With weather as forecasted, too nice for indoors, today's ride to the Merkle Wildlife Center was well attended by 14 delightful participants. Co-Leaders Larry Perkins, Herman Young , and Calvin were pleased to be joined by Michele Williams, Jack Hammonds, Jimmy Bartlett, Laquinia& and William Beale, Ani Hortini, Desiree Smith (returning after a long absence), Celeste Conyers, Tom Dillingest (sp?), and Emi and Fred Telleria.
The route was as billed, featuring plenty of rollers, flats, downhills, scenery and veiws and was enjoyed by all. However, (and for good reason) the "reasonable" description for a couple of climbs--Croom Road just before Tanyard and Mollyberry--was not with unanimous agreement. Although challenged, all riders did surmount the climbs and reached the rest stop at Merkle. The Merkle Center was very accomodating thanks to the staff and Kyle, the attendant on duty--cold water, clean rest rooms, and air conditioning. ( Note to self; Bring goodies for staff next time.) Tom D had already left the rest stop before arrival of the rest of the group. He had wanted to push his Cervello with loaded Zips just a bit, and he did. We were under the impression that Michele had gone ahead with him. However, just as the main group was about to leave, Michele entered the park having inadvertently deviated from the route at the Nelson Peire fork. Being a very strong rider with good knowledge of the area, she was able to reverse and catch up at the stop with extra miles, unperturbed. Cue sheet will note the fork in the future; its an easy spot to miss. Other forks and turns were marked by Larry Perkins to make sure others were not missed (Thank you very much). After the ride, many& riders met at the New York Italian Deli for lunch and conversation. Thank you all for coming and making this an enjoyable morning.
