Well, checking the weather forecast for the morning, it appears we have a 30% chance of a shower or two. (Or as the Bad Mayo would say; "Hey, that's a 70% chance that it won't rain...come on now!") Therefore, we are still headed out for a ride in the Twisted Hammock. (Sounds like the title to a cheap romance novel.) The temps will be in the high 40s at start warming to low 50s with cloudy skies. Maybe a Starbucks stop is in order. We can decide in the morning.
We will once again, have two routes for those of us who haven't been riding alot of miles this winter. The long route will take in the full Twisted Hammock and the short route will bypass the drop down into the webbed sling. Remember: "It's easier to get into the Hammock than it is to get out." The miles are about 55 for the long route and 45 for the short. We'll do our customary rest stop at the Beulah store, (with a plaque outside honoring Randy Reisch) and perhaps throw in the additional Starbucks stop if the peloton wills. If the skies don't dampen the spirits, it should be a good ride will a tailwind on the way home. (Oh yeah baby, Clydesdales love Tailwind Expresses! I'm just sayin'.)
See you at 8am in the morning at the Maygarden and Summit Launch Pad. (Uh, although in close proximity to the Pensacola Airport, it's not an actual launch pad...it's just a metaphor for where we start. If you don't know what a metaphor is, then it is an actual launch pad and you can sit and wait for the rockets to launch as the rest of us ride off to the Twisted Hammock.)
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Fort Pickens Here We Come!
Everyone looking forward to riding with the COUCs this weekend? If the weather is anything like it was this afternoon, then Katie bar the door! Man, it was beautiful! I think we clocked in at 76 degrees with nothing but sun to brighten the day! (Makes me feel bad for our cycling brethren in the New England area.)
So, here are the details for Saturday's ride:
Where: Fish and Wildlife
When: 8am
What: Fort Pickens Loop
Why: Because it's there (and we love to ride)
Who: You, that's who!
We will have two routes again this Saturday. The long route starts at Fish and Wildlife and is about 40 miles. The short route will begin approximately at 8:20am as the long route group passes by the start point for the short group. The short group will meet at the south end of 3 Mile Bridge in Gulf Breeze. The short route is about 34 miles.
Really looking forward to a ride with the Peloton Full O COUCs!
See you out on the road,
Bob
So, here are the details for Saturday's ride:
Where: Fish and Wildlife
When: 8am
What: Fort Pickens Loop
Why: Because it's there (and we love to ride)
Who: You, that's who!
We will have two routes again this Saturday. The long route starts at Fish and Wildlife and is about 40 miles. The short route will begin approximately at 8:20am as the long route group passes by the start point for the short group. The short group will meet at the south end of 3 Mile Bridge in Gulf Breeze. The short route is about 34 miles.
Really looking forward to a ride with the Peloton Full O COUCs!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, February 1, 2013
Modified Reverse Pine Forest With A Twist
Tomorrow morning's ride to celebrate whether you see your shadow or not, (if you don't know who Punxsutawney Phil is then never mind), looks to be another chilly one, at least at start time. I believe this is the first time ever we have actually had a ride scheduled on Ground Hog Day. If I'm wrong, forgive me...like it really matters to anyone except a few peculiar characters in a small town somewhere in Pennsylvania. Well, then again, we have several riders in that classification. (peculiar characters) Anyway, the temps are looking to be mid 40s at start, with a heat wave (not) arriving about midway through our ride, increasing the temperatures to mid 50s by the time we arrive back at the Maygarden and Summit launch pad. And nothing but bright sunshine! We will most definitely see our shadow!
For those curious ones among us, we are doing a new (modified) loop that has been entitled The Modified Reverse Pine Forest With A Twist. Otherwise known as The Modirepiforewat. (Say that three times fast!) We will once again have a long route of about 50 miles and a shorter loop that appears to be in the 40 to 43 mile range. The pace will be moderate until just before the rest stop, when tradition has it that the boys come out to play. After the rest stop, (Starbucks anyone?), the the two routes diverge. Both routes finish back at Maygarden and Summit. (About the same time, if Danamal and Happy have anything to say about it.) Which ever your liking tomorrow, should be good fun and plenty of exercise for the first ride of February!
Here's the details if you are too lazy to check out the Rides Calendar:
Time: 8am
Where: Maygarden and Summit
What: The Modirepiforewat (Sounds like a new frame for Fishbone)
Why: Because it's there!
Who: You, that's who!
See you out on the road,
Bob
For those curious ones among us, we are doing a new (modified) loop that has been entitled The Modified Reverse Pine Forest With A Twist. Otherwise known as The Modirepiforewat. (Say that three times fast!) We will once again have a long route of about 50 miles and a shorter loop that appears to be in the 40 to 43 mile range. The pace will be moderate until just before the rest stop, when tradition has it that the boys come out to play. After the rest stop, (Starbucks anyone?), the the two routes diverge. Both routes finish back at Maygarden and Summit. (About the same time, if Danamal and Happy have anything to say about it.) Which ever your liking tomorrow, should be good fun and plenty of exercise for the first ride of February!
Here's the details if you are too lazy to check out the Rides Calendar:
Time: 8am
Where: Maygarden and Summit
What: The Modirepiforewat (Sounds like a new frame for Fishbone)
Why: Because it's there!
Who: You, that's who!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, January 25, 2013
Every Ride Has It's Own Joys
So there I was, standing on the side of Davis Highway with traffic whizzing by. I had just had my third flat in three days! This flat was one of those loud "gunshot" type punctures. In fact, it made me kind of jump as I instinctively thought I was being shot at...dude, it's not funny! It's an awful feeling of vulnerability. I mean, where do you hide when you're on a bicycle wearing nothing but lycra?!
I dismount (equestrian term) my trusty steed to discover the tube had blown completely out of the tire and had wrapped itself around the frame several times. The rear wheel actually couldn't move more than an inch or so. Ah, so that's the reason the rear was fish tailing until I could bring the machine to a complete stop...I was sliding along Davis Highway on the bare metal rim! (Man, was I glad I wasn't riding carbon rims!)
It took a full five minutes and the encouragement of the gathering crowd round about me before finally freeing the imprisoned bike from the elastic bonds of the blown tube. I then quickly popped the tire off the rim and pulled the tube out and held it high for the fans to see. The sight was met with more than just a polite cheer!
I changed that tube in record time (as everyone wanted to help) and used one of my two CO2 cartridges to fill the limp rubber. I kept assuring them that I was used to changing tires and it would only take a minute..."and by the way, can I have that back now?!" With the tire back on the rim and the wheel back on the bike, I started to fill with air...
However, to my dismay, as soon as I had twisted (screw on type) the cylinder upon the valve it started releasing air too fast for me to get it on the stem to fill my tire. But, being the savvy rider that I am, I quickly picked up all my parts, debris and what was left of my pride and headed down the road on what had to be about 25psi. Once out of sight of my newly found "fanclub", I pulled over, used the second cartridge of CO2 from out of my saddle bag and made for home before one of the fans happened upon me and my true intent discovered.
The whole ride took about an hour and a half for a whopping 17 miles. It was exhausting nonetheless...
So, everyone ready for a romp on the Lillian Loop Express tomorrow?!
Here's the details:
Where: Fish and Wildlife
What: Lillian Loop
Distance: Long Route 55 miles; Short Route 43 miles
Pace: Moderate until the two groups separate then each group will determine it's own pace.
Who: Who dat? You dat!
Weather forecast looks real good with temps in the 60s with plenty of sunshine! We even have scheduled a Tailwind Express for the trip home! Hey, don't forget Mayo's Sunday Afternoon Madness Ride!
See you out on the road,
Bob
I dismount (equestrian term) my trusty steed to discover the tube had blown completely out of the tire and had wrapped itself around the frame several times. The rear wheel actually couldn't move more than an inch or so. Ah, so that's the reason the rear was fish tailing until I could bring the machine to a complete stop...I was sliding along Davis Highway on the bare metal rim! (Man, was I glad I wasn't riding carbon rims!)
It took a full five minutes and the encouragement of the gathering crowd round about me before finally freeing the imprisoned bike from the elastic bonds of the blown tube. I then quickly popped the tire off the rim and pulled the tube out and held it high for the fans to see. The sight was met with more than just a polite cheer!
I changed that tube in record time (as everyone wanted to help) and used one of my two CO2 cartridges to fill the limp rubber. I kept assuring them that I was used to changing tires and it would only take a minute..."and by the way, can I have that back now?!" With the tire back on the rim and the wheel back on the bike, I started to fill with air...
However, to my dismay, as soon as I had twisted (screw on type) the cylinder upon the valve it started releasing air too fast for me to get it on the stem to fill my tire. But, being the savvy rider that I am, I quickly picked up all my parts, debris and what was left of my pride and headed down the road on what had to be about 25psi. Once out of sight of my newly found "fanclub", I pulled over, used the second cartridge of CO2 from out of my saddle bag and made for home before one of the fans happened upon me and my true intent discovered.
The whole ride took about an hour and a half for a whopping 17 miles. It was exhausting nonetheless...
So, everyone ready for a romp on the Lillian Loop Express tomorrow?!
Here's the details:
Where: Fish and Wildlife
What: Lillian Loop
Distance: Long Route 55 miles; Short Route 43 miles
Pace: Moderate until the two groups separate then each group will determine it's own pace.
Who: Who dat? You dat!
Weather forecast looks real good with temps in the 60s with plenty of sunshine! We even have scheduled a Tailwind Express for the trip home! Hey, don't forget Mayo's Sunday Afternoon Madness Ride!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Chilly With A Starbucks!
So much for the warmer temps that we have enjoyed the last week or so...it's back to chilly weather for this Saturday's ride. However, with chilly, we get Starbucks! So, as of today, the weather forecast looks like 46 degrees at start time, warming to low 50s by the time we finish up.
The good news: sunshine aplenty!!!
We're doing the UWF/Scenic Hills Loop With A Twist. A 40 to 45 miler with a couple options for those who may want to go shorter. Here's the details:
Where: Maygarden and Summit
Time: 8am
Route: 35 or 45 miles
Pace: Moderate
Rest stop: Starbucks (Oh yeah baby!)
Who: You!
See you there but until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
The good news: sunshine aplenty!!!
We're doing the UWF/Scenic Hills Loop With A Twist. A 40 to 45 miler with a couple options for those who may want to go shorter. Here's the details:
Where: Maygarden and Summit
Time: 8am
Route: 35 or 45 miles
Pace: Moderate
Rest stop: Starbucks (Oh yeah baby!)
Who: You!
See you there but until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, January 11, 2013
No Tights Means Just Right!
The weather forecast for tomorrow morning's ride looks fantastic! Partly cloudy and upper 60s at go time and finishing with the temps right around 70! Come on somebody!
We were doing the Soundside Route, but since we just did Around the Sound, we figured maybe a change is in order. Therefore, the Innerarity Point Route was instituted but, (wait for it) looks like the winds are not favorable for the far west loop. So...let those who ride decide!
When you show up in the morning at 8am at Fish and Wildlife, you'll be handed a sealed ballot (not!) and asked to vote on any route you care to ride. Barring any hanging chads, we should be able to determine the route in short order and off we'll go. If you do Innerarity, we'll have a long and short route. Long is about 55 miles and the short is right around 42-43 miles.
Don't forget Bad Mayo's Sunday afternoon ride as well. This weather is unbestinkingleivable! I went out today for a 20 miler and rode in short sleeve jersey with shorts! Oh yeah baby, it was nice!
See you in the morning and as always, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
We were doing the Soundside Route, but since we just did Around the Sound, we figured maybe a change is in order. Therefore, the Innerarity Point Route was instituted but, (wait for it) looks like the winds are not favorable for the far west loop. So...let those who ride decide!
When you show up in the morning at 8am at Fish and Wildlife, you'll be handed a sealed ballot (not!) and asked to vote on any route you care to ride. Barring any hanging chads, we should be able to determine the route in short order and off we'll go. If you do Innerarity, we'll have a long and short route. Long is about 55 miles and the short is right around 42-43 miles.
Don't forget Bad Mayo's Sunday afternoon ride as well. This weather is unbestinkingleivable! I went out today for a 20 miler and rode in short sleeve jersey with shorts! Oh yeah baby, it was nice!
See you in the morning and as always, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, January 4, 2013
Tomorrow's Ride: Two Options
Happy New Year to everyone!
We had a fantastic New Year's weekend full of riding, ending one year and starting another. Can you believe it is 2013!? I can't...
Well, now we are off to the races (so to speak) and another wonderful 12 months of riding! I say that for those who are reading this from areas other than local. For many of our cycling brethren, the riding season lasts a mere few months. But, for us on the Gulf Coast, it is year round. Albeit sometimes a bit chilly as evidence by our last two rides! Tomorrow morning looks a tad bit nicer than last Saturday. And for those of you interested in riding, we will have two options. The two groups will stay together until the turn off of Mobile Highway to head down into the Hammock itself. At this point, the Long Group turns towards the Hammock and the Short Group stays straight to a right turn onto Beulah Road. The Short Group takes Kingsfield back and the Long Group takes Musgokee back. Here's the details:
Start Time: 8am
Location: Maygarden and Summit
Route: Twisted Hammock Loop
Miles: 45 for Short route; 58 for Long route
Pace: Short route is moderate; Long route is whatever the group decides
There has been a number ofwhiny concerns about the longer distances in the middle of winter so we are trying to accommodate as many sissy riders as we can. If you have any questions please contact the Ride Leader for that particular group.
LG: Danamal, Happy, Left Lane
SG: Crusher, Prenti, Vortex
See you out on the road,
Bob
We had a fantastic New Year's weekend full of riding, ending one year and starting another. Can you believe it is 2013!? I can't...
Well, now we are off to the races (so to speak) and another wonderful 12 months of riding! I say that for those who are reading this from areas other than local. For many of our cycling brethren, the riding season lasts a mere few months. But, for us on the Gulf Coast, it is year round. Albeit sometimes a bit chilly as evidence by our last two rides! Tomorrow morning looks a tad bit nicer than last Saturday. And for those of you interested in riding, we will have two options. The two groups will stay together until the turn off of Mobile Highway to head down into the Hammock itself. At this point, the Long Group turns towards the Hammock and the Short Group stays straight to a right turn onto Beulah Road. The Short Group takes Kingsfield back and the Long Group takes Musgokee back. Here's the details:
Start Time: 8am
Location: Maygarden and Summit
Route: Twisted Hammock Loop
Miles: 45 for Short route; 58 for Long route
Pace: Short route is moderate; Long route is whatever the group decides
There has been a number of
LG: Danamal, Happy, Left Lane
SG: Crusher, Prenti, Vortex
See you out on the road,
Bob
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