Sunday was the Hill Country 53 which is the annual 53 mile ride I host from my house. We had about 35 riders. This year I started the riders in two different groups. The first group which were slower riders started at 8am. The second group which were faster riders started at 8:45am. The goal was to have both groups arrive back at my house at close to the same time. Each group was supported by a separate car. The person who committed to driving the car for the fast group was a no show which meant that driving fell to me to do. I was a bit bummed because I wanted to get a good ride in, but it was more important for me to make sure everybody else had a good time. I threw my bike in the SUV hoping to ride at some point during the ride.
Just before the first rest stop one of the riders pedal broke, so I scooped him up and then got my bike out and he took over driving. I got off the front in a group of about 5 and we were flying down the Hill Country roads. There is a very slippery low water crossing along the way that I never ride across without unclipping. I warned everyone and they all slowed to a crawl. Of course nobody listens and the first two riders rode across the green slime. That gave me courage despite my own advice to everyone to unclip or walk. Sure enough I ate shit right in the middle of the slime and was laying in the water. I had to laugh. What a dick. After I dragged my soggy ass out of the water (to the sound of laughing) we were on our way again.
At the first rest stop the guy with the broken pedal was able to get his problem worked out, so I drove the rest of the way back. The fast group caught the slow group with about 12 miles or so to go. Everyone enjoyed the ride and the great weather. We had lunch at my house after the ride which was prepared by my awesome wife. Thanks honey! I forgot to bring my camera, so there are no pictures :(
I am now off the bike for a month. I am going to do some running and try to lose some more weight. Fun fun.
