Leader: Diane Harris
Members: Jenn, Patty, Randi, Eric, Lou, Josh, and Mario
Route: 2026 Annual Watermelon Ride. The route took us from the Indian Head Village Green to Goose Bay by way of the Indian Head Rail Trail and mostly back roads of Charles County.
Weather: Starting temperature was 77° rising into the 80s and humid. There was occasional breeze.
AMS: Ride leader 12.9, others 15+
Mechanicals/ Mishaps: None. There was an incident involving a wild turkey that ran in front of one of the riders on a descent. Fortunately, there wasn't a crash but feathers were seen flying.
Report: The 49 mile group was composed of several class riders so the plan was to separate into 2 groups, those who rode at a faster pace and those who rode at a more leisurely pace. I would ride with the latter group. Separation came on Bumpy Oak Rd where the road was closed due to a tree that had fallen due to recent storms and wind. We were able to walk our bikes around the workers clearing the tree and debris. At the Goose Bay Marina and Campground we rested, ate snacks, replenished fluids, before resuming the ride. The second half of the ride surprised us with another road closure due to a downed tree and wires. Once again we were able to get around the tree, carefully avoiding the poison ivy that was in our path.
The rest of the ride was uneventful. With ~8 miles to the finish, we stopped once more at the Pisgah Store to get fluids to last us for the remainder of the ride.
Thanks and much appreciation go out to Jackie for the watermelon, and Steve, Ron, and Lou for waiting for our return.
