So we all assembled in front of the bike shop ready to ride. Present were: Bob Coup, Scott Rutkowski, Jim Peeks, Cindy Whitley, Deb Kalish, and your correspondent. Chris Muntzel was kind enough to ride escort with us for the first seven miles, then she had to return to town to attend to personal business.
The weather outlook was not unusual for a north Georgia, mid-Summer day, temps in the high 80s, partly cloudy, and the ever-present 20% rain chance. It was the kind of day that insisted on copious sunscreen use, and carry a rain jacket.
We pushed off pretty much on time and riders immediately encountered the first challenge of this route. As we proceed north on the Peachtree Parkway there is a series of big, long, steep hills. I hate to start a ride with a climb, but it’s almost unavoidable from this location. (The actual Audax Ride uses the one route that avoids the start off climb.) To do this right a rider must use a bit of discipline and consciously ride at a slower pace, staying aerobic while the body gradually warms and adapts to the task.
One of our group had to abandon. This happens sometimes. Every one of us will experience a rough day from time to time, and it’s good to have the wisdom to withdraw and “live to fight another day.”
The route for this tune up is deliberately hilly, but has two stops, spaced about equally along the way. We made good time through the first leg. Good time, but not great time, I should say. Deb Kalish experienced a tough mechanical. The shift cable for her rear derailleur snapped. Deb pressed on, with the rear of her driveline stuck in the highest possible gear. Ouch!
At the first store stop, I was able to limit Deb’s derailleur in the middle of the cassette. This gave her a two speed bike. She could only shift her front derailleur between the small and big chainrings. She elected to press on.
I would like, here and now to let it be known that Deb is now a candidate for my annual “John Wayne Iron Ass Award.” This honor is presented annually for persistence in cycling far beyond the call of lunacy. Deb finished the ride, while holding a tough and steady pace. Bravo!
I should also like to recognize Cindy for a solid effort. Cindy is relatively new to cycling and to group riding. She hung on, and persevered to the end. I believe this is the longest ride she has done to date. Kudos!
It was a happy, if somewhat tired group that returned to Peachtree City. We had pushed hard through the hills, and made up considerable time along the way. For those interested in numbers:
Distance: 44.5 miles
Total Time: 3:48:17
Time Stopped: 42 minutes
Rolling Average: 14.2 mph
Overall Average: 11.6 mph
The next Tune Up Ride will be on 10 August. It will follow the same route as today’s ride. Come join us.
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