I’m summarizing a bit different for this ride because I did this ride a few years ago when there were two locations. This year with all rides being out and back from then same starting point, there tended to be repetition. In addition, after a long recovery from two surgeries in the same foot/ankle last fall, I did the minimal miles each day. As in the past, Sue Tantalo invited me and several of her riding friends to join the event. This year our group started with eleven riders, including: Sue, Fred, Linda, Ray, Glen, Keith, Mike (a friend of Keith), Barbara (a friend of Ray), Nancy (a friend of Linda), Alan and I. Ray and Barb always started riding early because of their slower speed. Keith and Mike rode together the first three days, and the rest of us started together, however, we didn’t always finish together. On day one Sue, Alan and I rode 34 miles. On day two, Sue, Alan and I biked the start of the ride together, and then Alan took the 42 mile option. Sue and I completed 33 miles. Lunch was not provided the first two days, so on Day 1 Sue, Alan and I went to the Dixie Grill for lunch. On day two Ray joined us and we went for BBQ.
Five of our group preparing to ride on Day 1. From left: Fred, Alan, me, Sue and Linda.
The only day with a mass start was the first day. although not everyone chooses to join the mass start. There were a total of about 300 riders at the event.
Sue and I were on our own for part of Day 2 and we stopped to take pictures among the wildflowers.
Sue, Ray, Alan and I had dinner at the Bigwood BBQ and Grill for lunch on Sunday. One of the few days without a provided lunch.
Ray took out his telescope on Sunday evening.
