Annual Rockton Blackhawk ride with Steve M (chariot driver from Batavia), Wally and Rob. Met Rob’s nephew Mark at the start (on his time trial bike!) and headed out early for with a cool start with light NE winds. This course is always an early season challenge with ~3,000 ft. of climbing and continued this year. Temps increased quickly so the arm warmers were shed at the first stop. Wally had some transmission troubles that were easily fixed by their mechanic. Second leg up to Broadhead was beautiful but challenging as the climbs, and elevation %, increased in frequency. Once heading back the ESE winds picked though the last leg was flatter. A couple of us stayed at the back as the heat increased, as well as leg cramps. Felt tired but good, as we dined at the Rockton Center (no pasta this year...baked potatoes and chili), after which we traveled over to Pig Minds where a couple of us needed a Vanilla Bitch Slap (well deserved).