Wednesday Standard Vol 15

Near-perfect weather as we headed out for an amazingly fun ride tonight. Great group as we flowed through a masterful loop constructed by Monk. Perhaps my favorite loop this year? At worst, a top two loop. Kevin was divine in a merino wool jersey. Tim was coming up with fun alternative lines all night. It was my pleasure to follow him down some rabbit holes. As we rode past the fairgrounds, I felt a little shaky but said to myself, "One more big climb to go." I didn't know which one it would be, but it was just one more big climb.  

That last climb ended up being Randals, and we made our way up that masterpiece of a trail, and Buddy led the charge up the gravel road back to the big Appleton lot—good miles, Good smiles, Grateful for this group.  Until next time...

Wednesday Standard Vol. 14

If you push your luck long enough, sooner or later, the house is gonna win. Tonight we had a hearty group, and Monk was shot out of a cannon as we flew across the top of the park, and down the roller coaster. A quick re-group at the top of three little bears (Hatties), and I looked around from the top of the park and saw the storm behind us as we looped back north. I thought to myself, "I think we're gonna make this loop." 

And perhaps that thought was the kiss of death as the thunder cracked and the skies opened up on us. But you know, sometimes when you lose, you win, as we all laughed and plowed back toward the parking lot in the pouring rain.

If we were handing out jerseys on this ride, a polkadotted one would go to Jimmy, who charged back to the lot and was waiting for the rest of us. We meanwhile took shelter under a pavilion where we met a nice dude with a really nice dog. The rain let up, and we made that last climb up the fire road to our cars.

Kevin and I talked about how rigamortous had set in from our refuge in the rain. Just as we got back to the cars, the rain let up, and it was good to catch up with some friends and a couple of recovery beverages.

It was a great time, and even though the loop was cut short, Monk hopes to make that full loop in the future. It was a really fun ride, rain and all. Until next time. 

Wednesday Standard Volume 13.

 

Had the weather been 5% less spectacular, I might have curled up with Logan and taken a nap. But alas, conditions were perfect. I headed out to the house a little early and rode over to meet the group, hoping that a few miles in the legs might improve the sensations- You know, get the blood moving a little. The group was waiting for me as I rolled into Appleton. And with that, Monk led us into the woods. Up front, Kevin and Monk were doing some NASCAR bump drafting on the front. All laughs. Ted continues to prove that a drop-bar mountain bike is a feasible all-around. Despite tired legs, it was a beautiful ride and a fun loop. Up the tea kettle trail is always a worthy task. It was great to have Paul back in the pack. Was happy to see we didn't scare Gwen off last week.  Melissa shared post-ride carrots. Cheers, friends, until next time.