Natchez Trace Tour - 144k Permanent X 2

I can't seem to pass through Nashville, TN without spending a day riding in the area.  My favorite venue is the Natchez Trace Parkway, which is a 442 mile roadway extending to Natchez Mississippi.  The roadway is designated an Historical National Park.  It features a smoothly paved surface, meticulous landscaping, and very minimal vehicle traffic.  There are several RUSA permanents that utilize the famous roadway as the primary route.  I arranged in advance to ride one leg of Michelle Williams' Natchez Trace Tour.  A 114k free route between Pasquo, TN and Collinwood, TN.  The shortest and most desirable passage between the two points is the NT Parkway.  The return from Collinwood, if undertaken by bike, counts as a second permanent, which I opted to begin one-half hour after finishing the first one.  From control to control would be 90 miles each way.  If completed within the time limits, I would earn 288 official RUSA kilometers.

I left the convenience store adjacent to the NT Parkway promptly at 6am.  It was dark and 42 degrees.  The weather forecast called for a high of 67F with showers beginning in the afternoon.  Strong, and potentially dangerous thunderstorms were predicated at night.  It was my hope to be finished before the heavy stuff moved in.  The northern portion of the NT is a bit hilly, but nothing daunting.  I enjoy riding it on my fixed gear using 70" gearing.   Sunrise began just fifteen minutes into the ride, with full daylight by 6:45.  I could feel the morning sun warming me up.  I quickly fell into a nice rhythm on the bike.  The moderate grade hills felt very nice and I was making good time.  With thirty miles behind me I had the sickening feeling of my rear rim hitting the pavement.  I stopped at a bridge and inspected the tire.  It had about 10 pounds of air left in it.  An apparent slow leak.  I used a mini-pump to pressure up to about 85 lbs.  The tire felt firm so I continued to ride.  In ten miles I felt the rim hit again.  This time I would change the tube and look for the offending problem.  After searching extensively for something in the tire I could find nothing but a small hole in the middle of the tread.  I used the US Treasury Department tire boot before putting in a new tube.  Back on the road I was now confident that my problem was over and the rest of the ride would go smoothy.  The next twenty miles were perhaps the most enjoyable of the day.   I felt like one with the bike.  Rolling smoothly like butter on an impeccably clean two lane. Then I felt the rim hit the pavement.

Sunrise on the NT Parkway

 I cussed loudly as I peeled the tire from the rim again.  I was upset that I had not taken an extra tire with me.  I had decided to leave it in the car as the roadway was so clean that flats were unlikely.  The hole in the tire, which I had booted, was apparently not the root of the problem.  I could not discover what was causing the pin hole sized puncture in the tube.  I combed over every millimeter of the tire, finding nothing.  I put in a new tube and pressured with a quick fill to 120 lbs.  The tire felt rock hard as I got back underway.  With forty miles to Collinwood and one spare tube remaining I believed I would be able to finish the first permanent. However, I was having serious doubts about the return permanent.  The little town hosting the control does not have a bike shop.  If another flat occurred my plan would be to get a taxi from Collinwood to the nearest bike shop to purchase a new tire. If time allowed I would take the cab back to start ride number two.  Although, I was not sure the little town would even have a taxi.

Many miles of smooth road lay ahead

 As luck would have it the remaining miles to the Collinwood exit went without a hitch.  Less than half a mile from the parkway I pulled into the gas station convenience store that served as the control.  I pushed my thumb into the rear tire that still felt rock hard.  I allowed myself to hope that my day would be getting better.
I checked into the control at 1:30pm.  Permanent number one was done in 7 hours 30 minutes.  I could start Permanent number 2 at 2:00pm, which allowed time for lunch.

Collinwood, Tennessee

Official Park like building in Collinwood, TN

 Heading back out to the NT I noticed the cloud cover rolling in as predicted.  It was plenty warm, in the upper sixties, so a passing rain shower or two would not be that bad.  Although, I was still hoping to stay ahead of the more severe weather.  The wind direction from the south would help me meet this goal.  Providing, I could keep air in the tires.  As the miles ticked off I became more confident that I would make it through without further problem.  It is quite isolating out there on the lonely roadway.  I rather enjoyed the feeling and the quietness of the place.  There would not be a stop sign or traffic light until the finish.  Darkness fell shortly after 5:30.  I had about 40 miles remaining to the finish.  The NT is even more isolating at night.  Other than a few dim lights at the comfort stations every 10 miles or so there is no artificial light.  My bike lighting was the only source.  Occasionally deer would jump out of the blackness into my headlight beam.  It was a little startling for both the animals and me.  Otherwise, the air temperature remained comfortable, no rain fell and my tires were holding air.  Life was good.  I really was enjoying the pleasant night.

I opted not to visit the Mud Hole

 The NT features sign posts on the northbound side designating each of its miles.  My exit would be just past the 442 marker which is the last one.  I looked forward to each mile as I neared the end.  The terrain is the hilliest near the norther terminus.  I climbed a gradual upgrade aggressively and was rewarded with the appearance of mile marker 438.  I then felt my rear rim hit the roadway.  After many miles my problem tire finally lost its pressure.  I calmly but quickly worked to re-pressure with the mini-pump to 80 psi.  I only needed it to hold for four more miles.  It did.  Going flat again on arrival at the finish, which was no longer a concern.  That tire would never roll another mile.  I intend to dissect it, if necessary, to find the small invader that cost me much time and trouble.  However, that could wait for another day.  This day I rode 180 miles on fixed.  Permanent number two was finished in 6 hours 40 minutes. 

Epilouge:

I have a strong urge to ride the Natchez Trace Parkway from end to end on fixed gear.  Permanent route owner, Michelle Williams has a network of  RUSA approved rides that allow one to ride every inch of the famous road, and receive credit for it.  Four permanents strung together traverse the whole thing in one direction. The routes can be reversed for a return, if desired.  The multiple permanent concept allows for a more leisurely experience than a single route.  Instead of a continuous ticking clock one can take a time out between rides, including a full nights sleep.   I'm not sure if I want that, or a more traditional sleep deprived rando experience.  Either way, my intent is to do it.  I will ride alone if need be, but company is always preferred.  Anyone interested in joining me on the adventure can let me know.  I'm open to riding one-way or round trip. The ideal time would be the fall.  Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi can be deadly hot in summer.  Let's pick a date. 

Boo-ya!

            

Route 66 & Cooky's Pie 205k Permanent

"If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, that's the highway that's the best,
Get your kicks on Route 66."

Upon waking at 5am I tuned in The Weather Channel on the motel room television.  A variety of cycling clothing was laid on the bed awaiting my final decision.  The local report for Springfield, Missouri called for a high temperarture of 43F with 10 to 20 mph winds and a 50% chance of showers.  This was not the news I was hoping for,  With a slightly soured mood I selected the days attire and readied myself for the 06:30 start.

The designated convenience store, which serves as the start, was locked up tight despite the posted hours indicating it should be open.  I rode to a second location just a few blocks away to obtain my documentation.  I was the lone rider signed up for the out and back permanent known as Route 66 and Cooky's Pie.  A portion of the route is on the Historic Route 66.  Despite the less than perfect weather I was excited about the ride.  With my store receipt safely tucked in the pack I started out through the city streets, which were wet from an early rain shower. My Jamis fixed gear rolled smoothly through the quiet of the morning.  At that moment no precipitation was falling and the temperature was a comfortable 42 degrees.  A cloudy daybreak occurred just fifteen minutes into the ride.  The route passed by the Springfield-Branson Airport on the outskirts of the city which appeared quite still at the early hour.  Soon thereafter the surroundings became more rural and considerably more hilly.  The roads began to dry with the increasing wind.  Mostly blowing across my right side as I traveled west.  At mile 17 I reached the Historic Highway.  Now designated as the MO 266 since the decommissioning of US 66.  There were occasional historical markers indicating one was traveling on the famous road.  Just to the south was the I-44, which accommodated all the serious traffic.  The 266 was strictly for locals, and, for those folks seeking a less rushed, more nostalgic travel experience.  The historical theme prompted some businesses to sport a vintage look.  I passed an old store (mercantile) in Halltown that played to the Route 66 theme. Also, a couple of filling stations authentically depicting a time long past.  The advertised 15 cents per gallon gas price at the Sinclair made me smile.

"It winds from Chicago to L.A.,
More than 2,000 miles all the way,
Get your kicks on Route 66."

I worked my way up a number of good sized rolling hills on the first section.  The roads were pleasantly traffic-free.  The only creatures up and about were cows, horses, and dogs.  Some of the latter were free to roam and took the opportunity to join me for exercise as I passed by.  After leaving the Route 66 portion a series of local farm roads designated by the "FR" prefix, followed by a number, lead me to the first control in Miller.  At the Casey's General Store I enjoyed half a peanut butter sandwich and a coffee before continuing.

The next section to Golden City featured more northerly travel, which was dead into an intensifying wind.  The route flattened out and became more open.  The rural roads in this area were marked with letter desingnations, ie; UU, N, A, NN.  Rain began falling lightly as I worked my way through this quiet region.  I could hear the raindrops hitting my jacket, and the wind in my ears.  There were no other sounds.  I thought of the Simon and Garfunkel song "The Sounds of Silence".  I even sang a couple of verses aloud, purely for my benefit.  There was no one else to hear it.  The lettered roads brought me to the MO 37, just four miles south of Golden City.  The push into the wind felt good.  I looked forward to arriving at the control.  The sign at the city limit indicated 865 people resided there.  A sleepy little downtown area included the control known as Cooky's Cafe.  From the outside the place was an old looking diner.  Upon entering I noticed about 15 fresh baked pies lined up on the counter. There was a quaint, authentic look about the establishment.  I estimated that half the town's population was seated at the booths and tables.  I seated myself at an empty table and was quickly approached by a waitress. I assumed the permanent owner put the words "Cooky's Pie" in the route name as a suggestion.  I took the hint.  In short order a generous slice of blueberry pie was placed in front of me.  After which the waitress brought me a quest book to sign.  This was exclusively for cyclists.  I read a few of the entries and added one of my own.  I lingered a few minutes with a coffee enjoying the atmosphere, then reluctantly departed for the return trip to Springfield.

"Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri"

"And Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
You'll see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino."

My exit from Golden City was expedited by a spiffy tailwind which blew me to the turn-off of the Missouri A.  The resulting cross wind was not nearly as pleasant, but was managed effectively with Cooky's pie fueling the way.  Another turn onto the "N" brought me more wind assisted travel which was abruptly interrupted by a flat tire on the rear.  Not a single vehicle passed by while I was working on the side of the road changing the tube and pressuring the tire.  Just as I was tightening the rear hub bolts a farmer in a pick-up pulled up next to me and asked if I needed any help.  The offer was much appreciated.

Back underway I began to fret about the time I'd lost.  The second cup of coffee at Cooky's, plus the flat repair, were jeopardizing my goal of finishing by dark (5:50pm). I would be driving over 100 miles back to Arkansas after the ride.  Finishing as soon as possible was desirable.  The remaining lettered roads were ridden smoothly and efficiently thanks to some occasional wind assist.  I arrived at the control in Miller just past 2:30pm.  I took a total of about ten minutes to get back underway.  With 38 miles to go I liked my chances of meeting the goal.  But, everything else had to go right.

"Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip,"

The opposite sides of the same hills I climbed in the morning presented themselves for the return.  I felt fine and climbed aggressively.  A few more raindrops fell, but same as before they never materialized into anything.  Despite riding the same roads earlier in the opposite direction I had a navigation problem.  My first of the day.  I passed by a familiar looking intersection that was incorrectly marked.  The road I was on turned to a dirt surface about a mile later.  I retraced and turned at the previous intersection which was soon confirmed as the correct direction.  I scored two bonus miles on that one.  Just two miles later I came to another intersection that was unmarked.  The cue sheet called for a right on the M Highway.  I wasn't sure this was it.  I took the time to confirm my location using the GPS in my cell phone.  The intersection was right and I resumed riding.  The hills persisted through the historic portion of the MO 266 and I kept pushing with a good energy level.  A few of the same dogs from the morning came out to greet me again.  I was focused on my goal and paid them little mind.  With sixteen miles to go I felt my energy fade a bit.  I stopped to fish out a Snickers bar from my pack and quickly continued.  The rural area yielded to the suburbs and soon I was passing by the airport on the outskirts of town.  Daylight was fading quickly with the overcast skies.  The final long stretch was almost four miles on Nicholas Street.  I could see the beam from my headlight on the road, although I didn't need it to see.  I arrived at the finish at 6:10 pm.  Beyond the official sunset time, but there was still some useable daylight.  I'm a little fuzzy as to whether I made the goal or not, but I did finish my 35th consecutive R-12 ride.  To quote Metallica; "Nothing Else Matters".

Epilouge:

Living in an area with multiple brevet regions within a 100 mile proximity is something I've taken for granted.  In more sparsely populated areas of the country it can be a bit more challenging to get to an RUSA sanctioned permanent, or brevet.  The city of Springfiield, MO, located in the Southwest corner of the state, is not a region with an RBA.  Fortunately, for myself and other like minded folks the area does have Ralph Rognstad, Jr., the owner of eight RUSA permanent routes all starting in, or near, Springfield.  They are a collection of creative, interesting rides ranging from 100 to 200 kilometers.  Flat, hilly, and hillier variations are all on offer thanks to Ralph's tireless efforts.  He routinely e-mail blasts his regular riders with his choice of ride for the weekend.  Inviting any or all to join in.  While Springfield is over 100 miles from where I am staying in Arkansas it has been well worth the trip.  I've completed three of Ralph's permanents.  One of which was in the company of Ralph, along with Dan, one of his regular riders.  These guys travel over three hours to Kansas or Illinois to complete their brevet series each year.  It takes serious dedication to be a randonneur in this region.  I'm certain the local riders have appreciation for what Ralph has put in place.  I know I am grateful for the opportunity to keep my R-12 streak alive.  Thanks Ralph!

To learn more about Ralph click here:  http://www.rognstads.com

"Get your kicks on Route 66."
Boo-Ya!

Mammoth Run 100k Permanent - Arkansas

 “Isolated thunder storms” was the theme of the morning weather forecast.  The word isolated means only small areas will be affected, everywhere else will be spared.  This is good news, unless you happen to be passing through one of the small isolated areas being hit at that moment.  I was on my fixed gear riding the first ever permanent in northern Arkansas.  Having been here for nearly a month I decided it was time to start earning some RUSA kilometers.  I designed and submitted a 100k route, which was quickly approved.  At 10am on a Tuesday morning I headed out to undertake the inaugural ride of the Mammoth Run 100k.  The route would head north from Mountain Home, Arkansas passing the Pigeon Creek Recreation Area then continuing into Missouri on the Highway J.  The clouds up ahead looked pretty ominous.  On a rather large climb I felt the first rain drops which quickly changed to steady light rain.  For the time being I gave no thought to the rain jacket in my pack as it wasn’t raining hard enough to matter.  The temperature of about 50 degrees was tolerable at the moment.  I reached the top of the climb at the instant the skies opened up and rain bucketed down.  Off in the distance I could make out a church with a covered portico.  I began making a bee line for it.  Before I could get there the rain managed an even higher level of intensity, which I couldn’t have imagined was possible.  Once under cover standing on a dry slab of cement I took inventory of the situation.  At only fourteen miles into the ride I was soaked through and quite chilled.  Donning the rain jacket helped a bit, as did a second pair of gloves.  I then waited for the downpour to lessen before heading back out. 

Crossing the state line, with light rain falling, I was feeling chilled and miserable.  The route then takes a turn to the west on the Missouri T.  The wind which was coming from the north was now blowing across from my right side, only a modest improvement to my comfort.  The road known as the “T” is a narrow two lane with very little traffic.  It features numerous large rollers as it traverses the farms and open lands of the Ozarks.  The thought came to me that this should be enjoyable, but given the circumstances it was just a slog.  The rain stopped by the time I reached the information control at Mammoth five miles in on the Missouri T.  The control is a Baptist Church, one of the few road side structures along the entire length of road.  It would be another hilly five miles to the next turn onto the Highway 5.  With my spirits still in the dumps I trudged along to the “5” and then on to the control, just before the state crossing back into Arkansas.  At that point I noticed the skies brightening and the temperature was perhaps a few degrees warmer.  Some cookies and Gatorade at the Outpost grocery picked up my mood a bit.  I continued on into Arkansas, more than half way done with the ride.   

A wet road on the hilly Missouri T

 On the Highway 5 south I saw another cyclist heading northbound.  In this part of the state it is an unusual site.  Sporting a full racing kit he was the first serious rider I’ve seen in a month of riding.  We waved at each other as we passed by.  Soon after, I stopped to take a photo of the panoramic view to my right.  As I resumed I was joined by the rider I had just seen going north.  We rode together for the next ten miles chatting about cycling in the region.  As it turned out he was originally from East Brunswick, New Jersey.  Employed by the postal service he transferred to the Mid-West.  Once we entered the town limits we went our separate ways.  At the town square I stopped at the control, a pizza shop, for a slice.  Nima’s Pizza would rank well among Jersey pizza shops.  In Arkansas it is considered top of the heap.  My slice was much enjoyed. 

The final ten miles featured some large rollers and one absolute knee breaking climb up from Lake Norfork.  Fortunately, what remained after the big climb was two miles of easy terrain to the finish.  I had taken five and a half hours to cover the 100 kilometer route.  While I didn’t exactly feel like Chuck Yeager I was happy to have completed a permanent in a region where one had never been done.  With only three RUSA members in the entire state, none within 100 miles, I don’t know how many folks will make use of the route.  But, it is here if the desire arises.  In the meantime, I’ll be out there making my way around it at the rate of once or twice per week.

Epilogue:

Cycling here in the Mid-West is beautiful.  It’s a wonder that so few seem to partake in the activity.  Just recently a bike shop opened in the town where I’m staying.  To be more accurate, it’s a combination bike shop and gun store.  I stopped by there a few days back during normal business hours.  The bike shop side of the business was empty while the gun store was busy with a number of customers.  Three employees were busily speaking with prospective gun buyers.  I could not find any employee to talk to me about cycling needs.  While most drivers in Arkansas are courteous I made a mental note not to get verbal with anyone who is not.  The chances are good they are armed.       

Boo-Ya! Was that gunfire?

   

Return to the Natchez Trace Parkway - Fixie

The highest bridge in Tennessee is on the NT Parkway

  It's been over a year since I rode 600 kilometers on the famous Natchez Trace Parkway.  Since that time I've not been able to forget this most unique National Park. While passing through the Nashville region on a trip to Arkansas I decided to layover and visit the parkway again.  This time I would use my fixed gear bike and ride only about 75 miles total, with about 50 of those miles actually on the Parkway.   

I left my hotel about 11am on a Friday morning headed for the northern terminus of the Natchez Trace.  There was a big climb on the way which was managed with considerable effort on the fixie.  Once inside the parkway entrance  the serenity of the place was just what I remembered.  The little amount of traffic was almost all recreational, despite the start being located in the heart of a bustling suburban area.     Bikes, motorcycles and the occasional motor home are encountered, but little else.  I'd forgotten how hilly the northern portion of the roadway is and worked hard over some good sized rollers.  I made it past the Garrison Creek area before needing to turn back to make it to my hotel before rush hour traffic.  The unusually warm January weather had more than a few riders out passing by me on their way to the south.  The same hills were enjoyed on the return, with the possible exception of the killer climb just four miles from the end.  Once over the top the 36 mph descent and accompanying 180 rpm spin had me ready to call it a day.

During the ride I had the germ of an idea that it might be fun to undertake the entire 442 mile length of the Natchez Trace Parkway on a fixed gear.  It would make a great point-to-point permanent with the option to return for a total distance of 1400k.  It would be a long ride with a very short cue-sheet as there is only one road for the entire distance.  It's something I'd like to think about for 2012.  I'll try and find a local rider to submit the permanent. 

The famous Loveless Cafe just before the entrance to the historic Parkway

Epilogue:

Resources like the Natchez Trace Parkway are integral to a high quality of life.  It requires considerable tax dollars to preserve this national treasure for us as well as future generations.  It is imperative that it be enjoyed, or the public interest in maintaining it will wain.  Whether used by cyclists, or other recreational road users, is of little importance.  It just needs to be appreciated.  It leaves a lasting impression on those who venture onto any one of its 442 miles.  Most likely a lifelong impression on those who traverse its entire length.  I hope to one day be among the latter group.  I hope to see you there.

Boo-Ya!

    

New Year's Day - Jan R-12 - Pinelands 207k

In what is becoming a tradition for me I started the New Year with a Permanent ride.  With unseasonably warm weather three of us started out from the McDonalds in Rancoccas for a flat tour of southern New Jersey.  We were 15 minutes past our scheduled 8am start time.   My friends Paul and Nigel completed the trio of riders, all three of us were on fixed gears.  The mostly flat terrain would lend itself well to the single cog bikes.  We took turns pulling through the windy sections which were substantial. We lost count of the numerous cranberry bogs and blueberry fields that we passed by.

The temperature worked it's way into the upper 50's at the high point of the day.  As nightfall caught up to us so did a few rain showers.  Mostly, it didn't rain hard enough, or long enough, to make things unpleasant.  We continued taking turns on the front managing a respectable pace through to the finish.  We were back at the McDonalds in 10 hours 47 minutes. We had taken our time at most of the control stops, not really worrying about posting a fast time.  None of us could think of a better way to bring in the New Year. 

Epilouge:

Of all the awards one can earn the R-12 is perhaps the most satisfying.  Without a doubt it requires relentless dedication.  Especially for riders in regions where wintry weather can make scheduling extremely difficult.  Stringing together multiple R-12 series' adds to the challenge.  My friend Paul completed his third R-12, or R-36 as I like to call it, upon completion of the permanent.  In my opinion RUSA should offer a special award for any rider that completes a string of five R-12's.  Indeed an accomplishment worthy of recognition. 

Happy New Year!

 

Ruminations of a 14,000 mile season

 On December 30th, returning home from a casual 100k ride, navigating through the streets of my neighborhood, I crossed the 14,000 mile threshold for the year. I did an extra one mile lap to be sure I had it right and ended the 2011 year with 14,001 road miles.  My highest total ever.  I wasn't sure how to feel about it at that point.  In one way I was happy with the accomplishment, but at the same time it was kind of a let down knowing this year was about to end.  At which point my mileage total would then be zero.       

Back in January 2011 when I first put my mind to goal setting for the year I set a target of 10,000 total road miles.  In addition, I wanted to chase the K-Hound award which required 10,000 kilometers of RUSA sanctioned events.  The third, and perhaps most important goal, was to qualify for and complete the Paris-Brest-Paris 1200k.

I started the year by riding my first permanent on New Years Day.  That would lead to a season without let up.  I ended up completing over 80 RUSA brevets and permanents, plus PBP.  As a by-product of my PBP finish I earned the ACP R-5000 Award. My goal for road miles was exceeded by September.  I completed three brevet series' by October, bringing my total number of series to nine.  Also in early October I met the qualifying 10,000k to gain entry to the K-Hound club.  My year ended with an RUSA kilometer total over 13,000 (excluding PBP).  I completed my second R-12 Series in March and my first P-12 in December.

As I look back it all seems a bit of a blur, with some of the more memorable moments standing out.  Mostly, it was a fun, positive experience.  Although, at times it felt like a chore.  Especially, scheduling all of the the RUSA sanctioned rides, some that required travel.  I had become quite bored continually riding the same permanent routes. There were several that I rode so often I no longer needed to take along a cue sheet. Opportunities to ride routes that were new to me were like gifts from heaven.  I found myself starting brevets in seven states, other than the one I live in, (PA, NY, MD, NC, FL, TN, MO).  In addition, PBP required travel to France.  All of the travel events were enjoyed, but, required much in the way of time, expense and planning.  By early November I was craving a simpler existence.

Free riding, which I have come to call it, had become a much smaller part of my overall mileage.  I missed those frequent rides where I would simply take out from home plotting my route on the fly.  No brevet card to worry about, no specific route to follow.  Simply navigating with the road map that exists in my head.  Sometimes exploring an area unfamiliar to me and discovering new roads to enjoy in the process.  Staying out for whatever time suited my circumstances and mood.  Stopping where and when I wanted, or not stopping at all.  I rarely get bored with that type of riding.  Each ride is so different and can be modified along the way based on my state of mind at the moment.

With the New Year and a new season at hand, I've yet to get a firm handle on my goals.  I want very much to keep cycling fun.  Constantly planning, plotting and calculating take something away from that.  I am seeking a better balance between that of compulsive accomplishment and being a free spirit.  I will endeavor to enjoy myself this year.  Whatever result that yields will be acceptable.  If it sounds like fun I will be up for it.  Things that require a minimum of planning will have the most appeal. Hopefully, spontaneity will likely play a larger role.  Although, there will still be some planning in the months to come, as that will always be a part of it.  Of course, I will often seek the company of others.  Sharing the road with friends, both old and new, is most enjoyable. I value the strong relationships that have come about from a common interest in cycling.  I have a wonderful circle of friends who are supportive and fun to be around.  I look forward to the many miles that will be ridden in their company.  Bring on 2012!

Epilouge

Having just received the new issue of the American Randonneur I was casually leafing through the pages when I came across a full page picture of someone I recognized.  It was George Swain from New York State, who has ridden many New Jersey brevets.  While riding on the PA 1,000 during the 2010 season he was struck by a vehicle and was severely injured.  Numerous surgeries were required to repair some of the damage, including metal pins and rods to support fractured joints and bones.  Initially confined to a motorized wheelchair George began the long and painful rehabilitation process.  All the while with the mindset that he would ride a bike again.  As I finished reading his account of the surgeries and the rehab process there was one statement that stuck with me.  In a discussion with a shoulder specialist on an upcoming surgery needed to regain the ability to raise his arm, the surgeon couldn't promise to restore the full range of motion as it was before.  It might not be possible for him to fully extend his arm overhead.  George informed the doctor that if he could lift his arm to handlebar height he would be satisfied, anything further would just be a bonus.  

With a positive attitude combined with lots of determination and hard work George would make good his goal to ride again.  I had the pleasure of seeing him on his first brevet since the accident.  He appeared smooth and comfortable on his bike as he worked his way around the hilly NYC 200k on a warm July day.  Prior to the accident George was intent on being at the 2011 PBP.  Ironically, he was riding the PA 1,000k to assure his entry under the newly imposed field limit.  After the accident there was not enough time for him to train adequately for a 1200k, so George decided to set his sights on the next PBP edition in 2015.  So committed is he to the goal that he ordered a set of personalized license plates that read "PBP 2015."  As he says; "Join me. It should be one hell of a ride".

George Swain maintains a Randonneuring blog at: www.hudsonvalleyrandonneur.blogspot.com

Stories like George Swain's and Dan Aaron's, who were both injured in a similar manner yet refused to let that alter their perception or passion for the activity they love are indeed inspiring.  Personally, I believe Randonneuring helps us to overcome obstacles because we are forced to deal with them to complete long rides.  Things frequently don't go the way we planned.  Physical, mechanical, and weather related challenges present themselves regularly.  Yet mostly, we finish successfully.  If we fall off our bikes the first thing we do is try to get back on.  Whether on that day or many months later the mindset is the same.  For us, not riding is inconceivable. 

Boo-Ya!

.

NJ Randonneurs Holiday Ride

photo by Shane

 With the Holidays rapidly approaching it seemed appropriate to get together with Rando friends for a ride and celebration.  My Great Adventure 112k Permanent would satisfy the ride part of the plan.  The Plaza Deli and Caterers, who have been the headquarters for my permanent routes, would be our venue for the post ride celebration.  As the date approached the weather forecast began to look a bit ominous with possible snow showers and cold temperatures.  We would escape the snow showers, but the cold was to be a reality. 

Katie and Jon working on getting the tandem off the rack photo by Shane

 A chilly 23 degree air temperature was felt as we met at the deli for the pre-ride buffet breakfast.  After fueling up, fourteen riders clipped in for the start.  It was a few degrees warmer, but still quite cold with a steady wind blowing from the northwest.  My friend Al and I would undertake the ride on the tandem. Which turned out to be a good choice for the windy day.  There was one other tandem on the ride ridden by Katie and Jon. Two riders, Paul and Nigel, were on fixed gear bikes.

Waiting at the start in the cold air    photo by Shane

 At 9am we pulled out as one big group headed south on 206 for the first mile.  Once on Township Line Road the wind could be felt blowing at our backs.  The direction of travel to Jackson is predominantly southwest which would give us a tailwind for most of the way.  We split into a couple of groups with about half of us in the lead group.  The terrain is largely flat with some small hills and upgrades throughout.  With the wind assist we built up a head of steam covering the 35 miles to the A-Plus Market in Jackson in 2hrs 05 minutes.  Others would begin arriving a few minutes later.  The second group having fragmented on the trip down. 

Bob and Patrick headed south to Jackson photo by Shane

Paul on the fixer rides past a fixer upper photo by Shane

Our group at the Jackson Control; Robin, Paul and Shane standing

 Wanting to stay warmed up Al and I agreed to keep the stop to 10 minutes. Five riders departed Jackson with us for the return trip home.  Immediately, the head wind could be felt as we crossed West Monmouth Road.   The tandem has the power of two riders with an aerodynamic profile of a single.  For long grinds into the wind it is as good a weapon as any.  The riders who left the control with us line up on our rear wheel.  We do our best to keep the pace lively over the small hills that are prevalent in the first ten miles.  Upon reaching Monroe Township the roads flatten out and the area becomes more exposed.  The wind is strongly felt for the next ten miles.  Personally, I get a perverse enjoyment out of riding in headwind.  I've learned to mentally and physically endure long windy stretches to the point where it actually feels good.  Sort of  how it feels to climb big hills.  We pull our group through this section with Al delivering steady power from the stoker position.  Upon crossing US 1 on New Road more wind block is available from the reappearance of hills, trees and buildings.  Over the next five miles we begin losing riders off the back.  At Bunker Hill Road, after the crossing of Route 27, there are only two still with us, Bob and Paul (fixed gear).  On a long gradual downhill the tandem builds up too much speed for the single cog bike to keep up.  This leaves only Bob hanging on when we reach Griggstown.  After a short rolling ride up River Road we reach the windiest stretch of the day on Township Line Road.  It is about a four-mile headlong battle across open farmlands to Route 206.  Bob is still glued to us when we make the turn for the final one-mile run to the finish.  We are in at 4hrs and 43 minutes, having taken 22 minutes longer on the return trip then the ride down.

Team work in progress            photo by Shane

Settled in at a table in the nice warm environment of the Plaza Deli, I check-in all the riders as they arrive.  Everyone finishes in good spirits.  The next few hours are spent eating, drinking and socializing.  Our group has a lot to celebrate.  Many riders have reached new highs this season.  Several have achieved new RUSA kilometer goals with the finish of today's permanent. It was a pleasure to be in the company of this group as we all reminisced on a very full season.  Tentative plans are made for future R-12 rides, and a possible road trip to the south is discussed.  Typically the year after PBP is a low point for many.  In the past participation at brevets falls off as does rider's interest.  However, this does not seem to be the case as everyone appears excited for the 2012 season.   Katie, our new RBA, has a full schedule of events planned.  I'm much looking forward to the opportunity of sharing many miles with this group. 

Enjoying the post ride buffet lunch at the Plaza Deli photo by Shane

Paul, Patrick, Steve and Robin        photo by Shane

List of Finshers: Great Adventure 112k (12/18/11)


Beake, Shane
Blanchette, Alan
Chernekoff, Janice
Chin-Hong, Patrick
Costello, Jim
Greene, Nigel
Kratovil, Joe
Landis, Robin
Lentz, Rick
Levitt, Jonathan
Olsen, William
Raschdorf, Katie
Shapiro, Paul
Torres, Robert

Honorable mention:  Though they did not partake in the ride; Leroy Varga, Christine Newman and Steve Yesko stopped in to visit.  Also, Al's wife, Sue joined us for lunch as did my wife Lucy and son Charlie.