CAM report

[Zen]

I rang the bell with the sledgehammer five times

Where did you have pie?

[divingbiker]

I rang the bell with the sledgehammer five times

Where did you have pie?

Oh, really, you rang the bell? I must be hard of hearing.

We just went to the snack bar for pie and onion rings.

[madscot13]

that sounds pretty cool. Maybe I will consider doing it next year! (If I'm still around)

[amithereyet]

The fact that CAM was held at Mt. Saint Mary's University should have been a clue that all routes would feature hills. Tackling my first hill in my life, I stopped by the side of the road to savor the experience by catching my breath and trying to see if the end of the climb was in sight. Pedalling hard or pushing on the ascents followed by braking on the descents characterized Friday's ride. Although I only covered 14 miles, it felt like 50 on the flats. Saturday I began the ride through the battlefield with Zen and DB at the rest stop. Having ridden from the next parking lot, I felt entitled to several tomato sandwiches to fuel the rest of the ride. Zen and I quickly became separated from DB but periodically regrouped with DB and several of the others from last year's CAM. I learned a new bicycling skill at Big and Little Roundtop: walking the bike halfway up the hill can transport you faster than riding it.

It was fun to reconnect with people from last year and to meet new riders. During the weekend, I ate enough to singlehandedly bale the hay featured in one of the pictures from Friday's ride.

Summary: Although I didn't cover as many miles as DB and most of the riders, I felt as if I did! I am looking forward to attending next year.

[7rider]

Oh, really, you rang the bell? I must be hard of hearing.

Oooooooo....SLAM!

Thanks for the trip reports, all. And thanks for the photos, too!

Sounds like a fun, and challenging, weekend. With pie!

Maybell?? Did you go? How'd it go?

[Maybell]

Yes, I made it, and even surprised myself by riding 43 miles Friday, 31 on Saturday and 41 on Sunday. Of course much of that was due to B giving me lots of advice and positive reinforcement, meanwhile distracting me from the turnoffs for the short rides. Since this was my first organized bike ride, I don’t really have anything to compare it to, but I did have a fun time. The event seemed very well organized, the routes clearly marked and measured (as long as you’re not distracted), with lots of yummy treats at the rest stops – especially the tomato sandwiches the others mentioned, and the fresh pineapple.

The people were friendly and nice, though I didn’t get to meet anyone from this forum. I did yell “Zen” at a girl on a blue bike who rode past the RV, but I think she was just checking it out because she didn’t even look over at me. (Or maybe she thought I was crazy and just wanted to get away )

Low Points:
‘Country air’ smell that seemed to be worst near the uphill climbs.
Riding as hard as possible uphill, and noticing I was only going 4.9 mph at one point.
Trying to find a way to sit that wasn’t bothering some aching body part during the 5 hour drive home Sunday

High Points:
Hitting a max speed of 38.4 mph downhill – too fun!
Scenic countryside with covered bridges, quaint towns and historic sites.
Riding 115 miles over the 3 days – woo-hoo!
Getting lots of tips from B and others on how to tackle the hills, and on riding on the road in general.

Just one question – How long before I can walk up a flight of stairs without pain?

[Zen]

Hmm, Maybell it sounds like you overdid it a tad
You should be feeling better daily.

We were talking about how stupid it was not to get your phone number so we could meet you

I did take a photo of a cycling club who appeared to be from Ohio. The sat on the steps outside the dining hall and I used about six different cameras. They said they were camping. Were you with them?

[HillSlugger]

Low Points:
Riding as hard as possible uphill, and noticing I was only going 4.9 mph at one point.

As long as you are still going forward, that's all that counts! You did great!