The soggy remnants of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isidore blew out overnight, leaving us with a spectacularly nice riding day, pleasantly warm and breezy.
Nine eager teams assembled at the Engleke's house two blocks from the ocean, where we were greeted with pre-ride sustenance. ("Eat to ride, ride to eat.")
The route was essentially flat, a marked contrast to the Sept. 14 ride, but there was one climb in Navasink for those who couldn't bear an absolutely flat ride. Riding north into Sandy Hook, we encountered a stiff north wind that made for somewhat slower going, particularly if you got left behind by the pace line. On the way back however, the breeze proved to be an asset. Don had reversed the originally intended route to give us a nearly straight downwind sail back to Bradley Beach.
Afterwards there was the hot tub, swimming pool, and food, food, and more food, not to mention desserts and desserts and desserts. ("Eat to ride, ride to eat.")
We also enjoyed the company of the Engleke's menagerie that included Teddy, the (shaved) rambunctious sheepdog (who was banished to the basement while we ate), Maggie and Mickie, the macaws, and Ellie, the cockatoo.
