DouBLeS DOGS Pre-Spring Tune Up

Sunday was glorious. Despite the predictions of rain and snow to come on Sunday evening, the day was beautiful. Light winds (when there were winds at all) and temperatures trying hard to reach 50 degrees.

We were told from the outset to "blame it on Dave Snope" because the route was challenging. The following teams set off at 11:24 AM--Isherwood, Snope/Nicolich, Willard/Hanamaka, Kristol/Brandriss, Wells, and -- on a triple -- Team Kimmel with their friend Maria. Team Wells, having done some Spring maintenance, almost immediately found that their small cogs were skipping due the application of a new drive chain. (Oops! George never looked at the small cogs -- only the larger ones). Fortunately, this wasn't going to be a day for "big gears," anyway.

Team Willard/Hanamaka brought their Valentine's Day Gift to themselves to ride -- a brand new Co-Motion with all kinds of carbon fiber components. Claire had to keep the other Captains back from their tandem, lest they drool on the paint job -- a very pretty red (but not that "fire engine red," if you know what we mean). The surprise was Team Isherwood on their "winter bike" -- their Co-Motion remained at home.

Familiar Frog Hollow Road was the same as always, nice with a stiff short steep climb at the end. There were some great downhill runs where Team Wells had to coast (but that was okay with us), followed by another series of uphill runs. We made an unplanned, but very convenient, stop at the Oldwick General Store, which was almost half-way thru the ride, which was good, because we didn't know what was coming next. Less than two miles after we left the Store, we wended our way to Bissell Road where the road seemed to go up, up, up, and up -- some more. Wells' Team finally made it to the crest after many thousands of revolutions of the granny gear. Something strange happened at the top: Team Wells was ahead of Team Isherwood! (Okay, Larry, we know you weren't feeling good, but we also know that this feat isn't going to be repeated any time soon.) After more ups and downs, we wended our way back to Califon Island Park with Team Wells rolling in last -- 2:30 PM.

(Stoker speaking (Linda)). It was a pleasure riding behind George -- pedaling my little heart out and, at the same time, being able to look from side-to-side -- and at one time, looking to my right, into a field of 18 (I counted them) deer!

A good day of riding the roads in/around Califon was had by all. Team Wells has a new cassette on order (thank you, Mel), and everyone is feeling good over a nice Sunday of riding.

Of course, this morning, we had to shovel snow from our little drive way, sidewalk, steps, and front landing and there is still more coming down!

Those of you who weren't there were missed, and those of you who were unable to get out and ride your tandem at all yesterday missed an excellent day of riding. The season is just starting so there will be many more opportunities to come out and play with your fellow DOGS.

The next time some of us may get together will be Sunday, 21 March at Mel's and Barbara's Tandem Expo in the gym at the Pittsgrove Middle School in Centerton. As we have in past, there will be a DOGS Table set up with DOGS jerseys ($68 each--only 16 left!) on it as well as Dave Snope's and Mark Cook's DOGS socks and membership forms.

And the next time after the 21st, when even more of us will get together, will be the following Saturday, 27 March, in Medford, New Jersey, at the home of Team Boyd/Allison (Malcolm and Judy) for the DOGS Annual Spring Equinox Party. Weather permitting, Malcolm and Judy have planned a DOGS Ride to begin at 10 AM with showers at their house following, and the Party from 2-8 PM. Even if you are unable to join us for the ride, please make/bring something to share with your DOGS pals and come to the party. (Remember last December's (our Winter Solstice) Party at Team Bergstrom's (Allan and Pam) -- when so many of you went out and played in the snow? Who had the most fun that day -- you guys who were outside playing or the few of us who remained in the house watching you from the kitchen and breakfast nook windows? We always have a lot of fun -- no matter what we are doing -- riding, eating, playing. We seem to "click" and maybe that is the success of our club!


Linda & George Wells
Leaders - Doubles Of the Garden State (DOGS)


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Last modified: 7 Sept 2002