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