Wow! What can I say? Last night’s Christmas Lights Road Ride was a delight! We had a large turnout. (I counted 22 riders.) I did not manage to get everyone’s names, so I’m not going to list anyone. (I don’t want to offer a slight, you were all there, and you were all great!)
Conditions: To begin with, it was a good bit warmer than expected. That was a plus. It was, of course, dark, but everyone was well lighted, and well reflectorized. It did not rain. Traffic was relatively light, and with only one rather brief incident, well behaved.
Two note on traffic: The incident was one obnoxious “bully” driver. He liked his horn, and engaged in a bit of “buzz driving.” The Police were notified. As for the rest, it was fun and amusing. Oncoming drivers, when confronted with a massive group of extremely well lighted riders, tend to slow down and pull to the left. They don’t know what we are, and they give us full use of the road. Following drivers, for the most part, seem to stay back until they have ample room to pass. All to the good.
Our route wound through the county, until we got onto Sandy Creek Road. The new construction on the “West Bypass” is a mess, but I’m proud to say that every rider negotiated it well and correctly. Intersection discipline was fair, especially for such a large group. We did have to wait and re-form several times, but this was accomplished almost seamlessly. (Bravo!)
We got through the entire night without a flat tire, or a “mechanical.” (YAY!)
Everyone seemed to enjoy the wonderfully gaudy display at the Gaddy property, and then we turned onto Adams Road.
On Adams, there are several individual displays that are well worth noting. They range from the professionally tasteful to the happily loud and bright.
Dogwood Road was a sort of quiet moment. There are a few good hills on this stretch, but the pace calmed a bit, and most managed to stay well together. Then came the turn onto the notorious Crabapple Lane! This road treats the riders to a half mile of unpaved road. The road condition was good. Surface hard packed, and the recent rains have washed most of the gravel off of the roadway. I’m happy to report that no one seemed to have any difficulty with this obstacle.
The group was a bit scattered after the dirt section, so we re-grouped at the end of Crabapple lane. Then, back inside Peachtree City, we rode through a couple of neighborhoods, with displays that ranged from bright and pretty, to purely beautiful, and even to extravagantly outrageous.
A bit more than two hours of good, relaxed pace riding, covered an official 25.3 miles, and brought us back, for the traditional end of ride toast in the parking lot. Good cheer and happy camaraderie marked the whole night.
All in all, this was one for the books. A most excellent ride! My deepest thanks and cheers to all!
Wonderful evening of riding with friends.
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