Hill Country 53
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.
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.
posted by Chris at 6:53 PM
11 Comments:
Sounds like a nice event, including a bit of entertainment by the host and lunch prepared his wife. Perhaps you could put the ride on bikely.com so we can have an idea of the terrain you ride on.
I might have to organise something like that around here, it sounds like fun.
Enjoy your time off... make sure you do lots of stretches.
Cheers!!!
Sorry to hear that you had to drive the car. And then the slip, that's too funny. Glad you didn't hurt yourself. :-) Off the bike for a month? What's the reason if you don't mind me asking?
there is nothing wrong with being the entertainment for a gig that you host. it couldn't have been scripted better. :) sounds like you had a good time.
have you seen oldman floating down the rio grande yet?
Your post was my first chuckle of the day. Off for a month? More travel?
Sounds like a great event and you are the Man for taking car duty.
I should try to arrange being in the area next year and attend. Slow group for me of course!
P.S. How convienent that you bit it and didn't have a camera along to record the stupidity!!!
I'm still looking for where I misplaced the invite ;-)
The ride sounds like some fun times. Did Lance show up?
Recovery/cross training month I take it. Always good to have a break, at least a voluntary break.
AMRcyclist - you should plan an event. It is a lot of work, but well worth it.
Groover - two reasons. The first is so that I can recover mentally. The second is because I have a million projects around my house that need to be done.
Blue - I am always glad to provide the entertainment.
Betty - hopefully not too much travel. Just recovery and yard work.
Oldman - sounds good. Get your ass down here next time.
Rick - Lance was a no-show. Bastard does it to me all the time.
Too bad about the lack of pictures. Nobody else took any?
Solidarity in cyclists who try to run during the off-season.
Fendergal - nope. I didn't see one camera.
Unbelievable no one had a camera, what's with that?
Sounds like a great day inspite of the lack of "coverage"...
oh, and you're going to run, that's GREAT!!! Keep me posted!
Oooo, green, gooey slime. Where's the scratch 'n sniff version of your blog?
P.S. Did 308 miles or so last week - where were you when I needed company?
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