Saturday, July 21, 2012

A Ride with the Roanoke Crew


I got off my well-traveled, well-known bike routes this weekend as I joined a crew from the Roanoke Tri Club for a new-to-me 58+ mile ride through Catawba, Daleville, Hollins, and Salem (Garmin/map). Technically you could say I invited myself. I threw out a "who wants to ride" post and Mark, Scott, Joe, Mark, and Tim responded and planned the route since they know the area. (It only took about 55 posts for that to happen and I stayed out of it!)

I took this picture at the start -- everyone was looking extra fit this time of year.



I had been informed that there was a no hammering rule in place for the ride which was good since it was supposed to be an "aerobic/tempo climbs" training ride and I'd already been called out for "not following instructions" on another workout this week.

My only slip up came when Scott (who has an intensity that is palpable) sat up and lifted his hand to kindly point out the swim club I had asked about, and then without hesitation (or conscious thought) I took total advantage and blew by him, briefly. Heehee. I told him I was practicing my race tactics!

These are some of the nicest folks you could ever know. When the main loop came up shy of my needed mileage, Tim and Mark L. extended the ride and did the planning/navigating, since I had no idea where I was most of the time (big surprise there).

Here's Mark as we waited and waited and waited for a looooonnnnng train to cross.


It was a great ride with a super group of folks. I've said it before, but one of the best gifts of triathlon is the friends I've made as a result. Thanks, all, for a morning of beautiful cycling!