Me and my SAG guy after the ride
Shock #1
The alarm clock going off at 6:33 AM instead of 6:45, quite a shock to a body used to getting up somewhat later.
Shock #2
Going out to load gear in the predawn darkness and discovering that the outside temperature was indeed in the low 40s, thus making today's predicted high of low to mid 50s and bloody cold, all the more likely.
Shock #3
Noticing that the flags in the neighbor's front yard were blowing straight out with only an occasional dip thus indicating that the winds were indeed at 25 mph or more and coming from the north.
In spite of all of three shocks, we persisted in our plans and arrived at the starting point for the charity ride just as the sun broke over a clear horizon. We were, as usual, somewhat early but in spite of our forwardness we were not the first ones there. Several riders were already unloaded, geared up and in the Wallis Knights of Columbus Hall wrapped around cups of coffee and completing their sign in. We followed the pattern, signed ourselves in, got our ride bracelets and map and sat down to contemplate the day while watching other riders, several of whom were disabled veterans, arrive and sign in. Volunteers arrived and started cooking up the standard Texas post ride meal of barbecue, picking up route signs and loading up the SAG vehicles. The mayor of Wallis arrived and started working the room, and three Knights in full regalia of colorful capes, feathered Napoleonic style hats and swords retreated with the Texas state and US flag to a back room to practice the flag ceremony. We finished our map consultation having discovered several routes that would allow us to do more than the 22 miles we had originally signed up for without having to do a full 40 0r 60 mile ride because the more we looked at the trees thrashing across the parking lot, the more we realized that it was going to be an slow granny gear battlefor most of the ride. We left our options open, figuring we would see how we felt when we got to the alternate turn off points.
As more people arrived and the room began to fill with bikers, the roar of the Apache attack helicopter, complete with missiles, rocket pods and Gatling gun, landing in the parking area across the road made most of the mayor's speech of welcome inaudible. Someone standing next to us listening to the helicopter land and kill its' rotors mentioned that they apparently had decided not to have the helicopter lead the riders out this year. From Phil's stories of last year's ride, I remembered that the helicopter had flown down the road over the riders and blown several into the ditch. I'm sure their decision not to repeat last years event of trying to teach bikers to fly was probably being silently applauded by many of last year's participants.
Finally, all the niceties and ceremony's duly completed and the important people acknowledged, we headed outside to group up by proposed mileage with the riders doing the metric century leaving first. For me this is always the worst part of a group ride. Since I rarely ride with more than one other person I find crowd situations unnerving. I contented myself by walking my bike slowly forward while contemplating a variety of cold weather riding fashions.
Waiting in the staritng group by "dawn's early light."
In this case, riding fashion ranged from wool caps under helmets, long sleeved jerseys with windbreakers , thermal tights, gloves and 'toastie toe" shoe covers to sleeveless jerseys, abbreviated biking shorts, baggy gym shorts and t shirts. I asked a young lady who was dressed in a open mesh, sleeveless light summer jersey and shorts if she wasn't cold. She said no but her blue and purple goosebumps said otherwise.
Earlier this year, my good friend Heidi from the Netherlands sent me a bikers survivor kit which included two multi functional headwear pieces called kukuxumusus or Buffs(as they are sold here in the US.) Basically, these useful little items are lightweight tubes of fabric which can keep you cool or warm depending on how they are used. In the summer heat, they can be soaked in water and worn as a neck gaitor, creating a colling effect with evaporation. Today I worn mine as a balaclava hood drawn up over my head as a helmet liner and tucked into the neck of my jersey with the collar of my windbreaker zipped up tight. It worked like a charm to keep the back of my neck, my ears and my throat warm but not sweaty or slimey. Thank you again Heidi.
So once safely started out we ended up riding straight north, directly into the teeth of the wind . Fortunately there was little or no traffic and the road was a two lane one way so there was plenty of room for maneuvering and finding a good pace. The one good thing to say about the eternal and perpetual winds that blow in this area is that I never have any difficulty getting in resistance riding. All I have to do is ride as much and as fast as I can in my highest gears, into the ever accommodating headwinds. Because I do so, it makes rides like today, when I actually allow myself use lower gears and go slower feel very simple.
Aside from the wind, and the resulting temperature and windchill, it was a lovely day. The sky was totally clear, the scenery was new and intersting, the riders were willing to chat with each other, and the ride was well supported with voluteers cheering us on at the turns and route changes , well stocked Sag stops and SAG vehicles passing by frequently.
There were several Veterans riding among the other riders. One of the single amputees was riding an upright road bike because he had both knees, two others rode hand crank recumbants and a blind veteran rode second on a tandem. It was an amazing and inspiring sight to see them out and freely mobile through bike riding .
As the ride progressed, we actually had a bit of a tail wind for about 8 miles which really made that particular portion of the ride great fun. Because this part of the road was a series of small curves, the speed limit sign said 20 mph. I must confess, I was speeding on Hunt Road officer, but it wasn't my fault.
No sooner had we turned the last corner and headed back to the KOC hall, the wind conveniently shifted to the west south west so we had the standard head wind as well as some gusts strong enough to sway me out of the shoulder and into the traffic lane at unpredictable intervals. It added a bit of challenge to the return ride.
When we got back to the start, it was too early for lulnch, although the volunteers were ready to serve us. We opted for soft drinks and a bit of a sit down instead, during which we were entertained by a local group consisting of an acoustic guitar, an accordian and a base guitar, playing in a Texas Country Western Salsa Mariachi Do Whoop style. The lead singer had a Texican accent that was almost totally undeciperable in English or Spanish which added to the questionable charm of the music since he insisted on alternating between to two languages with each verse of the song. After a half hour or so he broke into "I fall to pieces" and seemed about to break into yodeling so we finished our soft drinks and left.
After we loaded up the bikes, we walked across the road to examine the helicopter and take a few photos before we headed home and our usual Saturday routine.
And finally my version of a "biker beauty" posed on a helicopter
It was a good start for the weekend.
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