Early Saturday morning, weather.com showed "the green machine" on the edges of the Delaware and rapidly moving into Warren County. A bit later, Walt reported that if he stuck his head out the window it (his head) would get wet and the scheduled ride was postponed to Sunday (today - the next day) when the forecast was much improved--lots of sunshine was expected.
Sunday dawned with clear skies and November temperatures (something we didn't need or want, especially since it was only very early in October). Linda and I decided not to wear our DOGS jerseys in favor of our winter Banesto cycling kit--which proved to be a good idea. So, as it turned out, we were the only DOGS officially out-of-uniform (although some jerseys were covered by layers of warmer clothing).
The third seasonal ride sponsored by Team Doubleoccupancy (a.k.a., Walt and Claire) is always a treat and this one was no different. The route warmed up the chilly riders, thanks to some rather steep climbs in the first miles of the ride. Nothing like a good 8% grade to get your core temperatures up! The nine teams started out together but the terrain soon separated the climbers from the others. (By the way, when you have 10% or more participation of a particular activity by a volunteer organization, it is considered a success. There are now 83 DOGS Teams in our growing club of elite riders. Therefore, for any of our activities to be a success, we only need eight teams and since we had nine teams riding today, Team Doubleoccupancy's Ride was a success. (Congratulations, Walt and Claire!)
The views on this ride were enhanced by the clear conditions with high cumulus clouds against a sapphire blue sky. Every time the roads crested a hill, there was a view that could easily fit the definition of a "Kodak Moment." Yes, there were plenty of crests, followed by some awesome downhill runs, which were followed by another climb, another view, and another screaming downhill.
Team Wells was riding solo somewhere behind the climbers (who passed us like we were standing still on an early climb (so what else is new?)--not to be seen again until the rest stop. Towards the end of the first half of the ride, Dave and Marji bridged up to Team Wells and we rode together for most of the distance to the rest stop. Unfortunately, two miles prior to arriving at the Farm, Dave and Marji threw their drive chain and were busy getting it out of the spokes (ouch!) while Linda and I stood by observing. Shortly after all was fixed, Walt and Claire along with John and Pam pedaled up and we all started for the rest stop.
The climbers had been waiting a half hour for the rest of us, when we finally arrived. Delicious, warm doughnuts that Claire bought (thanks, Claire) and "facilities" made it a welcome stop. However, Team Lanterne Rouge (Linda and George) started to get chilled. (The rest stop was atop a climb and the winds were picking up.) So we decided to get back on the road, with the hope of regaining body heat. The upcoming hills were going to help. Just before we got underway again, Walt told us about the "shortcut" which would eliminate the 4.5 mile loop to the view of the Delaware Water Gap. Linda and I discussed this while riding. (Yes, we do occasionally talk while on the tandem--albeit, not often.) As we approached the loop, we opted for the shortened version as it was getting colder and the winds were getting stronger. (Linda never did regain the body heat she had on the first half of the ride. I did).
Those final views were also great! At 1301 (1:01 PM), we (Linda and George) arrived back at White Township Recreation Area. We were ahead of the pack--but not by much. Everybody rolled in within five-ten minutes after us. Standing in the sunshine helped warm our bodies until the winds picked up, again! Layering on jackets and others changing clothes, we all prepared for Claire's banquet--and that's what she prepares--a banquet! (The table is always set with a magnificent assortment of food and this day it included nice, hot chili!) Just the thing for the end of a chilly ride. The feast was augmented by offerings by the other participants--nobody went home hungry. Words like "I'm so full" reverberated throughout the picnic site. In fact, Linda even told George, "Don't think I want any supper tonight, honey." We even had a birthday cake for Barbara Cate. Congratulations, Barbara, we are all proud to be your and Tracy's friends. You are one awesome lady. Hey, we want to be pedaling when we're 81! (Can ya believe it?!) (Hope you guys had a pleasant birthday-dinner in New York City).
This isn't the last ride of the season--there are at least two more opportunities to share the road with your fellow DOGS--the next two Sundays--just let the ride leaders know that you want to participate in their ride(s). Maybe the weather will even return to "normal" October temperatures. (That would be nice.)
Hope to see you at a future club ride, and certainly at the Winter Solstice Party in December. (BTW: Have you sent us your preference if you are planning to attend? Which date is better for you--6 or 13 December?)