July 16th weekend rides

[Becky]

Ditto the "where in MD?" comment, but there's an upcoming Traffic Skills 101 course in northern DE: http://bikedel.blogspot.com/2011/06/...01-course.html

[Norse]

July 14-17 was the Red Ribbon Ride. About the only weather we did not get over the course of 4 days was snow.

Day 1: In years past, everyone's favorite day because, although the longest mileage day (about 80), it is mostly flat, nice scenery and usually a tailwind out of the west. This year: 20-30 mph steadily blowing HEADWIND rather like an agonizingly slow all-day hill climb and then, the rain came - pelting rain blown right into our faces by the south wind. The rain cooled things down a bit, so now we were soaked and chilly for the rest of the ride. The volunteer crew handed out mylar blankets. Made it though, and we hoped for better things the next day.

Day 2: Otherwise always known as: Hills From Hell day. Southern MN bluff country. This year, due to road construction, we started off immediately headed into the hills rather than warming up with the usual lovely up and down stretch following the Mississippi. First hill was about 4-5 miles long and we thought it would never end. Next big hill was much shorter but much steeper. My legs screamed but I said "shut up legs." And so the first 35 - 40 miles went. Still, my guys and I were making good time and doing well. Then, at pit 2, we heard thunder to the north. So we headed out quickly onto the next leg, which was delightful. We were in the midst of a wonderful little 10 mile stretch that was mostly flat or downhill alongside a scenic river and enjoying it when ... sweep vehicle pulled up and said - stop, hop in, lightening to north, ride director has ordered everyone off. And thus began several hours of taking shelter, being shuttled, monsoons (over 6" of rain where we were), and the first time in ride history that they ever had to call it a day and shuttle everyone in. A marvelous job done by the volunteer crew to get all these people and their bikes safely to the evening's destination. The crew handed out bug spray and Mylar blankets.

Day 3: Was supposed to be a scorcher, but the day started overcast with the wind still out of the south, which was now a delightful tailwind. We flew, everyone flew - trying to get as much of the route done before the clouds lifted and the forecasted oppressive heat and awful dewpoint finally made their dreaded appearance. At about mile 50, they made their arrival, but we were so thrilled with how the first 50 miles went that we did not so much mind the last 25 now with the heat. At the last pit stops, the crew handed out bags of ice and ice-water soaked towels.

Day 4: The morning dawned with a temp of 78 and dewpoint in the mid-70's. The shuttle van windows fogged over on the outside taking us from the hotels to the start. This was going to be a stinker, and it was. 46 miles of soupy, sultry, hot, hot, hot air. I have never dripped so much in my life! Still, we had a tailwind and so were flying along at 18-22 mph. We would arrive at the finish early so we prolonged one pit stop, sitting in the shade, there was a breeze, and we had ice. Lots and lots of ice. Boobie ice (for me - sorry guys!), ice for the head, back, legs... ah..... sat too long though, left the pit stop, immediately climbed a hill and the legs said: hello, remember lactic acid? Arrived in St. Paul early anyway. The crew handed out more ice while we waited for closing ceremonies. More sun, heat, and more ice. And smiles, tears and hugs all around.

And we'll do it all again, next year.