Hola, cycling fans!

Day one is done, but let’s step back a bit and cover everything that brought us up to this point:

As usual, traffic sucks- apparently especially so in CT. Again. At least that’s what I heard… but she used a lot of really bad words. And she was mad… and I was scared… so I made an offering of wine, genuflected, then ran as fast as I could.

That was a close one…

Early Friday, Many people met at our starting line, While others picked up our rental vehicles, gear truck, and supplies from storage. Some hectic jostling of supplies, vehicles and bodies before the rain came, and then off to check in to the hotel, then meet for dinner.

We chose to re-visit the Red Heat Tavern in Bedford, where we went last year, only this year, I had been in contact with the manager, to let him know about our group- Last year we anticipated and made reservations for 12 and almost 30 showed up- but they handled it with ease and grace. With advanced warning and a seemingly reasonable head count, He set us up with tables for 24, A great waitress, who stayed on top of everyone’s orders and beverages, and delicious offerings from the kitchen staff. A great time with great friends at a great place. Gracious hosts, I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

After a good nights sleep for everyone but me, we met at the starting line… we checked everyone in… gave them their numbers… took their luggage… showed them where to fill their water bottles, then lined them up for the big photo-ops at the “Official starting line “. They started, everyone cheered as they left… they rode 75 yards to the end of the parking lot…

And then took a wrong turn. Every. Last. One. Of. Them.

We rounded them up, headed them north, and got them here. Hot, sunny, humid.

All the riders in, we met for dinner, then an awards ceremony and fun gathering. Afterward, we mer at the Gear Truck for a raffle. As people said good night, some alone time to get things done, then, a shower- now bed.

Tomorrow, we get to do it all over again.

Keep the wind at your back and the downhills in front of you

GearMan