Let's do the Whole Route!

Are we ready?  We've ridden to Back Bay and back.   We've also parked at Back Bay and done the loop around.   Are we ready to do the whole thing?  Karen pushed us out the door at work.  She now has road tires on that mountain bike.  If we start before 6 pm we should be able to push it and get back before dark. 

Unfortunately, Suzanne ended up with child's school appointment and couldn't join.  But everyone else was there and ready to go.  We decided Karen couldn't get a flat because she didn't have a spare tube the correct size.  (Although, I'm sure the one she had would do in a pinch.). And off we were.

Going toward Back Bay was a very heavy head wind.  It's like riding up a hill and makes you feel out of shape.  But we had trained for this and since we had broken into a couple of smaller groups we couldn't practice any drafting.  We took very short stops to regroup and ensure everyone was drinking and then it was down the steep hill.  Chris, you don't need to use those brakes! 

The trail around Back Bay gave us a little relief from the heavy wind and we were praying that the wind would not clock around for our trip back. Everyone kept the pace up and did fantastic on the longer uphill up Irvine Avenue.  Stacy even conquered the hill with a smile on her face. I think the rest of the team was a bit disappointed that their rest at the top wasn't longer since Stacy climbed it so fast.

On the northern side of the bay, it became a pinball game of sorts as we wove our way among all of the many pedestrians out enjoying an evening walk along the bay.  You have to watch out for those little ones (the children) because they could dart out in front of you at any time.  Good time to practice even braking.  Pat, be sure you don't pull that front brake on too hard and fast.

The path back rewarded us with a tail wind which made us feel strong into the home stretch.   We finished in about 1 hour 45 minutes for a total of 20 miles.

When we returned to the cars, it was time to toast Stacy's new steed, "Lucy".  She had recently had a few minor adjustments made at the shop and decided she would like her saddle tilt adjusted back down a hair.  A local runner came by and it turned out to be the Performance Bike employee who had sold her the bike.  He took our mini Allen wrench and made the adjustment.

Hmmm... if we can do 20 miles, and Stacy's bike is now readjusted...where shall we ride on Wednesday?  Karen won't be joining, so maybe it's time for another margarita ride?