Sunday, November 25, 2007

News From The Back Of The Pack

Another great ride, but the colder weather is making the numbers dwindle by just a few. There were about 10 of us for this Sunday's ride. Paul led us out Route 25 into Gorham and down 237 to Rt. 35. We followed this into Windham, crossed 302 and went down Falmouth Rd to Babbidge. About 40+ miles again, though a few folks did break off due to time constraints.

I, as usual, followed the group from a comfortable distance, feeling like I belonged on the Island of Misfit Toys. I think I was built with something missing - oh that would be Fast Twitch muscle fibers! Nobody wants a "Charlie in the Box"/Charlie on the Bike!

There was talk of stopping at Dunkin Donuts in Windham. I (according to Russ) was starting another Revolution in that I informed the group that I would continue on as stopping was only going to make me freeze up instantaneously. Somehow, however, I had a lot of followers, including Russ to be the first one to agree. Group consensus was no coffee and onward ho!

Our numbers dwindled off as we rode through Portland, everyone making their way back home. I know for me, the thought of a warm shower, my heater, something warm to eat and/or drink and a comfy sofa were all calling my name - LOUDLY! As I walked in the door to my place, I realized I was kind of hungry so I decided to finish the rest of an open Clif Bar I had started in Standish somewhere. I then realized that it was awfully hard to eat as it was mostly frozen! Sometimes I do have to ask myself, "Why do I ride?". The answers still stay the same... Whether we are diehards or crazy, not sure. At least on this ride, we had an elderly gentleman salute us and then declare "Ride On" as we rode past. And, as we were on the homestretch, another woman out cleaning up the leaves in her yard, stood up and started clapping and cheering us enthusiatically as we rode by. What a welcome home!

So, feel free to make more comments about this ride, or at least continue to tell us "Why I ride"!

Tracey

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry I couldn't join in on this ride today. I would have liked to have tried the route, a bit different than what I normally ride. Though I would have INSISTED we had stopped for coffee!! HA! It's interesting to see the looks from people as a group rides by. Whether you are a cyclist or not, it's always an impressive sight to see brightly colored people in spandex roll through on bicycles. Before I became one of you I used to stop and watch pelotons roll along in awe and be so impressed with the whir of the bikes. As the elderly man said, RIDE ON!

~Dana

Unknown said...

"Our numbers dwindled off as we rode through Portland, everyone making their way back home."

With the words "if this tire (slack at the last re-group)goes completely flat, I know my way home so ride on without me," still echoing in the air; the tire exhaled and I dwindled.
Given the amount of time it took me to swap out the tube, I need to practtice that skill anyway. So it is all good.

Jim

Anonymous said...

Jim, I was wondering what happened to you. Next thing I knew you were gone. I was going to wait, but then heard those words echoing...I hope things were OK. I wouldn't have been much help overall, but I am good at moral support! I also hope you didn't freeze!

Anonymous said...

Bully for all 'yall for pushing through the cold and wind. I, myself enjoyed a lovely 5 mile trek to Ft Williams to see if I still knew how to ride on w/o training wheels after over a month off. Answer: I don't want to @&^*(^'in talk about it. Still, I am so impressed by the CCCP collective for fighting the dying of the light. And Tracey; no complaining. You've gone from flyin' off the back on the Blvd to kickin' arse and takin' names. Actually, I guess that means you've earned the right to complain. Double Bully for you.

JT

Anonymous said...

This Sunday we might all be praying for a little 35-40 degree weather, even with a bit of wind. It's predicted to be damn cold Sunday!

~ Dana

Anonymous said...

It's so great seeing a dozen riders showing up for a cold late November ride. We have had consistent turnouts and decent, ie not raining or snowing, weather for the last 5 weeks. We keep having to add another layer each week, but i have still found all the rides comfortable and enjoyable. I say, we keep riding til hell freezes over, Dutton Hell that is.
Wasn't crazy about Paul's route, a bit too much time on major, high traffic roads, but always enjoy riding with the crew. Melissa and I turned back a bit before Windham due to time commitments, but still managed 35 miles. It was nice being able to catch up with her.
Since this Sunday will be cold, but clear, I propose tat we think 20-25 miles, instead of the 40 - 50 we have been doing the last several weeks, Also, we should end up at coffee shop so that we can warm up with hot chocolate. Know of any shops in Portland that let you bring your bikes inside like Forest Garden? Perhaps Big Sky at Woodfords since they have that big back hall.
Ride on.