John’s Ramblings

It was pretty dang cold on Sunday morning, and donning all the layers we brought with us didn’t seem to lessen the shivers we had for the first 10 miles or so. But it really was a beautiful day that offered an unfettered view of the big white fellow on the southeastern horizon.

We did the more southern of the two 50 mile loops available, from Orting out through the Ohop Valley to Kapowsin. The first section of the ride runs along the river, and you pass by a couple of really pretty lakes. You begin to think that this would be a wonderful place to live, until you think about how long you would spend in a car getting to work, burning that $3+ per gallon fuel.

By the time we hit the first food stop at about mile 20, everyone was shedding layers as cold yielded to warm. Pictured are Julie and Linda, from the cycling group at the gym.

The stated goal of the day was to get Terri through her first 50 mile group ride, which we accomplished in fine form. She had a good day in the saddle, tackling more hills than she may have wanted, but tackling then nonetheless. She did well, and only made that little whimpering noise once, a big improvement from last year’s Kitsap Color Classic. She wants to be able to do the RSVP this year, and it looks like she’s on track to do so.

Coming at the time of year that this ride occurs, I understand that far more years are wet than dry, and the percentage of years that are dry and as sunny & warm as this was are very few and far between. I consider us very fortunate indeed to have been able to do this ride, this year, under those conditions. As uncertain as the weather can be, and with possible changes looming on the employment horizon, I’m not sure we’ll get to do this ride again, and it’s unlikely that the conditions will be anywhere near as perfect as they were on Sunday. Congratulations on a great day to everyone at the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club who organized and volunteered to put this ride together, and to all who participated in this ride.

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