...you wascally wabbit. (I'm using my best Elmer Fudd accent here) Because last night's WERAD was a cartoon. Plenty of comic relief.
Good group as we headed out on the Super Figure 8. It was hot to be sure, but not awful. The group pretty much stayed together until the Crit Loop when the boys cranked it up a bit. Seems there was a carrot they were chasing. It was...
Wait just a minute! My custom Blogazoidalizer has a ticker running at the bottom that only the Blogazoider can view as he is uh, blogazoiding. This ticker runs continuously as I write keeping me up to date with the latest breaking news. I receive the news minutes before it breaks to the news agencies around the globe. Just now...hold the phone...this is astounding!
The rides officials have handed down two remarkable decisions regarding last Saturday's controversial ride. I can't believe my eyes as I am reading this! But, apparently they have, for the first time ever, heard the united voice of the riders and handed down a decision in the riders favor. Wait just a minute...
I'm reading this as it comes across on my latest version of iTicker.
Yes! They have decided to remove the new software Pull-O-Meter (POM) from use on future rides! This program measured the time each rider spent at the front pulling the peloton. Evidently, they agreed that it was in fact micro-managing the group, just as the riders complained. This is a great victory for the riders! Certainly a day of rejoicing will ensue! There will no doubt be dancing in the streets of Anaerobiaville tonight! Certainly the bubbly will be flowing at Left Lane's house today. (Why should today be different then any other day?!) The developers of the POM, Phillips, Oliver and Matthews or POM, (thus the POM POM) could not be reached for comment.
Wow, no more POM POM award! This is remarkable news. Seems that the only winner ever is Ranoldo. What a unique distinction; the only wearer of the POM POM! When reached for comment and asked about the unprecedented decision, Ranoldo exclaimed, "Bummer!" Then after a few seconds expressed, "I am very proud to be the sole holder of the POM POMs. This is a great honor and I will try to live by example to my fellow riders."
Wait just a moment...here's comes the other decision...
Katie bar the door!!! They have handed down a verdict that has got to be seen as a very strong discouragement against the practice of Scofflawism within the peloton! They have decided against the Left Lane's appeal and will keep all the hidden cameras in place and in full use! They have even authorized their further use by implementing several more locations. (The locations however, are kept secret...uh, they are HIDDEN cameras.) I'm sure this amazing declaration by the ride officials will be met with mixed reviews by the riders. A few, to be sure, were in favor of the Rule of Scofflaw or ROS within the peloton. None more than the appealer himself, who uses ROS for all his breakaways. Perhaps not as many bubblies will be flowing tonight? (Well, probably, after all, it is the Left Lane.)
Unbestinkinglievable! Two most remarkable decisions handed down within the same day. Does this mark a more rider friendly officials committee? Does this mean the end of Scofflawism as we know it? Will it have to go even further underground? Only time will tell. I'm sure some of the scofflawyers are looking for loopholes already. (Why should they be...ah, never mind.)
Well, with that earth breaking news, who can even remember what happened on last night's WERAD?! Other than, Lawman won the sprint with the Big Hogie second and Crusher taking the bronze! Congrats to the winners!!! The Big Pull Bull award (no more POM POM) goes to Keith "Big Motor" Irwin!
Whew, what a day!!! Wonder what's on tap at the next stage hosting the cast of usual characters? We shall soon find out...less than 48 hours until we head out on the Saturday morning ride. This week we will start out together from Fish and Wildlife at 7am for the Innerarity Point route. The shorter route group will turn off at NAS for the NAS Back Door Loop. Both are great loops! The longer is about 50 or so miles and the shorter is just under 40 miles. Take your pick...just get out and ride!
Man, what a week...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
More Controversies!
The controversies rage on just like an angry peloton heading for the finish line on top of a mountain...one attack after another! Evidently, as indicated in the previous post, not all the riders are pleased with this new Pull-O-Meter technology. There are even comments regarding it's use in future Firestone and Summit rides. Several riders have expressed they don't like the "control freak" nature of the software stating they feel micro-managed. Others have refused to ever come to the front of the peloton for fear that they may be labeled a POM POM grabber. This new implementation of cutting edge technology has the entire peloton in an uproar and has caused the ride officials to call an emergency meeting. The results of which will be published here as soon as they become available. But, until then...
Back to live action:
The new Northwest Passage Loop was in fact a huge hit with the riders. The only complaint voiced to this point is it's a bit too short. Not to worry, the ride committee has created two other loops incorporating established routes and the NPL therefore bringing into being the Twisted Northwest Passage Loop or TNPL. We'll try one out in the near future.
Other than that one comment, the ride was fantastic. Great roads and a great group of riders. However, more controversy reared it's ugly head on the way back. It appears that Left Lane is claiming victory in the final sprint. However, some of the more prominent among us have cried foul. Here's the meat of the matter; Left Lane surged ahead on Johnston as the peloton was waiting for a few of the stragglers. He then gained an almost four minute advantage over the peloton in the final kilometers. This is almost unheard of. His accusers assert that he must have run through several red lights where the peloton had to stop. He vehemently argues that he did not violate one traffic law on his way to victory.
In fact here is his testimony in his own words:
The Left Lane is BACK!!!! Group had a most excellent ride Saturday with around 17 riders in all. The Northwest Passage loop was a really nice loop if a little short though. Only around 35 miles or so but with my ride to and from the house I ended up with around 43 miles.
Back to live action:
The new Northwest Passage Loop was in fact a huge hit with the riders. The only complaint voiced to this point is it's a bit too short. Not to worry, the ride committee has created two other loops incorporating established routes and the NPL therefore bringing into being the Twisted Northwest Passage Loop or TNPL. We'll try one out in the near future.
Other than that one comment, the ride was fantastic. Great roads and a great group of riders. However, more controversy reared it's ugly head on the way back. It appears that Left Lane is claiming victory in the final sprint. However, some of the more prominent among us have cried foul. Here's the meat of the matter; Left Lane surged ahead on Johnston as the peloton was waiting for a few of the stragglers. He then gained an almost four minute advantage over the peloton in the final kilometers. This is almost unheard of. His accusers assert that he must have run through several red lights where the peloton had to stop. He vehemently argues that he did not violate one traffic law on his way to victory.
In fact here is his testimony in his own words:
The Left Lane is BACK!!!! Group had a most excellent ride Saturday with around 17 riders in all. The Northwest Passage loop was a really nice loop if a little short though. Only around 35 miles or so but with my ride to and from the house I ended up with around 43 miles.
Anyway the new bike is paying dividends. Takes much less effort to hold the pace line and also much better going up hills. Although I struggled a little going up the longest hill of the day I was able to catch back up quickly and stayed with the leaders the whole ride until the Left Lane Broke Away!!! Coming out of Fox Run and crossing 9 mile road on Airport I took the pull not going very fast at all but after the downhill leading up to Johnson I had opened up a little gap on the peloton which was taking it easy, as I turned onto Johnson Avenue. I was still not riding hard and not planning a breakaway but as the gap I had got a little bigger and feeling good I decided to slam it down as I turned onto the stretch of Johnson at Jernigan that has the nice downhill then the uphill leading up to the cemetery.
Seeing that I had a considerable gap, as I am sure the peloton was organizing to chase, I kept riding hard and timed all the lights crossing University and Davis and opened quite a gap. I kept riding hard knowing that the boys don’t like to get beat by a breakaway. But this day the Left Lane prevailed getting in at Maygarden & Summitt ahead of the charging group. As I turned around heading back to the finish line Bob & Nathan were rolling in around only a ½ minute or so behind me. I yelled “nice second place” to the Vortex as he rolled up barely nipping Nathan. Hey, when you’re a 56 year old fat man with bad knees, you have take your little victories where you can!!
As I found out later Fishbone and 1 other rider (can’t remember who) had chased me but could not catch up and were spanked by the peloton as they were reeled in on Maygarden. There was talk of relegating the Left Lane for his usual flaunting of the traffic laws but none were needed this day. A good clean breakaway victory…besides no one was close enough to prove that I had ignored any such rules of the road. It’s kind of like that old saying…”If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to here it… did it really fall?”. Just another chapter to add to the Legend of the Left Lane!!
That's his side of the story...
Well, the ride officials have been requested by several of the "Heads of State" to review the video from the hidden cameras at the 5 intersections that Left Lane had to pass on his way to the alleged victory. Upon hearing their request, Left Lane exclaimed in anger, "That's Bogus man!" This was met with no small amount of suspicion from the ride officials wondering if, in fact, he had something to hide. This heightened Left Lane's consternation causing him to question the officials integrity. "I didn't see any stinking hidden cameras!", he barked at one reporter covering the story. Uh...that's because they're hidden!
Upon further review, it was discovered that the Left Lane had slowed, but not stopped at all five of the traffic lights. Two of the lights were green as he approached, one was yellow but two were actually red! The official decision was that he will not be relegated! However, he will be penalized 20 seconds for each red light he violated, therefore incurring a 40 second fine. The peloton came across the line 37 seconds behind Left Lane. With his 40 second penalty he now occupies a solid 3rd place behind Vortex and Nathan the Great-than.
When hearing this news, Left Lane demanded to see the tapes himself. However, to his disbelief, the ride officials had already destroyed them stated officially, "We don't want to spike the ball."
Ah yes, yet another controversy rages on within the humble peloton know only as the cast of unusual characters of The Firestone and Summit Group.
As a follow up, this reporter has learned that the Left Lane is appealing the decision demanding that, "Where there is no evidence there is no crime!" (He keeps mumbling something about a tree falling in the woods...)
Well, if you missed that ride...bummer! But, don't get too down on yourself, there's another ride tonight and tomorrow evening as well. And, I'm sure there will be plenty on antics to go around for all. So come on out and enjoy a ride on the F&S Express. (Check the Rides Calendar for all scheduled departures times) Until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A New Loop And A New Award!
Huge group this morning as we left from Firestone and Summit under sunny skies. Most of the regulars were in the peloton finding their place in the paceline for this moderately paced 45 miler. Several were taking short pulls on Spanish, Creighton, Olive and Johnson. Everyone was wanting some press time because the ride officials had implemented a new computer program to calculate the percentage of time each rider was pulling at the front. These numbers were to figure in heavily on who is awarded the Big Pull Bull award at the conclusion on today's ride.
Representatives of Phillips, Oliver and Matthews, (POM) the developers of this new software, were on hand to insure it's proper use as well as trouble shoot any potential problems. This new technology is called the Pull-O-Meter or POM and is absolutely cutting edge. It measures to the 1,000th of a second, the time each rider spends on the front pulling the peloton down the road. Then automatically calculates the percentage of total time as compared to the other riders that spend time at the front. (You probably saw this software in use during the recent Tour action.)
In honor of it's inaugural use in the United States the developers coupled with the ride officials have created an award worthy of the beast that wins it. This strong rider spent more time at the front pulling than any other rider during today's event. This coveted award, presented by the CEO of POM and on the behalf of the Pull-O-Meter research and development team is entitled The POM POM Trophy and comes with a cheerleading squad to ride alongside of the winner on the very next POM sponsored ride.
Here are the top 3 finishers in today's Pom Pom competition with their percentages of time at the front tugging on the F&S peloton:
3rd Place: Prentiss "The Elder Half of the Prenti" or "EHOP" Berry...............................17%
2nd Place: Tim "Crusher" Fox..................................................................................................21%
1st Place: Randy "Ranoldo" Riche.........................................................................................33%
Congratulations to Ranoldo for his first ever POM POM award!!! I'm sure he is very proud of his prize. Colorful too! In addition he also grabbed the Big Pull Bull (BPB) award! The man is a beast on bike. (BOB)
Once the award was presented however, several of the more macho riders breathed a sigh of relief that they had sucked wheel through most today's ride. "You'll never see me at the front!" one rider exclaimed under condition of anonymity. "What's he going to do with that thing, wear it? I wouldn't even hang it in my shed." However, in the post ride press conference, Ranoldo seemed delighted with the acknowledgement of his hard work. "This is one beautiful award and will take a prominent place with all my other pulling awards."
Well, for one, this rider can't be more pleased that the POM company awarded it's POM POM...to another rider! Geeez, what's next?!
How about an easy paced ride tomorrow at 3pm at Firestone and Summit! This recovery ride will be about 25 miles long and most likely we'll do some variation of the Manssiere Loop. (Home of the Bro) Look forward to seeing you there. And, as always, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Representatives of Phillips, Oliver and Matthews, (POM) the developers of this new software, were on hand to insure it's proper use as well as trouble shoot any potential problems. This new technology is called the Pull-O-Meter or POM and is absolutely cutting edge. It measures to the 1,000th of a second, the time each rider spends on the front pulling the peloton down the road. Then automatically calculates the percentage of total time as compared to the other riders that spend time at the front. (You probably saw this software in use during the recent Tour action.)
In honor of it's inaugural use in the United States the developers coupled with the ride officials have created an award worthy of the beast that wins it. This strong rider spent more time at the front pulling than any other rider during today's event. This coveted award, presented by the CEO of POM and on the behalf of the Pull-O-Meter research and development team is entitled The POM POM Trophy and comes with a cheerleading squad to ride alongside of the winner on the very next POM sponsored ride.
Here are the top 3 finishers in today's Pom Pom competition with their percentages of time at the front tugging on the F&S peloton:
3rd Place: Prentiss "The Elder Half of the Prenti" or "EHOP" Berry...............................17%
2nd Place: Tim "Crusher" Fox..................................................................................................21%
1st Place: Randy "Ranoldo" Riche.........................................................................................33%
Congratulations to Ranoldo for his first ever POM POM award!!! I'm sure he is very proud of his prize. Colorful too! In addition he also grabbed the Big Pull Bull (BPB) award! The man is a beast on bike. (BOB)
Once the award was presented however, several of the more macho riders breathed a sigh of relief that they had sucked wheel through most today's ride. "You'll never see me at the front!" one rider exclaimed under condition of anonymity. "What's he going to do with that thing, wear it? I wouldn't even hang it in my shed." However, in the post ride press conference, Ranoldo seemed delighted with the acknowledgement of his hard work. "This is one beautiful award and will take a prominent place with all my other pulling awards."
Well, for one, this rider can't be more pleased that the POM company awarded it's POM POM...to another rider! Geeez, what's next?!
How about an easy paced ride tomorrow at 3pm at Firestone and Summit! This recovery ride will be about 25 miles long and most likely we'll do some variation of the Manssiere Loop. (Home of the Bro) Look forward to seeing you there. And, as always, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, July 29, 2011
Another Adventurous WERAD...and a Schedule Change
Well, that was one WERAD for the books! Big group even with a few of the notables missing. The pace was blistering and the antics nonstop! Except for an ill timed flat, (is there ever a good time for one of those?), I haven't had that much fun since Aero Jim was trying out his pistons of power (POP) on Fort Pickens Road. (I just love this kind of stuff!) However, having flatted within the last 3 kilometers, I get the same time as the peloton. Since not having been there for the final antics along Maygarden, the Left Lane will give his color commentary. But first, a word from our sponsor...oops, I mean, a bit of housekeeping, i.e. a Schedule Change...route only!
Tomorrow we will have a schedule change. Time and start location will remain the same, only the route will change. We will be attempting a brand new route. The Northwest Passage Loop. (NPL) Not to be confused with NPR...uh, never mind. (Having been raised in the DC area, this acronym thing is really a curse.) This daunting 45 miler has everything to intimidate even the most seasoned of riders, yet it is as harmless as a kitten...if not playful. (Here kitty kitty) Great roads with a few medium hills and lots of long flat stretches to rev up the pistons. We will have one scheduled rest stop to fill the bottles and tell stories. The pace will be moderate as the shorter and longer groups will stay together for this new addition to the massive route digest which is the Firestone and Summit Arsenal of Routes. (FASAOR) Sorry, I can't help myself.
We pick up our commentary already in progress:
The view from the Left Lane, (scary thought)
Great WERAD yesterday, should have been there!!! Good turnout with the Vortex, Bugno, Semper Cy, Bad Mayonaisse, Danger Sharp, The Count of Fishbone (We’re Not Worthy!!!), Chuck (without his MUCH better half Sandy) Nathan, Mark Brill, Woody & Carol Ann, we picked up Nate around the Airport, yours truly The Left Lane, a new guy who asked if we did not mind if we picked him up as a straggler (Straggler… for sure…young skinny guy around 35 with shaved legs) and maybe a couple others. Cut me some slack if I forgot someone as I slip into senility!!!
Hope to see everyone there in the morning! But until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tomorrow we will have a schedule change. Time and start location will remain the same, only the route will change. We will be attempting a brand new route. The Northwest Passage Loop. (NPL) Not to be confused with NPR...uh, never mind. (Having been raised in the DC area, this acronym thing is really a curse.) This daunting 45 miler has everything to intimidate even the most seasoned of riders, yet it is as harmless as a kitten...if not playful. (Here kitty kitty) Great roads with a few medium hills and lots of long flat stretches to rev up the pistons. We will have one scheduled rest stop to fill the bottles and tell stories. The pace will be moderate as the shorter and longer groups will stay together for this new addition to the massive route digest which is the Firestone and Summit Arsenal of Routes. (FASAOR) Sorry, I can't help myself.
We pick up our commentary already in progress:
The view from the Left Lane, (scary thought)
Great WERAD yesterday, should have been there!!! Good turnout with the Vortex, Bugno, Semper Cy, Bad Mayonaisse, Danger Sharp, The Count of Fishbone (We’re Not Worthy!!!), Chuck (without his MUCH better half Sandy) Nathan, Mark Brill, Woody & Carol Ann, we picked up Nate around the Airport, yours truly The Left Lane, a new guy who asked if we did not mind if we picked him up as a straggler (Straggler… for sure…young skinny guy around 35 with shaved legs) and maybe a couple others. Cut me some slack if I forgot someone as I slip into senility!!!
Pace was fairly quick from the start with the Vortex and Fishbone carrying on an extended conversation (it was like they were on a date or something!!) at the front of the double pace line until we got within a few blocks of our turn onto Langley for the first time. This first trip up Langley was mainly into the wind so the usual hammerfest did not materialize and the group stayed together as we went up Spanish and then to the Crit Loop through the neighborhood which started out at a reasonable pace until The Vortex went to the front and bumped the pace up above 25 as we neared the turn on Scenic Highway. We slammed it hard up to our turn back into the neighborhood and all the way through the Crit Loop. The Left Lane held on to the leaders on his new Cervelo and when everyone was sitting up just near the end I slammed it down trying to be first to Spanish Trail for the first time on the Crit Loop. Of course the Vortex and Fishbone would have none of that and nipped me just as we reached Spanish Trail. Oh well…one day!!
We regrouped and Nate did most of the pull up the first long straight after crossing 9th avenue and then the hammerfests began in earnest on Burgess as The Vortex went to the front and kicked the pace up close to 30mph. That’s what I call softening up the peloton!! Everyone regrouped as we came up to 9th Avenue and the Langley Maygarden Loop.
On Langley a small group of around 4 riders got ahead including I believe Nathan, Nate, Fishbone, Mark & Danger Sharp with the second group with Gianni Bugno pulling hard at around 25 and reeling in the lead group which was around 30 yards ahead. As we were gaining Vortex came to the front of the Chase Group to pull back the leaders but immediately pulled up with a tire going down. Bugno pulled up as well to help Vortex and Semper Cy started looking back over his left shoulder and almost pinched The Left Lane off the road to the right as I was shouting at him and he corrected just in time. Bugno & Vortex were out and Semper Cy got it back in gear pulling me and Chuck and others toward the lead group whose lead had grown with the slow down caused by Vortex & Bugno pulling out. Semper Cy chased them down by the light pulling the rest of us back up to the group. But as we were taking the turn those of us who had just caught up had to wait for some right turning cars and the lead group gapped us again as we turned onto Spanish Trail. Chuck and I had used up a little too much getting back up to the lead group the first time and could not quite close the gap this second time as we turned onto Maygarden. Chuck put it down hard and almost got us back up to the lead group of around 5 or 6 riders but as we neared the air terminal our chase was futile and we watched the leaders move off ahead. Chuck kept chasing hard and Danger and I were back a ways as our gas tanks neared empty. Did not see the finish but I am sure it was exciting. Will have to get the details of the finish from someone who “was there”!!
Mark "The Thrill" Brill pulled off his first ever F&S win! Congrats to The Thrill. As they approached the last 200 meters he jumped the rest of the survivors who were overheard singing, "The Thrill is gone, the Thrill is gone away..."
Hope to see everyone there in the morning! But until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wet and Wild!
That's a fair description of Saturday's ride to Fort Pickens...wet and wild! However, it didn't start out that way, nope, it was actually a nice morning with a few clouds on the horizon over the Gulf. We had quite a large group as we started across 3 Mile Bridge and picked up a few more in Gulf Breeze. The pace was a bit on the frisky side as the boys had evidently been watching Le Tour.
The loop through GB saw Semper Cy on the nose keeping the pace hovering around 20mph. A few others, Left Lane, Ranoldo and Gianni decided to follow his example tickling the low 20s. Once over the Bob (Pyches) Sikes Bridge things were getting a bit serious with Aero Jim Britnell pushing things into the mid 20s. However, word from the back came that Crusher had broken (crushed ) yet another component on his Trek Madone. This time a rear spoke. The peloton waited for several minutes for him at the Holiday Inn, but no Crusher appeared. Vortex headed back on a search and rescue mission, admonishing the peloton to carry on.
Vortex found Crusher on the side of the road trying to fix what was in deed a broken spoke. There was actually a full inch of spoke missing! Never seen that before! Both riders tried in vain to adjust the neighboring spokes so Crusher could continue the ride. However, it was determined that Vortex's spoke wrench was too large for the Crusher's tiny spokes on his fancy carbon rims! (Never seen spokes that small under a big Clydesdale.) Crusher finally decided it was time to head back to the barn and encouraged Vortex to continue on, which he did.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch;
The peloton was hammering towards the infamous Brick Wall Sprint into a nasty headwind. Apparently, Aero Jim had the bit between the teeth and pretty much dropped the group. As the sprint for second came along 17 minutes later, (just kidding) Lawman took it out throwing down a huge surge at the line, beating out all others...uh, nobody else was interested. The peloton regrouped in Fort Pickens awaiting the return of the Vortex and Crusher. (Little did they know Crusher was on his way home and Vortex was doing a solo time trial into that headwind down Fort Pickens Road.
Halfway to the Fort, Vortex, in his own world of pain, sees a lone figure on a bike heading towards him. With eyes blurred and sunglasses smeared he makes out what appears to be the figure of a cyclist suffering like a dog...with a tailwind mind you. As he gets closer he determines it can be none other than the hunched over encrustation of the climbing curmudgeon himself, Coolio! The two pass by like two ships in the night saying nothing but wondering all kinds of things. Whaaat? Why? How? Off he rides as Vortex continues on in search of the peloton.
Just a few meters through the Brick Wall and the peloton appears, already headed for home. A quick U turn and the Vortex is back in the fold for the ride home. Or should it be called race home?! Aero Jim is back on the nose and he's opened up his suitcase of pain and is sharing his dirty laundry with the entire peloton as he keeps it pegged between 28 and 30mph!!! And when it rains, it pours. No, literally...it starts raining. Now the peloton was wet and wild! Aero Jim stayed on the nose all the way until the gate, at which point the pace became much more civil, (mid 20s). We stopped at Tom Thumb for some much needed R&R... and to tell Aero Jim stories.
The pace was moderate on the way home with no real antics to report...well, maybe one. It appears that Gianni and Lawman got kind of tied up together and ended up on the floor...at slow speeds. Actually, I believe Lawman ended up in the grass. It's a bit confusing as to what, in fact, happened. But here's Gianni's report in his own words:
That Gianni, what a character. He was probably trying some Thor Hushovd move changing his shoes on the fly. Well, what should we expect, the whole peloton is full of characters. And tonight's WERAD should be full of something as well. Hopefully you! See you there, and...
See you out on the road,
Bob
The loop through GB saw Semper Cy on the nose keeping the pace hovering around 20mph. A few others, Left Lane, Ranoldo and Gianni decided to follow his example tickling the low 20s. Once over the Bob (Pyches) Sikes Bridge things were getting a bit serious with Aero Jim Britnell pushing things into the mid 20s. However, word from the back came that Crusher had broken (crushed ) yet another component on his Trek Madone. This time a rear spoke. The peloton waited for several minutes for him at the Holiday Inn, but no Crusher appeared. Vortex headed back on a search and rescue mission, admonishing the peloton to carry on.
Vortex found Crusher on the side of the road trying to fix what was in deed a broken spoke. There was actually a full inch of spoke missing! Never seen that before! Both riders tried in vain to adjust the neighboring spokes so Crusher could continue the ride. However, it was determined that Vortex's spoke wrench was too large for the Crusher's tiny spokes on his fancy carbon rims! (Never seen spokes that small under a big Clydesdale.) Crusher finally decided it was time to head back to the barn and encouraged Vortex to continue on, which he did.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch;
The peloton was hammering towards the infamous Brick Wall Sprint into a nasty headwind. Apparently, Aero Jim had the bit between the teeth and pretty much dropped the group. As the sprint for second came along 17 minutes later, (just kidding) Lawman took it out throwing down a huge surge at the line, beating out all others...uh, nobody else was interested. The peloton regrouped in Fort Pickens awaiting the return of the Vortex and Crusher. (Little did they know Crusher was on his way home and Vortex was doing a solo time trial into that headwind down Fort Pickens Road.
Halfway to the Fort, Vortex, in his own world of pain, sees a lone figure on a bike heading towards him. With eyes blurred and sunglasses smeared he makes out what appears to be the figure of a cyclist suffering like a dog...with a tailwind mind you. As he gets closer he determines it can be none other than the hunched over encrustation of the climbing curmudgeon himself, Coolio! The two pass by like two ships in the night saying nothing but wondering all kinds of things. Whaaat? Why? How? Off he rides as Vortex continues on in search of the peloton.
Just a few meters through the Brick Wall and the peloton appears, already headed for home. A quick U turn and the Vortex is back in the fold for the ride home. Or should it be called race home?! Aero Jim is back on the nose and he's opened up his suitcase of pain and is sharing his dirty laundry with the entire peloton as he keeps it pegged between 28 and 30mph!!! And when it rains, it pours. No, literally...it starts raining. Now the peloton was wet and wild! Aero Jim stayed on the nose all the way until the gate, at which point the pace became much more civil, (mid 20s). We stopped at Tom Thumb for some much needed R&R... and to tell Aero Jim stories.
The pace was moderate on the way home with no real antics to report...well, maybe one. It appears that Gianni and Lawman got kind of tied up together and ended up on the floor...at slow speeds. Actually, I believe Lawman ended up in the grass. It's a bit confusing as to what, in fact, happened. But here's Gianni's report in his own words:
Sorry I missed the end-of-the-ride antics. Had a bit of a mishap coming off the beach. Came through the light by Flounders, had some trouble getting my left shoe clipped in. Suddenly, the heel of my shoe caught in the back wheel and jammed, locking up the wheel. As I came unintentionally skidding to a stop, I still could not get my shoe free, and tipped right over in the middle of the lane. Lawman Dave, narrowly avoiding me from behind, went down in the gutter, rolling off in the grass. Almost felt like I was right there in the Tour, with bikes flying everywhere! We picked ourselves and our trusty steeds up and began assessing the damage. Bodies: minor abrasions; machines: no visible damage; my pride: destroyed. My friend Peter was there with us, and the 3 of us pressed on straight through Gulf Breeze. I think we ended up in front of the group, and just pressed on home. Could have been worse, so I guess it turned ok in the end. |
That Gianni, what a character. He was probably trying some Thor Hushovd move changing his shoes on the fly. Well, what should we expect, the whole peloton is full of characters. And tonight's WERAD should be full of something as well. Hopefully you! See you there, and...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Fort Pickens Loop It Is!
Well, after checking the weather forecast a few times for wind direction, etc, looks like the Fort Pickens Loop is a go for tomorrow! We will start at 7am from Fish and Wildlife for this 45 miler. The pace will be moderate as both the longer route guys will be riding alongside the shorter route dudes. We will have one scheduled rest stop to fill the tanks and tell stories. (There will be a regrouping after the Brick Wall Sprint as well) Please bring $3 just in case we don't have enough passes to get everyone in "free".
If you want to start on the south side of 3 Mile Bridge in Gulf Breeze, we should be cruising through about 7:20am. Please be ready, as we won't stop but just slow down to pick the riders.
We should be home with plenty of time to watch the front contenders launch for the Time Trial from Grenoble in Le Tour de France. This will decide it! It has, in fact been one of the most exciting Tours this rider has seen in many years. Good fun!
Sunday, we will try to ride, weather permitting, the UWF/Scenic Hills loop at 3pm from Firestone and Summit. The pace will be easy to moderate for this 35 mile ride in the hills. Come on!
Last Wednesday evening's ride with the Wheelmen was a lot of fun. We had a huge group of riders. Several F&S guys showed up as well. Nothing really exciting to report...except we almost lost Gianni on Scenic Hwy, (don't ask) needless to say it was very scary!
Weather permitting, I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning. Until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
If you want to start on the south side of 3 Mile Bridge in Gulf Breeze, we should be cruising through about 7:20am. Please be ready, as we won't stop but just slow down to pick the riders.
We should be home with plenty of time to watch the front contenders launch for the Time Trial from Grenoble in Le Tour de France. This will decide it! It has, in fact been one of the most exciting Tours this rider has seen in many years. Good fun!
Sunday, we will try to ride, weather permitting, the UWF/Scenic Hills loop at 3pm from Firestone and Summit. The pace will be easy to moderate for this 35 mile ride in the hills. Come on!
Last Wednesday evening's ride with the Wheelmen was a lot of fun. We had a huge group of riders. Several F&S guys showed up as well. Nothing really exciting to report...except we almost lost Gianni on Scenic Hwy, (don't ask) needless to say it was very scary!
Weather permitting, I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning. Until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Better Weather for Riding This Week
What a wild and wet weekend! For those of you not able, perhaps wisely so, the Full Moon Ride saw a wet peloton with no sunset and no full moon! However, it was a very pleasant ride down to the Fort and a slightly faster cruise back to Casino Beach. We were soaked to the bone. The ride wasn't without controversy though. There was a disagreement as to who won the Brick Wall Sprint. Crusher and Vortex were the only two meatheads silly enough to try for the (wet) prize. They came across the line in a virtual tie, however within seconds, Crusher was hoisting the victor's cup while still in the saddle. Vortex disagreed with the self-proclamation, claiming he was indeed the conqueror.
Then, to add more confusion to the proceedings that followed, Vortex asserts that the big Clydesdale should be relegated because he was on the left side of the double yellow lines. Crusher was incredulous that the smaller versioned Vortex (Vortex2) would throw down the "R" word without just cause. (This was reminiscent of the infamous Bad Mayonnaise/Danger Sharpe controversy from last year's Pensacola Cycling Classic that still rages on to this day.) However, Friday's incident was followed by a judgement from the race officials, Gianni Bugno himself, writing the opinion, "Left Lane rides on the left side of the double yellow as a matter of course, so there will be no relegation in this particular incident." (That Gianni, he's so articulate!) Therefore, the BWS was awarded to the big Clydesdale boy, Crusher! In a Contanasty like response, Vortex was seen throwing his machine in disgust!
That was one wet and wild controversy...and ride!
However, as I understand it, that was just an hors d'oeuvers for the main course Saturday morning. If Friday evening was the cup of chowder, then Saturday morning was the whole kettle of fish itself. Although, I wasn't there, (one of the few good decisions I've made in some time), I have heard that it was like riding in Ivan himself. Well, maybe that's a bit over dramatic, but suffice it to say, uh...does the word "drenched" mean anything to you? In other words, Coolio would have stayed in bed.
And, to top it all off, I understand in the midst of the tropical storm, nobody showed up for Sunday's ride. Go figure.
But, look what we have for the week ahead! Beautiful weather and great rides planned for tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight we will be heading out from Firestone and Summit at 6pm for a 20 miler or so at an easy to moderate pace.
Tomorrow evening is WERAD! However, we are meeting with the West Florida Wheelmen for their ride at 5:30pm at WSRE parking lot on the campus of Pensacola State College.
(That's WERAD at WSRE with WFW...got it?!)
Their loop is about 22 miles or so. Pace will be moderate to very fast, depending on which bunch your riding in. Afterwards, some will be hanging at Kooter Brown's to watch the stage of Le Tour de France and have some refreshments. Come on somebody!!!
Saturday we will be meeting at Fish and Wildlife for either a ride to Fort Pickens or a loop down Soundside. (We'll check the wind direction as the day draws nearer.) Sunday will see the peloton trying once again to accomplish the group fave UWF/Scenic Hills Loop.
Great rides all week to match the great weather! Come on out everyone and enjoy some fun with the cast of unusual charters that make up the Firestone and Summit peloton! Until our next rendevous avec douleur, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Then, to add more confusion to the proceedings that followed, Vortex asserts that the big Clydesdale should be relegated because he was on the left side of the double yellow lines. Crusher was incredulous that the smaller versioned Vortex (Vortex2) would throw down the "R" word without just cause. (This was reminiscent of the infamous Bad Mayonnaise/Danger Sharpe controversy from last year's Pensacola Cycling Classic that still rages on to this day.) However, Friday's incident was followed by a judgement from the race officials, Gianni Bugno himself, writing the opinion, "Left Lane rides on the left side of the double yellow as a matter of course, so there will be no relegation in this particular incident." (That Gianni, he's so articulate!) Therefore, the BWS was awarded to the big Clydesdale boy, Crusher! In a Contanasty like response, Vortex was seen throwing his machine in disgust!
That was one wet and wild controversy...and ride!
However, as I understand it, that was just an hors d'oeuvers for the main course Saturday morning. If Friday evening was the cup of chowder, then Saturday morning was the whole kettle of fish itself. Although, I wasn't there, (one of the few good decisions I've made in some time), I have heard that it was like riding in Ivan himself. Well, maybe that's a bit over dramatic, but suffice it to say, uh...does the word "drenched" mean anything to you? In other words, Coolio would have stayed in bed.
And, to top it all off, I understand in the midst of the tropical storm, nobody showed up for Sunday's ride. Go figure.
But, look what we have for the week ahead! Beautiful weather and great rides planned for tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight we will be heading out from Firestone and Summit at 6pm for a 20 miler or so at an easy to moderate pace.
Tomorrow evening is WERAD! However, we are meeting with the West Florida Wheelmen for their ride at 5:30pm at WSRE parking lot on the campus of Pensacola State College.
(That's WERAD at WSRE with WFW...got it?!)
Their loop is about 22 miles or so. Pace will be moderate to very fast, depending on which bunch your riding in. Afterwards, some will be hanging at Kooter Brown's to watch the stage of Le Tour de France and have some refreshments. Come on somebody!!!
Saturday we will be meeting at Fish and Wildlife for either a ride to Fort Pickens or a loop down Soundside. (We'll check the wind direction as the day draws nearer.) Sunday will see the peloton trying once again to accomplish the group fave UWF/Scenic Hills Loop.
Great rides all week to match the great weather! Come on out everyone and enjoy some fun with the cast of unusual charters that make up the Firestone and Summit peloton! Until our next rendevous avec douleur, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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