January 4, 2016
Rewiring in San Antonio
The plan today was to head north to San Antonio for a loop that Brad often rides with the SMBC (Sarasota Manatee Bike Club). I was promised hills, and I was not disappointed. I was also promised beautiful countryside, and likewise was not disappointed. Mark, who has ridden this ride in prior years, told me it reminds him of "Middleburg," an area of Fauquier and Loudoun Counties that we ride often and is famous for rolling countryside, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and horse farms. So I was looking forward to seeing this part of Florida.
It was a 1-1/2 hour drive from the hotel to the start point, with the plan to arrive by 11:00 AM and ride by 11:15. Well, best laid plans are sometimes sidetracked, and that happened this morning when Brad and Wayne discovered the road bike Wayne was going to borrow for the week (he left his own trusty steed at home in Washington) had a cracked seat post. Fortunately, we were starting late enough that a nearby bike store would be open by 10:00, so Mark and I delayed our departure till 9:50 or so after we had a clear signal that the bike was fixed. We were in San Antonio close to 11:30 (I have to confess here that we were yakking too much and missed our exit) and were riding shortly thereafter.
The ride started fast, and I was not ready for that! We were averaging close to 14 mph when we took our first pit stop after about 11 miles. We had a strong headwind out of the north and west (the wind could not make up its mind), and I knew that even in that short distance I would be climbing more today than I had for the entire duration of the trip so far. I was out of practice on hills . . . the real kind!
That said, I finished the 40-mile loop at an average speed of 15 mph! I was impressed with myself. I rarely ride that fast. As for the scenery, I will let the pics tell the story. Afterward, we had burgers and beer at the Local Public House (yes, that's the name). Excellent beef and pork burger (that was a surprising combination but very good) and a selection of locally brewed beers. Try the Angry Chair IPA!
Today's ride: 40 miles (64 km)
Total: 414 miles (666 km)
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