Thursday New Albany Ride Report

The visitors to the Farmer's Market took up a bunch of parking spaces so it caused some to miss out on their traditional spots.  It was bewildering for a few who don't like change.

How about that!  Two weeks after crashing on the sketchy descent of Welsh Hills, Scott Billman was back out albeit in some pain.  The recovery continues.

Sokha crashed, in the parking lot!  His foot slipped out of a pedal and down he went.

Brothers from another mother, Andrew C and Decent Dan. You don't see orange jerseys very often.

The shady spot was a busy place as the good weather brought out a huge group, I counted at least 70.  The Rivet group is kind of small, Marty is in Montana, Doug and French Climbing Machine in France, others lacking their usual fitness so slumming with the A group, etc...

So, at 6pm, out the Riveters went to begin their speedy journey around the 50 mile route, finishing with a 23.7 mph average.  Yikes. No wonder the A group has become the destination for so many as.....

....we had 25-26 roll out including Terry Griffith(?) and Gus Cook, just back from riding around France.  I hung in there until mile 20 when the A group went left and I went straight on Canyon Road.  My average to that point, with the head wind, was 21.8.

Reaching the top of Canyon, I stopped and waited but soon, the lead elements of the B group arrived, having also gone straight at Canyon Road and there in the distance, is the A group coming off the additional loop.  Left to right, Steve N, Jay P, Chris I and Kevin.  I stashed my camera and caught up....

....at the bottom of the road.  Above, Jon, Alex, Mike M riding his gravel bike and Axel. Looking closely, you can see a group headed west on Blacks Road.  That is the A group.  Rumblings, rumblings about the conduct of that group.  Rivets pushing the pace beyond a typical A pace, lack of regroups, some people frazzled by the increased pace and making things dangerous. Come on people, keep it fun for everyone!

The large B group, of which I was now a part and glad to be so, pause at the #37 crossing.  We head up the debilitating climb of Blacks road, make a right on York, cross #16 and discover....

....Peggy Cook is not with us so here, Kristie texts and calls but after a couple of minutes, Peggy appears, not yet recovered from riding up the Alpe.  Rather than everyone wait, a group gets going and we finish our 47 mile route.  With my blending of the A and B group, I finish with a 20.6 average.  The A group finished with a 21.5 average.  Saturday ride option coming soon.