Summer Beckons

The Summer Solstice is this week.  We officially enter the Summer season on June 21.  Of course, we’ll be riding to celebrate the coming season tonight, as this is the Monday closest to the actual date.

It’s been a long and unusually temperate Spring, and now comes the Summer.  It’s time to get out and enjoy the road and trails in the good warm weather.

I’m wondering, just how many of you are contemplating a “staycation” this year?  Would anyone be interested in a bit of touring.  It’s economical and it’s fun.  We don’t have to commit to a long time of riding.  The occasional weekend, or even a well planned over-nighter might just be nice.

Here’s what’s on the plate for the near future.

Tonight!

Summer Solstice Seasonal Night Ride!

Where:  Fredrick Brown Amphitheater

When:  18 June 2012, starts at 7:30 P.M. (promptly!)

Distance:  Approx 45 miles

Duration/Pace:  About three hours to four hours, roughly 13 to 15 mph rolling average

Requirements:  Helmets (of course), Good strong lights that will last for 3 to 4 hours, strong tail light, reflective vest, reflective ankle bands, dress for weather.

This is the “original.”  We’ll go out and “beat the bounds.”  That means we’ll ride around the edges of our town’s “field” or “territory.  This was done in primitive times as a means of marking the bounds of the place where the “people” lived.  We do it as fun, and because we can.

We’ll be starting in the daylight, but it will get dark long before we get back.  It’s fun, and, while this is not strictly speaking, a “No Drop” ride, we promise, we won’t abandon anyone.

Pedal for Pets

Yes!  Southside Cycling Club is putting on their first annual organized ride.  The venue will be in Senoia, GA, and it will go on 14 July.  There will be three distance options, 35 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles.

I’m particularly excited about this one.  I’ve been working hard to develop the courses, and I must say these are some of the nicest, sweetest roads I’ve been on.

For more info, and to register, click Here

August (date to be determined)

Trip to the mountains.  We’ll be going up to ride the famous “South Triple Gap Loop.”  We’ll be using the “original” route, with the start and finish points in the center of Dahlonega.  53 miles, over 5,000 feet of gain.  Who’s in?

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s post.  It’s the next in new three year long series on developing as a cyclist.

Ride Report coming.  There will be a ride report on tonight’s Solstice Celebration Night Ride.  Look for it here, most likely next week.