After a soggy Saturday, I hopped on the bike for 46 miles on Sunday. Awhile back I signed up to lead a ride for the GPBC -- a short, Sunday morning ride (9 a.m.) down to the Mill to get some java and chat with whoever wanted to come along. I had two takers -- an older lady on a Serotta road bike and a 20-something Air Force guy named JR on a Giant Hybrid (the brand, not the size -- although it was a huge frame). While we were waiting there at 27th St. bridge Gravy toodled by and greeted me with a "Happy Mother's Day" -- Gravy: first, I'm not a mother and secondly, I thought you were riding up to join my merry little group -- you so disappointed me.
We had a good time, although I'm the only one who swilled coffee. They both are looking for riders in their own category. She wants to find roadies who go slow (12 mph pace). He was looking for riding companions who go a little faster, but knows nothing about road bikes or group riding. I was telling them about my cycling experiences. Told the guy about the various, weekly group rides including the Wednesday ride and various bike clubs. Although, I recommended he get a used road bike if he wants to do the group thing.
Anyway after riding back to the starting point (27th St. bridge) I rode the trail loop out to 14th Pine Lake -- he'd never been on it before. Total: 20 miles and two cups of delicious coffee.
Sunday night was so nice outside I rode solo out to Sprague. Once I hit Saltillo, I discovered my rear rim is severly out of true. Gotta get that fixed. Mileage: 26. Average: 17 mph. And best of all -- no pain in the back of the knee! Really for the first time this spring, I felt good on the bike.
Riding solo is really different. I feel a lot more vulnerable. But its also a great way to get your thoughts together and really concentrate on your riding -- the cadence, shifting, how your body is feeling, etc.
8 comments:
Gravy does toodle! :) Toodly, toodle-loo!
And, I thought it was beautiful out on Sunday too, but when I went out in the mornin', it was mighty windy from the north. I had to work hard to get back to Pine lake off of 77 and 14th. I saw no other cyclists either, that late morning.
Zero miles for me this weekend - rain, graduation parties, and Mother's day pretty much killed any riding time I had. I have to make up for that this week.
Kevin, did you tell the lady about Mary T.?
Bob -- I think Mary's pace might be too fast. I did give her the name of another lady I know that might be compatible.
I love playing matchmaker.
Kevin, I was on my way home... and I heard you might be in the dog house for leading a ride on Mother's Day...
I actually rode more on Saturday than on Sunday.
Anyone riding tonight?
I'll be there tonight.
Gravy -- yeah, when I volunteered to lead the ride, I had no idea it was Mother's Day. I got off the hook, however, by serving the mrs. breakfast in bed before I left the house :)
In sports terminolgy, that's called rallying late to pull out a win. Thankyouverymuch.
Ha!
Post a Comment