We drove the 3 1/2 hours down on Friday morning to meet up for our noon ride. The plan for Friday was a relatively 'easy' 40 mile ride to Bald Knob, an impressive hill with a giant truss cross on the top. Large signs warn that the cross could fall any moment due to structural instability. It was still standing when we left. We rode at a moderate pace most of the way to the big climb with many stops to regroup. On the big climb to the Knob I got dropped like a rock by strong men Jason, Jay, and Martin.
The big ride was Saturday to Golconda, a small town on the Ohio River, and back to Valley View. How small is Golconda? Small enough that there's no bridge to cross the river into Kentucky. We started off with a group of about 20 with blue skies, 45-50ish degrees, and a slight wind.
At mile 20, I was feeling sprightly enough for a self-portrait riding the warmup hill after our first stop. I wore a wool base layer, wool sweater, and my jersey. The other guys ragged on me the whole ride about how hot I should have been. Maybe I didn't notice because I was so worn out, or maybe I was slightly dehydrated. Neither of the stops at 20 and 40 miles had any water, so I had to beg a swig off Luke in Eddyville (mile 40). At Golconda, I drank about 2 bottles in the bathroom and left with 2 full bottles. I rejoiced greatly at mile 80 when Jay requested a stop to get more water.
Now you might know that winters tend to be cold in the midwest, so generally cyclists take it easy and gain some holiday weight. The 5 other guys I rode with the whole route did not follow this custom. On the flats and rollers, I hid in their draft without problems. The long, steep hills revealed the truth, though. I was clearly the slowest. The strong 5 graciously waited up for me at the tops.My view for most of the ride.
While I was being ground into a woolly blob, Jill and Clara took a couple rides in the nearby valleys. When we ride together, we stop at nice places and take photos and eat good food at places like the cafe in Cobden. With the racers, the stops are at convenience stores. My lunch was banana nut muffins, fig newtons, and peanut M&Ms.
While I was being ground into a woolly blob, Jill and Clara took a couple rides in the nearby valleys. When we ride together, we stop at nice places and take photos and eat good food at places like the cafe in Cobden. With the racers, the stops are at convenience stores. My lunch was banana nut muffins, fig newtons, and peanut M&Ms. Clara, as per usual, was a big hit with the patrons of the cafe in Cobden. In fact, she was a hit with the team as well, as she and Jill won a Wild Card mug for 'most supportive family' on the team.
Lots of rain on Sunday, so only the hearty rode. I saw Scott, who had to work on Friday, take off wearing rain gear. The rest of us headed back home. We took a short detour to Ferne Clyffe state park, which in fact has a cliff and a lovely lake.
I should add that the roads were generally excellent, and the drivers were quite courteous, despite the lack of other cyclists in the area. Perhaps they were enjoying the wine trail enough to not be bothered by us.
Lots of rain on Sunday, so only the hearty rode. I saw Scott, who had to work on Friday, take off wearing rain gear. The rest of us headed back home. We took a short detour to Ferne Clyffe state park, which in fact has a cliff and a lovely lake.
I should add that the roads were generally excellent, and the drivers were quite courteous, despite the lack of other cyclists in the area. Perhaps they were enjoying the wine trail enough to not be bothered by us.
No comments:
Post a Comment