Had to leave the cats in their (George's) favorite blue chair in the sitting room prior to putting "The Enterprise," (the Wells' blue-faded-to-silver Bushnell tandem), on top of Linda's 1994 plum Saturn, "Claire," and off to Kittatinny State Park at 9:25 AM (37 degrees). "Remember to look for the sign, "ANDOVER FLIGHT ACADEMY," or we'll drive right past the entrance, George." "You look, I'm busy driving the car." "Yes, Honey." (Think we were just about the last team to arrive).
"Which team are Stu and Julie Conway? Thanks Lar. Here are your DOGS jerseys! Wear them in good health, and often, not just on a DOGS ride." "Yes, we will--they make a great advertisement!" (That's Stu.)
The sun was shining, (something we missed Tuesday and Wednesday; had to exercise on single bikes in the garage and on our Bowflex that George set up in the bedroom). The sky was a beautiful blue with some puffy clouds skimming thru it, but it was a windy morning (the wind hadn't stopped blowing) , as 11 tandems--(just like the number of teams for the DBLS DOGS ride last Sunday), turned right, out of Kittatinny State Park at 10:30 AM, on to Route 669.
Ten of the 11 were DOGS teams while one team, Debbie Finley and Joe Slun, might possible become our newest DOGS teams, once they send us their membership form and check.
Dave and Judy Buckland and Stu and Julie Conway were participating in their second DOGS rides and Dan Dodson and Michelle Emerson on their third.
Our very faithful DOGS on today's ride included Larry and Brenda Isherwood and Dave Snope and Susan Nicolich (these four are Team DBLS DOGS, but then, you all know that), Walt and Claire Willard, Dave Kristol and Marji Brandriss (Dave is the DOGS Webmaster, but then, that's something else you also know), Mark Cook and Cheryl Prudhomme, Al and Debbie Cudworth (our leaders for the day), and you know who--bringing up the rear.
The rides that Alan and Debbie had planned for today included a choice of either a 17, a 30 or a 40 mile ride, (and the choice was weather dependent and how the legs felt). Most of us chose the 30 mile ride, but there were a few who chose the 40 mile ride--and you guys know who you are. Congratulations to you hardy souls.
We can tell you that Alan and Debbie's 30.6 mile ride took us on mostly quiet and finely manicured roads. We even rode thru developments. (Weren't those homes gorgeous? (As we went past Al and Debbie I (Linda) told them that whenever I see big, beautiful homes like that, all I think of, is taxes (and all the cleaning that is required--whether I would do the cleaning or paying to have someone do it.--It's still expensive)).
We were surprised that the roads they chose were mostly flat or flat to rolling, very few hills. What a pleasant surprise--and to think--we were riding our great steeds in Warren and Sussex County where we have become accustomed to riding many hills.
When we weren't riding thru developments, the scenery was extra gorgeous. We even rode past farms (cows, horses; Ah! Those "wonderful" smells)!
For once, we weren't the last to get back. We returned to Kittatinny State Park at 12:35 PM, with other teams pulling in behind us which also included the guys and gals who had done the 40 mile ride. (Linda had estimated that the 30 mile ride would take us 2 1/4 hours. She was pretty close. Only ten minutes off).
"The Enterprise" went back up on "Claire's roof," and Linda raced off to "The Facilities," with George right behind her. The wind that had been with the DOGS as they started out on their ride, never died down, but seemed to get worse, which made it feel even colder. (Thus the race to "The Head". Glad there were a couple of them)!
We all gathered around a picnic table to enjoy all the goodies that Alan and Debbie had prepared. (Thanks so much, that was very kind of you.) The hot apple cider and hot tea went down real well--as did everything else. A nice surprise for Dan--a birthday cake made by Debbie (or was it Alan)?
George and Linda were becoming cold and decided to take their uneaten dish of brownies and go home. (Think we were one of the first to leave. Sorry, 'bout that guys, but we were really becoming numb.)
That's all for today's ride.
Talk to you all again--like the day after Thanksgiving, (Friday, 28 November), after we have completed the next ride that will be led by Ed and Trish Troike. (Anybody planning to do that ride? Be sure to let them know. "Hey George, have you sent a message to Ed and Trish yet...?").
Happy Pedaling,
Linda & George Wells
Leaders - Doubles Of the Garden State (DOGS)