Saturday Ride--A Double Baklava Experience

As I drove toward New Albany, I passed Tym & Lisa Tyler.  I slowed, yelled, "Hey" and "I'll see you later."  you know the usual stuff when you are trying to stay left of the lane without veering into oncoming traffic or swerving into them.  The temperature was 26 degrees.  It reminded me of previous crazy riding experiences when once water that had collected in my down tube froze and I could not turn the handlebars or water bottles that froze so I could not drink...I thought I was past those episodes but today was another.

How about that?!?!?  I was not alone.  Luke R, Paul D, Tmy and Lisa and a late arriving Aaron C.  I shoved heat packs in my gloves and shoes and it was not too bad as we shoved off at a start temp of 27.  I also pulled on not one but two baklavas. I had problems during my last riding with shifting and then forgot to address it so naturally, soon after departing the parking lot the chain was clacking around and failed to respond to shifting. 

Luke R, expert in many things, made some adjustments but alas, nothing worked.  At mile 11, I hung a left on Watkins as the bike was unridable.  The gang gave me some grief but it was not for lack of will but a mechanical that caused me to abandon.  Note the bike is fixed and ready for the next challenge. I finished with 24 miles but the others hung in there and did 48.  When I returned to my car, the temp had exploded to 29 degrees.  I have learned not to embrace the winter cold and have no regrets.  Geesh.

A day of great beauty is almost upon us.  A day of such magnificence that one must ride.  True, the start temp will be about 29 degrees but quickly will reach into the low 30's!  What trumps all that is the SUN!!!!!  Come out and be ready to roll at noon, in the parking lot behind Starbucks.  The pace is whatever you desire that it be and when you rapidly pull away from the laggards, do not regroup other than for those kinda in your fitness level.  Don't wait for the caboose as I will wait for the caboose, especially since I will likely be the caboose.  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15982891