Mercury rising

The cyclists lined up on Saturday morning promptly at 7:30AM as everyone wanted to get a head start and outrun the heat of the sun. There were between 20 and 25 riders braving the elements. The typical heads of state organized the group according to speed, distance and enthusiasm. The conversation was lively and newcomers were greeted and briefed on the typical procedure for the day's ride. It was decided that the flock of friends would head out to Tangen and prospect in the New Frontier. The ride leaders reminded everyone that the Tangen route was to be closed or detoured soon, so we needed to take advantage of it.


Not to lose any time, the riders clicked into their stirrups and headed on out.
This write up is brought to you by Lee Duncan - Sonic Boom.


The trail of riders commenced into the the heart of Cary and over the undulations that served as a wake-up call to the respiratory system. The group worked together through the trigger happy traffic lights and assorted traffic furniture along the way. At varied intervals the cyclists would coalesce and banter about the plan of the day and the recent group rides folks were involved with.

In typical fashion, about 10 miles out, the pace picked up with several members pulling off the front at incredible speeds. Surely many from the Thorns and Roses have been putting in some good miles as late summer approaches. The group stayed together quite well, even when the Peloton stretched out -- as if in pursuit of an escape group in the Tour De France.

About 25 miles into the ride, and with the mercury rising; the Thorns and the Stems splintered off with one group electing to go 50+ miles and the other 40 miles. As luck would have it, irregardless of route selected, both groups linked back up at the Wilsonville gas station and rode back to Thorns and Roses Headquarters as one happy family.

A great day was had by all with minimal bonking.