The Bone Ride

Tuesday I skipped the Training Crit and headed over to 'Tosa. Before leaving I picked up a set of Demo wheels from the East Side TBS. Cupcake's observation was right on the money "I'm surprised the Serotta didn't spontaneously combust with all that carbon attached to it." Sure looks purdy though.
I drove over to 'Tosa in time to join Liz, Candy and some of the other Team Extreme folks for a conversational 2 hour roll westward. Later Liz and I went to Maxie's Southern Comfort where I had a good beer, collards, wings and other mouthwatering examples of deep fried food. Perfect diet preparation for a 158 mile road ride.
The morning of the Bone Liz and I checked in on Bubba's offspring at Alterra for a cup of good joe. Mr Schuler asked me to lend a hand before the ride so I had to improvise to carry the pump to the street.

The beauty of the Bone Ride became obvious very quickly. While talking to Mr Schuler he asked where I called home. After answering he wanted to know if I had brought Joel with me. I hadn't heard Joel's name or seen Joel since my last serious road season in 1995... and then there he was. 15 years have been kinder to Joel than to me.

Joel
Liz brought her iced coffee and took some pictures. She was heading out of town to see family so the Bone Ride wasn't an option. I think she's too smart to ride all day. Regina looked perky, but it was 107 miles early for her.

Me & Mr Jobs. He worked his way up to the front groups early so I didn't see much of him on the road.

After the group picture we mounted and rolled out.
Rolling out in 'Tosa.


It was impressive seeing 2 or 3 abreast further than line of sight would allow.

As we rolled out Mr Schuler divided us into manageable groups to allow motorists a chance to get around us. This was some of my group as we hit Brookfield.

While the groups were able to roll through some lights we did actually stop at some red signals.

The backsides of my group early on.

As we neared Johnson Creek the groups were feeling their oats and started to come back together. Here's our group catching two others, I'm not sure if there was another group or two around the bend.

After a pull at the front I took a look astern.

As we rolled into Lake Mills many of us were out of fluids. We stopped at one of the vans escorting us and refilled. We had the option to hop in and get dropped off at our group or motorpace back up. A dozen or so of us got in the draft and shortly it was just the three of us. We did catch Patty (Planet Bike) and she joined us on the tow up. It was work despite the draft and perhaps not the smartest thing for me to do if I wanted to finish the whole 158.

We rejoined a group and there were familiar faces. Here's Ronsta rocking the single speed. He joined the ride at his place. He took some great pictures.
After a lunch down town we rolled eastward. The barricade at Olbrich Park stretched us out for quite a distance.


Our groups reformed and everyone settled in.

The inside of my thighs began to cramp around 120 miles. I tried to suck it up but at ~130 miles the cramps would not allow movement. I was done. I slid into a sag van next to the Don whose day ended before mine. Russell was on hand to deride me at Mr Schuler's and invite me for further ridicule at his patio. I cleaned up and joined in the fun at his place.
I should go for a ride today. 80's and clear skies are forecast. Or I could spend the day cleaning the garage and basement.