WILSON – With rain clouds had gathering and sprinkles dotting the road, Jim, Steve, Jeff and Kinnie gathered at OSB just before 2:00 pm this afternoon for the MLK Bankers Slow Ride. After careful consideration of the weather (rain headed our way, some wind and temp around 45) as well as the mechanical set up of her bike (carbon brake pads on aluminum wheels) Kinnie decides to forgo the venture for the day. So with Kinnie wishing the group well, the trio headed out Nash street. After a moment of reflection at Texaco, a route was selected, to minimize the winds impact. The riders headed out 58 with Jim pulling a steady 18 mph pace that would mark the ride.
Sprinkles were spotting the glasses but the road was dry. After establishing the pace Jim pulls off and Steve takes the pull maintaining the pace. After crossing into Nash county, Steve pulls off and Broom Wagon takes the pull. Turning on to Bend of the River Road the impact of the wind is felt and the pace slows a bit. The clouds to this point were still holding back most the rain. Turning on the Stage Coach Jeff passes the pull to Jim and the rain begins in earnest. As it turns out we had been running away from from the rain but were now headed back to it. Soon the road is wet and rooster tails were coming off the rear wheels. Now moving down hill with the wind crossing ever so slightly from the rear, Jim picks up the pace. A gear change and transition to the aero bars and the pace picks up yet again. The trio approaches 97 at 21 – 22 mph. Turning on to 97 the wind is clearly pushing form behind. With the assistance of a kind motorist, yes we have a few of those still, the group turns on to London Church road. Steady rain now with a noticeable wind. Steve inquires where we are and Jim reminds him that this is Belgium! Inspired, Jim makes another gear selection and gets back on the aero bars he abandoned on 97. The pace heads up again to a steady 22, Steve and Broom Wagon work to hang onto Jims Wheel. The group rolls in fine fashion to Lake Wilson with Jim still pulling. Up and over the hills on the approach back to Nash Street, around through the Food Lion Parking lot and back to OSBs. 18 mph pace 17.8 miles. Once again the COWs have been nobly represented by three dedicated, if not slightly insane, riders. In recognition of their dedication to cycling and riding in spite of the conditions, the three riders toady are awarded Belgian medals with all the rights, privileges and honors of such honor. Note, for a rider to qualify for a Belgian medal they must return to the starting point, or agreed upon ending point and not peal off early for home. P.S. The pro cycling season kicks off with the Santos Tour Down Under in a few hours in Australia. -- 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.
