Ride Leader: Dan Donahue
Members: Mia Haynes, Barbara Kliefah (sp?), Calvin Conyers, Jema Walker, Rodney Palmer, Cindy Ellis, Toya Mitchell, Clarence Mitchell, Melina Armiger
Guests: Shannon Pasch, Tim Haynes, Kimberly Casper, Chris Barnes
Route: By land: 21 mi. from the bottom of Mattingly Ave., Indian Head, to Smallwood State Park by way of Pisgah;
By sea: 3 1/2 mi. up Mattawoman Creek from the park to the bottom of Mattingly Ave. in Indian Head.
Weather: Absolutely georgeous! Temps in low 70's, sunny w/just the amount of clouds to keep temps low and block direct rays of the sun. Slight breeze that never became a headwind. Once out on the water, the wind did pick up to about 5-8 knots.
AMS: 13.98
Mechanicals/mishaps: No flat tires or leaky kayaks, crashes or capsizes. There was one slip and fall when Mike from Up the Creek rentals slipped on the boat ramp while helping to launch kayaks. It was a nasty fall in shallow water, with him going down on his back and the back of his head. It was amazing that he got back up and continued to launch kayaks.
Report: The majority of cyclists were strong CC/moderate B riders. The group, with the exception of two slower riders, opened up a large gap. Calvin, being Calvin, escorted the other slower rider. They eventually took a short cut off the route to avoid hills. The ride leader's intended plan of sweeping from the rear was disrupted when it was discovered that the cue sheet had some errors. Mia also helped shepherd the lead element. We all eventually made it to Smallwood State Park, where we switched from bikes to boats for our return to Indian Head. I want to commend those cyclists who took on the challenge of this adventure, having no experience operating kayaks. A highlight of the waterborne trip was the rental of Hobie pedal-powered kayaks. Both single and tandem models were used on this innaugural event.
It was exciting to hear the whoops and shouts of joy when non-boaters got their kayaks onto the water. More details about this unique adventure will follow in the club newsletter.
