Tuesday New Albany Ride--The Wall

Aaron C and Denise D waiting for the arrival of Gus Cook, ride leader.

There were about 24 who came out for this fun ride.  I kind of like the change of pace of this particular ride.  A moderate pace to the base of a hill where it is all out, brief regroup and then repeat.  Keeps the group together to the end where there is a sprint finish.  New guy Elijah with the red/white jersey recently moved from Fairfield County to become a regular at the Tuesday/Thursday New Albany rides.

We head out with George in yellow and Ron on the right.  It appears George desperately needs that carbon fiber frame returned so he can ditch the heavy steel frame. Out 161 we go, left on 310, plunge to the depth of the valley in Alexandria, climb Moots, dive down Lobdell and then the long uphill slog to Hardscrabble and then....

...a brief regroup at Louden where Gus circles to see if we have everyone.  So far and well for the duration of the ride, Chase with the Auburn jersey and Nick have been setting the pace on the hills  with Mike C, Muscle Dude, H&H, Gus and me chasing. We hit the Stone Quarry hills but rather than go the distance to Northridge, we make a left on seldom traveled.....

...Raccoon Hill Road where a short but steep 18% climb awaits.  That one really splits the group so for the second time we pause to collect and then head for a battle at Caswell Road and a spirited finish to New Albany where we had 37 miles and a 20.4 avg.  Benton on the left, Rick in yellow, Kim Owens and George inspecting to see if his brakes are rubbing.

Oh and one more thing.  I loaded the ride file to Strava and look where I slotted in on the Raccoon Run Road climb.  I know, as soon as these guys ride the climb with intensity I'll drop like a dead Cicada.