A Hill Too Far

For those of you who missed the ride this morning, you really missed it! The weather was absolutely fantastic and we had a great group for what turned out to be an epic ride. The ride, as you may know started from Maygarden and Summit at 7am and was supposed to be the Twisted Pine Forest Loop. However, once the group had formed at the launch pad, the Vortex throws out a suggestion for a different route. Although, still passes by Pine Forest, just misses out on some of the initial serpentine roads through the neighborhoods on the way there. After a short Q and A session, the unanimous decision was to try the new route. So off we go...

First we head north on Spanish Trail, then jog around to west on Johnson. We follow Johnson all the way to a right hander onto Chemstrand and a lefty on 10 Mile. Just before Hwy 29 we turn right and head north on 95A which we follow all the way to the rest stop in the quaint little burg of Molino. (tongue and cheek intended) Now, so far the young Jedis have maintained a very manageable pace at the front. Nate the Skate, Ashley "Hammeraker" Amaker, Rabbit Brett and Arkansas Michael took turns pulling along with The Prenti, Johnny Bugno and the Vortex. We generally were cruising along at 19-20mph...everyone seemed happy.

After the rest stop, we crossed Hwy 29 and took a quick left hander onto Crab Tree and then another left and another left...at least I think that's what we did. Actually had to stop at one intersection to determine which direction to take. You see, the young Jedis had gotten ahead of the main peloton after a couple of uphill sections and had turned left. The rest of us, who came to the same stop sign about 2 minutes later, looked at each other as if to say, "Uh, I'm not sure that's the way home..." In fact, after viewing Johnny's Iphone app, we determined the correct way home was to the right. So we parted ways, although I'm sure the Jedis didn't realize it until several miles later.

Did I mention that the roads in that part of the County are absolutely delightful?! Our smaller peloton rolled along some of the nicest roads this rider has seen in this part of the country. We passed by a small school called Barrineau Park and shortly thereafter we entered the hills! They came one after another like waves in the ocean...uh, I'm talking big waves here! Yes, the hills were angry today my friends, like an old woman looking for boxes at the checkout line in Sam's Club! (I know this is a metaphor, but I actually witnessed this one day too.) The first hill the Clydesdale had a bit of difficulty but stayed with the main group. However, after another 3 or 4 (actually stopped counting) the big kahuna was off the back and singing to himself Stevie Wonder's "Slippin' out the back door..." Of course the words were changed to accommodate the situation. Great song, by the way, if you ever get dropped off the back. Good beat, kinda fun to make up words to and helps the miles pass. Especially if you are the only Clydesdale in the peloton on a hilly route. I'm just sayin'!

Well my friends, it was a hill too far. Really, it was probably several hills too far. But what a fantastic ride! And the route was one of the best I have ever ridden in this area. I had just under 70 miles as I pulled into the garage.

For those of you interested, tomorrow afternoon's ride from Bayview Park at 3pm will definitely be an easy spin! And with no hills...

See you out on the road,
Bob

Pine Forest With A Twist

Tomorrow morning we will meet at 7am at Maygarden and Summit for a new twist on an old favorite. I know, I know, we met at Maygarden and Summit last Saturday...well, that's correct, however, we did so because we moved the Rite Of Spring Classic back one week due to the cold temps. Therefore, we decided to keep the start location rotation in the same order and just screw this up for one week. (Whew, if that's more information than you really wanted or needed...I agree! If you want more information; tough. You'll get over it.)

Anyway, for those anal minds among us, the route tomorrow morning will be about 50 miles with an option for another 10 or so for those who may want it. Weather forecast looks very nice with temps in mid 50s at start and warming to almost 70 as we're wrapping it up on Maygarden. Sunshine aplenty!!!

See you in the morning for what shaping up to be a great ride with the cast of unusual characters!

Don't forget Sunday afternoon's Bad Mayo easy spin ride at 3pm at Bayview Park. Until then...

See you out on the road,
Bob

TERAD Today!!!

Before we get to the color commentary you all have been looking forward to since noon on Saturday, here is a short reminder of today's big event:

 TERAD TONIGHT AT 5:30PM AT MAYGARDEN AND SUMMIT!!!

Okay, if you are like me, you have been waiting for this day since last November! Well my friends and fellow wheel suckers, (a term of endearment), the day has finally arrived and it's time to come out and play. I look forward to seeing all you COUCs out this evening for what will surely be a romp on the Super Figure 8 Loop with more antics, (and banter if Coolio shows his glazed donut face), than you've witnessed since the last TERAD back in 2012. Yes, my friends it's time for the 2013 TERAD season to begin!!!

As the Bad Mayo himself would declare, "Ladies and gentlemen; Light The Burners!"

Now for your Tuesday morning reading pleasure, a little commentary from the Left Lane: 

After the workout the peloton got on the  "Sort of Around The Bay" (most of the group taking the short route) ride of Saturday, the turnout for the Sunday Convoluted Bad Mayo Ride to the Westside was not very well attended this week.  This had The Left Lane licking his chops, with a good possibility for a third Fried Twinkie victory in a row....a Veritable Turducken...what the hey makes more sense than a Hat Trick (not growing up in the North...not sure of the origin of the term).  The Turducken (3 fouls in one)...or taking the Twinkie three rides in a row has never been accomplished per my review of the sketchy annals of the F&S record books....not even in the heydays of Crusher "Supermarket" Fox and The Vortex had this been accomplished...even though it has been reported that The Foxinator had snacked on Turducken from his special refrigerated jersey during a ride a few years ago.

This Sunday favorite was attended by The Vortex, Big Hoagie, Prenti, The Left Lane , and Chad Ocho???? ( needs a nickname).  Chad had just scored (stole) a new used bike from a military guy moving and needing to get rid of his bike and listing his bike on Craigslist....a Giant full carbon with durace group for $750!!! That's a steal...and I thought I got a good deal on my bike on Craigslist.

We had our usual excellent Sunday ride including the Romp Through the Swamp over the Wooden Wonder with the Left Lane flatting just over the bridge and Hoagie saying "you must of got a splinter".  We did not push the pace very hard and the group was saving it up for the Twinkie run in.  The wind was not favorable at the start but the Left Lane, cruising in the Left Lane to guage the wind, anticipated that as we turned to the final ½ mile or so the wind would shift to a more favorable direction.  With Prenit and Vortex doing leads and some side by side riding most of the way, the group kept a moderate pace.  But just as anticipated by the Left Lane the wind direction became more favorable ad we approached the Bridge run in.  With no one else pressing the lead, Left Lane upshifted and stomped the big gear kicking it up to around 27.  Fooled no one, as usual, with the entire group glued to my wheel and The Vortex and Hoagie Going by as we approached the first turn, and the Crafty Prenti keeping his powder dry and stuck to the Left Lane's wheel.  As the short burst of Vortex petered out and Hoagie pulled up (not wanting to slam it through the right hander) the Left Lane blew by with the Twinkie Bridge Prize in his grasp...or so he thought.....unfortunately with the right hander came the Teeth of around a 15mph Wind and although the LL left it all on the road this day the Patient Prenti used the draft to go by the struggling LL and edge him out at the line!!.  Of course the crowd was hugely disappointed that their favorite's bid for the Turducken was foiled, but being fickle as fans can be, they were reenergized by the rumor circulating that this was the Prenti's second Twinkie in a row having missed the previous two rides and that as soon as next week they would be back tailgating at Twinkie Bridge and rooting on the Prenti to the possibility of the first Turducken in F&S history!!!  Let's hope next time it is not "A Bridge Too Far" as it was this week.

A Great Twinkie sprint and the Peloton headed for the next points paying event....the Barrancas Bridge.  This event would be staged into the wind as well today with the Hoagie partaking in a regimen of  Double Secret hill climbing practice all week in Pace after his bitter disappointment a couple of weeks ago on this climb.  Once again the Left Lane did the lead out early on leading the group about half way up with first Hoagie blowing by and then Vortex hot on his heels and LL next.  The gaps were around 20 yards with Hoagie taking the climb the Vortex and LL. Well a shut out Left Lane not wanting to go home empty handed jumped on the big gear going down hill first reeling in the Vortex and then the Hoagie just before the hill bottom.  Then, not to be outdone, The Vortex poured it on passing the Left Lane just as the Main Street turn loomed....the crowd was going wild as the lead changed hands like "Passaround Patty"!!

Great riding, and with the peloton pretty much spent the rest of the ride was Noodle Time around the Ball Park the Waterfront and up Bayfront to Richey's.

A comment on Equipment:  After burning my Diadoras a couple of weeks ago and not wanting to ruin my feet in the Blue Bullitts my solution to a great shoe was solved by the Great Guys as Cycle Sports (Brian "Stoned" Stone).  I always have a problem with one foot smaller than the other and therefore buying shoes over the internet is always a crap shoot.  Well Brian does not stock the upper level full carbon shoes at the store because most people buy them on line these days(I think you have to buy Specialize Shoes only at Local Bike Stores though).  The Specialized Shoes are pretty much all sized the same, so even if Brian does not have the upper level shoe you want you can try on one of the Specialized Comp models and if you want an upgrade Brian can order the shoe you want and it will most likely fit you properly.  Sure beats the internet buying and returning windmill when a shoe does not fit correctly.  My shoe of choice was the Specialized Pro with full carbon sole....and I am loving it.  Great shoe and Brian got me a nice deal.

The Left Lane

Thanks for the color commentary Left Lane! And I'm sure Stoned is grateful for the "free" marketing. Just a note to the reader of this Blogazoidal; Sunday's rides are usually very moderately paced, if not just an easy spin. However, there wouldn't be much to write about if the sprints were at a blistering 12mph. Therefore, the appearance of the Sunday rides from Left Lane's commentary would give one the opinion that Sunday's are a hammerfest...gratefully they are not.

So, for those of you that have been considering riding on Sunday with us, come on out! You'll find the pace enjoyable and the banter amusing.

See you tonight and as always. I'll...

See you out on the road,

Bob

Around The Bay!...and other ramblings

Before I share with you a bit of color commentary authored by none other than our own El Left Lane, let's look at this weekend's rides, shall we?!

Saturday is the "Rite Of Spring Classic"; The Around The Bay Loop! This 65 miler (shorter route of 45 for those of us who haven't ridden much lately) has it all! It is always a group fave with flats, hills and the headwind beast itself, Gargoyle Point Bridge. As always we will have two rest stops to fill the bottles and tell the latest tales. This is a ride you will not want to miss...it's, uh...a classic!

Then Sunday we're off to Bayview Park for another stage in the Bad Mayo Series. He comes up with some very interesting, although somewhat convoluted routes. Always good fun and we usually finish up with a stop at the end of Palafox to take in the view...and tell more tales. (The COUCs are globally known for their antics and stories. It's what makes riding so much fun...just ask Coolio!) Anyway, the weather forecast is looking real good for both days, so come on out and get in some miles with the cast of unusual characters!

And to prove to you I'm not just whistling Dixie; here's some commentary from the Left Lane regarding last Sunday's Bad Mayo Ride:

Sunday ride recap:  Had 11 riders at the start!!

ANOTHER EPISODE OF THE SUNDAY TWISTED & CONVOLUTED BAD MAYO LOOP TO THE WEST SIDE

Another great edition of the Sunday Twisted and Convoluted Mayo Loop.  We had some additions to the usual cast of characters….Danimal joined the group saying it was a little too cold to sit on the yacht and knock back heinekens….Mayo’s better half Beverly joined (for a short while), Doug and his wife on a tandem, AeroJim Brittnel, and new guy Glenn joining us for the first time and maybe last whereas he would soon be going back to Iowa and doing his riding on a trainer staring at cinder block walls in his basement for another 2 months or so.  We are really lucky in Pensacola that we get some great weather even in the typically cold months. Rounding out the group were the usual suspects, Retro Dave, Bad Mayo, Johnny Bugno, Big Hoagie, and yours truly, The Left Lane.

Weather was actually very nice at around 50 degrees and wind was out of the Northwest so we rode out mostly into the wind and got an assist on the way back.  We  started off doing Mayo’s typical route out Jackson but when we hit Old Corry, word came to the front to stay on Jackson all the way out to 72^nd Avenue.  We took a left on 72^nd to 98 and then another left and headed to the Romp Through the Swamp on the Wooden Wonder.  Retro Dave kicked up the pace to around 25 down 98 all the way to the College where the group headed into the parking lot and we rolled over the side walks toward the bridge.  The Left Lane, trying to not be behind the Mayo Wagon on the bridge tried to accelerate and get around just before the bridge and as I kicked it up and went right around Johnny I hit a speed bump on a bit of an angle and almost went down and about got denutted (nada pelota) by my seat.  I meekly got back in line and from here on out I will be writing in a voice about 2 Octaves higher!!

The ride over the bridge was fun as usual and without incident.  We continued on behind the shopping center to Patton Drive where Retro & Glenn did most of the work as we headed to the approaches to the Fried Twinkie.  The group favorite lead up and sprint would be fun this day as we turned onto the course with the wind somewhat favorable.  Johnny went to the front and pulled the first half before giving way to Glenn.  Another first timer leading us to the sprint that he isn’t even aware of ….perfect for the peloton regulars!! 

Around 400 yards from the first turn in to the bridge, the Danimal exploded off the front gaining around a 20 yard advantage over Glenn with the Left Lane hanging on as well and the others falling back.  Dana seeing the upcoming right hander at the stop sign, and dreaming of many future heinkens on the yacht and the next new episode of “Say Yes To the Dress” watching with Mrs Dana slowed down and as when asked later by the Left Lane what happened said something to the effect that “going through a right hander at the stop sign at 25 mph” was not necessarily high up there on his list of things to do this Sunday.  Well that little bit of a slow down was all the Left Lane needed to blow past Dana and Glenn who wasn’t sure what was going on and to run unfettered to victory for the greasy fried treat (the crowd going wild of course!!).

The Barrancas bridge was pretty much a nonevent with most of us taking the short cut out to the Bridge and Dana leading the  Hoagie, Glenn, and Brittnell the long way.  Us short riders got to the top and waited for the rest and only saw Danamal storming up the bridge toward us.  Apparently Jim headed home on the west side and I believe Glenn as well with Hoagie out of site at this time. 

The wind was most favorable as we headed home down Main Street including a trip around the new Ball Park then to Bayfront where Danamal went to the front and inflicted serious pain/spanking, kicking it up to the mid 20s as we turned into a strong crosswind and leading the group to the debriefing in Ritchie’s parking lot. 

Another great Sunday ride in the books whereupon the Hoagie and I headed up to Manor De Leftus Laneus for our Yuengling debriefing with the remainder of the Peloton even Johnny Bugno (who has been off the beer for a while and tipping the scales at 15lbs lighter) turning down a seat on the steps of the Manor.  Oh well more for The Left Lane and The Hoagie!!!

See, I told you so...these guys are wacko! But really fun to ride with. However, don't take my word for it, come on out this weekend and see for your own bad self. Great routes, great weather, great group equals just an okay time...NOT! You'll be glad you did! Hey, for all the details, check out the Rides Calendar at the bottom of this Blogazoidal. It's updated through Memorial Day weekend.

See you out on the road,

Bob