There is no snow excuse

2/11/2014

Last Tuesday was the latest and greatest in the string of ideal riding conditions that has defined Pollywood this winter. Nice temps, big moon, gauzy clouds, and soil that held traction tighter than a zealot holds convictions.

Because of the small pack, we  couldn't finish the Pre-BRs by ride time. 

(Look in the backpack.)

Spawn was asked to RideLead and he took us out to the Hazel Creek area for a tour of abandoned canals and rarely visited ditches. 

Unknown Local organized some trail maintenance.

After the ride we munched tacos while watching the Olympics. The taco bitties were eager to hear our opinions of the figure skating costumes.  

2/16/2014

Last Sunday saw the running of an under the radar FT3 event. Long absent Green Fro wanted to introduce some of his lowlander road bike friends to the greater FT3 proving grounds. He extended the invitation to us locals as well. No surprise when five of the seven kits were FT3 (Fro, ever the gentleman, wore the colors of the away team). 

We assembled in Kelsey, rocked GreenFro's super techy driveway, which became Shoo Fly, to the glorious curves of 193 descending to Rock Creek Road. Having reached the ride's nadir, B and I stopped to remove a few layers. Somehow only Fro saw us standing on the side of the road. Cappy thought we were off the front and whipped into a pursuing frenzy. By the Rock Creek crossing he finally stopped for the chase group and we all had a laugh at his expense. 

When the front riders rolled past the turn onto 12N70, I called out the official FT3 wrong turn command "Some ting wong!" After an untold number of sweet miles later, we reached Wentworth Springs Road, followed it for a fast bit then turned onto Balderston road. Nearing our destination, the rolling hills induced ferocious attacks and counter attacks. From Balderston to Darling Ridge to Bear Creek to Traverse Creek to Spanish Flat and finally the last climb up Shoo Fly. Cartographers estimate 55 miles and 8000 feet.   

After a moment or two for relaxation, the main event for the day was announced; basketball. The traditional method of using free throw success to establish who got to play yielded B and Xteric vs. Cap and NoHandle. While Xteric is remembered for ditching tacos to go meet Keds to play B Ball; NoHanlde played in High School. Right away NH's dominance was apparent, he had moves, he could shoot, and he wasn't afraid to strut it. At about 8 to 3, the underdogs switched defense, forcing NH to face the unrelenting you-think-you-own-the-box-well-I'm-gonna-push-you-out-of-the-box defensive strategy of B. Possession changed and the score got close. The action was so intense I feared for a busted ankle, as B was playing in Crocs and NH was in his loafers. Victory was declared just as GFro served up three chickens and fixings.  

We massed around the supper table, relishing our meal and declared GFro's the best Long Ride ever produced. The feel good success was so great that Cappy claimed responsibility to host the next LRP in March.  

2/18/2014

The wintry mix goddess may appear. She has been long absent this year, don't miss the opportunity for an encounter. And before you excuse yourself as being too sore after playing disc golf, or badminton, or any other non-fat tire sporting activity, remember that this is the first Tuesday of the rest of your life.