Cool Down
Bite the Bullet stays dry!
7/01/2012 8:27 PM
Well, maybe not dry.
The forecast called for 50% chance of rain in Winchester between 11 am and 2 pm.
I counted on being wet. I hadn't counted on the humidity.
Fortunately, the temps remained in the high 60s with a light wind to help out.
Linda and I have been riding club rides pretty steadily since 2001. Today I found myself on a club ride with four riders I had never met before.
The make up of the group has changed remarkably and judging by the riders who showed up today, has gotten younger by a bit and stronger by far.
Here's a big welcome to Troy Foede from Asotin who joined TRC at the ride today and then proceeded to push me from Winchester over the rollers. He's a tall fellow whose weight gives him an advantage on the downhill and a disadvantage on the upside. We had some fun on the rollers and I'm looking forward to riding with him again.
Roger was fighting fires but Tracy came along and enjoyed both the climb up Winchester Grade and the rollers. Jennifer Bloch had a big smile on her face the whole day. Linda whined a bit at Cottonwood Creek, but finished strong. Donna complained about the grade, but she stayed in touch even though she had had a bout with the same bug Gary's been fighting. Lee Bauer had the new jersey on and was never far behind.
John Coy and Don Davis knew the area having grown up there. Don lives in Winchester and rides a 36 mile loop on Reubens/Gifford road three times each week. But he'd never done 70 miles. He made the decision to skip Cottonwood Creek and just waved as he passed us enroute to highway 12.
David White's wife, Shelly, provided additional SAG today along with her small son.
We were really pleased to have Leanne back on SAG duty. And we were doubly pleased to see Dave back on a bike. Dave did the entire route save the old Winchester Grade. Pretty amazing considering 6months ago he wasn't going to be able to ride again.
And there I was on Reuben/Gifford hitting about 20 mph between Troy, John, Rusty, and Don. The traffic was light, the roads in great condition, the temps in the 60s, SAG at our backs and the wind gentle. It was a perfect day!
And no rain. Can't say I stayed dry though. Sweat ran down my forehead threatening my vision as I climbed Cottonwood Creek. Humidity or not, cooler temps made that hill a relative pleasure compared to past years--no melting pavement. I looked forward to a gentle descent at an easy pace. It was not to be. Troy sped off and the guys went with him. I gave chase, but couldn't quite close.
I finished strong and happy. The best Bite the Bullet ride I can remember.
Corrie
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Corrie C Rosetti
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Cool Down
After the ride is over there's the cool down.