Ride leader John Gorman was joined by members Jan Tucker, Larry Peed, and guest "Wes" West.

First taste of winter riding conditions w/ mid 40s and steady winds of 15+mph. Wearing the right base layers and thin upper core layers and keeping your head and other extremies warm mitigates cold temps.

Today's route was another self created route using RideWGPS. Starting w/ 13miles north from the IHRT White Plains (Theodore Green Blvd) to the Village Green. Retracing and then using 14 miles of open road: Md-225/Hawthorne to S. Chicamuxen looping thru to a reststop at the Pisgah Store. From there we went on some mild rollers on N. Mason Springs back down to the TL @ Chicamuxen, R on Livingston and a quick R back on the IHRT for the final 10miles back to White Plains.

The ride ended up matching the posted ride description of using both the IHRT and open roads to offer a low elv ride of only 880 ft, with some decent fall/winter miles(38), that are more suitable for those of us who are simple single-day weekend only riders, at a Barely-B or high CC level, and are desirous of riding on routes that they can actually do and enjoy.  Of course if other riders are looking for recovery rides and/or something less strenous, my type of Ride Posts may be what you are seeking.   

Final Stats: Sweep/turn coverage 14 ams, 38miles, riding time of 2.45.  All riders gave a "thumps up" for the ride and riding fellowship. 

 

The temp at the start was a cool 45 and never got over 49 the entire ride, unlike what was forecasted (55!!).  A couple layers, tights and shoe covers were the costume for the day.  I was joined by Steve Palinscar, Linda and Paul Bankerd, Sheila Harrar, Bill Loewe, Derek McGinty, Mike Saizon, Carole Harris, Ken Meredith and Holly Carr.  The group stayed within eyesight of all until the first crossing of Defense Highway, where Steve got stuck at the light.  Carole and Derek where off.  We stopped a couple times down the road, hoping to see Steve again, but all for naught.  A call from the rest stop went unanswered, and when we returned, his car was gone  Not unusual.  Anyway, one dropped chain (Ken) on one of the many rollers, in which Mike assisted. We all met up at the gas station/rest stop, in which Ken, Carole and Derek headed out before the rest of us.  On the return, the headwind definitely didn't help.  There was minimal if any debris on the roads, which were quite pleasant despite the "gentle breezes".

Leader Jackie Schoch and riders were Randy Schoch, Steve Palincsar, Holly Carr, John Riconda, Vicki Garlock, Richard Harrington.  The ride started out great, but then came the wind.  The wind really didn't get bad until we were almost to White Plains.  On the way back the wind was rough.  It was determined that not only do I have to watch the rain forecast but now I will have to think about the wind speed.  There is a limit.  But again we went past the rain shelter and said thanks for being there.
We saw a deer that jumped across the trail going so fast that he would have knock us over if we were closer.  With hunting season open, we have to watch for deer running, they just might not stop.

It was cold. So cold that JulieAnn and Brodrick were the only riders to get miles in today. The trail was spotty with  some  sorted leaves and a few small branches that  littered the way, but all and all it was cold ride. If you get a chance to get out there before the water is gone do it. It looks incredible. Water on both sides of the trail, I have never seen it like this. Thanks Brod for riding with me... JulieAnn RL

Ride Leader Sharon Miller was joined by Janell Saunders, Mike and Regina Saizan, Jan Tucker, Steve Palincsar, Alan Kurzweil, Darin King, Richard Harrington, Broderick Pascual, Linda Bankerd, Walt Roscello, Kevin Colvin, Mike Besche, Drayton Reese, Chris Sega, and guest Danzie Seaward.  It was a beautiful fall day, with mild temps in the 60's and a mix of more sun than clouds.  The breeze picked up by ride's end, . . . a precursor to Hurricane Sandy?.  Janell set out early as she had places to be later.  Mike B and Chris  took a shortcut back after the rest stop at the Pisgah store.  AMS were between 15 and 18.  Also, on this ride, Linda B. passed her 5000 mile mark for the year and as of the writing of this report, Sharon earned her ride leader jersey!  Everyone who came out enjoyed what may prove to be the last of spectacular fall colors!  Thanks to Herman Young and George Martin for the route.

What a great day for a ride. Thanks to all the riders who came out and ride before the storm. A special thanks to Sharon and the B riders who joined the C/CC riders. We had so many riders show up we ran out of cue sheets. Harold was a no show so thanks to Herman for his ride leader skills. As many of you know Calvin who was late, blew a tire 2 miles in. Ride leaders Herman and JulieAnn did a quick tube change to get him back on the road. The C/CC group split in to three groups as they all took off with lightning speed. Some with speeds up to 19, Pam, Larry Reggie, Latasha, (Great come back). Randy, Paul, Bill, Holly, Martine, Sharon S, Pat and Chris. They made it impossible for to catch up with them... We all had such a great time. I would like to thank the riders, Without you its only miles.. 

I was joined by guest Derek McGinty, and members Cathy Wilson, John Kady, Dianne Harris, Sheila Harron, Bill Loewe, Chantal Briere, Ken Meredith, Larry Greene, Liam Healy, and Grace McNally.  I was told near the beginning that Chantal and Grace would be going off to do their own ride and not to worry about them.

Leader Jackie Schoch and riders were Randy Schoch, John Riconda, Richard Harrington and Calvin Conyers.  It was a cool day but great with long sleeves shirts on.  The color of the trees were beautiful.  Only saw a squirrel today.  I guess with hunting season in, animals are staying deep into the forest.  Again on this ride we pass the rain shelter and said, "Thanks for no rain and see you next week."  The only problem we had was at the end when John started his truck and gasoline poured out from underneath.  Calvin took John home and hopefully the garage will pick up John's truck.

At least, it was meant to be a fall foliage tour.  I picked the route to include the most wooded sections -- Trumps Hill, Duvall, Patuxent River Park entrance road, St Thomas Church and Fenno -- 39 miles in all, with shortcut options.  The forecast the day before was lovely: like Tuesday, more of the same. 

But that's not exactly how it turned out.  Instead of sunny, balmy, clear blue skies and bright sun, we got a damp and chilly day, grey and overcast skies, and it didn't start warming up and brightening until we were leaving the second rest stop at Merkle.  So although the leaves were there and just barely starting to fall, it just wasn't the same fall foliage spectacular as we had on Tuesday.

It was a smaller group than I'd anticipated, too. We were but a dozen: Larry Peed, Alan Kurzweil, Barry Winkleman, Regina and Mike Saizan, Richard Harrington, Tom Roberson, Tom Short, Joan Oppel, guest Phill Green, and joining us en route, John Early. 

No mechanicals and no drama, I'm pleased to report; just under 2200' of climbing and a final AMS for the leader of around 13.8 mph.  The route can be seen here:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1837267 

It was simply glorious weather to be out on the bike. It was partly sunny with hardly a breeze and the temperatures hovered around 77 degrees.

On this Ride, J’s were very- well represented…Janelle,   Jane, Jim, Jackie and Jan (new-rider) and finally Ron.

I am very pleased today to welcome my neighbor Jan who is relatively new to biking. I felt like this particular ride would be perfect for someone just getting started.

 Prior to the ride Jan had warned me that her bike did not fit properly and was a bit old.  She also stated that her last bike ride did not leave her feeling exhausted but instead her entire body ached.

When I initially saw the bike, somewhere in the back of my mind was the memory of her warning me. I attempted to lift the bike and immediately felt like I was lifting heavy weights. Several thoughts occurred to me. First… this “heavy, old” bike looks pretty nice. Secondly, she is the most graceful rider I have ever seen on a bike fully clothed with pants, a long-sleeved shirt and tennis shoes.

It was simply amazing to watch her ride in such an unusual low-position showing no signs of distress. I was thinking…she’d do really well w/ a new road bike and biking gear. LOL!!!

A big thank-you is extended to Jane for suggesting (Jan & I) do the ride a little differently and go in the opposite direction. The ride was slow but steady, (9 to 11 mph, and up to 13 mph). It was a humbling experience that left me with a greater understanding that “Speed Is Relative.”

We arrived at the Marshall Hall Parking Lot rest stop five minutes prior to the others joining us and so we took advantage of the break and soaked up the beautiful scenery of the Potomac River. Once the others arrived the camaraderie was enhanced by our common bond… the love of biking!

 Jan and I left the rest stop before the others and headed back onto Marshall Hall Road .That’s when we saw Ron approaching from the opposite direction making his way down toward the Rest Stop.  We made a left turn onto Barry’s Hill Rd and before we could get up towards the hill the others had quickly caught up w/us.

Prior to going up Barry’s Hill, I informed Jan that I’d wait for her at the top. At first she was on the bike as if she were attempting to ride up hill, but seconds later she had stopped and walked.

I waited for her at the top of the second incline, and when she reached the peak, I assumed she’d be   walking; instead she was progressing in a relaxed riding position.

Upon arriving back to the Fire Station we talked briefly about Jan getting prepared for next year. There were helpful suggestions given to Jan about biking gear, and bikes in general.  Janelle offered Jan her other bike and said she’d be willing to give her a great deal on it.

After the usual post-ride routine we headed to B&J’s.

Later, on the way home Jan said to me, “I had a wonderful time”.  Thank you.