Saturday Ride Report

I had kept the crowd waiting.  Never a good thing.  At 9:45am, my bike out and all good to go I reached for the arm warmers and .....dang, not there.  I drove to get them and was back and on the bike by 10:10.  Twenty-one had gathered.....

...quite a few Team Audis in last year's kits although I think Ken B was wearing the 2017 version. 

Luke R staying fit and preparing for the Birkebeiner, a 50k, cross country event in WI.  Note the absence of snow makes it a challenge to train for said event. 

We head for the Jones Road climb that was certain to split us so probably now I should identify all who come because who knows when next I would have the chance (apologies to those I forgot).  Andrew Hall, Eric the Dispatch Photographer, Steve Oxley, Luke & Lori, Danny A, Ken B, Travis I, Cindy B, Brandon W, Frank Seebode, Larry P, Jeff S, Mike M, Kyle Z, Pete P,.....

....new guy Brad in the middle.  Later, someone said he looked a lot like Craig Butler and since Brad competes in 50+ mile trail runs and rarely rides less than 75 miles, we began to call him Craig. Brad is going to try to make it out for the Thursday New Albany rides this season. The group frequently paused to wait for we stragglers but that is not necessary.  It's more important that you make the rides and ride at the pace at which you want to ride and don't worry about the caboose.  We stragglers eventually form up, ride easy while talking about eating and watching reality TV shows. It's not as bad as it sounds.

Around mile 16, we reached St Louisville.  About 10 people had ridden from New Albany so this was their turnaround point while a group of us, including....

...Larry van Gogh....

...headed toward Martinsburg.  Reaching Martinsburg Road and heading north we passed....

...an auction at which at least 30 buggies were present.  Then we...

...arrived at the market and took a break,  This time of the year, it is striking how vast is the difference in fitness.  I was so far back, so quickly, I can't say who was leading the way but certainly Steve O, Eric seems really fit, Frank, Mike M hmmmm I'll stop here cause otherwise I'd call out every name but my own. We lingered for only a few minutes and when reaching the 57 mile turnoff, we stayed on the 52 mile route.  The last 15 miles was agony.

Some have grown weary of the first 10 miles into and out of New Albany so let's start elsewhere.  Flyin Tuna has come up with two routes, one of 52 and one of 57 miles going to Martinsburg while passing through St. Louisville.  10:00am start from Granville's Wildwood Park which is on the south side of West Broadway. While Cindy will hammer with the stallions, I will travel the 52 mile route at an off season pace.  Come out and at least start with the group and then move on at whatever pace you prefer.