Groups: A (many), B (about 9), and C (2)
Weather: overcast, wind was mostly out of the west, a bit cool
We gathered in Swanky’s parking lot as usual and discussed the weather conditions. The sky was darkening even though the local weather radar indicated no sign of rain or clouds.
The C riders headed out about 5:35pm. The B group followed at 5:45 with the A group suiting up for their 6pm departure time.
The B group rolled out and followed the usual route. Perhaps it was the threat of rain, or something in the air, or maybe everyone was jacked up on sugar today, but the pace heading out was definitely brisk. An omen for things to come.
The B group cruised into the stop at Houston High School for some refueling and socializing. The C group riders had already arrived. The A group rolled up a few minutes later. Who were these guys? They weren’t our usual A groupies. We all departed together and hustled out of the parking lot to head back to Swanky’s.
I hung to the back just to stay out of the way while our rather large combined groups negotiated the left turn onto Wolf River road. Everyone made the turn and hunkered down into the wind. The A group evaporated off the front almost immediately – like The Flash. Who were those be-spandexed men? The B group split into several small bunches. The C group kept a nice pace line of two riders -- good work ladies!
As I passed the C group, who were maintaining a respectable pace, a random thought popped into my head: “Maybe you should tuck in with them and take turns on the front”. Hmmmm. Huh? Nah.
I was solo and looking for a few B group stragglers who were behind me to come along my left side and I could catch their wheel and get pulled into the wind all the way home. Matt G, Bill R, and somebody else flew past me at a high rate of speed. I can usually hang with these guys, but all that sugar or something kicked in and they were at full throttle and they were rockin’. I didn’t stand a chance of closing the rapidly increasing gap. They disappeared into the sunset after crossing Houston Levee. Hey, thanks for the pull fellas! So I resigned myself to riding into the wind. Alone. Grumbling. In the drops. I hate the wind. Where is that C group already? They should be right behind me.
Peddled my way into the parking lot, slightly bonked, and mildly wind burned. Not a bad ride. But, I’d really like to know what kind of jet fuel everyone was on.
--justine