Saturday Ride

I'm a bit late getting this out but we gathered in the parking lot behind Veloscience at 8:30am as planned.  Sixteen of us including Geoff in the foreground, Buzz and Miles in the midground and Isaac in the background.  What we did not know is  our group was comprised of some who came out for the Cycling Club ride and some for our ride.  Gus Cook came through, gathered Buzz, Geoff and Miles and headed to Utica while the rest of us headed to St Louisville and beyond.

Twelve of us left the parking lot, including the beaming Kenda Janet, following a rolling route to St. Lo where we.....

....paused to refuel, coasted to the ball field so a few could use the available "Porta Potty" and then kept going under cloudy skies and the threat of rain.  We eventually skirted north of Granville rather than stopping there and continued on to Alexandria.  From there, Isaac, a very strong Eva and me  got away from the group and were closing on New Albany as the skies darkened.  We had to stop at the #310/161 light and I uttered the words that should never be spoken, "It looks like we are going to make it in before the rain."  Crossing 310, it began to sprinkle and as we neared Kitzmiller, I could see it was already raining hard there.  Sure enough, the two met (we and rain) and we received a good soaking only about 2 miles from the finish.  Oh well, ended with 70 miles.  I skipped the Rockmill Brewery ride, as did many (I was told only 30-40 participated and most of those on the short route) assuming I'd be participating in another good soaking. Late Sunday, grappling with guilt over not riding that day, contacted the only 2 reliably available short notice cyclists I know, Jeff S and Flyin Tuna....

....and we rode Meredith's 67 mile route, starting in St. Louisville on a very hilly course that contained several roads I had not previously visited.  Very good route other than the right turn to Osborn should be passed and just continue to Briarcliff Road.  Above we coast toward Perryton, an idyllic country scene.  Reaching Bladensburg we checked radar and ugh, too many dark splotches we decided to forego the route and head west on Bell Church.  Soon we rode through a heavy downpour that fortunately did not lost too long, just long enough for yet another good soaking. Actually, how I felt after the rain did not differ much from how I felt prior to it, considering the humidity levels and associated perspiration soaked clothing. Actually again, I felt cleansed and enjoyed the remaining miles to the parking lot.  Check out Meredith's route here, it's a good one:http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7892530