The Ride to Vegas: Day 3

Today's ride was from Richfield to Panguich Utah. Not a lot of elevation change today so the boys ramped the pace up quickly. There was an enticing, empty, bike path for miles before we had to hop out onto the road. The scenery was absolutely amazing and almost able to take my mind off the burning in my legs. Chris D (key to the design of the Venge!) and Ben Capron (of NICA High School mtn bike league) did a nice job of keeping me in the pace line after the group split and the pace went to 28. At the 55 mile mark, I couldn't stay in so I dropped off and settled into my own pace. It was nice to be able to look around more and enjoy, rather than having to focusing on not losing the wheel in front of me. I spent the next 24 miles cruising over beautiful roads, looking over my shoulder for the group I thought was right behind me, and hearing Phil and Paul in my head. "She's on the rivet, sadly, there's no way she'll hang on and not get caught by the chase group". Strangely, I made it back before being caught and still ended up finishing my 79 miles with an 19 average.

The gang then decided that we needed to get in the van and go see Bryce Canyon. So we took an incredible road trip that was beyond breathtaking. After dinner, we grabbed a bunch of bricks behind the motel and built a frame for a sweet bonfire. The police haven't shown yet but it's only a matter of time! Three days in with three more to go and I'm having an awesome time. Wish you were here...

The Ride to Vegas: Day 2

Knowing that I'm a "tweener" (I'm just hanging onto the fast group but too fast for the second), leaves me with a small measure of trepidation every morning before the ride. Will I be strong enough to hang onto the Big Dogs or will I have to do a big solo effort today? While the altitude (5200' at the start) isn't overwhelming, it still taxes my system more than my normal riding conditions. We started the day in Nephi UT and ended in Richfield, 74 miles later. It was a fairly flat day, only 1457' elevation gain, but that just meant we would ride at a much faster pace. I got in the mix so I wouldn't fall off the back when the dial got turned up. I vowed to Ride Smarter this go around and I held to my promise. I sat in the pace line, moving up to within two or three of the front, then dropped to the back and took cover. I wondered all day when the rope would snap and I would be riding on my own. As luck would have it, we were moving so fast that the 74 miles were done before I ran outta gas. The best part is we are staying at a Holiday Inn Express so I should be capable of pretty much anything tomorrow.

The Ride to Vegas 2012 Day One

Our first day on the road left Salt Lake City shortly after 8am this morning. We rode 80 rolling miles, then headed up Mt Nebo. It was a 113 mile ride with 7162' of climbing elevation and a max of 9400'. We rode the first 79 miles at an 18.8 average. I was shocked to not be gasping as I passed the 7000' and then 8000' signs on the side of the road. The climb was 20 miles! The sweeper van grabbed me at 97.08 miles after 6 hours 24 minutes on the bike. My legs both locked up as I got off the bike and I stood there propped up by my Amira for 5 full minutes (in excessive pain) before shuffling toward the van. The evening massage was excruciating but necessary, so I "manned up" and dealt with it. Now I'm hanging out in recovery tights, hydrating. I want to send major props out to my riding partners for all their support and for letting me hang off the back of the way too fast for me pace line. I love you all...

(I couldn't figure out how to post pics from my iPad but I'll do that when I get home)

Until tomorrow!
Patty

Good Morning Irene?

If it was a normal rain storm coming, we would take our chances and ride under grey skies. But because of the threats of high winds, etc., we will err on the side of caution and cancel today's ride. Monday's weather looks promising, we will see you then!

Brandywine ride is canceled

Out of respect for the trails, the Brandywine ride has been canceled for Sunday, August 21st. There has been too much rain and we don't want to leave the trails in rutted condition. Thanks for your understanding.

Too much rain

We got quite a bit of rain on Friday, so the Sunday morning mountain bike ride has been canceled. Sorry kids, but we are trying to obey the Rules of the Trail. The trails at Camden County College dry quickly if you are looking for an alternate ride location.

Thanks,
Patty

Tues Night D Ride...

...is cancelled due to weather. Seeya Saturday!

No ride today

The Brandywine ride has been canceled due to rain. We are choosing to be responsible as riding wet trails causes trail damage. See you next time!

April showers bring ride cancellations

The Saturday rides are canceled due to wet weather. See you Monday night!

Casual Tuesday

Threats of rain and very high winds have us pulling the plug on the D ride tonight. In the meantime, we have a D ride on Saturday at 8am!

Ride Time Change

The Saturday road ride moves to 8am this weekend. Sadly, this in NOT an April Fool's joke. All rides (D, C and B) go off at the same time.

D= 22 miles at 12-14 mph, C= 35 miles at 14-16 mph, B= 38 miles at 16-18 mph.

Most weeks, members of the B group opt to do extra miles, so come prepared for up to 50 if you'd like to join the overachievers and do some extra miles!!

Now, cross your fingers for better weather.

Patty

No woods, yes road

Barring precipitation or temps in the teens tomorrow, we are meeting at the bike shop at 9a for a 2.5 hour road ride. The Brandywine ride is canceled until April 24th. I will be road riding in Spain in early April and don't want to risk injury before the trip. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Patty

Sleep in this Saturday

Looks like the winds will be dangerous, so we are choosing to cancel the Saturday rides for safety reasons. Check this out, they're calling it a High Wind Event. Just when we thought it would be nice riding weather...

A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS THAT A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR MORE.

Get your indoor chores done this weekend, as it will be great riding weather really soon.

Patty

We'll be riding soon

This yucky weather and these icy roads will soon be a distant memory. Todays rides have been canceled for safety. Put March 14th on your calendar. The weeknight rides start in 37 days!!

I know you know this, but...

The Saturday rides have been canceled. One day soon, there will be sunshine, warmth and streets filled with laughter, not snow... But for now, we ride inside.

Think spring,
Patty

Too cccccold

Sorry kids, the AW ride has been canceled due to extremely cold temperatures. We will try again next week...

Too icy

Once again, for the sake of safety, the Saturday morning ride is canceled. Cross your fingers for the weather to change and get rid of this snow and ice... Hope to see you soon!

Beginner mountain ride...canceled

The snow is falling and is supposed to continue, so we are canceling the 2p Beginner Mountain Bike Ride at Gloucester Twp Park.

Saturday ride is canceled

Old Man Winter just keeps coming to visit. There is light snow falling and the 'feels like' temp is going to be 23 at 9a so, therefore, I have no option but to cancel the road ride. The good news is that we are only just over 60 days away from the weeknight rides starting!

Rules of the Trail

The unseasonably warm weather has given us lots of melt-down, thereby making our beloved Brandywine trails too wet to ride Sunday. As much as we all want to ride, we need to abide by the rules of the trail and stay off them when they are in this condition. Camden County College might be in better shape as it dries much faster than other area trail systems. Or be completely sure and hit the road!

Happy New Year to you all and see you soon,
Patty