Ride leader: Steve Palincsar
Members: Patricia Sanders, Robin Kyle, Toney Rogers, Carlos Young, Jule Thorne, Bob Howell, Sherwood Byers, Jean Dwyer, Ron Altemus, Jerry Finan, Rita Zeitner, Sharon Griffing and Joan Oppel
Guests: Debbie McCall
Weather: Low 70s at the start, mid 80s by the time we, the last arrivals, got back to the picnic in early afternoon
Route: The 48 mile route, with the addition of an extra portolet stop at Bowen's (honestly, for some of us 25 miles to the first bathroom break is more than a "bridge too far") a quick stop at the North Beach Pier (to avoid any lines at the official rest stop -- and who knew, they've renovated the rest rooms, and swapped mens for ladies) and the inclusion of Flint Hill Rd just past Northern HS. It's my favorite road in the Calvert/AA peninsula, and I was very happy the group followed me there.
I'd made a dozen cue sheets including the short cut that turns the 48 into the 43, and at least one of the riders had the official 43 mi cue sheet rather than the 48, but in the end all did the 48 mile route.
Mishaps & mechanicals: After the break at Bowens and the crossing of Rt 2/4 we broke into two groups, the lead element and those riding with me. Someone in the lead element had a flat in the section before the 43 mi rejoins the 48 mile route; the lead group stopped and told us to go on as they had things under control. Also, someone (I didn't catch his name) had a minor spill -- I heard "wheel overlap" but who knows? -- and sustained some scrapes. Neosporin and band-aids were administered at the rest stop, and the rider finished under his own power.
AMS: 14.0
Ride report: a nice ride. As Brad said, many thanks to Linda for letting us use the farm. As for the rest: while the AAs were racing to get back so they could get firsties at the food, we took our time and were last back for the feast. There was still feast enough for us when we got back, even out at the BBQ. In conclusion, a link to some words of wisdom for the anonymous rider with the cell phone...
