Memorial Day Group Ride

As they used to say on the Monty Python TV show, "And now for something completely different."

I woke up and basically just got ready riht away and rode my bike over to my PhilCast show sponsor Cranked Bike Studio of Neenah to take part in their annual Memorial Day ride and cookout afterward.

I was out of my element for a couple of reasons...

1- It was morning.

I never ride in the morning

2- It was a group ride.

I usually ride solo

But I was up for something a little different and a bit of a challenge, a chance to meet some new people of like mind when it comes to bikes.

It was fun. It was just a little above my normal effort, but pretty close. In fact, a lot of the route they took us on was one of my routes out to the west of where I live, so for about 60% of the ride I was on familiar roads.

I tried to remain tucked into and or behind someone as much as I could to pick up a pull, especially into the wind. After all, what's the point of riding in a big group if you don't take advantage of someone breaking that wind for you up ahead.

That someone was Pratter for a while, as I grabbed onto his wheel at about mile number 16 and used his tow.

I tend to fall back on climbs, and there were several substantial ones on this route, due to my size and age perhaps as well. I've never been good at climbs. But I always seem to get back to the group once we get over the top.

I recorded a short episode of my podcast show, which includes an interview with Steve, at the post-ride cookout.

CLICK HERE to listen to that episode.

All in all it was a fun experience and a solid ride on a nice warm day. The rain had held off and all was well. Time for a nap!

RIDE ROUTE

Cranked Bike Studio group ride

33 miles/14.4 average mph

Sunny & warm, 80 by end of ride, Wind 5-10 mph

2020 SEASON MILES

Indoor: 125.6

Outdoor: 553.2

---