Hot, Tired Night at Canal

Odd atmosphere for the Canal ride.  The parking lot was packed but that was because of a banquet at Shades and not because of cyclists. Those that arrived, parked quickly behind the bank and sprinted to the lone shady area.  Very small turnout due likely to Tuesday coming on the heels of the Monday holiday and a temp in the low 90's.  In fact, some who did show up didn't seem too thrilled to be there, like Jeremy.

---

Considering the weekend had been packed with lots of riding and climbing, the ride leader wisely selected a flat route out to the East.  The A group was called out but only Mark C, Jeff S, Randy B, Younger Phenom Nick and a couple others departed.  Then a hybrid group of B & C riders left and this included Steve O, Dennis, Amanda, Flyin Tuna, Jeremy, Tall Dude, Ross, Eve, Nathan, Spanish looking dude, dude with rear wheel that came off and lives in Cleveland, Pepe LaPew, etc...  We hung together out Basil Western as most of us wanted to do an easy recovery ride pace.  At the jog on Carroll Northern, Amanda took off and I loudly asked who was going to chase her down and eventually a chase group formed that included Dennis, Nathan, Cindy, Spanish dude, rear wheel faller offer dude, etc.. They eventually caught Amanda, allowed her to keep pulling and when she dropped off, gassed it and dropped her.  I believe Dennis initiated this deplorable move.   

Meanwhile, I was riding with Ross and Tall Dude and tried to coach Tall Dude into becoming a better climber but not sure he is up to the challenge.  Time will tell.  Our route was for 33 miles while the A group did 46.  That group finished with a very modest 20.2 avg that reflects the substandard quality of the cyclists that comprised that group.  My group of 3 came in with a robust 16.4 avg.  That's about it other then prior to the ride, someone organized a group recognition of my long time efforts in support of cyclists through the blog. It was a touching moment and I am glad to continue for the blog to be a source of truth, justice and the American way.

---