By: George and Linda Wells
Linda and I awoke to a cold, frosty, Sunday morning, 3 November and the latest, most recent DOGS Ride of the season, so far. Nine teams gathered at the Califon Island Park this morning, the same location as the first ride of the season which was held another, chilly, Sunday morning (7 April). Both rides were led by the DBLS (Dave, Brenda, Larry, & Susan) so that we could explore the not-so-flat roads around Califon and Hunterdon and Western Morris Counties. One of the nine teams included Joe Rutch, (the DOGS first leader), and his friend, Theresa, aboard Joe's Bushnell tandem--her introduction to tandeming--what a way to start your first tandem ride!
This ride was published as "moderate" and filled that bill, although there were more than a few good climbs during the 24 miles of country roads. The pace was also moderate on most of the ride. There were some screaming downhills to enjoy, only after having paid for them by significant climbs--a combination of joy and pain. Or, as another tandemist noted "on average all rides are flat."
The weather assured that no water bottles were going to get warm today! In fact, few club jerseys were visible due to the multiple layers everyone was wearing.
The first miles assured that we were going to get warmed up. A steady uphill climb with the occasional stiff climb thrown in for "interest." When we made it over the last climb of the initial miles (a 15% grade that Team Lantern Rouge didn't have to walk, this time), we were greeted with our first downhill. Big Ring time and we took off hitting speeds in excess of 30 mph with flats in the low 20's. Then, more climbs followed by more downhills. At the end of the first ten miles, we stopped at the Hacklebarney Cider Mill for all sorts of goodies including warm spiced cider. Linda and I opted for the double fudge brownies over the cider-filled doughnuts. Yum!
"Moderate" is a relative term and this ride was moderate in comparison to the DBLS' August ride. ("We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder, We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," Linda sang, as we went up that particular hill on that August ride.) However, there were four distinct instructions to use "Granny Gear" to climb these hills. Even the awesome team of Larry and Brenda were down in Granny! The final 14 miles took us through beautiful vistas of maple trees in a riot of colors. As we pedaled the final miles in the draft of David and Susan, we knew it had been a great ride.
Upon our return to the Park, there were lots of warm and filling refreshments. Unfortunately, my (George's) base layer was soaked through and I started to feel a chill as my body heat lowered. I had to remove the base layer as well as the over jacket (both of which were soaked) and dive into the car to turn on the heater. Sorry, for not being social, but I was getting cold.
Congratulations, Theresa, for completing your first tandem ride, ever. Hope you plan to continue enjoying your tandem rides with Joe and the Doubles of the Garden State (DOGS).
As everyone gathered for those delicious refreshments, Linda caught word that the season isn't over yet! Team Cudworth (Alan and Debbie) are planning a ride on 24 November (sorry we will be unable to join you--church commitments that day), and the DBLS are planning to do this ride, one more time, on 01 December. (Please be sure to send Dave Kristol, our Webmaster, the information he needs to add to the DOGS website: webmaster@d-o-g-s.org.) Linda reported that there was even talk about a DOGS Ride in January and what was it you were saying about skiing, Larry???!!! Looks like the 2003 season may begin early.
Hope to see you all on the roads.
LINDA AND GEORGE WELLS
(a.k.a., Team Lantern Rouge)
Leaders, Doubles Of the Garden State (DOGS)