paceline started in earnest. Tiger Point and Soundside were uneventful.
We turned on to Nantahala Beach road and Circle K cranked it up with The Animal on his wheel and the Big Boy ready to pounce. 200 yards from the line The Animal jumps around Circle K and heads for the line with the Big Boy glued to his wheel. The Animal must have sensed that BB was ready to stomp and led him right through a pothole. (See the Dirty Cycling definition on the Glossary page.) BB, himself being a member of the Clydesdales could not keep up with the sprint as his wheels were now shaped like ovals and were not rolling in harmony with one another. (most unusual site) The Animal (SOS) won the sprint... Rats! Foiled again!
The much needed rest stop was a hit with everyone on such a warm morning. Cold Gatorade, hot energy bars and stories abound. None to match the rainy morning under the porch at Fish and Wildlife a couple weeks ago however...John "Gianni Bugno" Duke may have a new peloton name because of that day; Coolio calls him the Duke of Donut. I still like Gianni Bugno better. I think Coolio is just jealous for missing out on the donut feast that morning.
The ride back was at a moderate pace. We elected to take 98 through the Park so as to minimize the chance of flats. 3 Mile Bridge was a breeze as we had a tailwind. Great to see Count Fishbone again. He has been sick and tired of being tired and sick. Matt, the Young Jedi graced us with his presence as well. All in all about 45 miles. Hot fun in the Summertime...with much more to come! Speaking of, here's;
This Week's Ride Schedule:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm at Firestone and Summit. About 20 miles at a moderate pace.
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. 20 to 25 miles at a moderate to very fast pace.
Saturday morning at 7am at Firestone and Summit. This will be a moderately paced ride. Loop to be announced. Stay tuned for details.
Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. A good recovery ride of about 25 to 35 miles at an easy to moderate pace.
Saturday, June 26th at 7:30am at Milton Bike Trail. (Behind Truly Spokin). This 2nd in our SSORES rides will ride out to the Pensacola Cycling Classic road race course and back. About 55 miles at a moderate pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
We turned on to Nantahala Beach road and Circle K cranked it up with The Animal on his wheel and the Big Boy ready to pounce. 200 yards from the line The Animal jumps around Circle K and heads for the line with the Big Boy glued to his wheel. The Animal must have sensed that BB was ready to stomp and led him right through a pothole. (See the Dirty Cycling definition on the Glossary page.) BB, himself being a member of the Clydesdales could not keep up with the sprint as his wheels were now shaped like ovals and were not rolling in harmony with one another. (most unusual site) The Animal (SOS) won the sprint... Rats! Foiled again!
The much needed rest stop was a hit with everyone on such a warm morning. Cold Gatorade, hot energy bars and stories abound. None to match the rainy morning under the porch at Fish and Wildlife a couple weeks ago however...John "Gianni Bugno" Duke may have a new peloton name because of that day; Coolio calls him the Duke of Donut. I still like Gianni Bugno better. I think Coolio is just jealous for missing out on the donut feast that morning.
The ride back was at a moderate pace. We elected to take 98 through the Park so as to minimize the chance of flats. 3 Mile Bridge was a breeze as we had a tailwind. Great to see Count Fishbone again. He has been sick and tired of being tired and sick. Matt, the Young Jedi graced us with his presence as well. All in all about 45 miles. Hot fun in the Summertime...with much more to come! Speaking of, here's;
This Week's Ride Schedule:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm at Firestone and Summit. About 20 miles at a moderate pace.
Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. 20 to 25 miles at a moderate to very fast pace.
Saturday morning at 7am at Firestone and Summit. This will be a moderately paced ride. Loop to be announced. Stay tuned for details.
Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. A good recovery ride of about 25 to 35 miles at an easy to moderate pace.
Saturday, June 26th at 7:30am at Milton Bike Trail. (Behind Truly Spokin). This 2nd in our SSORES rides will ride out to the Pensacola Cycling Classic road race course and back. About 55 miles at a moderate pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, June 11, 2010
A New Adventure
Well, never in a million years would I ever had thought I would be dabbling in the Blogosphere. However, after much encouragement from many of you and the lovely Mrs. Graves getting tired of her Inbox being clogged with cycling messages, I decided to give it a go. So, here I am a blogifyer or blogacator or a blogazoid or something. Actually, I think it will be just about the same as before, just using a blog for the ride announcements instead of those mass email. Besides, I really like new adventures. Perhaps, that's one of the things I love most about cycling... new ride, new route, new friends...(new bike)
Well, just like a ride on a new course, we don't know what's around the next bend, so it is with this blog thing. (Hope it works?!) Thanks for coming along for the ride. Hope nobody flats...uh, especially me!
Sooo, here we go...
First, please be patient, I'm new at this kind of thing. Yea, I know I've been doing those emails for 3 years or so, but somehow this is different. There's more pressure. It seems more official or something. Frankly, makes me a bit nervous.
Second, I'll try to upgrade this site on occasion so it will be interesting to look at. I noticed there's all kinds of custom gizmos and gadgets you can use to develop this thing. We can even do photos. Wait! Don't send me anything yet. Let me figure out this contraption first. You wouldn't believe all the fangdangled options to impress your friends and family. (Uh, or make them laugh with how stupid you look cause you screwed everything up!)
Third, I'll post all the rides here on a weekly basis. Also, any special events, awards or other recognition. Maybe even Coolio's infamous Weedhopper's Training Matrix and our own Glossary of Cycling Terms...just for fun.
Last, and most important, this is our page for our group. So, have fun with it. You will be able to post your comments and everyone else will be able to read it. And from now on, if we meet a new rider who wants to ride with us, just give him or her the blog address...simple.
See you out on the road,
Bob
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