Observation and Perspective
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Ride Stats |
Distance:
54.38 miles
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Time: 04:30:00
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Max Speed:
0.00 mph
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Avg Speed:
12.08 mph
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Temp:
Min: 70
Avg: 80
Max: 84
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Category: general: touring -
group
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Route:
RBC#210 LeRoy-Silverlake
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Weight:
242
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Altitude Gain:
0 ft
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Avg Power: 0 W
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Calories Burned: 0
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Rolling
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Bike: Cruzbike 43lb-Sofrider a FWD, MBB, SWB Bent
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Club: 'BentRider Recumbent Club |
Weather Conditions: perfect riding weather |
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I arrived late after turning back, confusing the difference between the "Town of LeRoy" and the "Village of LeRoy". Thinking I had passed the starting point of the ride, I doubled back losing time figuring out where I was.
Realizing my mistake and upon reaching the Village, I saw a rider sitting by his bike looking impatient. It became clear later, when I caught up with the ride group that it was Wayne waiting for the entourage to get under way. The riders were moments from starting as I waited out a traffic signal on Main Street.
Reaching the parking area, I saw Jerry starting to roll. I sounded my horn and yelled out "Jerry" but he did not hear me. Quickly I parked and unloaded as the other 4 riders started out -not knowing I had arrived. They had a 5 minute lead on me. I contemplated turning back after a couple of miles. Then thought better: I'll catch them.
Along the way I saw one rider who I guessed to be an RBC cyclist heading in the opposite direction. I signaled a hello as we passed each other. He passed without acknowledgment. Turns out he was part of the ride group and was having bike issues.
The RBC ride map Ginny printed out for me was good enough to keep me on track, as I attempted to catch the other riders. I came up with a simple method of following the map points while pedaling. First folding the map in half and then into thirds, holding onto it while pedaling along. That was not a good method! Then I tried tucking the folded map into the right leg-band of my riding shorts. Leaving just enough map route showing past the legband, the map provided the needed information. I oriented the map so I was looking at the map roads displayed in the direction I was biking. It worked great. I readjusted the map ever few miles uncovering the next part of the route as we rode along...
At the ten mile point I saw two riders one of whom was Wayne and the other Pat. I had met Wayne 2 weeks back on the #334 RBC ride from Northampton Park. He is a consummate cycling competitor, on a level of ability I will never achieve. Pat I had not previously met. I did not see Jerry with Wayne and Pat.
As I powered by Wayne and said "hello bikers", He said hi back. I did not immediately recognize Wayne but I was pretty sure he was taking part in the RBC ride. I pedaled on without slowing.
A quarter mile further along, I heard someone from behind calling my name. It was Wayne racing up to ride along side and chat about Cruzbike Recumbents and other small talk. Behind Wayne was Jerry and Pat.
We turned onto old State Road and began the toughest climb of the ride. That's where Wayne took off and left us behind. He was booking for a faster finish. As I previously stated, he is in another category of cycling ability, much like most other RBC members -including my friend Bruce. Jerry and Pat seem better matched to my cycling ability -and we have recumbent enthusiasm in common!
The ride turned out great! Jerry and Pat are excellent ride companions. I'm looking forward to our next foray together!
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