Leader: Walt Roscello
Members: See Steve's overview post; there was some shuffling among classes as people checked in
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46095854
Weather: High 50s at the start with overcast. The clouds started to thin halfway through the ride and by the post-ride, it was almost 70 and partly sunny.
AMS: around 13.0 at the back
Mechanicals/Mishaps: Right away on leaving the start, Pat S's chain was skipping. She couldn't see what was causing it so elected to not head further away from her car.
Report: We had an uneventful, pleasant 42 mile ride. Leaving at the back, I got interspersed with the trail ride, and various stops to check on other class riders meant that I stayed there. The B 42 riders proved that it doesn't matter if you're riding faster if you make more stops, so we got combined somewhat at the portolet exiting the trail at Bumpy Oak, and up the hill. After the stop to check on Steve's flat, I was with the last few CC riders on Poorhouse and to the rest stop.
The Goose Bay Marina was pleasant as always, and now that I've found they sell their sodas for $1, that is a typical treat that will be more appreciated later in the summer. Our last four riders waited longer to see if Steve, Catherine, and Harry would roll in, then headed out well after the main group. We had a nice relaxed ride with some conversation and warmer temps for the rest of the way back.
It is becoming more common to see non-club riders out on the road when we ride; there were at least three that crossed our paths or passed us in the second half of the ride. I also noticed a number of Virginia and DC plates on cars with bike racks at the IH Green, after all our riders were accounted for, so it appears our trail has become a destination for a wider geographic range of riders.
