Bergen County Blast!

Hi Fellow DOGS!:

Rich LeGrand and Christina Chan must have been thinking about "their" own "personal DOGS Anniversary" (they joined the club in August 2003) because they put together their first DOGS ride (30 miles) that ten of us DOGS teams enjoyed last Saturday, 31 July from Ho-ho-kus (Upper Bergen County) into a few miles of New York State and back to 21 Normandy Court for a picnic and more fun. While this area is probably the most densely populated part of the state, the roads they chose were lightly traveled, had nice views, and weren't too hilly (well, except for one section that had a stiff climb. (To be discussed in a future paragraph).

But let's begin by telling you who the ten DOGS teams were that participated in Rich and Chris' ride: Mark Cook and Cheryl Prudhomme, Larry and Brenda Isherwood, Bob and Helen Bird, Malcolm Boyd and Judy Allison, Richard and Michelle Dittmar (our very newest DOGS this year--Team Number 81), Walt Willard and Claire Hamanaka, David Snope and Susan Nicolich, Al and Deb Cudworth, Rich LeGrand and Christina Chan (our lead DOGS for the day) and, of course, George and Linda Wells.

Finding the start point was a bit of a challenge for Team Wells, but once we figured out that we should turn right rather than left, the roads led us to a very nice and semi-secluded community. (Of course Rich and Chris' neighbors were surprised at the number of lycra clad folks with their long bikes invading their neighborhood.) By the time we arrived, most of the DOGS were already enjoying each other's company and getting ready for the ride that began at 10:44 AM, following the traditional picture that was taken of us by Chris' mom. (Dave Kristol would have done this, but he and Marji (his lovely wife/stoker) had recently returned from a vacation in Maine to a dental appointment he had to keep last Saturday morning, but Team Kristol/Brandriss still came up, anyway, and joined us for the picnic.)

Early on, Rich pointed out that most of the roads weren't really steep, only "annoying" which sums up the 2-3% grades. It was just enough to slow the legs, but never enough to be really difficult climbs with similar down grade sections where it wasn't possible to really cook or coast.

Bergen County is also rather "upscale." We traveled thru old neighborhoods with a lot of posh homes that spelled out the word m-o-n-e-y, (not that the folks we passed were snobbish). In fact, those of us in the second group, were informed by numerous people in their yards that "the other group is way ahead of you." We guess that they recognized all those DOGS Jerseys--even the blur of blue, yellow and white that went flying by them in the first group.

Now, about that one climb--Seminary Road and Seminary Drive. Team Wells managed to embarrass themselves by dropping the chain at the base of the climb (Seminary Road) while going for the granny ring. Once on the granny, we had to back up about ten feet to get a proper start at the base of the climb. And climb we did. There was a slightly flat section in the middle where George made the mistake of going back up to the middle ring just when the road curved and presented us with another 10% grade. (Not sure if this was Seminary Road or Seminary Drive at this point.) We chugged it out in the middle ring. The other side was a screaming downhill that we rode with a lot of caution as this was a residential neighborhood where we anticipated somebody backing out of his driveway.

Shortly after that, we got to the mid-ride break at Ramapo Reservation, underneath a big tree that blocked the sun. This was a refreshing stop (trail mix, pretzels, energy bars, sports drinks and water) where we could get a break before the return. Team Wells, as usual, fell off the back. The stoplights were the real frustration. We could see the main group up ahead, stopped at the light, only to turn green and then red, again, by the time we arrived at the intersection. This made us fall even further behind until we totally lost sight of the main group.

The last miles were a bit heavy with traffic, but we made it okay. Everybody was in the house or on the patio in the back of the house, getting the party started again. All teams brought something to share. Then the skies opened up and it poured on Mark Cook as he worked the barbecue grill. All food was brought inside to the dining room table but Mark kept on barbecuing those hot dogs and hamburgers to go along with all the delicious food.

While we were eating, Dave and Marji showed up with their savory additions to the dining room table. All 11 teams (by that time) were eating their lunches as they sat on the comfortable couches and chairs and the floor in the two big living rooms. Once we had eaten our lunches, we wandered thru this beautiful home, enjoying just about everything in sight, which includes the jewelry that Chris makes/sells as well as Barney and Lucy (uncle and niece), that live with Rich, Chris and her mom.

Continue to enjoy safe pedaling throughout the rest of the summer and be talking to you all again!

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

FYI: This was George's first ride using his new VO-Max bib shorts. They are excellent, and only $59/pair including shipping.


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Last modified: 7 August 2004