September 13th rides

[RoadRaven]

Great pics, thanks mudmucker (spesh the icecream... mmmm, so long since I have had a snow-freeze...)

And like Mak, I did a club ride. We race every Saturday, and it was a flat race and I did lots of work and rode strongly but need to work very much on tactics... I am so stupid when it comes to tactics... now I am strong enough to stay with the lead bunch, and to even be one of the pace-setters, I need to get some tactical nouse...

On the last roller I was slightly dropped and had a drink as I crested the rise instead of going hard out and chasing the leaders who were only 20metres in front of me...

So I rode the last 7km in time-trial mode and came in 50seconds behind them.
I should have been with them.

But nevertheless a good ride, and I have learned a little more about riding smartly...

[tulip]

I did the Heart of Virginia metric century ride north of Richmond. It was very, very hot and humid. The roads are beautiful and there was very little traffic. I heard there were close to 500 riders, but on some roads, I was alone with my partner.

I was fine until the last 10 miles. I just couldn't go over 10 mph. I made it without completely bonking only because I stopped at a store in the last half mile and had my favorite recovery drink-chocolate milk- and some potato chips.

Usually a metric is not too much for me, but the heat and humidity really got to me yesterday. I kept thinking of Gabriellesca's story of her century, and that kept me smiling all the way.

[Gidiup]

I rode in a local bike ride to remind drivers to share the road with bicyclists. This ride was in memory of a man, Frank Cabral, who was killed last year while riding on this route. There were probably 100-150 riders, a 25.5 mi ride. The group I rode with took a wrong turn and so we added some mileage on to our ride. I rode from home to the start and back home after, an extra 10 miles. All in all, it was my fastest ride ever. 41 miles (mostly double lane highway) 17.7 mph average. Riding on this major route is not my favorite. I prefer side roads but I could definitely keep my speed up on these long stretches.

[mudmucker]

OMG. LOVE THAT AVATAR. Classic.

[short cut sally]

Yesterday was the 9th annual Highlander tour. The Highlander has over 11,000 feet elevation of climbing, the Lowlander has a tad over 6,000. I chose, as usual, the Lowlander. The hills go on for 2-4 mile intervals, and some steep but really short swoops too. The rest stops were plentiful and well stocked with goodies, esp homemade brownies and cookies. The after ride meal consisted of pulled pork, rolls, ziti, 2 homemade soups to choose from, a tossed salad with all the fixings, and the best part, grape pies. After all, we pass a lot of vineyards and wineries along the route. The scenery is breathtaking. 2 lakes, the vineyards, wineries, nature centers, lots of critters, the smell of grapes, small stands selling flowers, pies, jellies, etc. Makes for a pleasant 100 mile ride.