Great report and ride. I can almost feel my feet again. Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel
-----Original Message----- From: "Jeff Glover" <[email protected]> Sender: [email protected] Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2011 17:35:01 To: <[email protected]> Reply-To: [email protected] Subject: [COWs] COWs Earn Belgian Medals! WILSON – 4 highly motivated COWS, Nic, Jim, Steve, Dan and Jeff departed OSBs at 1:00 pm sharp, with the temp might hovering around 40 F. The sun was shining after the passage of a snow shower as the group rolled down Nash Street headed for the customary “Texaco” pit stop. In route Jon drives up on the group, running a bit behind, and signals he will join at “Texaco”. The herd expands to 5 and expectations of snow enter the route discussion. Moving out on to Nash Street the riders are soon met with a very strong wind, mentions of a Hurricane were heard through the line. Working to keep the bikes upright and moving forward the pace drops to the low teens with Trubo Dan pulling. The ride continues to Hornes Church Road were turning more directly into the wind made bike handling easier but forward progress difficult. All COWs lowered their heads and pushed on into the wind. Sunlight continued warming the group a bit. After a brief stop, necessary to allow Broom Wagon to catch up at Old Smithfield Road, the ride continued on. As the peloton continued down Hornes Church Road, the sky gradually clouded over. Coming out the last wooded stretch before moving into the clear, just before turning on to Liles road, the snow could be seen, looking like a fog, heavy and blowing. There was lots of mooooing in the herd at the sight. Into the snow we go! Turning onto Liles Road the snows pelts the group from the right as the wind now blows sideways and snow hits horizontally. You could see is hitting the wheel and bursting, and collect in the folds of jackets and gloves. The snow continued heavy down Liles Road, and as the group turned on to Stoney Hill Church Road. With the wind now advantageously blowing from the rear, the first sprint ensued continuing to Hornes Church Road. The group again reforms at “the point”, turning onto Bloomery, Steve haven paused along Stoney Church Road to commune with nature and Jon waxing reflective at the stop as well. The snow lets up a bit as the group proceeds along Bloomery Road with the Sun now beginning to break through. Yet the weather has one more trick to play and the snow resumes in earnest, pelting the group hard while the sun continues to shine in mockery! Turning onto Packhouse Road the snow relents the sun shines and with the spirits of the team once again enlivened another sprint takes off! Once more the herd regroups at the 1st FWBC on Nash Street. After a brief moment the COWs head back toward OSBs with the sun shining full warming the riders in reward. Caught at the stop light at Airport Road, a car passenger enquires if we had been riding in the snow to which the response of yes is greeted with a “crazy”. Poor lad knows nothing of the rush of a good Belgian Ride! Final stats, distance about 28 miles avg. pace a surprising 17 – 18 mph. In recognition of the exploits and accomplishments of these riders. For their high level of insanity, total dedication to the art of cycling and ability to smile and enjoy the ride, each rider is awarded the highly coveted “Belgian Medal”. To ride today was truly to “Ride Like a Belgian”. Special thanks to Nic and Dan for pulling Broom Wagon back to the herd today and to the group for the strategic stops to let me catch up. Note: The pro cycling season kicks off on Tuesday the 18th with the Tour Down Under in Australia. The race concludes on the 23rd. Lance is riding in a support role for the team. It will be interesting to see how he works with Thor (current World Champion). Broom Wagon. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CyclistsOfWilson-COWs" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cyclistsofwilson-cows?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CyclistsOfWilson-COWs" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cyclistsofwilson-cows?hl=en.
