New Albany Summer Solstice Ride Report--Riding in West Texas

Another summer solstice ride, another parking lot surrounded by trees bent in half by tornadic winds as a storm skirted us to the south.  It appeared we would have a cross/tail wind from the NW going out but that would change.  Rides like this and Tuesday's must be what it is like to ride in west Texas.

Andrew and Jared competed in the 34th National 24 Hour Challenge, both riding over 400 miles while finishing 2nd and 3rd in their age groups. Not shown is Eve Hush who finished first in her group with 275 miles.

Farmer Mike stands in the shade while observing something....     

....oh.  I am often asked if there are any facilities nearby and yes, inside the front door of the Phillip Heit Center or Starbucks or yes, nearby vegetation works too.

Arriving for his first Thursday ride, Shannon, aka Group Killer astride a new bike. Unfortunately, many of the Riveters and A group cyclists took the night off as they prepare for "Blood, Sweat & Gears" or the crazy climbing event in MD.

With Rick Miller still absent, I was stunned when signer iner Steve Hewitt texted he was attending a wine event and unable to make the ride. Foregoing the group ride for wine?  Yeah, I get it.

Probably the only big event weekend participant who came to ride was Gus and he understandably rolled out with the B group. A small Rivet group was sent out and then I hopped in a small...

...A group of 10.  We cruised out 161 at a rapid pace with wind coming from the left or NE, having changed direction from earlier.  Prior to the 310 crossover, Ryan was putting in a pretty hard effort but while close to the white line.  Someone in back yelled he was guttering us.  Not intentionally as he thought the wind was coming from the right or south.  Pretty funny to be in a group ride and people arguing about wind direction.  From the perspective of a future Hall of Famer when it comes to drafting, the wind was coming from the left.

We entered Granville with close to a 23 avg, rode to the top of Beechwood and then paused to regroup.  Ya want to keep some of the group together for what was to come.  Dang, it was hot as we waited.  Sweat had gotten into my eyes and they burned while my interest in riding was being doused.  I began formulating a plan and when we reached the right turn to Dry Creek, I announced I was going left and soloed in with 40 miles.  Meantime, the Rivet group put in a, for them, rather pedestrian effort of 22.5 avg and did not do the longer route, settling for the 52 mile option.