Roger K and I were purported ride leaders. We got nifty tags that identified us as "super domestiques" and everything. But when we started climbing the hills of Harvard, I faded like the domestique that gets his team leader to the HC climb and then drops back to ride with the laughing group.
At HGS, I offered to lead a group at 16-17 mph average, but when they announced our group, they said 18-19 mph and I said "Uh-Oh". So I went from leading, to sweeping, to leading a group of 1, with only the beeping of my GPS to keep me company.
Despite my suffering, it was an excellent event. Pamela Blalock designed a gorgeous route but it went up every tough climb in Harvard. The Ride Studio Cafe organized the 120+ riders very well, and the Harvard General Store is positioned to become a cyclists haven. They now sell cycling specific drinks and food, plus RSC gear. Soon they will have indoor bathrooms to the relief of small-bladdered riders.
I think we had a total of 10 Rippers on the ride today: our fearless leader JD, our KOM Bruce R, the Velominatum Roger K, the BUMPS masters Ulandt and Trish, plus Dave B, Ken K, Bill G, Darren G and my sorry self.
I was beating myself up for climbing so slowly until I realized that I didn't have my usual Clif Shot energy drink and pocketful of dried fruit. Instead I planned to fuel up on the free coffee, cider, and chili. When the food didn't materialize when I needed it, I bonked big time. Classic case of having a plan and not adjusting to changing circumstances. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Special thanks to Roger K for alerting me to the Harvard General Store, sticking with me during the slow miles back to Lexington, and especially for the Latte and muffin that revived me enough to get back home!