Flat Top – Blue Ridge loop (20 miles)

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1285425

After surviving the 12 mile ride, we once again called upon Google Pedometer to expand the loop and search for a rode bike trail. Rode bike rules out the shaggy to the south of Snaggy and requires us to make the 1.5 mile decent down Snaggy Mtn to 105. This also means at the end of the ride you must make the grueling ascent back to the house. As an option park at the Super 8 and start and end form there!

Summary: This ride will exercise all your gears. Be sure you have your triple chain ring and your breaks are in good shape! This is a loop and delivers equal amount of extreme and scenic ups and awesome downs. Passing behind Ski Mountain and Tweetsie railroad you will surely feel on top of the world. The Blue Ridge parkway offers a special challenge on holiday weekends so this ride is best suited for midweek or an early Sunday morning.

 Left out of Snaggy Mtn House, down 1.5 mile to 105, careful on the curves watch out for the occasional car,and loose gravel on the curves.
 Right on 105 downhill towards Boone, traffic is not always generous with the road so be sure to maintain your path.
 Right on Wilson (second traffic light) towards Boone’s Mall.
 Right at light on to Deck Hill Rd.
 Left at fork onto Greenway Rd (option is to continue on Deck Hill which will bypass all of the route on 321 and Payne Branch and connect at Flat Top). Kevin says do 321 and Payne Branch.
 Right on Meadowview Dr. this is a gradual up hill that takes you behind Wal-Mart and out on to 321.
 Right on 321 at the lights and proceed up hill. This is a high speed and heavily traveled road. You are only on this for a 3/4 mile but it seems like much longer!
 Right on Payne Branch with a quick down hill, cross a bridge and then start heading up!
 Long steady climb. Do not let the curve fool you, it continues up never levels off. This lasts for about 2 miles.
 Left on Flat Top road as Payne Branch continues unpaved straight and Deck Hill intersects from the right. This is the mile 6 mark on the ride. Note that Flat Top road must be named by the hair style of some politician, because it is anything but Flat… even at the top! This is the road that climbs behind Tweetsie (hear the whistle blow) and Ski Mountain. Great views as you look out onto the Smokies. The decent is spectacular as it windes down for miles through rich meadows and pastures until reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway at the 8 mile mark.
 Left onto Blue Ridge Parkway South towards Ashville, this is a steady climb for 2.5 miles. You can break this up by stopping at the Craft center located in Moses Cones memorial home which over looks Base Lake and has rocking chairs on the front porch and bathrooms if needed. Nothing to eat or drink though.
 Left at sign for 221 and follow signs to Shull’s Mill Road, this may look familiar if you do the 12 mile warm up ride! Climbing this time to the Trail head of Moses Cone, then a long gradual decent through shaded windy roads.
 Right Sharply and steep up onto Poplar Grove Rd at the 13 mile mark. Continue a long slow climb, steepest of the ride at this point, cresting when you intersect with Russ Cornett Rd. Continue on Poplar Grove down hill to 105. Long sweeping curves on smooth blacktop.
 Right on 105 for a short distance past the Super 8 (did you leave your car here?) We did not!
 Right on Snaggy Mtn Blvd up a VERY steep climb 1.5 miles to the house! Theresa had to walk part of the first part, but then slowly made the rest of the climb. Kevin even had to stop at the first sharp bend to catch his breath and continue on.

We did this 20 mile loop in 2+ hours (3 hours including picture and rest stops) 9.5 mph average. Next time we start at Super 8.
Maybe even take the road bikes instead of the mountain bikes.

Warm up 12 mile loop Snaggy - Shull’s Mill

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1279723

On a mission to discover some good trials leaving from the Snaggy house, Theresa used Google Pedometer to lay out a 10ish mile mountain bike loop ride on Saturday. This would be a good warm up ride, there are some climbs (this is the mountains you know), great scenery and matching downhills.

Starting from the Snaggy Mth house head right (South, away from 105). Quickly this turns into gravel then very steep rutted clay which is slick when wet. You have my permission to walk the steep part of this down and up when you come back this way. Theresa was unprepared for any technical trail this early in the ride so she stopped suddenly, her chain came off. When she tried to start again her peddles locked up and down she went with a high pitched scream! That’s gonna bruse! She hobbled the rest of the way down the shiggy where Kevin awaited shaking his head thinking, this is gonna be a long ride!

The road at the bottom, Russ Cornett Rd. is paved; we turned right on it and began a slow climb. Not much traffic here, but there is an occasional dog that may greet you as you pass. The road forks to the left, Diamond Ranch Rd is to the right, stay left still going up. This road boarders Moses Cone park to the left and is lined with farms and grazing live stock. Very gradual and scenic climb!

A gradual down hill takes you to a T-intersection with Poplar Grove, turn left and continue down hill. You will need your breaks as you navigate the curves on this steep down hill. A bit of payback! At the 3 mile mark there is another T-intersection make a very sharp left onto Shull’s Mill Rd still going down you can enjoy the effortless coasting.

Shull’s Mill now turns to a gradual but shaded up hill climb. You will pass various resorts, spa’s and hideaway restaurants. One we noted was “The Game Keeper Restaurant” which we looked up on the internet and plan to try it out sometime for a special occasion!

Shull’s Mill crests at a trail head for Moses Cone Park and then heads down hill towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just before the Parkway you will see signs for Trout Lake. Just past that entrance we took a left (eventually) onto Flannery Fork road (5.5 miles). We missed this turn as we were looking for Payne Branch (Google Pedometer did not have Flannery Fork), but we knew we needed to be on the East side of Trout lake. This road was gravel and we questioned if it was going to connect to Payne Branch but it was quite pleasant and meandered past Trout Lake and continued on past trail intersections to Moses Cone and on over one vehicle bridges. The tree canopy made this part of the ride shaded and the flat terrain with no traffic made this the best part of the ride! Soon we saw a large ranch on the left and wahh-la pavement! Had we found Payne Branch? Who cares, it was very scenic and we were after all heading in the right direction (we hope). After 3 intersections with only the name of the perpendicular street we finally got validation that we in fact were on Flannery Fork, and had reached our next landmark of Winklers Creek at the 7.5 mile mark. This road was a surprisingly nice down hill towards Boone, passing a reservoir, watching for dogs and our next turn 2 miles zoomed by. A sharp left on Russ Cornett was a very steep up hill then more gradual 1.5 mile climb looking for the right back to the foot of the Snaggy shiggy and back to the house. Kevin’s odometer measured 12 miles at 8.8 pace. This was a great warm up ride!

David Bridenbaugh's Nutrition Secrets

Sunday found Kevin and Theresa arrived to find John Majikas already in the parking lot.
As everyone started to unload their bikes they were joined by Tim and soon after that the group was joined by David Bridenbaugh who rode to the start on his bike. Tim and David had never met so we had a brief introduction. Kevin had decided to ride with Theresa on today’s ride. John also announced he would ride with Theresa. David and Tim were discussing their plan for the day’s ride. Kevin announced that Theresa was the day’s ride leader. The pack all took off together with Theresa at the lead. Kevin suggested that the groups do the normal route in reverse order. So on past the turn into Preston and up the hill on High House, across Davis and left after the rail road tracks bridge. This put the group going down the long hill on Old Jenks and a right onto Holt. Theresa and John fell behind slightly on the climb to Holt, with Kevin working to catch Tim and David who had slowed to wait for the others. Kevin told these two they did not need to wait since Theresa had others to ride with. Kevin and Tim and David all discussed the various routes and how to travel them in reverse order. The three continued to ride together across high way 54 then right onto Roberts road. Right onto Green Level Church, and left onto Green Level. The pace as strong but not aggressive. David made the comment that riding the route in reverse order puts the hills at the start of the ride. It is amazing how the same route can feel harder in one direction vs the other. Kevin stayed with Tim and David until the left turn a Luther. He announced that he would pull back and finish the day’s ride with Theresa who was planning to do the 32 mile route. Tim and David were discussing the idea of doing what the group Saturday had done and looked to do at least 50 miles. Kevin said great we expect a write up of what takes place on the ride. The said their farewell’s with Kevin performing a U-turn to hook up with John and Theresa. To his amazement they were only ¼ mile back riding at a strong 17 -18 mph clip.
The rest of this write up is split into 2 parts.
Kevin’s write up that covers the remaining 32 mile route that he, John and Theresa did.
David Bridenbaugh’s write-up that covers he and Tim’s ride from this point of the ride on to their finish.

First the remainder of the ride for John, Theresa, and Kevin.
Once Kevin joined John and Theresa they rode three abreast along Luther and onto the left turn of Horton Pond. Theresa was riding very well and attacked the rolling hills one after another that defined Horton Pond. Theresa commented on how much harder the route is riding in this direction. She then asked were do we go from here. Kevin explained that the next turn will take the group right onto Ferrington and then right onto Martha Chapel. “You mean we have to climb up Martha Chapel” Theresa asked. “Any time you ride away from Lake Jordan you will climb” was Kevin’s response. The group formed a draft line from that point on to protect the pace and keep each rider as fresh as possible with half the ride remaining. The group took a short stop just after the turn onto Martha Chapel in shade along side the road. Again the group formed a draft line allowing each to take short breaks from the wind and to maintain the solid pace. Right on 751 followed by a left at the strawberry patch. The pace remained solid as the pack turned left again just after Barbee Road to head towards Pisgah Church Road and ultimately Up-Chuck hill. John was riding very strong as he pulled Theresa along up and over each of the rolling hills towards the fast decent of Up-Chuck. John was the first to attack the down hill portion of Up-Chuck with Theresa fast on his wheel. Kevin slow to approach watched the two in front disappear as they swung thru the right hand curve of the steepest portion of the hill. Kevin looked down at his speedometer to see 37 mph. Up-Chuck in reverse is far easier. The climb up the back side is not a steep but is longer with little momentum remaining from previous downhill to assist with the climb. The climb is one that allows for several gear changes and opportunities to rise out of the seat as well as periods of dropped heal handlebar pulling to grind on up to the crest. Right turn onto Fire Station Church road had John once again pulling Theresa along this stretch of pavement. Once the group turned onto the long stretch the flowed past Green Hope High School Kevin took on the job of setting the pace from the front. Theresa fell in close behind to maximize the draft and John was found tight behind Theresa. This was the make-up of the small peloton as they rode along doing 21 mph on this last stretch of road prior to the final run on High House and into the finish. Theresa had a great ride. John’s ride was a great one and showed that he had grown stronger from his 100 mile ride in California. The group completed the 32 miles at a 14.2 mph average.

The following write-up was provided by David Bridenbaugh and covers the ride he and Tim completed from the corner of Luther and Green Level once Kevin pulled out of the group.

After a brief warm-up, the testosterone riders split away from the Smell the Roses group going out of Cary and eventually parted ways with Kevin, who had decided to be a Smell the Roses rider today. This left only two riders in the testosterone group today, Tim Travitz and David Bridenbaugh. Tim and I had decided to extend the normal route and add in the Big Woods loop around the backside of Jordan Lake. Given my champion’s breakfast this morning of a coke and a pop tart, I felt that I was more than adequately prepared for the extra distance. We started out at a moderate pace down Luther Road, carefully watching to see who would strike first. Once we hit Farrington Road it was down to business with a fast run up the hill to Hwy 64, over the lake, and onto Big Woods. By this point the day was heating up and my helmet was feeding a continuous drip of sweat directly into my eyes causing me to make pirate faces as I squinted to see the road ahead. We finished the loop around the lake and made a quick store stop at Lystra and Farrington. Since the calories from my Pop Tart were long gone, I searched the store for energy food. Ron Clanton swears that a fun-size Payday candy bar is the ultimate endurance athlete’s food, much better than a wussy Powerbar or Clif Bar. Seemed like a good idea to me, though I was eyeing the Zero bar too. I could tell Tim was really impressed with my nutritional acumen. Once back underway, Tim took a really strong run up Martha’s Chapel road back towards Cary. My legs were screaming as I tried to hold his wheel. Not to be outdone by Tim’s awesome display of firepower, I took my turn at the front but was soon in “a bit of a bother”. Not only had my legs given up for the day, but the high octane mixture of Coca Cola, Cherry Pop Tart, Payday, and Accelerade rolling around in me belly was quickly reintroducing itself to me taste buds. Mercifully, we turned down the pace once we passed the berry patch and rolled back into Cary down Green Level Road. I turned off at Cornerstone and once out of Tim’s sight I immediately slowed to 10 mph and quietly limped home for a recovery meal of Bugles, Zebra Cakes, and another can of Coke.

Unofficial Stats:
Ride Time - 2:39
Miles - 45.9
Post-ride Jersey Weight – 6 lbs

The ride that had Steve Cope with his head up Kevin’s A##.

Saturday July 7th found the Smits along with Ron Clanton and Steve Cope all pulling into Brugers in time for quick assembly of bikes and a short coffee and bagel. It appeared to the group as though Jay Brainard and Bieth Gonzoliz had already parked, unloaded and were on the roads trying to beat the heat. As the group was assembling a gentleman rode up on his bike looking for some one he had met before. Kevin quickly asked if he was here to ride with anyone. The group learned that this lone riders name was Frank and he had ridden on the 4th of July with one of the ladies who normally rides the smell the roses ride. Introductions were shared, Frank was welcomed into the group. As this was unfolding we saw Tim Travitz ride up to the group. Tim had ridden from home because he was going to have to pull off the ride early due to a prior commitment. The group was fully assembled. Theresa and Frank would make sure the smell the roses ride was completed. Kevin, Tim, Steve Cope, and Ron Clanton formed a tight group and off everyone went. The ride was a typical one with the smell the roses setting their pace early causing a large gap between the two groups. Ron and Steve rode side by side with Ron setting an early strong pace that only quickened as they rode past Green Hope High School, and continued to the corner leading to Up-Chuck Hill. Tim and Steve fell in line to attack the hill with Kevin and Ron struggling to figure out what gear ratio would help them today. Right turn at the top of Up-Chuck put the small pack on rolling hills with lots of road damage to dodge due to heavy construction vehicles. Left turn onto Mount Pisgah Church road after Steve faked going straight to see if he could pull anyone out of the pack leaving them with a gap that would take extra effort to catch up. The pack chuckled at this feeble attempt. Ron had his GPS dialed into today’s ride and was scratching his head trying to figure out why Steve thought the route went straight. I wonder if the Tour riders use GPS for any of the Stages of the race?
The group remained in tact as they turned to take the alternate route that led would lead them to Green Level Church and ultimately a very short ride on 751. This is much more relaxing to the nerves than the long pull and climb on 751 to Martha Chapel. The group rode well with no one attacking. The riders did not form a solid draft line but rather rode in a disorganized clump allowing for lots of chatter among the riders. The group turned right onto 751 and then the quick left to see the progress of the 60+ foot yacht that is being refurbished next to the Junipers. Again the pack never formed and had the constant shifting with each rider changing who they rode with. These changes changed as often as the subject matter of the chatter. Right turn onto Farrington had the group working to decide what distance they wanted to accomplish. Discussion led to an agreement of 50 Plus miles for the days ride. Tim knowing he had to get back let everyone know he would turn off at Martha Chapel only to ride hard to get home in time for his prior commitment. Steve Cope, Ron Clanton, and Kevin Smit all stayed straight on Farrington headed for Lystra and Big Woods. Ron had suggested that there was a parallel road to Lystra that the group needed to explore. Ron’s GPS validated that the road was there and tied into Big Woods. Following the GPS the group turned left off of Farrington just after crossing the bridge over Lake Jordan. All eyes were looking for a road that would lead over another bridge and intersect with Big Woods. The pace slowed as the group road into the parking lot and staging area for one of Lake Jordan’s boat ramps. No Road was discovered. The group speculated that the maps and GPS were showing an old road that had since been flooded when the Corps of Engineers built the lake. On out of the ramp and back onto Farrington the Three Amigo’s rode. A tight left turn at Lystra the group sweep on. Kevin saw a lone rider preparing to mount their bike at the gas station on that corner. Lystra unfolded in front of the group. Ron announced that Lystra is the longest and tallest climb in the 3 surrounding counties. The group all nodded having climbed Lystra last season a couple of times. They have not yet elected to accept that challenge this year. As the group closed in on the Corner at Big Woods Kevin spied a single riders working hard to close the gap between himself and the group ahead. Just as the 3 riders reached the turn at Big Woods the lone rider jumped into the group and asked permission to join. Steve Cope was the first to respond. “$5 to each rider to join”. It’s a deal was the reply from this lone rider. He assured the group that he was good for it and would put the check in the mail once he made it safely back home from the days ride. As this banter continued Steve and the new rider missed the left turn onto Big Woods. Ron’s GPS was whistling, and tooting, and banging, and buzzing with the announcement of the required left turn. Ron and Kevin made the turn with ease as Steve and the new rider had to pull up, slow, and perform a u-turn to finally align themselves with the next leg of the ride. This section would prove to be one of the swiftest. We also learned that the new rider knew Theresa Smit. He works for IBM and in fact Kevin had meet him a couple of times at various events that Theresa allowed him to attend. The lone riders name was Jim Palistrant, he proved to be a very strong rider. He and Steve Cope really hit it off both on the conversation level and the biking level. They set the pace on this 20 mile out and back stretch. They rode hard and talked non stop. Ron and Kevin took turns falling behind and then trying to catch. Back to the corner of Lystra and Farrington the group stopped at the gas station were Ron bought the group water to fill the empty water bottles. Each rider had been doing a good job of hydrating on the days ride as the temperature and humidity climbed well into the 90’s. Back on the bikes everyone was slow to get to speed due to the stiffening of leg muscles. Steve and Jim wanted to push the pace while Kevin and Ron wanted to enjoy the slow build-up to speed. The group splintered as Steve spotted a lone rider in the distance ahead. “Lets catch him’ Steve shouted with excitement. “Go ahead” Ron and Kevin responded in a low monotone.
Jim said nothing. He jumped out of the saddle and with several quick pumps of the bikes handle bars he sprung into the attack. This caught everyone by surprise. Steve looked around trying to absorb what just happened and then sprung into his chase of Jim. Jim had made a substantial break away that would take an effort from Steve to eliminate. Soon the two were working together to chase down the lone rider in the distance. Kevin and Ron continued at there respectable 21 mph pace and watched the battle up ahead unfold. Jim and Steve caught the lone rider as they crossed the bridge over Lake Jordan only to let him go at the turn of Martha Chapel road. It was hear the Jim elected to leave the group and continue his planned ride. The group was back to the 3 amigos as they began the gradual climb up Martha Chapel to 751. Once again Kevin saw a lone rider coming up from behind. This rider asked to join the group. “$5 to each rider” Cope again announced. “Forget it” this new rider announced. No introductions were made. We did no learn this rider’s name. Steve did strike up a conversation only after sizing up the rider and his machine. “I will bet you drop a lot of scratch for that Ride” Steve announced.
“Ten Grand” the rider announced. A custom Titanium Seven with Nikon pre-stretched cables in full pvc housings, and Zero Gravity Brakes the group was informed. “You must be a Brain Surgeon” Steve shot back. “My wife is I work for the State” the rider replied.
Once at the corner of Martha Chapel and 751 the group announced the right turn. “ I am going Left” announced the yet named $10k bike rider who works for the state.
It was back to the 3 amigos once again. The group stayed on 751 until the left turn onto Luther. The chit chat was much less known as the ride was well into 40+ miles having averaged close to 17 mph. Right rurn onto Green Level, right turn onto Wimberly. Long slow climb past the water treatment plant to the corner at Jenks. The ride on Jenks was smooth and steady even with the 50 mile mark close at hand. Each rider was thinking of that last climb up old Jenks towards High House. Kevin and Steve had rode on ahead with Ron still visable behind as the group approached the lights at High Way 54. Green light for Kevin and Steve. Will Ron make the light? Kevin slides on past the light Steve close to his rear wheel and off Kevin’s right shoulder, Ron still approaching the light. Kevin still ahead with Steve tucked close behind as they approach the left turn onto Holt. “Car Up” Kevin announced as he grabbed the brakes to slow. At that very moment Steve’s Front Tire protruded thru the space created between Kevin’s right leg and bike frame. Kevin had stopped peddling with his right foot at the top of the peddle stroke as he slowed for the on coming car. This allowed Steve’s tire to fit neatly in that small space created by Kevin’s right leg and his bike frame. “Crap” Steve was heard to say as he deftly lowered his head to help him balance his bike and absorb the impact of his momentum against a slower larger mass. His head placement not only helped him balance but also was the only body part he could call into action to help push off the mass that lay in front of him. Steve’s head placement was ideal he already had it lowered as he was looking back to see if Ron was going to make the light just as Steve’s tire passed between Kevin’s leg and bike frame . Steve’s head found a very soft and large area to absorb the impact. Kevin’s big Butt. Kevin simultaneously let up on the brakes to allow for both riders to continue with their momentum rather than stopping which would have resulted in a nasty crash for both. Kevin and Steve demonstrated solid bike handling skills with both making the sharp left hand turn. “Holey Crap” both said at the same time only to crack up laughing and congratulating each for a miraculous save. Ron made it safe though the intersection and the 3 amigos were once again a team. The Banter was now all about what the EMT’s accident report may have looked like. “Dispatch we have two bikers joined head to A##”. “What is the procedure to Separate?”
Kevin then said he could imagine that Steve would have made matters worse by turning his head to look around. The banter did not last long as the climb up old Jenks was just in front. Each made it to the top and rolled into the left hand turn toward High House.
Once on High House Steve again spun hard to sprint down the hill towards the bagel shop. Great ride covering 57 miles averaging 16 mph, with the group dynamics changing as riders dropped and joined and dropped. Also great bike handling skills were demonstrated on this ride.

Hoopers Is. MD, Tuesday July 3, 2007

The morning was calm and relatively cool, perfect for a ride! Learning from yesterday’s pain, Theresa downed some caffeine and a bottle of water. A quick light b-fast and we decided to head south-west to Hoopers Island and target a local restaurant called “Old Saltys”. The estimate from a biking map we picked up at the Information Center yesterday in Cambridge had the round trip at 40 miles.

By the time we actually got our bikes out it, the wind had picked up from the south so heading out would be slightly against the wind. The day would not be without the Maryland “hills” aka wind. We exited from the gravel driveway in sandals carrying our bike shoes, then left the sandals by the mailbox, reset the odometer and away we went. The mission for the day was for Theresa to draft as close as she could to Kevin. Kevin had to not only maintain a steady line but had to endure his old saddle that had left a raging welt on his derriere so any movement or bump in the road was excruciating. But he gritted his teeth because after all he was biking next to water with Theresa what could be better? (Stop laughing!)

Heading south on Hwy 16, Kevin set a steady 16 mph pace and Theresa pulled in to the vortex behind him as tight as she could. The roads wound a bit so she would shift to the left or right or directly behind sucking within inches of Kevin’s back tire. Kevin slowly increased the speed. He had no instruments on his vintage touring Boch so Theresa announced whenever the speed reached 17 mph. At the 6 mile mark we turned to the SW and even more into the wind. A short water break and back into formation. The next 7 miles we cruised at 19 mph with only short butt breaks to let a little circulation into the lower regions. Theresa begged for a stop at the 14 mile turn to Hoopers Is. So far the route duplicated the roads from yesterdays ride, now we turn to new scenery and Theresa took out the camera and snapped a few shots while peddling! The road no longer had the wide shoulder but the traffic was light as not too many vehicles have any reason to venture down to the end of Hoopers Island. We rode for another 4-5 miles and reached Fishing Creek, a quaint village with small cottages and lots of docks and remnants of a thriving fishing community. Here we made a hard right and then left to see our destination Old Saltys! Oddly there were no cars parked, what could it be closed? Oh well the scenery was so enticing we decided to venture on a bit further in hopes of finding another landmark, the famous “Suicide Bridge”. We asked a local if she knew where the bridge was and she said that it was no where near. We also asked if there where any other eating establishments and she indicated that Old Salty’s was it. We recalled a Deli not far back. Going on just a bit further we turned around at the top of a bridged connecting 2 parts of Hoopers Island; this would mark the highest peak in Dorchester Co MD and 22.5 mi for us.

We stopped at the Deli , parked our bikes never to worry about securing them and tapped into the deli with our bike shoes and sat down. We consumed massive calories and soda then bid farewell, 20 miles to go with the wind now behind us, Kevin was hoping to compress the journey into a little over an hour. No pressure, Theresa! We warmed up slowly as any blood supply was still in the digestive tract! Back out of the village and again into formation. Theresa had camera in hand ready to capture pics that were noted on the way in, stopping was out of the question! Snap at the top of the bridge a few more pics on the rode and then the last shot was the field of sunflowers, who can resist that photo opp! Much better than some old big boat on the side of the road that some one is working on!

Theresa put the camera back in her pouch and now it’s down to business, we have a goal to make…. Kevin began the pace, Theresa quickly announced 17, then, 19, then 20, yikes 21. Theresa shifted into the large chain up front just to keep up, varying her position behind Kevin’s back tire as the road curved. We made easy work out of the first 14 miles back, then a short stop and a turn to the right to home meant even more wind at our back and Kevin raised the challenge to get to 23 mph! Right, well off we went, the wind did not prove to offer much assistance to accelerate much more that 20mph and frankly Theresa’s legs just did not have much more, so we backed off a bit to the 17-19 mph pace and cruised the rest of the way back.

We were both pleased with the ride and were very ready to get our butts off the seat and take a dock walk! And do this write up which we hope you enjoy!

Ride stats: 45 miles, 15.5 mph avg, head winds, Theresa “wheel sucking”, again awesome scenery!
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1111001

BlackWater Wildlife Refuge loop, MD, July 2,2007

After the ride with the group on Saturday we did some work around the Smit compound including reengineering the Pond and then went and bought out Sam’s for wine and food for the trip to Maryland. Never go to Sam’s hungry!

We filled not 1 or 2 but 3 coolers and Kevin loaded up the bikes, Theresa’s only rode bike and his gently used touring bike (yes the one that has fenders and a luggage rack). The alarm was set for 4:30, however there was little movement until 6am… Gas and coffee and we were on the rode by 7am.

Theresa had the laptop and wireless card on board as we contemplated which path to use to invade the Maryland peninsula; south from Virginia Beach or north thru DC and Annapolis. South was more scenic and novel as we get to use the Chesapeake tunnel/bridge, which serpentines under and above the water for 26?? miles.

We got in to my bother’s place (just south of Cambridge, MD) at 2pm. Just as we pulled in there was a deer frozen in her steps just starring at us. I got out my camera and clicked a few pictures. What a great greeting! We unlocked the house and proceeded with the ritual “dock walk”. Dock walks must be done at least twice a day, first in the morning (coffee in had) and in the evening(beverage of choice in hand). Purpose of the dock walk --- make sure the dock is still there!

We made ourselves at home, and a very nice home it is… filled up the frig and prepared dinner. I scoped out a prospective ride using Google pedometer for the next day.

We planned to wait until the morning ‘traffic’ would be passed for us to start riding. That gave us time to fix some eggs, bacon and toast. (and of course do a dock walk).

After 7+ hours in the car we were both quite stiff and not ready for placing out butts on the bike seat. But off we went. The plan was a 33 mile loop around the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The wind was brisk about 15-20 mph steady form the NW. The road was flat in fact the total ride elevation was about 10 feet and that was a small bridge.

We headed south west first on Rt 16 near Woolford) as that was as good as any direction for this route. The roads had very wide paved shoulders and lots of “Share the Road” bicycle signs so this was a blessing for Theresa. At 5 miles into the ride we had a 14-15 mph pace and were still loosing up the joints. The scenery was spectacular, marsh and rich farmland, marinas and boats, yards with crab pots stacked up 10 high. Very different form the NC rolling forests. We turned left onto Smithville Rd, and played leapfrog with the garbage truck. It is inevitable that on a bike, you meet oncoming RV and passing utility truck all while crossing a bridge! Why is that?

Smithville Rd wound in and out of clearings, marsh and trees as it boarded the Blackwater NWR. At the next turn RT 335, we stopped for a bio break at the boat service center. Theresa’s back and almost every thing else hurt! No turning back now, onward and into the wind! We made our left onto 335, the bike lane disappeared, traffic was more constant as was the wind. Kevin kept up the 15 mph pace, but Theresa kept drifting further behind battling the unrelenting wind and all those aches and pains. Sitting behind a computer for hours on end every day does not prepare one for this kind of physical abuse. We reached Key Wallace Drive (22 mile mark) that leads in to the Blackwater NWR and Kevin not knowing the route did the vulture circle waiting for Theresa to arrive at the intersection then we preceded on 335 skipping our loop into the NWR… Maybe next time. Theresa was ready to smell the barn and get this torture over!

The rest of the ride was grueling as Kevin kept wondering “Where’s Theresa?” and even looped back to find her still moving at least. Trying so hard to keep even 12 mph pace. We reached Church Creek at the 25 mile mark and headed into the home stretch. The wind did not give us any break and seemed to be always in our face! At last we arrived at Brooks Rd, which was the entrance to my brothers place. We were so glad to have done the ride, had our beverage, dock walk and then crashed for a much deserved nap!

Ride stats: 30 miles, 13.1 mph avg, head winds, awesome scenery!
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1098355

Tim's new Machine - impromtu ride June 30th

June 30th Saturday impromptu ride.

This Ride was spurred on by Steve Sparano. It was his email to the group that allowed the ride to take place. The shear bravery he displayed in generating this email forced the Smit’s to delay their trip out of town to participate. Well done Steve.

Others that elected to join in on the fun included Steve’s wife Carolyn. We also ran into Tim Travitz. Tim was sitting patiently in his vehicle waiting for others to assemble. He did not exit from his vehicle until Steve Cope came storming into the parking lot in his VW Thing.

Steve Cope jumped out of his vehicle to unleash his Vitus bicycle for the days event. At that same time Tim pulled from the back of his vehicle a Brand New Cervelo all carbon aero dynamic frame with high end components.

Tim needed a new bike. As you may recall we first found Tim sitting at the corner of 751 and Horton Pond several weeks ago. When we stopped to see what we could do to help this stranded biker we learned that he had broken his chain. Clearly a cause for a new high end machine.

The group all provided the appropriate level of oohs and ahs at the new machine.
Let me take that back. All the guys provided proper levels of oohs and ahs, the ladies treated this new marvelous machine with the same enthusiasm as another night with their husbands. Very Ho Hum. In fact they did not even look at nor recognize this beautiful piece of engineering. Again the same reaction their fine tuned male counter parts receive every day and night.

The pack was slow to start. It was Theresa that everyone was waiting on. She was not in the correct spirit for the days ride. Slow to get out of bed, slow to get dressed, slow to get in the car (Kevin had everything loaded and ready to go early), Slow to get her coffee and bagele at Brugers.

Once Theresa was ready the pack took off for the ride. Within ½ mile Theresa was already falling far behind the group. Kevin was riding near the front on his classic Jeffrey Bock Touring machine when someone in the pack announced that Theresa was no were to be found. This did not slow Kevin or the pack. Carolyn slowed and turned back to make sure Theresa was OK. The pack never heard from them again until the end. On the four gentlemen rode. Steve Cope on his Vitus, Kevin on his touring bike, Steve Sparano on his carbon fiber framed Giant with Triple Chain Ring (girl gears according to Cope), and Tim on his BRAND NEW CERVELO.

The pace was smooth and reasonable the banter was at its normal levels. Steve Cope made it clear that he has not been able to buy a new bike even with all the flats he has had over the years. He was truly in awe of Tim who was able to justify a new bike due to a broken chain incident.

The ride continued as it usually does along roads that we now can ride blindfolded. They have fixed some of the worst holes along fire station church road.

As the group approached Up-Chuck everyone took tight control of the handle bars. Legs tensed as each rider took the most streamlined position possible for the short fast downhill. Each checked to see what gear they had selected for the attack up the hill and the jockeying for position was on.
Kevin was not sure what to expect from his heavy touring bike. This bike was built to carry lots of camping gear. In the late 70’s and early 80’s Kevin rode this bike fully loaded with a weeks worth of camping gear, food, tent, sleeping bag and a Bike trailer in tow that had the family pet (a Doberman Pincher) across Iowa for a week.
Clearly a bike built to take lots of weight and pull heavy loads.
Now the perfect bike for carrying Kevin’s Massive size down the road.
The Hill was now upon the group. Steve Cope and Tim took charge of the attack followed closely by Steve Sparano. Kevin shifted into the Third chain ring on the crank set and slowly walked up the hill letting the gear ratio work for him. Kevin’s heart rate actually slowed as he progressed up the hill using the 1980 engineering of small chain ring in front and large chain ring in the rear. Modern technology has nothing over the solid physics of pulley systems engineered in the time of the Pharaohs.

Once at the top of the hill the group turned right and slowed to let Kevin finish his slow steady climb. On the group rode towards the left turn onto Mount Pisgua Church road. The group found this road beat up with lots of black top exploded into the road due to heavy construction vehicles. The group elected to avoid the long pull on 751 by turning left at the top of the last hill and then a right on Barbee Road. This route has no traffic and lots of small rolling hills that then dump out onto Luther shop road. As the group approached this intersection they could see riders traveling at a high rate of speed along the intersecting road. Steve Cope immediately jumped out of the saddle in a pavlovian response to take chase. The group had to call him back and explain that the rider he was about to attack was traveling in the opposite direction that they were about to travel. Steve wiped the saliva from his chin and nodded with acceptance of this revelation. He then announced that ”Man Law” says we must take chase and attack and destroy any riders ahead of the pack. Tim with his new light weight bike was laying in wait for the proper time to demonstrate Man Law on a bike.
The group turned right and headed towards 751 and the strawberry patch corner. Once at the strawberry patch the group swung right onto 751 and lined up for the immediate left hand turn . This is the intersection that has the Large Yacht being refurbished in the farmer’s driveway. It was here that Steve Sparano announced that his wife Carolyn has ridden by this several times and had never seen this monster boat. Kevin also acknowledged that his wife had never seen it, even after telling her several times about it. Let it be known that we later learned that the Ladies did see it on todays ride. They now know it as the boat next to the Junipers. WHAT JUNIPERS ?

The group sailed on past the yacht each one guessing the size of this large water vessel. Kevin suggested it is over 60 ft. Steve Cope said 100 ft (size matters for Steve). The others just nodded to both as if it might be between 60 and 100 ft.
The pace continued steady as the group rode on towards Farrington Farms road. A left on Farrington Farms and another left onto Horton Pond Road. Everyone was feeling good and the pack stayed together.
This is where Kevin normally begins to fail. Steve Cope recognized that and explained to the pack how he had rode with the Spin Cycle crowed last Saturday. This was the A-Ride group. They have no sense of humor and do not tolerate newbies that can not keep up.
Steve told the group that Saturday’s ride was 60 miles at 22 to 25 miles per hour. Steve did a stellar job holding on for more than 45 miles of the ride, taking turns at the pull. Steve bonked hard on that ride and now knows what Kevin deals with each time he rides.

On the pack rode up and over each rolling hill on their way to the corner of 751 and Horton Pond, the infamous corner where the group fist met Tim with his broken chain.
Once at the corner Tim smiled in recollection of how that day justified his new Bike.
On right at 751 and then left onto Luter. The group rode on strong enjoying the fact that all riders were doing well. Just as the pack gathered steam again Tim and Kevin noticed a large Turtle in the road. Each pointed at the animal to ensure no one ran over it. Steve Cope pulled up and circled back to rescue the animal. The pack slowed and looked in total shock that “Steve the Animal” had a heart for slow moving creatures. Tim was heard saying “I hope he doesn’t get bit”. Kevin asked “who the turtle or Cope?”.
The pack reassembled once Steve had rescued one of natures slowest and oldest animals on the planet. Maybe there is hope for Kevin, also one of natures slowest and oldest creatures. The group was still in tact at the corner of Luter and Green level. On right towards the right turn on Wimberly the pack continued with ease. As a pack they continued the banter and chit chat that can only be sustained by Steve Cope. He has the ability to solicit response from others that requires far more than a nod or a short yes no response. The group remained intact during the climb up Wimberly past the water treatment plant to the corner of Jenks and Wimberly. They swept left onto Jenks and rode strong towards the city limits of Cary. Across 54 and left onto Holt the pack progressed towards the corner of Old Jenks and the long gradual hill that lay ahead.
Here the pack again readied for the attack on the long climb. Steve, Tim, Steve, and Kevin all set up their bikes for the long gradual climb that lay ahead. Kevin remembering the slow steady climb of Up-Chuck made the decision to fall toward the back allowing the other lighter weight bikes and riders to duke it out. As the climb unfolded the results remained the same. Steve Cope and Tim challenged each other with Steve Sparano hot on their heals. Kevin was quickly falling behind but his heart rate remained low. Left turn at the top of the hill sent the group towards High House and the sprint home. The pack was close together up to the light at Davis and High House when Steve Cope took to the high gears and high RPMs. He hit 40 miles per hour and had spun out on his highest gears just as Tim Zoomed passed still pushing his 53 / 11 gear combination. This was what Tim had saved for and had planed to dominate Cope at the point when Steve felt invincible. Tim’s plan was falling into place only to be stifled by the light at the bottom of the hill. The group all entered the parking lot at burgers together. This has not happened in weeks, and can only be contributed to the fact that Steve Cope did not have coach or Brian there to egg him on. Another great ride with great friends and lots of abuse.

June 10th Sunday ride go the distance Cope Chugs a small beer

A small group of riders assembled for today’s ride.
Theresa Smit was the lone female rider and elected to ride solo. She also elected to increase the distance of her ride to 40 miles. She rode strong against the head winds with no one to draft. She covered the 40 miles at a 14 mph average. WELL DONE.

The others in attendance were Coach Dotson, Steve Cope, and Kevin Smit. This group had two strong riders and one old out of shape heavyset man on a lightweight go fast bike. This group elected to ride the standard route in a clockwise fashion with options to increase the mileage from 40 to 58 miles depending on how everyone felt. Coach and Steve did all the work from the front of the draft line with Kevin doing everything he could to draft as long and as tight behind the leaders as safely as possible.

As the group rode west on Horton Pond we saw Tim Travitz riding hard by himself coming at us in the opposite direction. A nod of the head and a short wave of the left hand provided all the acknowledgment needed between the two groups of riders.
It was also along this stretch that Steve Cope was sharing the fact that his in-laws were in town (which is one reason he was on the ride). His in-laws had arrived late the night before and brought Steve a large Stine of freshly brewed beer from a micro brewery in Virginia. Steve struggled with drinking it on the spot or waiting to consume it at a later time. He invisioned the next days bike ride if he chose to drink it right then and there. The thought of how painful the ride would be had him showing restraint. He elected to put the stine in the refrig and ride the next day with visions of the brew dancing in his head.

You can see the joy this stine brought Steve by looking at the pictures at the end of this write up.

The group decided to extend the ride by going straight at the intersection of Farrington road and Martha Chapel. This long stretch was straight into the wind with again Steve and Coach pulling the pack at speeds of 21 + mph.

Left onto Lystra and left at the fork onto Jack Bennett. The group turned left onto Big Woods to ride strong on the rolling hills that unfolded as they charged along not falling below 21 mph until the turn around at Highway 64.

Kevin was still doing his best to draft behind the workhorses that pulled nonstop at race pace speeds. The group backtracked to the intersection of Farrington and Martha Chapel where they turned left onto Martha Chapel. The odometer announced 36 miles completed at 18.2 mph average. Kevin was falling apart at this point in the ride with Steve Cope and Coach now warmed up and ready to ride hard.

Kevin worked harder than ever just to keep the gap between him and the others from becoming something that could be measured in yards vs tenths of miles. This did not last long. The slow steady climb away from lake Jordan took its toll on Kevin as he steadily lost yards, which turned into tenths of miles.

Steve and Coach were found waiting at the intersection of 751 and Martha Chapel. Kevin informed them that he had officially Bonked and was going to limp back to the start. He described to the others the route he had planed that would provide the 50 miles the group was looking to complete. It included the long run on Luther with the left turn on Yates Store. This would take the group down Up-Chuck in the opposite direction. A right turn onto Carpenter Church Fire Station Road, on past Green Hope High School, and on in on High House.
With these set of instructions the group splintered with Steve and Coach excited to be turned loose for their remaining 10 miles of speed play.

Kevin rode on as best he could, head down, rpms falling below his normal 95+ rpms, and doing all he could to maintain 13 mph. Both water bottles consumed Kevin could feel his eyes rolling into the back of his head. The temptation to stop and rest was strong. The knowledge that stopping would mean his in ability to start again for more than an hour. Kevin has bonked enough times to know that once he stops he becomes faint and requires at least an hour to cool and hydrate before recovery. With that knowledge he labored on to ensure recovered could be completed in the safety of the restaurant and that no one would be worried about what happened to him.

With the ride over each rider compared notes.
Steve and Coach finished the 50 mile ride maintaining the 18 mph average.
They missed all the turns that Kevin has described and still found themselves safe at the start/finish.

Kevin with his slowed pace the last 15 miles still averaged 16 miles per hour for the 50 miles.

Theresa had an amazing ride covering her 40 miles solo – no one to draft and protect her from the head winds and averaged 14 mph. Well done.

Steve's consolation prize for a hard long ride.

June 9th Satrudays ride

In attendance:
Kevin and Theresa Smit
Steve Cope
Tim Travitz
John Majikes
Beth Gonzales arriving on Bike
Jae Brainard arriving on Bike
Barb a friend of Beth arriving on Bike

During the week Kevin received an email from Brian Farkas that he is still in California with his mother who has just gone thru a hip replacement.

Steve Cope learned from Brian’s sister that Brian is riding a bike every day during his visit. Look for Brian to return to the group in better shape than ever and act like he is not ready to ride only to blow everyone away (as usual).

Riders off on schedule at 8 am.

Both groups elected to ride the 32mile loop in a counter clockwise direction.
The pace was dialed in for each group based on the riders in attendance. No hard charging pulls or short attacks on tap today.
The ride was one that all enjoyed as the miles unfold smoothly in front of them.
John was telling the group how today was his last ride with the group for several weekends. He has to tear his bike down and ready it for the trip to California. John will ship his bike cross-country for the Diabetes ride with his Brother Matt on June 23 rd.
Tim was telling us about his job as Owner and President of a communications company. His company does commercials and creates promotional materials and media for several large firms in the area. Tim has recently moved into a new house and is biking between stints of un boxing belongings.
Steve told the group of some of the challenges he has had to deal with regarding family vehicles and hot water heaters.
A smooth ride finishing at a respectable 16 mph average for the 32 mile ride.

The ladies completed their 32 mile ride closely on the heals of the guys with and average speed of 13.2 mph. They debated stopping at Jeans strawberry patch to pick some strawberry’s but elected to ride on with Jae continuing to set the pace. The ladies turned off at Jenks to return to Beth’s house were they had started their days ride. Theresa rode on alone to finish at Brugers.

Sunday June 3rd Rained out

The Smit's showed up and went home when no one else arrived at the start. Rain is OK if it catches you later on in the ride, not good at the start.

Saturday June 2nd Matt explodes and Steve Cope to the rescue

The day began as most Saturday rides do.
An assortment of vehicles and bikes and riders of many colors, genders and vintages all assemble in the parking lot of Brugers at the corner of High House and Cary Parkway.

Today’s ride brought out the following vehicles, bikes, and vintage riders.
Blue van with John Majikes and his brother Matt. Solid performers on solid performing bikes.

No hype just results with these bikes and riders. They are building up to a 100 mile ride to raise money for diabetes. The ride is in California on 6/23/07. Send John an email to learn more Majikesj@us.ibm.com

Gray pickup truck with Ron and Traci Clanton with Tandem. Power provided from the stoker and navigation provided by Garmin. Ron provides rapid responses to navigation system and additional commands from stoker.

Blue VW passat with Sarah Powell and her Classic bike with super campy components. This bike and rider continue to demonstrate that Quality never deteriorates

Blue mini van with the Smit’s. Theresa on her 1979 custom Jeffrey Bock, and Kevin on his new feather light Scott all Carbon Go Fast (if someone else rides it ) bike.

Another Blue Van with Beth Gonzalez and her new Trek. Beth’s speed and cadence are tightly coupled with the level of conversation that is taking place.

Blue BMW with Jae Brainard and her new bike with giant chain rings – she rides a 72 / 65 front chain ring with 11 / 18 rear cluster. Ride with her and count her RPMs they are slower than Lance Armstrong’s heart rate at rest.

Yellow VW THING from WW II with Steve Cope (escapee from Stalag 13) and his original lightweight Vitas aluminum frame that was assembled utilizing the newest space age glues. This was the original bike that started the lightweight revolution leading to newer materials like Titanium, and carbon fiber.

Later on the ride we where joined by Tim Travitz. Tim was discovered a week ago on our ride as we turned from Luther onto Horton Pond and spied a lone rider with his bike propped against the stop sign. He was on the phone as we stopped to ask him if he was ok. “Yea” he claimed – “Broken Chain” he sighed. We had a chain break tool to help him put the chain back together but to no avail. We told him of our group and the fun we had and invited him to join. Well he did not make the start but he did join us this Saturday for a short stretch of the ride.

After coffee, chit chat, introductions, and preparation the riders left the parking lot on schedule. The riders stayed together through the neighborhood of Preston only to splinter at the stop light on Davis. Here the two groups set separate pace lines with the smell the roses group catching the Testosterone riders at the corner of Carpenter Upchurch and Morrisville Carpenter roads. This spurred the Testosterone group into higher gear. The warm up was over. John and his brother Matt took the lead and drove the Testosterone group westward on Carpenter Fire Station Road. Single file they fled.
High rpm’s producing 19 – 21 mph speeds with brief arm movements pointing at hazards in the road. On they rode to the corner of Carpenter Church and Yates Store roads.
The left at Yates Store is where everyone sets up for the run at Up-Chuck hill. Steve Cope falls to the rear behind Kevin. Steve loves to draft the fat man as gravity slings him down the hill with Steve being sucked along. John Majikes loves to peddle as hard as he can to the bottom of the hill hoping that inertia will be his friend and that gravity may not be looking at that instant in time. The others ride in total fear of both Johns frantic attack to the bottom of the hill and the crushing speed of Gravity propelling the Tandem stratled by Ron and Tracy, and the individual riders of Kevin with Steve Cope in tow towards the sound barrier. The G force at the bottom of the hill requires full concentration and a steady grip on the handlebars. The sound of spokes being compressed and the sidewalls of the tires flattening under these forces can be heard over the whistling of the wind through the vents in the rider’s helmets. Only the strongest tires pumped to the ideal pressure can survive this ordeal.

As the hill loomed ever closer John charged ahead soon to be succumbed by the laws of Physics. John does not poses the mass needed to take advantage of gravity’s pull on the downhill. Peddle all he can the math does not work in his favor. Others with greater mass are better designed for the downhill run. Ron and Tracy on the Tandem had the clear advantage followed closely by the combined mass of Kevin and his satellite Steve Cope. These two entities had so much gravitational pull that it actually slowed John down as he was caught in the gravitational pull of these terrestrial bodies.
The three masses almost collided at the point of highest acceleration as two accelerated and one slowed, in a real life enactment of the mathematics behind the physics of Newton’s law.
First the tandem with Ron and Tracy began to slow, then Kevin and Steve began to slow as that same law of physics began to work against them. The tandem had such a tight bond that the two masses remained as one causing a dramatic display of Newton’s law with rapid deceleration as gravity showed its might.
Then it was Kevin that felt the impact and Steve who, like all orbiting particles took full advantage of this law of nature and was able to sling shot on past the larger body freeing himself from the neighboring objects massive gravitational pull.
With in a nano second Steve was flung up over the crest of the hill and into the next county as Kevin and the others continued to struggle against the laws of nature just to reach the summit of Up Chuck.
Like a lone electron Steve circled at the next intersection waiting for the mass of his nucleus. A free electron must seek out a nucleus capable of bonding with others or it will drift forever with no purpose.
All made it to the top of Up-Chuck and through the right turn onto New Hope Church. The group was now falling inline behind the tandem. Ron and Tracy are strong on the flats and down hills and hot on everyone’s heals on the up hills. They were setting the pace for the days ride from the very beginning.
Kevin was riding next to Matt just as a loud Bang and puff of smoke hit Kevin in the side of his face. WOW Kevin yelled.
Everyone turned to see if he was OK.
Matt looked to Kevin to see what had happened to him, not noticing that Matt’s own rear tire just exploded. Kevin pulled to a quick stop. Matt stopped along with him. The tandem took several miles to slow, turn, and then return. A vehicle that large has to first gain approval from the port authority before it can change course. Steve Cope and John had already turned and stopped along Matt and Kevin.
What happened? Kevin announced that Matt’s rear tire blew.
As the group inspected the tire they discovered that not only did the tube blow but the tire’s sidewall shredded. A patch of the tube would not keep the tube in the tire. Ron suggested the use of a dollar bill folded and laid inside the tire between the tube and hole in sidewall to keep the tube from poking out the side of the tire. This is a great roadside repair that has worked in the past. Most of riders carry a spare tube and patch kit but no one carries a spare tire.
Just then Steve Cope suggested the use of his sow up tire. Steve rides Sow ups which are a tube and tire all in one. Upon further review it looked like pulling off Matt’s tire and tube and replace it with Steve’s Sow up would work. The risk being that the sow up would roll off the rim since sow ups are normally glued onto special rims. If the sow up was pumped up real good, and if Matt does not take any corners fast and hard it just might work.
Immediately Steve and Ron began the process of removing Matt’s rear tire, pulling off the defective tire and tube from the rim. Steve pulled the spare sow up from under his bike seat and stretched it over Matt’s naked rim. Ron whipped out his fast CO2 fill cartridge and in an instant the group had effected a tire change that would make NACAR proud.

Matt stared in total awe.
WOW ! That is Great! I didn’t know that was possible! You guys are amazing! WOW ! That is Great! I didn’t know that was possible! You guys are amazing! WOW ! That is Great! I didn’t know that was possible! You guys are amazing!

Steve interrupted Matt
“Get on and ride lest see if it works”.
Off the group rode again with the tandem setting the pace.
WOW ! That is Great! I didn’t know that was possible! You guys are amazing! WOW !
Matt continued to express his total appreciation for the quick thinking and creative problem solving this group was able to demonstrate.
A study in the laws of Physics and the ZEN of Bicycle repair all on one short ride.
The ride continued on its usual 32 mile route with a new twist that kept the group off of 751. As they climbed the last hill on Mt Pisgha Church road they took the left turn onto Earnest Jones Road and then the very next right onto Barbee. This then intersected with Luter. A right on Luter then took the group to the intersection at the strawberry patch and 751. A quick right and immediate left onto Holland Chapel road and they were on the way towards lake Jordan. Left on Ferrington and left again on Horton Pond. The group was settling into a rhythm that had the Tandem and Steve Cope well out front. Kevin, John, and Matt were doing their best to stay consistent with the speed but were falling off the pace. Steve Cope would fall back to chat with the trailing group, and then race forward to harass the tandem team. Matt again was in awe of Steve and his perpetual energy. Kevin was quick to describe Steve as a miniature Chuwawa that likes to nip at everyone’s heals and then run away. As the pack rode on Kevin saw another rider gaining on them from behind. As the rider came along side Kevin recognized him as Tim the rider the group had tried to help on last Saturday’s ride. Tim also recognized the riders and fell into line to ride with the pack until his planned route would take him to his finish. Tim rode with the group for several miles and joined in on the chatter and bantering as if he had been with the group for many rides. The group challenge Tim to consider meeting them next weekend at the start. We rode together until the turn at Wimberly were Tim continued straight towards the finish of his planned route. The group held together to the bottom of Jenks were Steve began his power climb up Jenks Carpenter road. Steve was in the lead followed by the tandem, then John, Matt and Kevin. Kevin slid past John and Matt. He swept silently past the tandem so close that it startled Tracy. His momentum and rpms were working well for him to overtake Steve. Kevin stayed in his stealth mode as he wisped past Steve who was now riding in a relaxed (no one is attacking me) mode. “HEY” Steve yelled. Up and out of the seat, Bike tossed from side to side, Steve responded. Within yards Steve charged past Kevin looking back to announce with facial expression only “Don’t even think about beating me”. That was the last the group saw Steve until they had all arrived at the finish in the Brugers parking lot. He had his bike already packed away, a fresh change of cloths, and food and drink in hand. It was Steve’s way of saying “What took you so long” ?

A 33 mile ride at about 15 mph average including stop for tire change.
We enjoyed having Matt join us again. He came back from a Disney World vacation one day early to ride with the group one more time before he headed back home. Everyone think of him and John June 23 rd as they ride 100 miles in northern California to raise money for Diabetes research.

The group enjoyed meeting up with Tim again. This time he was on his bike rather than calling for a ride home due to a broken chain.

The group enjoyed drafting the tandem and look for their return allowing others to rest in the draft they create going down the road.

The smell the roses riders finished their 25 mile ride entering the parking lot at the same time as the Testosterone laden riders. They did confess that they elected to take the alternate path to Up-Chuck hill by entering the new construction area at the bottom of the hill and exiting at the top of the hill by taking the winding roads thru this new neighborhood.


Ride safe
Ride often.

Memorial day ride for Ice Cream ( Theresa gets a New Bike)

Memorial Day ride – The day Theresa decided to get a new Bike.

New start location
New Ride
New Distance
One Old Bike
Two Old Riders

Steve Sparano met the Smits at their house and loaded his bike on the top of the van.
The 3 then set out to get coffee and drive to the new start location in Carrboro.
A slow relaxed start to what will be a long and enjoyable ride.
The start was in Wilson Park just behind the Carmill mall in Carrboro.

We parked in the shade and used the restroom facilities provided by the community park.
We visited with 2 other cycling groups that had assembled there for their planned rides.
This is a very popular area with lots of biking routes to chose from. They also informed us that the drivers are courteous and are used to lots of bikers on the road.

With that we lathered on the sunscreen in anticipation of the later start sun and heat.
Steve Sparano and Theresa had spent the early morning trying to create a cue sheet for today’s ride based off of a route found on http://www.bikely.com/ the route is labeled Carrboro to Saxaphaw loop, and is listed as a 40 mile ride.

With the help of the route guideline from the web site and the work created by Steve we headed out on the ride.
Theresa was the Master Navigator and brought a pen to make notes on the cue sheet as the ride unfolded. Theresa enjoys reading maps and navigating whether in a car, on a sailboat, on bike, or on backpacking trips. She must know at all times were she is, how far to the end, and where is the next turn. She was perfect for the job of validating and improving the cue sheet.

I will include the revised cue sheet at the end of this write up.
The route started off with the group of 3 riders winding there way out of town through shaded neighborhoods. Once onto Old Fayetteville Road the scenery began to unfold (hills). The traffic on this stretch of road was heavy but respectful. The narrow road and hills along with traffic on this early stretch caused Theresa to tighten up and slow down significantly. The ride continued on this road for about 6 miles. As the miles unfolded the traffic thinned, however the scenery did not. Kevin and Steve took a short break with about 2 miles of this stretch to complete to let the group re-assemble, and to confirm the next turn. Theresa arrived and her first comment was that she had white knuckles from gripping the handle bars so tight.
Off the group headed up and down the rolling hills to the turn at Crawford Dairy Farm Road. There was a small local Grocery store at the corner. Great place for a re-group on future rides.
From here we again were faced with rolling hills. These are the type of hills that provide enough momentum from the down hill run to carry you 2/3 of the way up the next hill.
If timed just right a rider does not have to shift gears. Spin to get you towards the crest of the hill and stand for a short section to roll over the top and set up the next down hill run.
This ride had lots of shade along the road with large trees creating a canvas along many areas of the route. Other sections had beautiful vistas of farm land and county ponds. Many Farmers were out cutting or building the large bundles of Hay.
As we road further into the country side the traffic became almost non existent.
We wound our way along this beautiful landscape until we crossed the Haw River at Saxapahaw. In Saxapahaw we stopped to rest, refuel, and fill our water bottles at the river mill shell gas station. They had a shaded front porch area complete with large wooden chairs to sit and relax in. We spent ½ hour visiting among ourselves and a couple who had left the same starting point (Wilson park) in Carborro on a Tandem.
Once fully rested the group headed out again this time with the anticipation of gaining ground on the best stop of the day at the Maple View Farms Dairy. It is there that we will enjoy some homemade style ice cream from the dairy. On the way out of Saxapahaw we discovered that every Saturday from 5pm to 8pm they have a food and music festival. The riders all agreed that it would be great to drive to this location and unload the bikes with the intent to do a late day ride finishing just in time to enjoy the Saxapahaw festival.
Look for this to be a planned ride in the near future.
On the group rode for a short section of Highway 54 with a turn onto Stanford. Again finding themselves on rolling hills with lots of great views of farms and lakes. Through shaded areas with the smells and sounds of large farm animals. Or maybe that was Kevin they smelled. Out of the shade and around a long sweeping bend in the road the group could see the next major stop at the top of a vista. The Maple View Dairy and its local store that sells its products to the general public. This shop has a huge front porch with plenty of wooden rocking chairs to sit in while absorbing the view and the great ice cream they produce. Kevin and Theresa had one scoop of Root Beer ice cream that really tasted like you were eating/drinking a cold mug of root beer. Steve sat and eat his choice of ice cream and talked again how we need to start the ride in Saxapahaw, do the ice cream stop, and then the festival in Saxapahaw. Once full on ice cream the group filled their water bottles from the cold water drinking fountain provided on the side of the building. Off again on the last 5 to 7 miles to the end. On this section Steve charged ahead while Kevin and Theresa rode together. Kevin was drafting Theresa to watch her riding technique and provide some coaching to her on her shifting choices and peddling cadence. This did not sit well with Theresa and the two had a brief spat about the topic.
Once at the end the group again took advantage of the rest room facilities. Each rider slowly prepared the bikes and gear for the trip home. It was then that Kevin again made the comment that Theresa is not able to spin like she should and that she would benefit from a different chain ring configuration much like the one Steve has on his bike.
Theresa’s front chain rings are a 52 / 42 combination with a 6 speed cluster in the rear.
Steve had a compact triple chain ring configuration on the front. His two larger front chain rings are 50/39 and allow for higher rpms. This is something Theresa should consider.

A great ride with wonderful views.
We will do this again several times this season.

By the way Theresa has agreed to let Kevin buy her a new bike for her Birthday.
Look for it some time in August.

Cue sheet for the Carrbor0 to Saxapahaw loop.
This is written to ride in a counter clock wise fashion with the ice cream stop near the end of the ride. Saxapahaw is near the middle regardless of direction traveled.

Meet at the Wilson Park in Carrboro.
Right out of the park
Right onto Old Greensboro rd.
It becomes N Greensboro Rd
That then becomes Hillsboro Rd
Left onto Carrol St
Left onto Old Fayetville Rd.
Right onto Jones Ferry Rd. – odometer reads 3 miles
Right onto Crawford Dairy Road – odometer reads 9.6 miles and the Frosty Grocery store is on the right.
Right onto White Cross Road
Left onto GreensBorro-Chapel Hill Road (becomes Greensboro Road across river) odometer reads 13.2 miles
Right onto NC 87 there is a Sandy Café at the corner odometer reads 20 miles. This is a busy road.
Right onto Church Road / Whiney lane – odometer reads 22.5 miles
Veer left at fork in road – Swepsonville Saxapawhaw road - headed towards Haw river and Saxapahaw.
Cross double bridges over the Haw River
Right onto Saxapahaw Bethlehem old road. – climb hill to stop at River Mill shell station –odometer reads 23.9 miles.
Continue ride on Saxapahaw Bethlehem old road
Right onto highway 54 – odometer reads 27.5 miles
Left on Stanford – odometer reads 29 miles
Right on Teer Road – odometer reads 32.4 miles
Left onto Orange Grove Road – odometer reads 33.3 miles
Right onto Dairy Land Road
STOP for ICE CREAM at Maple View Farms at the corner of Dairy Land Road and Rocky Ridge – odometer reads 36.6 miles.
From ice cream shop turn left back onto Dairyland Road toward Carborro
Stay on Dairyland to the y intersection at Dairlyand and Old Chapel Hill Hillsborough Road – Highway 86) there is a gas station on the right – odometer reads 40 miles.
Take the right fork onto highway 86 – Old Chapel Hill Hillsborough Road.
Left at onto Hillsborough road – set of traffic lights help with the turn. Odometer reads 41 miles.
Left at fork of Hillsborough and N Greensboro St putting you onto N Greensboro
Curve to right turns into Old Greensboro road
Left turn on Williams
Left into Wilson park – total miles 43.

May 27th ride "Theresa rejects some riders"

Sunday May 27th Memorial weekend ride.

In attendance
Kevin and Theresa Smit
John Majikes and his wife Kim
Steve Cope
Coach Dotson

This was Kim’s first ride with the group. We do not know what John told her about the group or if she has read any of the ride recap write ups. We did sense that she was somewhat anxious about riding with the group. Theresa immediately stepped in to shield Kim from the likes of Cope, Coach , and Kevin. Theresa took charge announcing that she would lead the new rider on an enjoyable shortened and sanely paced Smell the Roses ride. This immediately put a smile on Kim’s face, and prompted the rest of the group to beg to join that group. Theresa immediately rejected the offer from Steve, Kevin , and Coach. She did grant permission to John to join the Smell the Roses on the days ride, but the other group needed to bug off.

She made this statement with such authority that we all cowered away to our respective bikes and readied them for the days ride.

Theresa’s group was vibrating with excitement and anticipation. The other group was sullen and dejected and struggled in their attempt to straddle their bikes for the days ride.

Off the two groups rode with the Smell the Roses taking extra time and effort to ensure each was totally prepared for the ride. The Testosterone riders took to the road with Coach leading the way. Very little chatter was heard as each rider struggled with the realization that they were not considered fit to ride with Theresa and her group.

Slowly they recovered as the cadence quickened from now fully warmed up leg muscles.
Kevin was setting the pace early by riding deliberately slow to see if the others would fall in line and allow him a day of recovery on the ride. This did not last long as both Steve and Coach would jump out in front to try and renew the pace. Kevin would fall in and draft as best he could. Not much draft to be gained. It is like a Semi Truck trying to draft a motor cycle. Both Steve and Coach provide such a narrow profile that no true draft is produced, and Kevin’s profile is much like the stature of a large Brick shaped Semi Truck pushing head long into the resistance provided even on a day with no wind. Oddly enough both Steve and Coach recognized their short comings and rode side by side shoulder to shoulder in an effort to produce a profile that would allow Kevin to drift back and forth behind them to find the small target that would produce some degree of draft.
The group did our standard 33 mile route in the counter Clockwise direction.
The group sensed that Kevin was challenged to draft and hold on for the ride. This pattern was only broken as we turned left from Martha Chapel onto Ferrington Road at Lake Jordan. This section of Road has always found Kevin taking the pull position and challenging the group to make the steady climb at 19 to 21 mph. This day was no different. Both Steve and Coach announced that this was Kevin’s section of Road and they pulled off to let Kevin take on that honored position of lead rider. Kevin responded by immediately setting the pace that did not fall below 18 mph on that section. This did take its toll and Kevin was forced to again fall into the minimal draft profile provided by the others as they made the turn onto Horton Pond. The group remained together on this stretch to the turn on 751 and then the left onto Luther. This is where Kevin always falls off the pack. Today was no different, and found Steve and Coach circling at the corner of Luther and Green Level to let Kevin fall into position for the next short stretch to the turn at Wimberly. At Wimberly the Steve and Coach again dropped Kevin on the long climb past the water treatment plant. Again they circled until Kevin made it to the turn at Jenks road. The pack again stayed together as they rode to the edge of Cary and the climb at Old Jenks Road. This is where Steve and Coach get the strong sent of the finish line. The gloves come off and the aggressive behaviors are at their most intense level.

Both attacked on the long down hill from Davis drive on High House only to be forced to loose that momentum at the light at the bottom of the hill. From there it becomes a scramble up the next rise and to the next stop light.
Just like a couple of high school aged boys in their Tricked, out shinny hub capped, spoiler adorned, 1993 Toyota Celica’s.

Theresa’s riders finished their ride having traveled 20 miles at a respectable pace that challenged and conquered upchuck hill.

We hope to see Kim join the group again. John is optional, and now has the challenge trying to decide which group he would ride with. None of the rest of us have that option.
We are not accepted in Theresa’s group.

Ernest's Mountain Bike rides around Virginia Tech area

Memorial weekend MTB adventure

Amy rode the century at Mountains of Misery on the roads near
Blacksburg on Sunday; I'm in no shape for a road century so I took the
mountain bike to Brush Mountain, near VT campus. If you lived around
VT somewhere, you'd probably ride to the Meadowood access on your bike
and over the Brush Mtn ridge on the way in and out. You'd be a monster
if you did that as often as we ride Umstead/Crabtree/Sludge/etc.
Map:
http://www.weaselworks.org/pandapas/Pandapas_Pond_Trails.pdf

AM Ride: From Papandas Pond access (top left corner of the map), Horse
Nettle --> down Old Farm --> up Old Farm --> down Jacob's Ladder -->
up Snakeroot --> down Snakeroot --> back out on Poverty Creek. ~7.25
miles.
PM Ride (or, "What was I thinking?") from Meadowood Parking in lower
right on the map: Up Gateway/Old Farm, down Jacob's ladder --> CCW on
Queen Anne --> up Prickly Pear --> Down Grizzly -->down Royale --> up
Snakeroot --> down Old Farm/Gatelway. ~8.4 miles.
And Amy has no sympathy for me being wasted after a measly 15 miles.
Figures.

Trail notes:
-- Horse Nettle is mostly "jeep trail" with a little singletrack at
the beginning. In local terms, it's a "roller" which means I was in
the granny on most of the climbs.
-- Jacob's Ladder had a few switchbacks at the top, then opens up into
some long straights. How does 30 MPH over shale scree sound? There's
no riding back up this one, it's washed out pretty badly in places
and has sections of 2'+ waterbars and steps.
-- Snakeroot: nice level singletrack at the bottom near the creek,
then opens up to doubletrack for the middle third, with rapidly
switchbacky singletrack at the top. There were only a couple of
switchbacks I couldn't ride going up, going down the doubletrack is
nutso fast and there are banks you can rail on the faster corners.
-- Poverty creek: Mostly flat singletrack, a lot like around here
without the roots and logs.
-- Queen Ann's/Prickly Pear/Grizzly: Good tricky singletrack with long
sections of rocks to climb.
-- Royale: fast downhill twisties with a good flow.
-- Old Farm: Going up, it's a leg and lung burner, harder than
Snakeroot going up with more tricky sections. Going down, it's a
white-knuckle ride. You build speed very quickly, but you have to keep
scrubbing it off for the tight switchbacks. My hands were cramping a
little from hanging on to the brakes after the last time down.

May 26th ride Cope Whimps out or the creation of the Wilted Roses riders

Saturday May 26th bike ride.

Coming and going.

Those in attendance
John Majikes and his brother Matt.
Kevin and Theresa Smit
Steve and Carolyn Sparano
Jae Brainard
Steve Cope
Sarah Powell.

John quickly introduced his brother to all riders. Matt was stopping with his family to visit John on their way to Disney World. Matt is training for a fund raising ride to help fight diabetes. Matt’s young son, Daniel, has type 1 diabetes, and has had to use and insulin pump since he was two years old to help regulate his blood sugar. Both John and Matt will be riding the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International) Ride to Cure Diabetes. The ride is on June 23 and is a 100 mile ride.
Please contact John at
majikesj@nc.rr.com
and pledge any amount to help the cause.

Matt brought his bike and wanted to ride with this motley band of cyclists to see if what John was telling him had any truth at all.

Each of the ride members provided lots of condolences to Matt for having to grow up with John as a brother. Matt was quickly beginning to understand that this group was fun loving and treated each member with equal disrespect. This seemed to generate a large smile on Matt’s face. A group of riders that do not take themselves serious is hard to find. With that said we all wanted to know where the heavy hitters were today.
Where was coach ?
Where was Brian Farkas ?
Where was Ernest Davis ?
Where was David Bridenbaugh ?
Where was everyone else ????????
Time to join the fun.

The answers are as follows.
Coach was in Wilmington moving his daughter from one college housing situation to another.
Brian was recovering from his brutal attacks from last weekends ride. He rides till he pukes and then licks his wounds until fully recovered for his next session of attacks on the pack of riders. ( Truth is he was visiting his mother who was recovering from a hip replacement operation).

Ernest was in the mountains of Virginia mountain biking and supporting his wife Amy while she did the century (100 miles) at Mountains of Misery on the roads near Blacksburg Virginia.

Ernest provided a write up of his mountain biking adventure and the ride route. I will include that as a supplemental ride write up.

David Bridenbaugh shows up only when he gets board hammering the peddles by himself and is need of good comedy relief. David is a hard charging bicyclist that needs to use our standard rides as a rest day.
Clearly this weekend did not fit into his Herculean riding regiment.

Everyone else ?


For the group that was there they each got ready to ride as we discussed who was riding with who, how far, and what route. The smell the Roses and the Testosterone (soon to be renamed the wilted roses) groups both elected to ride the 33 mile route. They however elected to ride in opposite directions. Smell the roses would take the counter clock wise approach and the (newly named) wilted roses would ride in a clock wise path. The clock wise path would put the hills closer to the fist half of the ride. Off the two groups rode. The spit in direction occurred in the first ½ mile. The roses took the normal turn into the Preston neighborhood, the wilted roses stayed straight on high house across Davis and left after the bridge. We have not ventured onto this road for most of the year due to construction. This area is now wide and smooth and again a favorite for bikers. The Wilted Roses (formerly known as the testosterone group) rode a smooth pace early to try and warm up for the early arrival of hills. Matt seemed to enjoy the camaraderie and silly combative chit chat. John was clearly proud to have his brother in attendance as a member of the ride group. We learned that Matt’s longest ride to date this year was 21 or 24 miles. This was going to be his longest training ride of the season. Our mission was to subject him to head winds, hills, high speeds, silly antics, and verbal abuse. The greatest gift we could bestow on a new team member. Matt sensed that this was all about to unfold and that seemed to spur him on to feed it back and respond to all challenges. We worked well together as a pack. The fat man along with Steve Sparano, and Steve Cope did a great deal of pulling from the front. Kevin was still recovering from his Tuesday and Thursday rides with Spin Cycle. He had two strong performances on these days, and was bragging to all about how well he rode. This was also his level setting speech to let everyone know he was not at the top of his form due to these back to back stellar performances.

The reverse route was interesting and challenging. Amazing how a simple change in direction can re-ignite the joy of the route, and throw new challenges at the rider. Having the hills early in the ride forced a slower warm-up and an early thigh burning experience, yet allowing for a longer cool down with the pack staying more closely aligned towards the end. The two groups riding in opposite directions meet on Martha Chapel Road.
The Smell the Roses group was all smiles and had a solid draft line established. The wilted Roses where all scattered about with little form or function, they were in total chaos at that time in the ride.
This was partly due to the constant bantering, and short feeble attacks from Steve Cope. It was on this stretch that the pack was passed by a lone rider on a recumbent bicycle. What is more amazing is that we had plenty of warning that we where being overtaken as Kevin announced early on by spying this individual through the use of Kevin’s mirror. Everyone in the pack watched as Steve Cope slowly moved towards the front of the pack to position himself for the pounce on this lone rider. The pace quickened as Steve began to crouch for the attack.
The packs banter became a hushed whir of wind and rear cluster.
All eyes were on Steve Cope as each team member readied for the anticipated chase and a coordinated effort to dominate this lone rider.
Closer the lone ride approached. The pack breathed and peddled as if transformed into a single living organism. Hear he comes Kevin whispered to all. Steve Stood on the Peddles, leaned forward. The sound of subtle gear shifting could be detected under the rhythmic breathing of this newly formed organism as it anticipated its next move.
The lone rider swung wide as he raced past the group. His missionary position on the bike startled even the most seasoned rider in the pack.
This recumbent had the rider riding with legs higher than head. The high cadence of the riders peddling technique had the bike swaying back and forth and bouncing up and down.
All eyes were on Cope.

Slowly Steve lowered himself down onto the seat and sat up straight.
The pack slowed in total surprise to this unanticipated response from Cope.
30 seconds of silence became a minute and then two.
“If Brian was here he would have attacked” announced Cope.





What went threw each members mind is as follows;

You are right Brian would have attacked.
But Cope would also.
But Cope did not attack.
Why didn’t Cope attack?
Does he need Brain to attack?
Was the rider on the recumbent too low to the ground for Steve to swat at and do dental damage as a form of intimidation?

We can only wonder what Steve Cope was thinking.
Steve broke the silence and everyone’s mental debate with the following comment.
“Aren’t you Proud of me for not attacking?”

This was clearly his method of putting spin on the fact that he whimped out and could not even consider an attack without Brian to set the stage for him.

Kevin used diplomacy and found a way to help Steve live with the fact that he WHIMPED out.
Kevin announced.
“Very mature of you Steve”.
That is all Steve needed to feel safe to not have attacked. Steve continued to share with each rider in the pack how his maturity came into play that day.

On this ride we learned about how Steve Cope blew the engine on his pick up truck trying to show off to some young college girls on his way to a fishing trip. How Red Neck! We also learned that Steve can not get it up with out Brian there to set the stage for the attack.
We learned that Matt has never ridden so hard for so long on so many hills, and with so many a## holes.
We learned that Kevin likes to wine. Not news.
We learned that John still claims to have a new Mercedes sports car – that we have not yet seen.
We learned that Steve Sparano Can ride just as hard as he does any given day even having jet lag from his vacation to Italy and having consumed 3 bottles of wine the night before.

The smell the roses riders completed their 33 mile ride at record pace.
The group finished strong and entered to final destination only 15 to 20 minutes behind the Wilted Roses riders. Each of the riders in the Smell the Roses ride said they enjoyed the ride , that they felt strong, That Jae set the Pace early on and drove the pack hard with her strong preformance. This was attributed to her new hair cut that streamlined her and helped her to keep cool during her gruling pace setting pulls. Towards the end Carolyn and Sarah pulled the others along in response to the finish line. They acted like Cope, Coach, and Brain Farkas do as they begin to smell the finish line. Each member of the Smell the Roses group were very proud of their accomplishment and each said it is getting easier and even more fun than the last ride.

The group all assembled to visit, share stories about the ride, eat bagels, and drink coffee, or other drink.
Matt ordered Pizza and shared with the group.

A great ride with Great People on a Great day.
Don’t miss out on the fun and friendship any longer.
The season is in full swing.