End of May weekend rides

Saturday May 30

Those in attendance:
Representing the Roses
Theresa Smit
Traci Clanton
Beth Gonzales
Lori Brogden
Sheila Augustine

Representing the Thorns and Stems

Jeffery Roussel – “Down Hill Racer”
Todd Spain – “TriTodd”
Josh Carter – “Moving Violation”
Doug Augustine
Rion Augusine
Tom Plant
Ron Clanton
Bill Roberts – first time with the group
Dwight Mouton SP – introduced to the group through Steve Sparano - first time back on the bike after a bad crash last season
Jeff Giordano – introduced to the group Through Steve Sparano
Ernest Davis – getting in shape for Blood Sweat and Gears
Tim Devinney – “Fast Tim” – “The Love Train”
Kevin Smit – “GOG”

Those doing the 3 mountain climb near mount airy
Steve Cope – “Capn Carbon”
Jim Palistrant
Dayn – McBee
Susanne McBee

The weather was perfect for a bike ride, and with the earlier start the temperatures were mild through out the ride.

The pack took some extra time getting ready, as there were several new faces to be introduced.
The pack was off and flowed through the backside of Brueggers and onto High House for a short distance prior to diving into the Preston neighborhood. The Roses were quick to fall off the pace as the Thorns and Stems rode together through and then out of Preston.

Kevin directed the pack to make a right turn onto Lewis Stevens with the intent to ride behind Green Hope High School. This section of road is hillier and dotted with many parked cars. This would be used to keep the early pace down and the group held together. Kevin was also hopeful that without Steve Cope the group would settle into an organized pace line at a comfortable average speed of 17 mph. This would allow the Thorns and Stems to ride the entire route without splintering into two packs.

Just as the group road past the backside of Green Hope TriTodd announced he had just received his 30th flat tire for the season. All in the group stopped and waited for him to change his tire. This was also were Rion demonstrated the proper slow fall technique for when you are unable to pull your foot out of the peddles in time. All witnessed the technique and Rion received high marks for the slow motion action and the choice he made of falling away from traffic and onto soft grass. Well Done.

After a quick tire change the pack was off again directed to stay the coarse straight ahead on down Lewis Stevens and towards Miami Blvd. The pace was well maintained at 15 mph until Josh “Moving Violation” pushed his way through the pack and to the front. Once Josh was at the front the entire pack found the pace jumped to 19 mph.

So much for maintaining control.

The group continued to press as all made the left turn onto Old Raleigh-Durham Road and then the turn onto Miami. Another left turn at Emperor Blvd and Miami had the pack still together and at a reasonable pace back down around 17 mph. Then with the left turn onto Davis the group exploded into two with one group pressing well over 20 mph leaving others like “GOG”, Rion, Doug, Ron, and Ernest to wonder who it was that sent everyone else into a break away.

The “Love Train” was the first to the next intersection at Kit Creek and made the right turn with such confidence that all others followed without question. The pack all sat up and waited by coasting until all riders were reunited at the intersection of 55 and Alston. This lasted only long enough for everyone to make the next turn onto Alston with the group attacking each other on the short climbs to Old Kelley Chapel.

The pack clearly needed to be splintered with half the group ready to be turned loose to attack each other on the hills of Old Kelley and the other half needing to work together to encourage one another to make the climbs. The traffic was beginning to build as the morning unfolded. All cars and trucks on the days ride were providing for a safe passing experience. The group continued to splinter as the “Thorns” attacked but did not destroy each other, and the “Stems” each did a solo effort to make each climb.

A short stop at the top of Old Kelley and 751 allowed “GOG” to warn everyone of the expected increase in traffic and to also let the “Thorns” know of the next turn at Stage Coach. “GOG” was not part of the “Thorns” on the days ride and was looking for someone in that group he could anoint as the “Thorns” ride leader. This would allow that group to put the hammer down without having to constantly stop or circle to wait on the “Stems”.
The “Thorns” needed no further permission and even without a formal ride leader they took off like bullets from a machine gun towards the next turn on 751 and Stage Coach. The “stems” formed a single file pace line to allow for the heavier traffic and to work together on the hills.

Once at the corner of Stage Coach the “Thorns” were seen slowing only for an instant to ensure the “Stems” were still on their bikes. At that point “GOG” jumped the gap between the two groups and zoomed to the lead rider of the “Thorns” “OK TriTodd, you are now the ride leader of the Thorns, Take them from here on in, You can throw Lystra, or Big Woods, or both, or whatever you choose at these riders”. “You OK with taking the lead?”. Kevin directed and then asked. “Will Do” replied TriTodd. With that Kevin slowly faded back to the “Stems” to let them know they would be turning the “Thorns” Loose while the “Stems” would maintain a more reasonable 17 – 19 mph pace.

There were no arguments from either group.
The split did not fully form during the run on Stage Coach. The two groups actually melded into one up to and thru the two left turns that were required to navigate from Stage Coach and onto Old Farrington.

Once onto Old Farrington and at the base of its first climb the split became permanent. The “Thorns” scampered on up the hill and were quickly out of sight of the “Stems”. Those forming the “Thorns” included; TriTodd, Bill, Josh (moving violation), Jeffery (down hill Racer), The Love Train, Tom Plant, and Dwight Mouton.

The “Stems” consisted of; “GOG”, Ron, Doug, Rion, Ernest, and Jeff Giordano. This group rode a very controlled pace and remained together working in the pack to keep everyone in tow. The pace set by the “Stems” on Old Farrington fluttered between 17 and 19 mph. With each rider concentrating on the pace line work there was little if any conversation. As the miles on Farrington rolled by the “Stems” began to see individual riders in the distance. These were splintered “Thorns” who had fallen off the pace line and were now stuck in no man’s land riding solo.

These two solo riders were absorbed into the “Stems” at the intersection of Old Farrington and Farrington Post road. Both Tom Plant and Dwight Mouton were welcomed into the “Stems” pace line as they turned towards the rest stop at the Gas Station at Lystra and Farrington. The “Stems” were growing and the “Thorns” were shedding.

Once at the Gas Station the “Stems” found another contingency from the “Thorns”. Waiting there were Jeffery Roussel (Down Hill Racer), Josh Carter (Moving Violation), and Tim Divinney (The Love Train). Missing were Todd Spain (TriTodd), and Bill Roberts.

Apparently there was a split in the “Thorns” desire to do more miles or head for home.
After a brief rest and a long Bio Break by Rion the two groups were ready to head out.
Josh (Moving Violation), Jeffery (Down Hill Racer), and Tim (The Love Train) all elected to do more miles that included a run up Jack Benet and a fast downhill run on Lystra. The others: Kevin (GOG), Doug, Rion, Ron, Jeff G, Tom, and Dwight all elected to head for home as direct and with as few hills as possible.

“GOG” led out the pack that was headed for home. He pulled the entire length of Farrington from Lystra to Lake Jordan. As he passed by Martha Chapel it was clear he had his sights set on pushing towards and then up “Kevin’s Crawl”. Normally when the pack reaches that point in the ride the pace is down around 15 mph which allows Kevin to then produce a slow build in speed during the incline. On today’s ride the pack hit the bottom of “Kevin’s Crawl” the pace was already 20 mph which is usually the max reached during the climb. Kevin needed to dig deep if he was to ramp up the pace as the climb was just beginning to unfold. “GOG” found some secret energy as he pulled the group along cresting the climb at 23 mph. Best effort yet for the old man on “Kevin’s Crawl”.

A short pause by the group at the turn onto Holland Chapel was followed by a smooth pace line with a very consistent 19 mph. The pack then made the quick right and left at the end of Holland Chapel putting them onto Luter Shop road at the Strawberry patch.
Again the group worked to form a protective pace line allowing all to cover the ground at the 17 to 19 mph pace. As the county Line loomed ahead “GOG” pulled out of his position in the draft and announced “Race to the County Line – Just where the pavement changes color”. Then he jumped on the pedals to entice any and all who may want to join in the fun. The only other person to accept the challenge was Dwight who fell into position just behind “GOG”. With only 50 ft to the county line “GOG” was fully spun out and looking to shift to the next big gear as Dwight’s front tire drifted passed to take the win. “GOG” had hit 32 mph in his short sprint attempt only to lose in the last few feet.

Once the sprint was over the two riders settled back into the pace line to finish the run down Luter Shop and then onto Green Hope High School road. Once onto Green Hope High School road Kevin asked Doug to take the group on to the finish as he was going to circle back to see that Ron and Ernest were OK since the two had fallen off the pace line.

Kevin did not have to travel back very far as he quickly spied the two riders riding side-by-side chit chatting and enjoying the last few miles towards the finish. Kevin hooked up with these two and rode with them to the railroad crossing were they met up with the group being led by Doug. The pack now back together all rode the last 3 miles to the finish.

The “Thorns” were still out on the road as the “Stems” completed 43 miles at a solid 16+ mph pace. It was later learned that the “Thorns” completed 48 miles at a 17+ pace. The group also learned that on the run down Lystra “The Love Train” blew past “Down Hill Racer” who was maxed out at 46 mph. “The Love Train” apparently hit 49 mph at that point.

The Roses did 36 miles at a strong 15 + mph pace and are looking to step it up a notch and are considering joining the “Stems” on the next rides.


Sunday May 31.
Those in attendance

Theresa Smit
Kevin Smit – “GOG”
Steve Cope – “Capn Carbon” – back from Saturdays 3 mountain climb ride
Jim Palistrant – also back from Saturdays 3 mountain climb ride
Josh Carter – “Moving Violation”
Tim Devinney – “The Love Train”
Doug Augustine
Sheila Augustine
Carrie Zelna
Don Zelna
Sara Matetowsky – another Triassolete – who did very well in her first Triathlon.
Emil Velasquez – first time with the group – and Sara’s neighbor
Patti Lewis
Paul Lewis – fist time with the group
Lori Brogden
Kirsten Hawkins – Joined up with the pack in Preston
Laura Spell

As the Group assembled they were enlightened with the Saturday 3 Mountain assault results. “Capn Carbon” had a monster ride completing the distance of 70ish miles and 3 large assents in 4hrs and 5 min. He completed the event in 6th or 9th place but was in 3rd at the bottom of the last and most challenging climb up Mount Pilot when he cramped and had to stop to take on fluids.
Jim Palistrant was pleased with his performance, however when he learned of “Capn’s” performance he was heard muttering “I have a long way to go to match your skill”.

We also learned the Dayne and Suzanne McBee road as a team and did very well. Please make sure you ask each of them separately how they did and how they liked the ride.

It was announced by Kevin that everyone was planning to ride (start) together for as long as possible and that the ride would be considered a recovery ride.

Everyone listened and accepted this information as the truth. They were all also looking at the sky as it was threatening Rain. “The rain will stay north of us and we will head south past Apex”, “If it does start to drizzle you may need to position yourselves just outside the rear wheel of the person ahead of you to avoid being drowned by the spray”, “Please do not overlap the persons rear wheel with your front tire” was the next set of instructions from “GOG”.

Enough preaching from the ride leader and the pack was off out of the parking lot and into the Preston Neighborhood. It was at the top of the first climb were the group was joined by Kirsten who had timed her start to join the pack at that spot.

As the group continued the route thru Preston Lori was asking others to see if her bike was set up correctly for her. She has been having some knee pain, which is a sign that minor adjustments maybe needed for a better fit. It is debatable if the seat needs to be lowered, and the seat shifted very slightly forward. It was also suggested that Lori peddle more with her heals down rather than in a tippy toe fashion. If she elects to adjust the seat height it would be best to not lower it more than a ¼ inch at first, then ride it for a while before adjusting any more.
At the same time it was noticed that Don Zelna could likely raise his seat ever so slightly to allow for fuller peddle stroke.

As the pack rolled out of Preston they all made the left turn off of Lewis Stevens towards High House and the run towards Holt road and then Apex. The long climb up to Holt on Jenks Carpenter scattered the bikers as each struggled with this early climb. A short pause to let the pack reassemble and the group was directed to make a left onto Holt towards Apex. Still no rain as the pack continued to head south away from the dark clouds to the north. As the pack closed in on Davis and N Salem road Lori told Kevin that she would likely turn back early do to her knee pain, and that she was feeling the effects of Saturdays ride with the Roses. He made sure she had a cell phone with her in case she ran into mechanical issues and that she knew her way home. She assured him she would be fine and said she would let them know when she peels off.

The pack was now rolling into Apex and the lousy pothole filled road of N Salem. A single file draft line allowed the group to pick up speed resulting in several riders being strung out at the end of the line. “GOG” was near the front and was looking in his mirror to see if all were accounted for. As he reached a stoplight in the center of town he realized that Lori was not with the pack. Theresa and a group of cyclists rolled past Kevin as he continued to wait for the tail end of the pace line. Theresa attempted to yell to him that Lori had already elected to peel off and head for home, however Kevin did not hear this (old age and loss of hearing the likely cause). After waiting another minute or two Kevin elected to turn back and ride towards any trailing riders. He rode to the edge of Apex without seeing anyone. Deciding Lori must have headed for home Kevin now turned back towards the planed route and pushed to see if he could bridge the gap to the other riders. In the distance he could see Theresa who apparently was now waiting on him to tell him that Lori had turned back – DUH.
Kevin and Theresa now stopped at the light on Salem and Highway 55 with no other riders in sight and the rain beginning to wet the road. At the green light the two riders headed for Tingen and the expected fast pace it always produces. Up over the railroad tracks signaling the start of Tingen, the two riders saw a large pack of cyclists sitting on their bikes in the school parking lot to the right. The pack had pulled up waiting for all to arrive. This would allow for a large fast pace line to be formed resulting in high speeds for all to enjoy. Theresa slowed to take a place in the pack as Kevin continued on down Tingen maintaining his speed. “What, are we not going to ride due to the rain” he taunted the other riders as he slid past their location.

The usual suspects jumped immediately to swallow up Kevin and to take control of the pace. The pack scurried as best it could resulting in a degree of controlled chaos that slowed the formation of the draft line for a brief moment. Sensing this at the front of the pace line the ride leaders continued to maintain speed until the pack had sorted itself out and all were now in a position to hang on as best they could. The pace continued to build with speeds reaching 29 mph. Many remained in tow, as each rider is getting much better in the technique of drafting.
As Tingen becomes Woods Creek road the flat fast section of road now transforms into undulating hills, some short and steep, others long and gradual. It is here that the pack is always splintered with the strongest riders attacking on each rise in the road. The rain had already let up at this point but the road was still damp.
Each rider was left to do their own style of hill climbing and to get to the next intersection as best they could.
At the corner of Woods Creek and Friendship the riders were allowed to regroup as those that got there first also got the longest rest.

“OK” “Thorns you are free to go and do your own thing” “I will take the Stems on a more gentle pace from here”, “The route from here is the same one we did last time it rained on us”, “make the left here onto Friendship, at the T intersection make the right onto New Hill Holliman, then look for Tody Goodwin on the left half way up a climb on the curve and take that left onto Tody Goodwin”, “Then at the next T intersection turn right onto Beaver Dam and take it to the gas station at Wilson Ville”, “From there take it on home any way you choose”, “Steve you got that” was the information provided by “GOG” to the “Thorns” and their newly anointed ride leader “Capn Carbon”.

“Also everybody there is a down hill and bridge just up ahead that has bad pot holes and a lip in the road at the bridge, please go thru there carefully, also just before the stop sign at the T intersection is another patch of bad pot holes”, Kevin went on to explain.

“How far are we planning to ride” was a question from within the pack. “I am estimating 40 ish miles” was “GOG’s “ reply. “Some Recovery Ride” was Theresa’s response.

The “Thorns” consisting of “Capn Carbon”, “Down Hill Racer”, “Moving Violation”, “The Love Train’, Emil, Sara, Don, and Carrie needed no more rest and jumped on the peddles. At the same time the “Stems” continued to think about getting back into the saddle.
Jim Palistrant elected to turn right and head directly for home having accomplished all he was looking for in a recovery ride.

The group was now down one “Thorn”, and one “Rose/Stem”.

The “Thorns” were already out of site before the “Stems” began their run down Friendship.

“So what is your definition of a Recovery Ride” Doug asked Kevin.
“Well I would expect maybe the same mileage but at a much gentler pace” was his reply. Looking at the speedometer the group had been averaging just under 15 mph so Kevin was confident that he had so far engineered a good recovery ride, knowing he was also pushing the “Roses” to ride further and faster than they normally do. His intent was to help them step it up a notch to build their conditioning and confidence.

At the corner of Friendship and New Hill Holleman Patty asked if there was a short cut they could take to reduce the mileage some. Paul had not been on his bike for years and was beginning to fade slightly. Kevin considered this request and said “Yes, we can ride past the turn onto Tody Goodwin and get you and Paul to the spot you do your Monday morning rides, from there you can cross over Highway 64 and then take Jenks on back to the start, that will knock off about 4 miles from the planned route”. “The rest can then still turn from there and hook up with the original planned rout further down Tody Goodwin” Kevin went on to inform the group.

With this new information the pack of “Stems” consisting of “GOG”, Theresa, Patty, Paul, Doug, Sheila, Laura, and Kirsten all headed onto New Hill Holleman as the rain was again beginning to dampen the roads. The pace was maintained with all in tow as the riders road single file on this busy section of road. Just as the group reached the next major intersection “GOG” recognized yet a better short cut home for Patty and Paul.
“If you guys want a great short cut that will put you home in 4 – 6 miles from here then turn right here onto old Highway 1 and it dumps you right back in the heart of Apex without any hills” Kevin chirped with delight.
Patty and Paul thanked him for that great information and headed towards home on old Highway One.

The rest of the pack now down two more “Stems” rode on across Old Highway one and towards the original destination of Tody Goodwin and beyond. The “Stems” were now down 3 riders in total from the days start. The group worked hard to stay together in a draft line, however even with their best efforts several took turns falling off the back especially when the road began to expose additional hills to the group. Tody Goodwin was ridden at sustained speeds of 19 mph which is difficult in itself but with the rough pavement making it even more challenging. The group did not stop as they swung into the right turn onto Beaver Dam road and charged forward the remaining 2 miles to the rest stop at the gas station at Highway 64 (Wilson Ville).

As the “Stems” glided to a stop at the gas station they were met by a bike group who had started their ride at Salt Box Village doing 50 miles, and the “Thorns” who were now fully rested and ready for more fun on the bike. Carrie Zelna was still smiling and busy chit chatting with anyone and everyone. She is a female version of the group’s social chairman “Capn Carbon”.

“What way are you heading back?” “Capn Carbon” asked “GOG”.
“I figure we will go back the most direct and flattest possible, which means turning at Holland Chapel” was “GOG’s” response.

“I have never done LYSTRA” Don Zelna informed the group.
Clearly he had not yet been challenged by the pace or distance the “Thorns” were doing.
“We just may have to throw LYSTRA into the Mix” taunted “Capn Carbon”.

“Any of the Thorns want to join us for the last few miles is welcomed to do so” announced “GOG”. Emil did not need any further invitation, and “The Love Train”, and “Down Hill Racer” gave it some consideration.

“We going to lollygag all day or ride” bellowed the “Thorns” leader as he mounted his bike. And just that quick his rag tag band of “Thorns” fell in line.

Others elected to wave goodbye in order to provide for a well-deserved rest and bio break.
Once all “Stems” were fully hydrated the group moved towards the stop light that would provide safe passage across Highway 64 and onto Farrington road. “Green Light”, “Yellow Light” shouted Kevin as he and half the “Stems” jumped across the intersection, only to scoot past as the light was now red preventing the rest of the “Stems” from following suit. After a long wait the next green allowed the remaining “Stems” the opportunity to join Kevin and the others who were all waiting on the other side of the road. Back together the “Stems” were now up 1 but down two overall, having had 3 head for home earlier.

The pace line formed once more allowing for speeds again to reach 19 mph as the pack made its way to the turn onto Holland Chapel road. As the pack made the turn the pace slowed briefly allowing all to take a drink from water bottles. Then slowly the pack fell back into a tight formation and the pace once again began to build back to the 19 mph range. This pattern of riding continued thru the turn at the Strawberry Patch and well down Luter Shop Road. The only exception was again at the County Line where it is mandatory to sprint for the County Line. The only two who took up that challenge were Doug Augustine and “GOG” with the two battling it out at over 30 mph. The Victory went to “GOG” with Doug hot on his heals.

The ride then continued on to familiar Cary Roads to the dismount and walking of bikes across the railroad tracks in front of Green Hope High School.

The last 4 miles now lay ahead with Kirsten peeling off from the pack at Lewis Stevens so she could ride back into Preston were she had joined the ride. The rest of the “Stems” now down by 1 finished the days “RECOVERY” ride having ridden 43 miles at just under 16 mph. The group had actually ridden the second half of the ride must faster resulting in increasing their average speed form under 15 to just under 16 mph for the days ride.
Well done “Roses/Stems”.

The “Thorns” were already at the finish having done 45 miles at close to 17 mph pace. The “Thorns” had ridden past Holland Chapel and elected to push hard up Martha’s Chapel for their finish route home.

A great day of biking even with the threat of Rain.