What truly amazing weather we have just had. To be gifted with this in August is especially nice. The weekend felt more like mid-October than mid-Summer. Wow!
It was a bit cloudy when we started, with the temp in the high seventies. As we rode the skies cleared to a fantastic cloudscape, with the temps staying reasonable and the humidity remaining pleasantly low.
This loop is, by design, quite hilly. It's intended to be a bit more difficult terrain than most of the actual Audax Ride. On the other hand, the route rewards. There are plenty of vistas, and quite a few pleasant stretches of scenery. The recent rains, along with the "high summer" sunshine has brought the foliage to a lush green beauty.
The group was a decent size for one of these things, with ten of us, Bill, Bob, Cindy, Chris, Deb, Kelvin, Matt, Roxanne, Scott, and I all out for a good Sunday ride. I’m happy to report that all ten of us started and finished the ride. The group accomplished the (sometimes challenging) task of staying grouped throughout the afternoon.
I’m always gratified when new riders come along on one of these, but especially so when the new rider is a new rider. Matt is pretty much new to all of this. He hasn’t ridden in a group before, and his longest ride to date was “about 20 miles.” I should say he acquitted himself admirably. Matt is getting ready for the MS 150 at Pine Mountain in September. He made a welcome addition to our number. Way to go, Matt.
Roxanne was new to us, but has been riding for quite some time. She came along on her road bike. (Some folks didn’t know that she even owned such a thing.) Roxanne, I should mention, was geared pretty high, and this is a hilly loop. She did quite well. Bravo!
Pretty much everyone had some challenge or other to deal with. I’m happy to say all did very well. We didn’t manage to make either of the two “power runs” I can usually lead on this loop, but on the other hand, the overall average was higher than it has been in the past. That indicates a more consistent ride on the road, and good discipline at the stops. Kudos to all! And to all, Bon chance, et Bon route!
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