Ride #52 (ONE YEAR)
It is odd time, that time in between aggressive moments, the time when the pace is eased and we remember why it is we do the things we do. In sailing, after fighting wind and physics to battle upwind, the downwind leg is often relaxed. At least in my experiences on a boat, this is the time when gear gets stowed, repaired, and readied to be redeployed as soon as needed. Sailboats fly enormous colorful sails to celebrate this easy run! The irony of the downwind run, is that it is often fast, really fast. You point in the direction you want to go and, well, you go! While doing so, you prepare for the next leg of hard work and aggression right around the corner. Hopefully when you get to that next bend, the quiver is full and you are ready to go.
Having put the 24 hour race behind us, FT3 finds itself in a much needed downwind run. Bikes are in a state of utter disrepair, most of them are unrideable still. Let's enjoy this run with the wind at our back and take a moment to address our gear issues and get ready. We, and really all of us are to credit, succeeded in our goal for the 24 race. Granted there are four on a team, plus a wrench, plus some helpers, plus anyone who ever felt feisty on a Tuesday ride and pushed the pace making us all better. We need to throw up those spinnakers and celebrate, oh yeah, this is also ride #52, one solid year of Tuesday night outings! For some of us the next turn is rapidly approaching. The calm of the downwind run will be brief but enjoyable.
Throw up those spinnakers and fly downwind for even the briefest moment. Let's see some color, just as sailboats fly colorful sails, maybe it is time to bring out those hideous jerseys for some celebration. Ride what you got and rest the bikes in random states of disrepair. Enjoy the run.
5:45 @ Mosquito...Exit 54?
Secret ballot for the most hideous of jerseys! Beer to the winner!
Until we ride again,
LOtB
Wentworth Ride:
On May 31st, two buddies of mine will be in town to doe some "EPIC" foothill riding. We are going to be taking down Wentworth on Sunday the 31st and then doing a partial Death Ride out of Turtle Rock on Monday the 1st. The Wentworth Loop is just under 120 and spectacular. We will be doing a P'ville to P'ville loop on this ride. I hope some of you can join! Anyone is welcome on Monday as well.
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Disrepair is right. All swingarm bearings are frozen, freewheel is full of dirt, and the rear hub bearings make some interesting noises. It will likely take a good 10 hours or more to get her back on the trail.
ReplyDeleteTwo!
ReplyDeleteA visit to the attic and the ancient jersey collection is in order.
ahh... disrepair, another variable in the Fun Factor equation. :-0
I'm in tonight. But I may drive seperately.
ReplyDeleteJust checked my geared bike for the first time since 24 hr race. One pedal frozen. BB stiff as. Front hub frozen, shot shot! I guess this would have been better had I gave it some love sooner than 10 days later.
I'm penciled in for Wentworth.
I am riding the Mt. Tek with a BB that is creaking and groaning like a Mt. Tek should. I will be doing some secret training and meet you guys at the Knot Hole.
ReplyDeleteFour and Five! Talked to Ghostrider last night, and he's offline but in for tonight. Believe we are both rolling SS.
ReplyDeleteOh man. Indeed there is some disrepair among the steeds. That said, I am out tonight to frontload some DTI points to make a Thursday eve trip to Auburn to repair my bike and buy parts for those who need them. So far I am coming back with a list of stuff for barnes over bars and plenty of extra cables and housing. I have a bottom bracket and front hub that scarcely move. Unfortunately the 830 has seen its share of wintery rides and needs some love too. Let me know via e-mail if you guys need other specific parts. Cap'n out and bummed~
ReplyDeleteI'm rolling up on my own and rolling SS. See you all up there.
ReplyDeleteI case Lars does not post, I just spoke to him and he will be absent tonight.
See you all at the parking lot.
Exit 54 for the Mosquito crew??