We all know and love David "Bad Mayonnaise" Mayo and Josh "Danger" Sharpe. They definitely are two pillars of the peloton. These two characters have gone at each other for years. Just about every week on our rides they continually compete against one another. Who can forget the infamous antics in the Pensacola Cycling Classic Criterium a couple years ago? Sharpe took Mayo into the wall (fence) with a few meters left in the race for a Sharpe win. (Or was it the other way around?) This was an apparent payback for some incident in the road race the previous day. The recent Fenner Century would be another example of the competitive nature of these local boys. And they were at it yet again last Sunday!
This time in Washington, DC!
The setting was the Marine Corps Marathon and both of our hand cyclists were there competing. They both finished in the Top Ten so congratulations are in order. It appears however, that there is yet another controversy between the two mavericks. They both, as you would suspect, tell different stories. In fact, Bad Mayo claims Danger Sharpe tricked him into starting in a different location and thus making Mayo ride the entire MCM alone without the help of a draft. Sharpe, who is no stranger to Mayo's accusations, had done his reconnaissance and choose a more advantageous position at the start line. He categorically denies any wrong doing by himself or his team of spies. (helpers)
In his defense, Mayo was at a distinct disadvantage being himself without his usual armada. Many a declaration by Sharpe that Mayo drafts his armada has been met with claims by the Bad Mayo that it's just sour grapes. Both vehemently deny any charges that they are doping. (Other than perhaps a few Krispy Kremes. Do they have Krispy Kreme in DC?) By the way, the consumption of Krispy Kremes before an event was judged to be doping. Remember several years ago that nasty 8 day trial before the Federal District Court? "USADA vs. Coolio". The chocolate covered, cream filled was being flung that week.
Regardless, the two rascals did us all and themselves very proud as they finished 4th and 6th in one of the biggest races in the country. Congratulations Josh and David!!! (Uh, I'll let you guess who finished where.) Or better yet, come on out tonight for the TERAD and congratulate them yourself for their fantastic results! You'll get to see (hear) them go at it again as well...and that's always good fun!
It all starts at 5pm at Maygarden and Summit tonight. Should be a great ride, always is!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Dreaded Is Upon Us!
That which is the arch enemy of every athlete and it seems especially cyclists, is now upon us in full force! I send out this Blogazoidal Post as a warning cry not unlike Paul Revere more than two centuries ago. If you are of a serious nature regarding your sport and fitness level, you will want to heed this sage advice. Because, my friends, the dreaded is now upon us!
But, before we sound the alarm too loudly, let's first peek in on the peloton's antics from last Saturday.
The group, albeit smaller than usual, seemed quite game as we stood in the chilly air under cloudy skies waiting for the habitual late-comers. Most never showed. We didn't blame them, as it was windy, cloudy and in the low 50s...not an ideal Florida cycling day. Funny, the forecast day before had called for sunny skies, which as you know, make all the difference in this part of the world. Regardless, we launched out on the Pine Forest Loop more as a huddled mass then a long string of riders. It really was the first real brisk day of this Autumn riding season.
We rode our way westward along familiar roads eventually popping out on Massachusetts and the first real speed of the day. Several took it into the mid 20s mph starting with a pull from the Vortex himself. Circle K and Scary Gary (Uh, sorry Gary but everyone get's a nickname and it was either Hairy or Scary...I chose the latter.), had the bit between the teeth as they brought us up to the right hander onto Mobile Hwy. We made the quick left turn and onto very nice roads for about 5 miles. Then another left turn onto Interstate Ave. This is where things really began to heat up. On the second of two short hills, Scary Gary and a young Jedi got a gap of about 70 meters which they extended to about 150 with 2 kilometers left to the line. (This is the infamous Pine Forest Sprint, aka PFS, that has been the site of many a peloton antic as well as a few close calls with with those driving pickup trucks...just ask Happy.)
A chase group of Circle K, Danamal, Subway Shorts (Home of the Big Hoagie) and the Vortex formed, not wanting to allow the young Jedi or Scary Gary the honors without a fight. As they passed under the Flam Rouge, (That's French, it means: 1k to go banner), the lead was cut in half. Soon thereafter, Subway Shorts gave up the ghost and Circle K put the hammer down with Danamal and Vortex in tow. At the 500m mark the lead was 20 meters and closing. The fans were going wild! The chase group finally blew past the leaders with less than 400 meters to go as the escape had run out of gas. At 200 meters with Circle K still doing his version of a suicide pull, Vortex jumps hard leaving his two allies in the chase group behind and taking the PFS honors for the first time in what seems to be over a decade. The key word there was "seems".
After a brief stop at Raceway, the group decided on a stop a Starbucks would be more appropriate on this blustery Fall morning. Great time by the way. A nice hot latte and good conversation with friends warms up any chill.
Soon we were back at it heading east and south towards home. We enjoyed a nice tailwind at times which made the ride back all the more enjoyable. As we turned onto Langley however, the group got suspiciously quiet as more than one rider was calculating this last 5k into the finish on Maygarden. The Prenti accomplished a nice pull down Langley before turning the duties over to the Vortex on Spanish. Vortex hauled the bunch until just about 2k to go. In the changing of the guard, there was a bit of confusion however and the pesky young Jedi escaped yet again. He enjoyed a 50m lead until just under 1k to go. (There was still plenty of fight left in this group.) At the catch, there was a counter move which separated three upfront from the rest. However, with 200m to go it was the young Jedi with Danamal on his wheel. (I've seen how this movie ends before!) With 100m to the line, the Danamal in all his Bianchi framed, Zipp wheeled glory, clicks a gear and with a wry smile mumbles, "AMF!" (Uh...lest there is any misunderstanding, that's a phrase know to our Spanish neighbors to the south. It means, "Adios My Friend!"
Danamal wins the final sprint with the young Jedi taking silver and Circle K the bronze. Great ride on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny, although a bit windy day! A day that sent a wake up call throughout the peloton. Yes, a day that revealed that the dreaded may be on the horizon...
It's true. Every year the time changes moving that warm sun back an hour and causing more than a few cyclists to retreat indoors. But, there is a more insidious enemy to the cyclist than a lack of miles or hours in the aerobic zone. Yes, it too visits this time of year...every year! And this dreaded foe is now upon us in all it's crafty, deceptive and stealthy magnificence. It is time to sound the proverbial alarm! The dreaded Eating Season is now overtaken us in full force! Beware my friends, be very aware! It will creep into your home and entice you to do things you would otherwise never do! I have seen the fittest of athletes diminished (or expanded) to a shadow of their former beastly selves. This cunning season lasts only a few weeks, but it's consequences can be devastating for months and even years to come!
You may ask, "Brother Bob, when did this awful season start?" I answer to you, my naive friend, "Do you have Halloween candy in your home?" If you answered in the affirmative...then run! Run far away! Save yourself! You ask, "How long does this terrible season besiege us?" It's grasp usually lasts until sometime just a few minutes after midnight on New Years Eve. At that point, most deceived folks express they have what they describe as an "awakening from a fog", (not unlike the one they will awake from the following morning after the consumption of a few too many adult beverages the previous night), followed by a long list of repentances, vows or "resolutions". These so-called New Years Resolutions usually last but a few days or weeks as the penitent ones make a valiant effort to revert back to their pre-Eating Season fitness level. However, most are discouraged by the gross image they view in the bathroom mirror and give up in disgust and disgrace...and a few other "dis" words!
Now is the time to fight! Take up your sword, (bike), and go to battle (bike ride)! Your fellow soldiers (riders) are ready to fight with you! (Uh, that's a metaphor.) Don't give up! If you do...
Beware my friends, the dreaded is upon us.
See you out on the road,
Bob
But, before we sound the alarm too loudly, let's first peek in on the peloton's antics from last Saturday.
The group, albeit smaller than usual, seemed quite game as we stood in the chilly air under cloudy skies waiting for the habitual late-comers. Most never showed. We didn't blame them, as it was windy, cloudy and in the low 50s...not an ideal Florida cycling day. Funny, the forecast day before had called for sunny skies, which as you know, make all the difference in this part of the world. Regardless, we launched out on the Pine Forest Loop more as a huddled mass then a long string of riders. It really was the first real brisk day of this Autumn riding season.
We rode our way westward along familiar roads eventually popping out on Massachusetts and the first real speed of the day. Several took it into the mid 20s mph starting with a pull from the Vortex himself. Circle K and Scary Gary (Uh, sorry Gary but everyone get's a nickname and it was either Hairy or Scary...I chose the latter.), had the bit between the teeth as they brought us up to the right hander onto Mobile Hwy. We made the quick left turn and onto very nice roads for about 5 miles. Then another left turn onto Interstate Ave. This is where things really began to heat up. On the second of two short hills, Scary Gary and a young Jedi got a gap of about 70 meters which they extended to about 150 with 2 kilometers left to the line. (This is the infamous Pine Forest Sprint, aka PFS, that has been the site of many a peloton antic as well as a few close calls with with those driving pickup trucks...just ask Happy.)
A chase group of Circle K, Danamal, Subway Shorts (Home of the Big Hoagie) and the Vortex formed, not wanting to allow the young Jedi or Scary Gary the honors without a fight. As they passed under the Flam Rouge, (That's French, it means: 1k to go banner), the lead was cut in half. Soon thereafter, Subway Shorts gave up the ghost and Circle K put the hammer down with Danamal and Vortex in tow. At the 500m mark the lead was 20 meters and closing. The fans were going wild! The chase group finally blew past the leaders with less than 400 meters to go as the escape had run out of gas. At 200 meters with Circle K still doing his version of a suicide pull, Vortex jumps hard leaving his two allies in the chase group behind and taking the PFS honors for the first time in what seems to be over a decade. The key word there was "seems".
After a brief stop at Raceway, the group decided on a stop a Starbucks would be more appropriate on this blustery Fall morning. Great time by the way. A nice hot latte and good conversation with friends warms up any chill.
Soon we were back at it heading east and south towards home. We enjoyed a nice tailwind at times which made the ride back all the more enjoyable. As we turned onto Langley however, the group got suspiciously quiet as more than one rider was calculating this last 5k into the finish on Maygarden. The Prenti accomplished a nice pull down Langley before turning the duties over to the Vortex on Spanish. Vortex hauled the bunch until just about 2k to go. In the changing of the guard, there was a bit of confusion however and the pesky young Jedi escaped yet again. He enjoyed a 50m lead until just under 1k to go. (There was still plenty of fight left in this group.) At the catch, there was a counter move which separated three upfront from the rest. However, with 200m to go it was the young Jedi with Danamal on his wheel. (I've seen how this movie ends before!) With 100m to the line, the Danamal in all his Bianchi framed, Zipp wheeled glory, clicks a gear and with a wry smile mumbles, "AMF!" (Uh...lest there is any misunderstanding, that's a phrase know to our Spanish neighbors to the south. It means, "Adios My Friend!"
Danamal wins the final sprint with the young Jedi taking silver and Circle K the bronze. Great ride on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny, although a bit windy day! A day that sent a wake up call throughout the peloton. Yes, a day that revealed that the dreaded may be on the horizon...
It's true. Every year the time changes moving that warm sun back an hour and causing more than a few cyclists to retreat indoors. But, there is a more insidious enemy to the cyclist than a lack of miles or hours in the aerobic zone. Yes, it too visits this time of year...every year! And this dreaded foe is now upon us in all it's crafty, deceptive and stealthy magnificence. It is time to sound the proverbial alarm! The dreaded Eating Season is now overtaken us in full force! Beware my friends, be very aware! It will creep into your home and entice you to do things you would otherwise never do! I have seen the fittest of athletes diminished (or expanded) to a shadow of their former beastly selves. This cunning season lasts only a few weeks, but it's consequences can be devastating for months and even years to come!
You may ask, "Brother Bob, when did this awful season start?" I answer to you, my naive friend, "Do you have Halloween candy in your home?" If you answered in the affirmative...then run! Run far away! Save yourself! You ask, "How long does this terrible season besiege us?" It's grasp usually lasts until sometime just a few minutes after midnight on New Years Eve. At that point, most deceived folks express they have what they describe as an "awakening from a fog", (not unlike the one they will awake from the following morning after the consumption of a few too many adult beverages the previous night), followed by a long list of repentances, vows or "resolutions". These so-called New Years Resolutions usually last but a few days or weeks as the penitent ones make a valiant effort to revert back to their pre-Eating Season fitness level. However, most are discouraged by the gross image they view in the bathroom mirror and give up in disgust and disgrace...and a few other "dis" words!
Now is the time to fight! Take up your sword, (bike), and go to battle (bike ride)! Your fellow soldiers (riders) are ready to fight with you! (Uh, that's a metaphor.) Don't give up! If you do...
Beware my friends, the dreaded is upon us.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Another Triple F
Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the peloton, tomorrow marks yet another Triple F...uh, Fox's Friday Frolic that is. He has yet again spared absolutely no expense in bringing you the finest Friday work skipping ride know on the planet. However, as you may have guessed, in keeping with the season, he will be in full disguise so as to be, shall we say, incognito. (Uh...that's Latin for those of you less fortunate than my multi-lingual self. It means; "Having one's identity concealed, especially to avoid notice or attention.") You see, Crusher has become a bit shy regarding these FFF rides, after having several missiles in the form of office equipment hurled at him by seemingly otherwise friendly cyclists. I guess having to work while others are riding has the potential of bringing out the worst in those laboring away in their work cubicles.
Anyway, if you have a couple hours free tomorrow morning, come on out for Fox's Friday Frolic! (No disguise required.) Here are the particulars:
Friday 8:30am at Maygarden and Summit. Approximately 30 to 35 miles at a moderate pace. We'll probably head up to UWF/Scenic Hills or maybe 3 Amigos Loop. Regardless, the weather forecast looks fantastic.
If you can't make the Triple F, come on out Saturday morning at 8am at Maygarden and Summit for the Pine Forest Loop. We haven't done this one in a while. It's 45 miles of rompin', stompin' fun!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Anyway, if you have a couple hours free tomorrow morning, come on out for Fox's Friday Frolic! (No disguise required.) Here are the particulars:
Friday 8:30am at Maygarden and Summit. Approximately 30 to 35 miles at a moderate pace. We'll probably head up to UWF/Scenic Hills or maybe 3 Amigos Loop. Regardless, the weather forecast looks fantastic.
If you can't make the Triple F, come on out Saturday morning at 8am at Maygarden and Summit for the Pine Forest Loop. We haven't done this one in a while. It's 45 miles of rompin', stompin' fun!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Great TERAD!
The boys were a bit frisky last night! However, I am very glad to report the admonishment to be a bit safer in the peloton did not fall on deaf ears! In fact, the only real shenanigans was on Maygarden just after the turn off from Spanish Trail. You see, the Vortex had pulled up Spanish after a beastly stretch by Justin (Bieber wearing a Florida Gators jersey) down Langley in the upper 20s mph. However, as we made the right hander onto Maygarden itself, Twin Six (aka Murph) turned to the dark side of cycling. Here's what transpired: Juan Pelota had gone to the front with the declaration, "I'll set a moderate pace!" Twin Six settled in behind him and the group followed suit. The followers noticed that Twin Six had allowed a small gap between himself and Juan. And instead of closing this gap for the entire paceline, he casually dislodges his taillight and it falls to the pave'.
At the time, all but the most savvy riders among us thought it to be an innocent failure of Twin Six to attach the light properly to his machine. Soon, however the intent became evident to all as the chase was on to reel in the escaped Juan Pelota who now had quite a gap on the group. Conspiracy cries were heard throughout the group as the realization the Twin Six and Juan were actually in cahoots in this dirty cycling tactic birthed on the dark side. Several of the "unawares" did more than their share to pull back the lone bandit, catching him with about 500 meters to go in this day's proceedings.
Then, the maneuverings for the sprint commenced. There at the finish was Gator Gustin, Fishbone, Murph and Juan. However, all had spend their load as Gatorboy Gustin, (need to settle on a proper nickname) took the honors by inches in front of the rest. Great ride and a lot of fun!
Hey, there's more yet this week starting with the WFW Hammerfest tonight at 5pm. We also have a great ride scheduled for Saturday morning. AND...don't forget the LAST Full Moon Ride of this 2012 riding season! It is this Sunday at 5pm starting from Casino Beach Parking Lot! Wow, only two more TERADS left this year...total bummer! Oh well, lots of great riding still ahead, even if it is only on the weekends! Check the Rides Calendar for all the details and rides scheduled through the end of the year!!!
See you out on the road,
Bob
At the time, all but the most savvy riders among us thought it to be an innocent failure of Twin Six to attach the light properly to his machine. Soon, however the intent became evident to all as the chase was on to reel in the escaped Juan Pelota who now had quite a gap on the group. Conspiracy cries were heard throughout the group as the realization the Twin Six and Juan were actually in cahoots in this dirty cycling tactic birthed on the dark side. Several of the "unawares" did more than their share to pull back the lone bandit, catching him with about 500 meters to go in this day's proceedings.
Then, the maneuverings for the sprint commenced. There at the finish was Gator Gustin, Fishbone, Murph and Juan. However, all had spend their load as Gatorboy Gustin, (need to settle on a proper nickname) took the honors by inches in front of the rest. Great ride and a lot of fun!
Hey, there's more yet this week starting with the WFW Hammerfest tonight at 5pm. We also have a great ride scheduled for Saturday morning. AND...don't forget the LAST Full Moon Ride of this 2012 riding season! It is this Sunday at 5pm starting from Casino Beach Parking Lot! Wow, only two more TERADS left this year...total bummer! Oh well, lots of great riding still ahead, even if it is only on the weekends! Check the Rides Calendar for all the details and rides scheduled through the end of the year!!!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Another Hammerfest!
This past Saturday was your classic Hammerfest. We were scheduled to do the group fave Lillian Loop but decided on the Perdido Key Killer route instead. We started out under sunny although somewhat breezy skies which made for a wond-erroneous tailwind. (The kind that only a seasoned cyclist knows means Sufferfest on the way back.) The pace was quite frisky as the peloton seemed determined to drop any would be imposters along the way. At one point on Jackson, the group was cruising along at a "moderate" (the pace that was advertised on the Rides Calendar) pace in the high 20s mph. Ah yes, the boys love a good Hammerfest.
This is a far cry from last season's peloton which cried and complained anytime the speed would exceed 1/2 an mph above the announced pace for the route. Not one word of discontent this year. Hammer down! I will say one thing though; there needs to be more of a regard for safety within the peloton this year. I may be over sensitive to this as I just passed the one year Crashaverssary of the worse accident I have ever had the misfortune of participation. Perhaps some of you will remember that awful evening?! I know Crusher and I can still pull up the memories as if it were last evening. We both have lingering physical and psychological issues, although thankfully very much diminished. I can say this for an absolute certainty though; "I have no desire to ever go through that again!" Nor do I wish for any other cyclist to endure such a hardship. Therefore, I encourage everyone, please let's be careful out there!
Now, I love a good Hammerfest as much as anyone...perhaps more than most, but not at all costs. I used to think differently about this, not any more. So, when we are heads down, eyes blurred stomping away in an effort to stay in the draft of the guy who is inches in front of you...and he is doing the same thing, this becomes a very dangerous situation that only lacks opportunity to turn into disaster. Look, there's no Gold Medal at the finish line at the end of the ride. No million dollar prize awaiting first place and be assured, no picture on the front page of USA Today for anyone who crosses the line ahead of the rest. However, if we go down, you will have at least one medal...perhaps several in the form of scars, stitches, surgeries, casts for your broken bones, IVs and the like. And there will be an exchange of money...I guarantee it! And I hope you aren't listed in the papers...
"Ah come on man, don't be ridiculous, you just had freak accident!" Yep, I sure did and don't want to be a part of anything even resembling that again. Therefore, I have said all this for your consideration...Please let's be careful out there! We all need to go back to work the next day, we all have bills to pay and families to support as well as rides we would like to do in the future. Yes, let's go fast! But above that, let's be safe!!! And if that means backing it down an mph or two, Do It! If that means, letting the squirelly one ride off ahead of the group, Do It! If it means, speaking up or calling another rider out when he's doing something stupid or dangerous, then Do It! Do it now, don't wait until after the crash!!! You never know, you may be the one on the floor...
See you out on the road,
Bob
PS. Several of you have mentioned to me the above referenced issue. However, none wanted to say anything to anyone else. So, on behalf of those quiet ones among us, I have attempted to do the concern justice. If you don't like my handling of the matter, then speak up! Say something! It is every cyclist's responsibility to assure a safe ride by his own actions and admonishing the actions of his fellow riders. We haven't had a bad crash in quite a long time. Some have said we're due. I say, let's pay closer attention to riding safely. What do you say?
This is a far cry from last season's peloton which cried and complained anytime the speed would exceed 1/2 an mph above the announced pace for the route. Not one word of discontent this year. Hammer down! I will say one thing though; there needs to be more of a regard for safety within the peloton this year. I may be over sensitive to this as I just passed the one year Crashaverssary of the worse accident I have ever had the misfortune of participation. Perhaps some of you will remember that awful evening?! I know Crusher and I can still pull up the memories as if it were last evening. We both have lingering physical and psychological issues, although thankfully very much diminished. I can say this for an absolute certainty though; "I have no desire to ever go through that again!" Nor do I wish for any other cyclist to endure such a hardship. Therefore, I encourage everyone, please let's be careful out there!
Now, I love a good Hammerfest as much as anyone...perhaps more than most, but not at all costs. I used to think differently about this, not any more. So, when we are heads down, eyes blurred stomping away in an effort to stay in the draft of the guy who is inches in front of you...and he is doing the same thing, this becomes a very dangerous situation that only lacks opportunity to turn into disaster. Look, there's no Gold Medal at the finish line at the end of the ride. No million dollar prize awaiting first place and be assured, no picture on the front page of USA Today for anyone who crosses the line ahead of the rest. However, if we go down, you will have at least one medal...perhaps several in the form of scars, stitches, surgeries, casts for your broken bones, IVs and the like. And there will be an exchange of money...I guarantee it! And I hope you aren't listed in the papers...
"Ah come on man, don't be ridiculous, you just had freak accident!" Yep, I sure did and don't want to be a part of anything even resembling that again. Therefore, I have said all this for your consideration...Please let's be careful out there! We all need to go back to work the next day, we all have bills to pay and families to support as well as rides we would like to do in the future. Yes, let's go fast! But above that, let's be safe!!! And if that means backing it down an mph or two, Do It! If that means, letting the squirelly one ride off ahead of the group, Do It! If it means, speaking up or calling another rider out when he's doing something stupid or dangerous, then Do It! Do it now, don't wait until after the crash!!! You never know, you may be the one on the floor...
See you out on the road,
Bob
PS. Several of you have mentioned to me the above referenced issue. However, none wanted to say anything to anyone else. So, on behalf of those quiet ones among us, I have attempted to do the concern justice. If you don't like my handling of the matter, then speak up! Say something! It is every cyclist's responsibility to assure a safe ride by his own actions and admonishing the actions of his fellow riders. We haven't had a bad crash in quite a long time. Some have said we're due. I say, let's pay closer attention to riding safely. What do you say?
Friday, October 12, 2012
Important Notes!
Nice ride this morning on the Fox's Friday Frolic! The
weather was fantastic as we cruised through UWF and surrounding area.
All told, we had about 30 miles. We decided on the UWF loop so as to
avoid any incidents of office equipment projectiles from jealous cyclists that
have to work on Friday's. (see previous post). In fact, we heard from a
reputable source that even the Left Lane had set up at booby trap on the
street in front of his office using a forklift and a piece of HVAC equipment.
Amazing the lengths these these poor chained to desks cyclists will stoop to!
Hey, two quick notes of importance before we start the
weekend's proceedings;
First, tomorrow's start time is 8am! We start at Fish
and Wildlife and will most likely head east. Although the Rides Calendar
says Lillian Loop, we just did that route two weeks ago, so we are open
to suggestions in the morning. Crusher has proposed a Perdido Key route.
Lastly, although very important, the City of Pensacola
has been looking at a "Complete Streets" initiative. They are
asking for comments on a survey at: www.cityofpensacola.com/completestreets This survey
has to do with cycling and pedestrian traffic on our city streets!
Please consider how you should respond and fill out a survey
on behalf of the entire cycling community. This is very important for the
future of our city and our sport. It only takes a few minutes.
Thanks for your consideration and to Dave Henderson and
Prentiss Berry for giving us the heads up regarding this important issue!
See you in the morning and until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Fox's Friday Frolic
This great riding weather has brought out the best in several riders including our own Crusher Fox! After no consideration whatsoever, Crusher has reinstituted his Friday Frolic Ride starting this week...uh, tomorrow! This once very well attended romp around the area on various routes, was the envy of all those who were chained to their desks on the last day of the work week. In fact, the riders were on several occasions persecuted for their Friday freedom by those whose work sites the riders cruised by. More than once the group had hurled at them not just profanities but that which was profane as well. Objects like rotten tomatoes, eggs, cups of cold coffee, staplers and even a used toner cartridge. "You Freakin' Friday Frolickers!", (FFF) was the most common expletive hurled at these Friday work skipping, fun loving road riders.
However, on one occasion is just got plain dangerous as an obviously jealous work bound employee ran into the path of the group of Friday riders yelling words which will never be repeated here as he carried a copier! It soon became evident to the Friday Frolickers that this envious employee of an apparent micro-manager, intended to hurl this massive piece of office equipment at the freedom loving Friday Frolickers. I am most happy to report that all the riders dodged the projectile as the angered hurler was obviously hindered from an apparent lack of exercise as he could only mange to throw the copier far enough to actually trip over it! The two lay in the roadway in quite a heap. It was for Crusher and the other riders an eye opening experience. Therefore Crusher, who is no stranger to things being hurled at him, (he's a Clydesdale), decided last Spring to cancel any further FFFs. (Uh, that's Fox's Friday Frolic).
So, at the great risk to himself and any brave freedom loving Friday Frolickers, he has decided, "Dadgum the torpedoes, (copiers), full speed ahead!", (Or something like that...), and has reimplemented his great love; the Fox's Friday Frolic! What risks men will take for the sake of love?! Anyway, here are the details:
Friday morning at 8:30am at Maygarden and Summit. The route will be about 30 to 35 miles and will avoid all jealous, micro-managed, Friday jailed work sites that have the remote possibility of an employee who is a cyclist. Uh, we're trying to avoid any hysterical entanglements...
See you out on the road,
Bob
However, on one occasion is just got plain dangerous as an obviously jealous work bound employee ran into the path of the group of Friday riders yelling words which will never be repeated here as he carried a copier! It soon became evident to the Friday Frolickers that this envious employee of an apparent micro-manager, intended to hurl this massive piece of office equipment at the freedom loving Friday Frolickers. I am most happy to report that all the riders dodged the projectile as the angered hurler was obviously hindered from an apparent lack of exercise as he could only mange to throw the copier far enough to actually trip over it! The two lay in the roadway in quite a heap. It was for Crusher and the other riders an eye opening experience. Therefore Crusher, who is no stranger to things being hurled at him, (he's a Clydesdale), decided last Spring to cancel any further FFFs. (Uh, that's Fox's Friday Frolic).
So, at the great risk to himself and any brave freedom loving Friday Frolickers, he has decided, "Dadgum the torpedoes, (copiers), full speed ahead!", (Or something like that...), and has reimplemented his great love; the Fox's Friday Frolic! What risks men will take for the sake of love?! Anyway, here are the details:
Friday morning at 8:30am at Maygarden and Summit. The route will be about 30 to 35 miles and will avoid all jealous, micro-managed, Friday jailed work sites that have the remote possibility of an employee who is a cyclist. Uh, we're trying to avoid any hysterical entanglements...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Time Change!
Well, it's getting to be that time of year when we need to back our start time back an half hour. So tonight, as we had discussed last TERAD Tuesday, we will be changing our start time from 5:30pm to the new start time of 5pm! Mark your calendars! This will be the new start time through the rest of our midweek riding season. And, to our chagrin, there are only 5 weeks left in this year's riding season! Total bummer man! (I'm using my best Dumb and Dumber accent here.) Yep, so come on out and enjoy the last weeks of the 2012 midweek riding season!
We will still have our Saturday rides all Winter long though, so don't get too depressed. However, starting this Saturday, we will move our start time to 8am from our summer start time of 7am. This new time will continue until sometime next Spring, when once again we will start at the earlier time.
Man, the Time Change is less than 5 weeks away. It's hard to believe, but it's true. The first Sunday in November is when we change back to Standard Time from Daylight Savings Time. Just 5 short weeks left...
So, get out and ride! You'll be glad you did! Check the Rides Calendar for all the details.
See you out on the road,
Bob
We will still have our Saturday rides all Winter long though, so don't get too depressed. However, starting this Saturday, we will move our start time to 8am from our summer start time of 7am. This new time will continue until sometime next Spring, when once again we will start at the earlier time.
Man, the Time Change is less than 5 weeks away. It's hard to believe, but it's true. The first Sunday in November is when we change back to Standard Time from Daylight Savings Time. Just 5 short weeks left...
So, get out and ride! You'll be glad you did! Check the Rides Calendar for all the details.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, October 5, 2012
Two Great Rides This Weekend!
There are two really great rides scheduled for this weekend. The first is on Saturday; it is the classic All The Way Around The Bay Ride! This 75 to 80 miler starts at Maygarden and Summit at 7am and, you guessed it, goes all the way around the Bay. The pace will be moderate with the usual exceptions on the Causeway, Hamilton Bridge Road and probably 3 Mile Bridge. (No speed limits) We will have two rest stops or maybe a third if needed. This really is a wonderful loop and the weather looks very mild for this Fall classic.
Sunday will find almost the entire Pensacola Bay Area peloton at Vicki Grooters at 8am for our Roger's Ride event. The route has not yet been announced, however the word on the street is Around The Sound! From Vicki's it should be just over 40 miles. If anything like last year, the group will stay together at around 18 to 20mph for this memorial ride. If you rode last year, please wear your Roger's Ride Jersey! Vicki has chili and refreshments waiting back at the house for all the riders. This is definitely an event you do not want to miss!!!
If you ride both of these wonderful rides, you'll get in an excellent amount of miles to help prepare you for another Fall classic The Fenner Century coming up on October 20th. Sign up on line at the WFW website. So come on out and get in some long moderate miles this weekend...you'll be glad you did!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Sunday will find almost the entire Pensacola Bay Area peloton at Vicki Grooters at 8am for our Roger's Ride event. The route has not yet been announced, however the word on the street is Around The Sound! From Vicki's it should be just over 40 miles. If anything like last year, the group will stay together at around 18 to 20mph for this memorial ride. If you rode last year, please wear your Roger's Ride Jersey! Vicki has chili and refreshments waiting back at the house for all the riders. This is definitely an event you do not want to miss!!!
If you ride both of these wonderful rides, you'll get in an excellent amount of miles to help prepare you for another Fall classic The Fenner Century coming up on October 20th. Sign up on line at the WFW website. So come on out and get in some long moderate miles this weekend...you'll be glad you did!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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