They didn't mean it literally...

[fixedgeargirl]

So, there's this local bike club which has clever and funny names for their repeating rides. Most of these names incorporate the name of one of the towns on the route. So I decided to go on the July 4th ride, cleverly called Weir Lost. And what did I do? I got lost !

The ride start was in Round Rock, about 25 minutes from my house. Returning 5 blocks to my apt. to get the directions to the start was only a minor factor in my being the DFL rider out of the parking lot (the ride leader leaves maps on their windshield, thank goodness). One couple left only a few minutes before me, and I figured "no big whoop, I may well catch some people and if I don't, I know how to read a map."

Turns out I don't know how to read a map or a cue sheet . I went the absolute wrong way 3 separate times for a grand total of about 12 bonus miles!! I originally intended to do the 53 mile loop, but once I finally got to where it left the 30 miler, I saw that the weather in that direction was at best very wet, at worst very dangerous. I opted for the 30 (now 42) mile route. Lo and behold, when I got to where it rejoined the 53 miler, my mileage was exactly what it would have been had I taken the official 53 mile route ! So I finished out the rest of the route. Well, most of the rest of the route. I did miss one little turn near the end, but it was just for about two miles on a little road that just looped around and rejoined the main road, so I'm not counting that one .

[Aggie_Ama]

Fix- Don't feel bad DH and I got lost on the Joppa Jaunt with ACA. Some of the cue sheets are a *little* off. It still is pretty funny to get lost on "Weir Lost"

Do you ride with ACA often? I have been wanting to go when DH is out of town on weekends (like this Sunday). I am concerned because the first time we tried the group left us. Granted we showed up right at 7:57 (I made a wrong turn heading there), but I wouldn't want to get left if I was riding solo. Should I just be super early?

[fixedgeargirl]

Ama, I rode with them Sat. (Pfinally Pflugerville). I got to the start pretty much at 8, and there were dozens of people in various states of readiness. I had enough time to get ready and take off with the pack. I haven't gone on very many of their rides, but I can say that each one has had a different dynamic, as far as punctuality, group cohesion, etc. If you can hang with a group, fine, but if not, they won't miss you. They are not no-drop rides, and, ultimately, you really only have yourself and anyone you may have gone with to rely on. They're such a big group, and the rides are so open and widely advertised that I understand they just can't keep track of everyone.

So, my best advice (coming from someone who is chronically late) is to plan on being there ready to roll at 8. If you'd be interested in hooking up at a ride on Sunday, shoot me a PM . I promise to really try to be on time .

[spazzdog]

FGG:
Is that avatar of your's from Chuy's resaurant in Austin? One of my favorite places in town... they sponsored the very first road race (running) I ever entered (198?).

spazzdog

[fixedgeargirl]

Spazz, long time no see !

Yep, it's a t-shirt my son has long since outgrown. I live just a few blocks from the Barton Springs Chuy's. It's a fun place to eat - I love the rellenos! (How do I insert a tilda?)