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Breakin the roadie rules...

Spent the weekend in Chuck town. Not a bad place. Friendly people, damn good food (http://www.joepasta.com/) and lots of sights to see. Try the fried grits with shrimp. Worth the trip to Chuck town.

Beautiful woman had a conference to attend and invited me along. I scoped out the ride scene and found http://www.coastalcyclists.org/. I emailed one of the ride organizers and he stated two options: 1 - 70 miles at 21-25 pace, 2 - 50 miles at 25-30 pace. I opted for the longer, slower leisurely ride.

I found the ride location on time and met several friendly local folks prepping for the hot coastal sun. We started out with about 20 folks. 18 guys/2 girls. Off we went. It was a 7am start so i was rather groggy. The first few miles were on a 4 lane SC coastal highway with pot holes that made some of the technical sections on Farlow (Pisgah Nat. Forest) seem laughable. I was a little concerned about taking my eyes off the road at all. Some of these pot holes would have swallowed a beefy 2.3 mtb tire let alone a cissy a*% road bike wheel.

We hit a pace line fast and soon left pot hole alley for some beautiful, flat barely traveled roads. It was damn hot and i was hoping not to cramp since this was constant big gear cranking, no rest, no hills, just flat constant cranking.

The day went fine. Half the group split off around 35 miles and we all continued to about 65. With 20 miles remaining, my bike felt odd and i realized my front wheel was flatting. i had just finished the down side of the pace line so i was at the rear about to start back up the fast side. I threw my hand up in the air and announced my dilemma. I thought i was prepared but my spare died, then my pump sucked so the fellows on the ride gave me a spare tube and a C02. It was mighty kind and the entire pack stopped to help me!

This was one of the kindest group of road riders I've ever hung with. It was like hanging with a bunch of mountain bikers, but on pavement.

All in all, it was a great weekend.

Cissy and i had lots of fun walking around downtown Charleston.

Glad to be able to go.

Exploring is essential to my soul.


Oh yeah, i got to see some Kick Ass boats and planes and offer tribute to those who gave their lives so i could putz around on my bike all day. Thanks to those in the armed forces.
http://www.patriotspoint.org/

Comments

Pisgah Area Cycling said…
Dude, I am going to Charleston in 2 weeks and looked up the same website to try and find a group ride, good to hear its some cool folks, I think you mihgt have done the one I was planning on doing. Anything else I might need to know?
June 1, 2009 at 7:21 AM
ExtrmTao said…
Man Cook, I used to work at Joe Pasta, how crazy is that?
June 3, 2009 at 1:03 PM
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