MS 150 ride write-up ( a Novel ) by Kevin Smit

Kevin and and Theresa were fortunate enough to have great neighbors who were thinking of them when they learned that a room at the Sheraton in New Bern had been freed up. The Smits immediately asked to be put on the confirmation list for the room. They then canceled the reservation they had in Oriental. This turned out to make the weekend event even more enjoyable. The Sheraton is at the center of all the festivities for the MS150. Registration is next door at the convention center. The start and finish are 1 block away.
The Hotel allowed Bikes in the room, so Kevin could sleep with his new bike. The Smits and Sparano’s loaded their cars Friday afternoon and by 4:30 pm they were on the way to New Bern. The drive was smooth with the caravan arriving at the hotel about 6:30. A speedy check in process exchanging the previous room reservation from a Kathy Blum to the Smit’s. You will learn that Kathy Blum turned out to be a significant contact for that weekend. A short trip from the car to the room several times had all the gear, bikes, and clothing strategically stashed. Kevin brought two bikes and considered a third depending on what the weather might do. Great to have choices. Team T-Shirts were dawned and off to registration and then the team tent for an all you can eat BBQ. The volunteers at registration worked effectively to move everyone through the process. The organizers had thought of everything including providing a Notary of Public Service. We learned that anyone under age needed not just their parents signature but also had to have the form Notarized. Once through registration the group headed to the team tent to find that they were the last group to go through the line. The tent was empty except for the sponsors and these two last families. Kevin filled his plate twice with Mashed Potatoes, Pulled Pig, vegetables, and a salad. He was starting to get concerned about the distance he was planning to ride and the guaranteed Bonk that always accompanies rides over 35 miles. The MS 150 offers 3 choices of distance on each of the two days of riding.
Riders can choose to ride 35, 75, or 100 miles each day. The Sparanos had already committed to riding with their kids on the 35 mile route, with Theresa agreeing to join them. Kevin was not committed to any distance yet and wanted to see if the routes allowed for a last minute decision. Once the meal was completed the group took a slow walk around the camping area which is also were the ride starts and ends. The sky was clear, the wind light, the temp cool, and the smell and sound of the salt water slapping the banks on the edge of the park put all into a mellow content state of mind.
Off to bed to make sure we had a good night rest. Kevin spent about an hour planning for the next day. He laid out is team jersey and attached the participant number to the back.
The number was arranged so it did not interfere with the pockets. Kevin then placed his cell phone in a zip lock baggie. He also placed his iPod in a Zip Lock baggie. This protects those devices from moisture due to rain or worse Kevin’s corrosive perspiration.
Kevin then made his choice of what pair of riding shorts he would use on day one. Does he go for comfort, or does he go for lots of extra padding. He chose comfort and picked the shorts with the thinnest padded chamois area. Kevin then reviewed each of the routes cue sheets to see if they start out together and where they split. He was hoping to see that they had allowed for those on the 35 mile ride to decide late in the route about extending it to 75, and the same for those committed to 75 to see if they can decide late on their route to extend to 100. Bummer. The 35 and 75 and 100 all ride together for about 3 miles only. Have to determine way too early in the ride if one is to do the 35 or some other distance. Too early to judge energy level, heat impact, potential cramps, back aches. Kevin then folded each cue sheet and placed them also in a Zip Lock bag. He was still non comitial on the distance so had each just in case. Kevin did decide that if he was to rely on the cue sheets he would need to get the sunglasses from the car that have a bifocal lens for reading. Next he laid out the pair of socks he would wear along with the shoes that fit the bike he would ride. Kevin had been watching the weather report ever since they returned to the room. He needed to know if there was any chance of rain. If there was a call for rain he would ride his old classic Jeffery Bock. If no rain in the forecast he was ready to bring out the new SCOTT. He had decided to ride the SCOTT.
Kevin then put a wash cloth in the Jersey pocket to help him remove that caustic sweat that runs down his forehead and into his eyes. It rains heavily in Kevin’s helmet and he needs methods to remove that periodically. Kevin then placed a granola bar and a power bar in the pockets of the team jersey. These are for backup nutritional needs only, in case he decides to do more than 35 miles. Lastly Kevin pulled out two water bottles and proceeded to mix the exact amount of Accelerade powder with water into the water bottles. This also was done in case Kevin elected to ride more than 35 miles. He then slid the water bottles filled with this new blue foamy substance into the cages on his bike.
He slid his bike computer into its slot on the handle bar making sure he had reset the computer. This allows for an accurate reading for the next days ride, providing speed, distance, maximum speed, average speed, cadence in revolutions per minute of the peddles, and time in the saddle. As Kevin slid under the covers he laid his heart rate monitor on top of his jersey ensuring that it will be affixed to his chest prior to pulling the jersey over his head.
In the mean time Theresa had immediately put her pj’s on climbed into bed and was well into full REM cycled sleep.
Kevin could rest well knowing that he had staged and prepared for most of what needed to be done to ensure a smooth start the next day.

Saturday Sept 8th first ride day of the weekend.
Breakfast was being offered at the start finish line starting at 6:30 am.
The team picture was scheduled for 7:55 am.
The line up at the start line by distance and pace was to be completed so that the fastest riders would be launched at 8:30 am, and then every 5 to 10 minutes later the next group would be set onto the coarse with the 35 mile group all to be released at once as the last group to cross the start line.
Theresa and Kevin had set the alarm for 6 am. Plenty of time to dress and have a leisurely breakfast of coffee, bagels, banana, and pastries. They also planned to take their bike shoes, helmet, and bikes down early and stage them in the car. This would reduce the crunch that would likely happen as all the bikers headed down the elevator with bikes to get to the start. Before heading out Theresa tried to accomplish in 15 minutes what Kevin had done the night before in preparation for the days ride. Theresa searched for her bike computer and struggled trying to put it on the bike. After a short period she asked Kevin to see if he could get it on the bike. Kevin took the computer and moved it from his second bike to Theresa’s. Yes they look alike. Theresa then filled her water bottle and put it in the bike cage. Theresa was looking for her jersey, then for the safety pins to put on her number. Her first attempt had her redoing the placement of the number so it would not interfere with the jersey’s pockets. She then searched for her sunglasses.
Helmets and gloves were then located and Theresa was now ready to move the bike and gear to the car. The Sparano’s had suggested we all do our own thing in the morning and meet at the team picture. After staging the bikes and gear in their car Kevin and Theresa consumed several small cups of coffee along with items listed above. Kevin had taken a dose of Alive to reduce the back pain he typically deals with, and spent much of the early morning stretching, which also helps with the back pain. He is getting very old and may need to be put down soon. Theresa was busy socializing with any and all who went buy. Kevin was still in deep contemplation of what he planned to do for that days ride.
The Sparanos showed up and had a light breakfast at the same table were Kevin and Theresa had set up. Lots of high energy was already pouring from this group. Steve was busy taking pictures and egging on the kids. The team picture was late due to other teams taking longer for theirs. The Hibernian team had grown to 112 members, and was one of the largest teams in attendance. We all squeezed together as best we could to make for a great team picture.
The Sparano’s had their bikes and were ready to move to their place in line for the start. Kevin and Theresa had no plans to start with the pack. They planed to ride from their car out the drive way and join the ride ½ block from the start as the riders traveled past. To the room they went for last minute items and a final bathroom break. Kevin was first into the bathroom and was soon waiting to leave the room. Theresa was found looking for the days ride cue sheets, and reviewing in her head to consider what was ready and what was yet to be accomplished for the ride. 8:45 am and they were still in the room. The start of the ride had already taken place and several groups had been released to the roads. Finally the Smit’s ride the elevator to the parking lot to retrieve their bikes and other staged items. Kevin had helmet on shoes on and had straddled the bike when Theresa said. Where is my water bottle “I know I put it on my bike”. Sure enough it was not in the cage on her bike. Off to the room she went in search of the missing water bottle. Kevin continued to straddle the bike while holding Theresa’s as several hundred bikes slowly picked up speed as they rode past. Kevin saw at least 3 separate pace groups be released during the time it took for Theresa to find the water bottle. It was right where she left it in the water bottle cage on Kevin’s second bike still in the room.
Finally the two were off to join the riders. Kevin and Theresa planned to ride together for as long as the routes were conjoined. Just starting to warm up and enjoy the ride with Theresa 2 ½ miles into the ride the 35 mile route continued on straight and the 75/100 mile routes took the clover leave down, around and onto 70 east. It was apparent at that point that none of the 35 mile riders had yet been relased to the road. So Theresa and Kevin said good by, have a great ride. Theresa then pulled over and waited for the Sparano’s.
Kevin was still grappling with the distance he was going to attempt. He had already made a commitment to not do the 35 miles. To date this year his longest ride was 50 miles with a serious bonk happening at the 35 mile mark. Knowing this Kevin put together a survival strategy.
Draft any one who is going a comfortable pace.
Keep the heart Rate below 120
If heart rate goes over 120 shift or slow down to bring it back
Keep Cadence between 85 and 95 rpms.
Drink and drink and drink
Stop at every rest stop to fill water bottles and eat one or two small items.
Kevin now had a plan and all the tools to monitor the progress of his plan.
Once onto 70east the bikers rode across the bridge up and over the bay. Police and Highway patrol did a great job of holding off the weekend traffic while bikers dominated the roads early on this ride. Head wind was very evident each time Kevin tried to jump the gap from rider to rider. He found it interesting that for several miles early in the ride he would be past and then pass the same riders over and over again. Kevin maintained a steady cadence and heart rate. This also translated to a fairly steady speed. The speed was dictated more by the amount of head wind or the pace of the individual he was drafting. The roads were a combination of smooth black top and old rough hard-pack,
few obstacles or holes and no shoulder. Kevin found a small pack of cyclists that were working well together. The group was made up of individuals from several teams. Oddly enough the group was very social and did not have a competitive spirit, more a spirit of Great to be here and lets work together to have fun. Mile 15.4 first rest stop. Kevin’s first priority was to empty his bladder, this was a signal that he had done a good job of hydrating prior to the start of the ride and that he was not over exerting himself. Next mission was to fill water bottle, then find simple easy items to eat. Kevin did not want to spend more then a few minutes at this stop. Stopping for too long stiffens up the muscles and makes it more challenging to get going again in the saddle. After a half of a banana, and a fig bar, Kevin looked around to see if he saw anyone from the group ready to mount the bikes. Seeing no one he made the decision to head out before any further delay. This found him riding solo. On the horizon the riders were far more strung out than prior to the rest stop. Glancing back the rest stop was looking like a clogged artery. Bikes laying on the ground, resting against trees, some bikers walking with their bikes as if in fear of losing them. More bikers approaching and stopping at the rest stop than leaving for the next leg of the ride. Kevin focused on monitoring all systems. His heart rate, his cadence, his speed, the average speed. The head wind was always there. Kevin fought the erg to speed up to try and get this section over with. Steady wins the race. Kevin slowly reeled in one rider after another making a decision to draft or slide on past.
This leap frog approach helped him jump the gaps while maintaining his stated goal to keep all systems in check. Soon he saw a team of two up ahead working efficiently. Making an extra effort that took him out of the target zones Kevin attacked the next gap to see if he could benefit from this organized team of two. Within a few minute Kevin found himself riding tight on the wheels of a couple who he found riding at a reasonable pace of 18 – 19 miles per hour. He was able to draft them and keep systems he was monitoring in check. This team of two took turns pulling against the wind and did not consider Kevin’s wheel sucking as an issue. They did not talk so Kevin did not break the silence. He wanted to ask the question “what distance are you planning to ride?”. Ideally they were planning to do the 100 mile route. This would mean Kevin could darft and potentially survive this stellar, yet decided goal. How to determine their intent? Then it occurred to Kevin. Wait to see what colored cue sheet they use to determine the next turn. The Orange one is for the 75 miles and the Gold/Yellow one is for the 100 mile. But wait we are all on the same path at this point. No need to review the cue sheet just follow the person in the distance. Looking around Kevin noticed a Yellow Glow from the white Jersey of the team members. OK. He might be in luck if he chooses to try the 100 miles, just don’t let this team get away. As a team this group zoomed by rider after rider most of whom were battling the head winds on their own. Each time they encountered another organized draft line the team fell inline for a brief period and then slid out left and walked away. It appeared that the team of two Kevin had latched on to had a mission to maintain a specific pace and would not fall below that. Fine with Kevin as long as he maintained his systems of HR under 120 and cadence between 85 and 95. Mile 26.7 The 75 milers and100 milers still on the same route when rest stop #2 appeared. Kevin was not sure if this team would stop and if they did for how long. Kevin did not want to work to find another solid group to draft off of. Rest Stop 2 was the one sponsored by Hibernian the Team Kevin and Theresa were members of. Kevin had to stop no matter what just to show support. This time the mission was water, half of a banana and two dinner roles with jelly. Very short stop had Kevin ready to ride long before his draft buddies were. This left Kevin with the realization that he again had to search for the next draft opportunity. Again he found himself pushing against the head wind. Again Kevin saw only individual riders in the distance all working solo to make the next revolution of the peddle. No great prospects for drafting. Suddenly only after 3 miles a pivotal decision must be made. The orange arrow pointed right the yellow arrow pointed left. No time to analyze, no time to see who was turning what direction. Kevin Quickly checked all systems. Was his heart rate OK, his cadence, how did he feel? Any cramps? How was his back? Was the iPod still filling his ears with music at soft soothing background levels? Right or Left? No time to think. Left leg up lean left Kevin found himself suddenly committed to the Yellow 100 mile route after only 29 miles of riding. When does he normally Bonk? 35 miles you say. Wow a long day is about to unfold. Realizing what just happened Kevin again took stock of all systems. Just like the Apollo missions he checked and double checked the systems as if the first reading was incorrect. All systems GO. At least for now.
Looking ahead Kevin saw even fewer riders dotting the horizon in front of him. Solo again and for longer stretches before finding any one who he maybe able to draft. Kevin rode on trying to draft several riders only to discover they were riding too slow and actually made his ride less than ideal. Somehow the Heart Rate and Cadence Kevin had chosen to follow also was proving to be the easiest to sustain. Slower was more difficult and faster was comfortable but slowly pushed the heart rate beyond 130 beats per minute. He did hook up with two riders who seemed to be riding fairly steady and at the 17 mph pace. The two were very friendly and carried on a conversation making the miles slide by. Kevin took his turn pulling after having drafted for several minutes. His spot at the front became the norm for the rest of the ride with this group. They were planning to accomplish 100 miles and were already starting to falter until Kevin took the lead. The group slowly built speeds up toward 19 miles per hour. This was sustained for awhile until the pace reached 20 – 21 mph. This splintered the group with one saying he could not remain in the pace line if it goes over 16 mph. The pace was reduced to keep the group together. Mile 40 found the group slowing for a 3rd rest stop. Kevin dismounted his bike and laid it in the shade of a large tree. The sun was starting to cook. A bathroom break was needed. Hydration was still being accomplished well by Kevin. Water bottles filled with ice and fresh water, half a banana, and a fig bar. Kevin elected to spend a little extra time at this stop, taking his helmet and gloves of to help cool himself and to wipe the sweat away. The shade felt good. Some of the folks stopping knew the two gentlemen that Kevin had been riding with on this last leg. Suddenly a large group of riders from team Hibernian slowed to spend time at the rest stop. Kevin estimated close to 30 cyclists in the Hibernian group. This will be his next group to hook up with. Kevin explained to the group he last rode with that he planed to take off with Hibernian and they should consider joining in. They thanked him but told him again they plan to ride more at a 15 to 16 mph pace and could not sustain the speeds Kevin had been setting for them during his pull. They then mounted their bikes and said their good bys. The told Kevin they expected to see him again as he and his new group would zoom on by. Kevin watched the new group of riders to determine how long before they started to move towards their bikes. A group this large is hard to manage and usually splinters as some are ready to ride before others are. One last guzzle of water. Back to the support tent to top off the water bottle. Wipe the sweat one more time. Helmet and gloves on. Grab the bike. Perfect timing as the Hibernian riders began assembling to mount their bikes. Kevin watched two take of fast, then a smaller group was observed wobbling as they worked to clip shoes into peddles. Kevin was already headed down the road somewhere between the two that took off early and the group still wobbling to secure shoes in peddles. Kevin elected to ride slow allowing the larger group to close the gap. He then slid into the draft line near the front. Several strong riders took turns pulling from the front. From his advantage point Kevin realized that the first 5 or 6 riders were the one taking turns at the pull, the rest of the pack had no plan to move into any of those first 5 to 7 slots. Kevin found himself slowly being moved to the pull position as those in front did their turn and then fell off to allow the next to take a crack at it. Kevin pulled for his share just as one of the riders said “ You like the font?”. “Others will do their turn”. She then zoomed on past Kevin to take command of the pace line. Hmmm. Aggressive, or just helpful. Kevin did not know how to deal with that so he fell in right behind her. “Do you ride as a group often?” Kevin asked. “Only once in a while”, she responded. “We all live in different areas and only ride together on organized rides”. “The group is a good one” she explained. “Everyone is willing to take their turn at the front”. Kevin learned through additional chit chat that her name was Kathy and her sister had come down from Pittsburg to do the ride. In fact this was her sister’s first bike ride of the year. So we learned that one of the ride leaders of this draft line was on a rented bike and had not ridden at all this year but was 40 miles into a 100 mile ride pulling 30 other riders along at an 18 mile per hour pace with a constant head wind. This rider had made an early commitment to 100 miles while Kevin did not know if he was ready for 35 miles at the start of the ride. The group did a great job staying together as the front 6 or 7 riders would take turns at the pull. This well organized draft line swallowed up other riders one after another. Some elected to jump on the rear and hold on as best they could. The group Kevin had been riding with prior to Hibernian were caught and elected to be assimilated as part of the ever growing peloton. One of the younger female riders took the lead and immediate the pace jumped to 22 – 23 miles per hour. The group splintered as if some one slashed their tires. Kevin saw this unfold in his mirror and informed the lead rider of what was taking place behind us. She announced that she did not have a computer and had no way to gauge her speed. So Kevin became the voice of he speedometer periodically informing the rider of current speed. She eventually slowed the pace to 19 miles per hour as they climbed on of the few hills along the county side. Soon shouts from the pack to slow done made their way to the front riders. Time to replace the lead rider with one who had a speedometer. Kevin slid back into the lead and managed the pace line allowing those that had splintered to regroup. From that point on Kevin pulled at a pace that kept the group together and still manage 17 to 18 miles per hour pace. Mile 54 found the group stopping at the next rest stop. No shade along the road. Kevin laid his bike just off the edge of the road in a narrow ravine. Water was the priority. The volunteers informed Kevin that Lunch was behind the church. With water bottle in hand Kevin found himself serving up rice, black beans, a turkey sandwich and salad. Finding shade he sat in the grass and slowly consumed the warm tasty lunch. None of the Hibernian team was in sight. Kevin learned that the 75 mile route and 100 mile route had converged just prior to this rest stop. They were at mile 38 while the 100 mile riders were at mile 54. With helmet and gloves off Kevin worked to cool himself and wipe the sweat of his forehead. Lunch completed he again filled water bottles that he had continued to drink from even during the lunch break. Fresh water new ice, helmet back on gloves in place Kevin made way to his bike. Oddly as he reached for his bike those that had been riding in the draft line suddenly began to gather. It was as if they were watching to see when he was ready to head out again. By the time he had pulled his bike out of the ravine and swung his leg over the top tube other bikers from the Hibernian team and those who had been assimilated were lining up in the same daft line configuration as before the stop. Off he and the other 5 or 6 leaders started. “Go slow for awhile” Kathy ordered. “Lets keep the group together” she announced. Kevin followed orders and watched his mirror as the draft line, looking and acting like a slinky, stretched and contracted until finally all riders were aligned with little gap between them and the biker ahead. From this point on Kevin remained at the pull position. He was able to keep the pack together with the input and directions from Kathy who kept an Eagle eye on what was unfolding as the pack ran down the highways and byways of the New Bern area. Mile 86 had the Hibernian peleton slowing down long enough to fill water bottles, grab a frozen ice cycle, ( frozen colored water in a bag ), and head back out on the road. As the team climbed onto their bikes a vote was take to stop or NOT at the last rest stop which was only another 6 miles down the road. The vote was NO. So the peleton had spoken the pace was quickened and the communications reduced. Now they could hear the hum of skinny tires rotating at 20 miles per hour and an occasional whir from a rear cluster as one of the riders would coast for a brief moment. Wind was now finally moving into position at the rider’s backs. Up from within the ranks a rider’s comment was relayed. “I bet we have a strong tail wind going over the bridge”. As if in a chorus line, the person in front of the relayed message, head bobbed up and down in agreement and in hope that the comment was seeing into the future. Sure enough the tail wind spanked the riders on as if it was a jockey spurring on their steady steed towards the last leg of the Preakness. Up over the bridge still riding within everyone’s limits at 20 miles and hour. Coasting down on the other side with a smooth sweeping right hand curve found them back onto the streets of New Burn. The Hibernian team now transforming from a draft line into a mob. With the right lane fully consumed by bikers wearing their distinctive Hibernian team jersey’s cars would honk, drivers would wave in support of and their approval of the efforts the bikers had committed to. Riders moved from their streamline positions low on the handle bars to a more up right, chest out, head held high stature. Smiles replaced the serious looks that had dominated the days ride. The pace slowed to enjoy the last moments of a great days ride. Suddenly the pack found themselves turning left into the park and across the finish line with the sound of the announcer proudly proclaiming the arrival of the Hibernian team. Just then Kevin’s cell phone began to ring. Somehow he knew it was Theresa who suspected when Kevin was not back in the room two hours earlier he had decided to do the 100 vs 75 mile ride. Kevin pulled over to try and answer the phone only to notice that all the team members were already on their cell phones letting someone at the other end know how great of a ride they just had and how proud they were to have ridden not just 100 miles but to have done it for such a great cause. A few high fives and lots of waves and acknowledging head nods was all that was needed for each rider to tell the other thanks. As if a strong wind just blew on a dandelion the riders all scattered towards their next destination. Tent or hotel or car to return bike, helmet, and shoes to their well deserved resting spots. Shower, dry clean cloths, and refreshment were not far away.
Kevin and Theresa found themselves working their way down to the evening’s planned festivities around 7:30. The food provided to the riders was excellent. Salad, pasta, jambalaya, and deserts. They also had all the beer your could reasonably consume. YES!
Kevin the Theresa milled about and ran into a couple of other bikers and friends they knew. First to be discovered were Janet Craig and her husband. They then ran into Kristine Harkness. The Sparano’s joined Kevin and Theresa at a table to eat and relax wile listening to the evenings entertainment and awards. They learned that team Hibernian was the second largest team there and only missed being number one by about 3 team members. Team Hibernian did win first place for best volunteer supported rest stop. Team Hibernian was also at the time the number one fund raising team. As of this report the team is still working to retain that position. The fund raising continues until Oct 2nd, so if you are reading this and have not pledged yet to the MS 150 follow this link to commit a level of support to the cause.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=3645587&pg=personal&fr_id=5520&s_tafId=66726

As the evening unfolded the Smit’s and Sparano’s joined other Hibernian team members to share stories of the days ride and to talk about future adventures. Theresa met Kathy who had been bossing Kevin around all that day. A woman Theresa can relate to, they quickly created a new friendship. Theresa and Kathy exchanged emails and phone numbers in hopes that they could ride together in the future and also to plan new techniques to continue to direct Kevin’s future activities. They clearly like being in charge. The evening continued on with lots of great entertainment. The organizers announced that the tropical storm Gabriel maybe impacting the campers that evening and likely with impact the next day’s rides with heavy rain had strong 40+ mph winds. They said they would make a decision by 6 am as to what they would do regarding the routes for the next day. Kevin and Theresa said goodnight to all and headed to the room to watch the weather and prepare for the next days ride. Theresa was entering the contact information into her cell phone when she realized that the Kathy who had been bossing Kevin around all day was the Kathy Blum who gave up her room that Kevin and Theresa were now enjoying. This was like a Twilight Zone moment. DODO DO DODO DO. A small world indeed. What are the odds that in all the riders and the various route choices and varied paces that Kevin and the person who gave up their room to him and Theresa would end up riding more than half the days ride together.

Sunday Morning.
6 am Kevin looks out the window. Through the faint light of the early morning Sail boats in their slips appeared relaxed. Sidewalks looked dry. Kevin’s hopes rose as he felt ready to do another 100 mile ride based on how well he did the day before. Wait. If it takes 7 to 8 hours with rest stops then they would not be leaving New Bern until 6 pm. Hotel checkout is 11 am. Theresa would be done for hours and waiting on Kevin to return from his ride. Kevin then began to reduce his expectations to the 75 mile route, or maybe the 30 -35 mile route. TV turned on revealed a less than encouraging report. 40 mph winds were only minutes away with strong bands of rain stacked up ready to impact the area. Time to investigate what others were thinking. Kevin and Theresa dressed and headed to the lobby. Coffee was waiting for them at the end of the elevator ride. Lots of folks loading bikes and gear into cars and heading for home. A couple of individuals in full rain gear were planning to do the days ride. The ride organizers had made a smart decision in closing all routes but the 30 miler. Imagine being a volunteer on the 100 mile route waiting for hours in high winds and rain for a lonely rider to stop. Not worth peoples time or risk of injury. Kevin and Theresa met The Sparano’s at the Coffee Kiosk. A short discussion had all voting for a warm breakfast and early start towards home. No ride today.
A great event.
A great cause.
Great people.
Well organized.
Lots of fun.