I Did What????

6/30/2010

The heavy, moisture laden, heat oppressive conditions have moved out for a few days so it was a little surprising that a rather modest sized crowd appeared in Canal. Here, Butch, Mitch and Peggy are plotting the final turns for this Saturday's Rocky Roving Ride. The trio plan not one but TWO trips up Rocky Road and not early but at the END of the route. This will be like riding up Tourmalet, twice, in a single Tour de France stage. The second trip up Rocky is optional and will be interesting to see how many choose the option. For me, the Rocky ride is my favorite roving ride. Long stretches of flat to rolling punctuated by a few significant climbs like Rocky, Tar Hollow, Clark Hollow that Thornton Sprung beast, but not the constant up and down type of route.

Mark C, fresh off his Florida purchase of a new Astro van, is back. Mark said the hilliest bike path he has ever ridden was in Florida where he vacationed with the in-laws for a week. If that were me, I too would have ridden 150 miles each day. Jeremy is in the background.

Roy asked me to take an image of his sorry bike shorts. Asked me to put the word out that he needs a donation, men's medium or ladies XL he said.

Even with the arrival of this truck load of cyclists, we still probably had only 55 people at the start, for a flat route east towards Baltimore and a little hillier route back.

A group of 15 A's rolled out including Da Boss, Steve O, Mark C, Ryan, Buckeye Planet Dude, Walker Dude, Savage Hill Rick, Jeff S, a few new people, etc... Not there were Jamie and the Jeni guy got our hopes up at the Grandview race but did not show. I was there of course, adding markedly to the atmosphere with words of encouragement and uplift. However, not there was my bike. I work from home in an office and had taken the bike out of the car over the weekend. The bike sits 4' from my desk...I have to walk past it all day. Somehow, I walked by it when leaving for the ride, drove all the way to Canal without noticing it was missing, got out of the car and signed up for the ride, walked back to the car to open the door and only then realized my mistake......IDIOT!!! Of course, the considerate fellow cycling friends mostly acted as if they understood. For instance, Steve O called me an idiot but what could I say? Went trail running instead. Bummer. Hey, someone fill us in on what happened during the ride.

15 Comments

Ryan

6/30/2010 01:48:24 am

I remembered to bring my bicycle, and the weather was great, so I had high hopes. Unfortunately, it just wasn't my night. I got dropped early by the A's, within the first 5 miles, and decided rather than riding 95% of the ride alone, I would wait for the next group.

After about 5 or so minutes, Mitch and a few others rolled up and I rode the remainder of the ride with them. We rode a good amount of miles and finished with a fair average (sorry, no computer).

But look at the bright side, even though I got dropped early by the A's, at least I remembered to bring my bicycle!

Ryan

6/30/2010 01:53:50 am

Did everyone see the part where Mark forgot his bicycle? I just wanted to highlight that in case anyone may have missed it.

Who forgets their bike? Seriously. Front wheel, shoes, helmet, water bottles... sure, I can understand... but your bicycle?? on a group bike ride?? Amazing!

I think Rick forgot his shorts once, and was forced to ride the route wearing dress slacks, but at least he had his bicycle!

Hey Mark, don't forget to breathe... just thought you could use a reminder.

Mark

6/30/2010 02:12:15 am

Of all the classless people who populate our group ride, those who called me idiot, laughed at me, looked at me like I am stupid, suggested I jump on the back of Roy's tandem with Amanda, asked if I was becoming senile, etc... you of all people Ryan, I thought you were above all that behavior. The only thing that could top this is if Craig jumped on and called me an idiot. I am disillusioned now.

Craig

6/30/2010 02:13:32 am

Mark, you are an idiot for forgetting your bike.

Craig the Great One

Mitch

6/30/2010 06:22:19 am

Mark,

Please take proper countermeasures to prevent yourself from forgetting to bring a bicycle for the Rocky ride this Saturday.

Perhaps installing a calibrated load cell in your car's trunk wired in series with your ignition coil.

Of course you won't be able to start the car unless your bike is always in the trunk.

But think of any future shame such a countermeasure will prevent.

kenda janet

6/30/2010 08:44:48 am

mark - making progress as a trainee! challenged from the get-go. LOL.

Crank-Arm

6/30/2010 09:20:09 am

Ryan,

How come you didn't have a computer? Did you FORGET it....(LOL)

Good ole Mark, always going the EXTRA mile to make this blog entertaining. I wouldn’t share this episode with your doctor he might start making you pay in advance.

Cindy

6/30/2010 09:33:23 am

Mark, I would start contributing now to the Alzheimer's Association; think of it as preventative medicine. Also, there is a bike rental in Granville..oh wait, that's you. How many bikes are at your home?

Peggie

6/30/2010 12:20:52 pm

Ain't karma a bitch!
Aging is often accompanied by lower testosterone production which can bring on "air-head" episodes, not to mention the more widely know complaint,
"limp-head".
Oh, the satisfaction of Karma in action!

Ryan

7/1/2010 12:02:23 am

@crank-arm - Nope, didn't forget my computer... but that would have been quite ironic.

I have a Garmin Edge 205 which seems to have a mind of its own and shuts off mid-ride, so I just stopped using it.

Riding without a computer is very liberating... you should try it.

Directionally Impaired Stoker

7/1/2010 02:34:19 am

I not only remembered my bike, so you could have borrowed it (if you happened to have a spare set of pedals) but I had a friend bring a tandem..think ahead!
And yes we got lost and made up our own route in, averaging 18 mph and ended up with around 42 miles. Hope you remember your bike for Rocky!

Crank Arm

7/1/2010 02:59:21 am

Ryan,

Maybe I don't have a computer.....

Ryan

7/1/2010 04:53:13 am

Crank Arm,

Maybe you are liberated...

Da Boss

7/1/2010 11:51:25 am

Mark

For fear of someday doing the same thing, i'll refrain from comment - out loud that is..... I'm grinnin within though.

Crank Arm

7/1/2010 01:04:41 pm

My dear Ryan,

I was liberated in the 60's when I burnt my bra

I Did What????

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