As the Wheel Turns |
The weekend’s bike was a fast breakfast ride and then a second breakfast. On Sunday 5/18/08, it started out as an attempt to hook up with several smaller group rides. A few Lodi people were riding 60 miles (Diana Karls and Amy Bublitz). Another group was going 30 miles. And the last group was going directly to the Roxbury Tavern and pancakes. The goal overall was to meet at the Roxbury at 10:30 am to eat together. Depending on what time I got back from dropping my sister off at the airport for an early AM flight, I had hopes of getting in 50 miles before noon and even getting some yard work and wash done! I called Dave Ramsfield up and had him meet me at 7:30 at the main street parking lot. Then I called Kim Clark up and got her out of bed so she could enjoy the day as well. We started off finally around 8 am down Riddle Road with a brisk air temperature of around 47 degrees. I had just about the perfect gear on for the day and wasn’t too chilly. We ran into Diana and Amy heading back on a loop thru town to pick up the 30-mile group. We decided to keep on riding on Lodi Springfield Road south. We had hardly warmed up yet and decided not turn around but meet them at the Roxbury. Keeping up with Dave and Kim is quite a chore for me. They both are energetic and I do fine as long as I can stay close enough to draft. It was a bit windy which made this even more challenging but I managed OK. We rode west on County V from Lodi Springfield, keeping to country roads and a fast pace. We rolled thru Roxbury before 9 am and made a decision to keep on riding Y all the way to Mazomanie (~ 12 miles). I had not done that before. Besides, Kim needed a cup of coffee and Dave assured me it was flat. We figured we would even have time to sit down for a cup of coffee and muffins too. Wonder of wonders, the road was flat and fast! We kept up a pace of 20-22 mph all the way there. I have never been at the Whistle Stop in Mazo for coffee or breakfast, but it was a very nice place and quite homey. I did not even feel funny arriving in my bike tights and stocking feet (you can’t walk in those road bike shoes). Dave was right on about the time as well. Our coffee went down quick and we headed out before we got too comfortable on the cushy sofa. The ride back to the Roxbury was equally fast but with the wind in our face this time, I had to work hard to keep up with the speed demons. We arrived at the Roxbury just as the larger group ordered their food. We were on time, they were a tad early. I had called the Roxbury ahead of time and warned them a group of 10 or 12 might show up. I hope they didn’t think it a joke, but at least we had pancakes! After our tummies were full, we all headed out. They groups split up again going short or long distances home depending on the level of energy. As nice as a morning as it had been, the gray clouds started to roll in as we came around Fish Lake and Crystal Lake. Taking the direct route back to Lodi by picking up County Y was probably a good choice as a few drops were hitting us about 11:30 am. Once we hit the City limits, Kim and Dave peeled off to head directly home while I headed to my car at the Main Street lot. My total was 50 miles for the day and I was happy and feeling energetic myself – if not for more biking at least for some yard work and laundry. |
|
Think before you shop, support your local Mom & Pop! ©2008 LodiValleyNews.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
 |