Tim's Thanksgiving Day Ride

Tim Carolan organized a Thanksgiving morning ride and wow, did the cyclists come out, over 80.  A lot of new faces I have not seen on previous "Tim's Rides" on Thursdays and many of the regulars were not here, traveling instead.  It was 42 at the 8:00am start but would warm rapidly to 79 so clothing was a tough choice.

The rising sun was blinding to the east but since we head west, toward I-10, it's not a problem.  Note the guy furiously trying to fix a flat just as we prepare to roll out.  Hate when that happens.

The group was populated by a lot of racing types, including a continental pro or two.  As usual, it was a tempo pace down Ina and through 5-6 lights that we were fortunate to hit just right, except for the above.  The distance from the front to the back of the group was significant and we took over the bike lane and the right lane of traffic in most cases. I slotted in beside the owner of "Bicycle Ranch" bike shop and was glad I was wearing the jersey I had acquired there earlier in the week.  He thanked me for showing the colors.    

We eventually reached Twin Peaks Drive and the long climb to Tangerine and then upon crossing Tangerine, the hammer got dropped and I had no chance to hang with the front group, they distanced themselves quickly.  Geesh.  I clung to a wheel or two, reached the top of the long climb, descended and since our route ends at a roundabout, could begin counting how many were in front of me....1, 2.... 10, 20, 30, 40....41, 42, 43rd.  Better than I thought I would do but then I'm easily intimidated by anyone who weighs under 300 lbs, shows up with a matching kit and expensive bike.  It also occurred to me that hardly anyone rides a Trek frame anymore.  I think I had the only one, lots of Cervelos, Specialized, custom frames, I even see quite a few BH brands, like my Ohio bike.

For Thanksgiving, I went to an outdoor café, ordered Calamari and a cold beer, while sitting in the sun in a T-shirt.  The quality of my life out here is good so it makes me less then anxious for the return to Ohio.