Last Saturday's ride was one of the best rides we have had during this winter season. Good group, I think we had 10 or 12 riders. We headed out to the Lillian/Bauer Loop under sunny, chilly skies. However, as we were rolling down Jackson, Woody "The Stud" Chandler suggested we try an alternative route to Hwy 98. So, we jogged over to Lillian Hwy at Old Corey Field Rd. At some point we ran into David "Bad Mayonaisse" Mayo as he was driving back home after sharing at a prayer breakfast earlier. I guess that's a good enough reason for not showing up for a ride.
The pace down Lillian Hwy was moderate with Tim "No Squeaks" Fox, (a reference to his machine), doing most of the work at the front. After the turn on 98 we chose to stop at Bauer Road to fill the bottles. The pace on Bauer was pleasant with myself, Left Lane and Gianni Bugno taking turns at the front. I really like Bauer, but would never ride it alone. The surface is fine, but no shoulder and although the traffic is sparse, the speed limit is 45 to 55mph. However, with a large group the motorists give us room.
Upon turning onto Gulf Beach Hwy and starting to head for home, Rusty "The Mayor" Rood put the hammer down. Usually sitting quiet in the back, this out of character move from the big Clydesdale boy was met with no small amount of amazement by all. The Rustmeister had the bit between the teeth as he motored down the road at 22-23mph+, pulling the entire peloton! I still smile when I think of him at the front. The big boy can motor!
We rolled into Navy Point and the pace cranked up as the boys neared the Fried Twinkie Sprint. Several were vying for position as they rounded the final turn. However, there can be but one winner, and it was another big Clydesdale, Tim "Foxinator" Fox edged out a number of others just as they crossed the line! Tim loves a hot fried twinkie.
The rest of the route home was uneventful with one exception...Carol Ann Chandler again has won the weekly Shebeast Award! First one for the New Year 2011. Congratulations to Carol Ann!!!
Great ride for January! Looks like we will have another great ride this Saturday as well...may be a bitter chillier though. Therefore, we are delaying the start time one hour until 9am. We will be doing the Pine Forest Loop with a Starbucks stop!
Also, Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Many of you have the day off and the weather forecast looks good so we have scheduled a ride for Monday morning at 9am. As always...
Please see the Rides Calendar for all the details, and I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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