The Plan: ridewithgps.com/routes/5407173
The Verrills Parking lot was loader with 51 and 65 mile riders for a 9:30 start. I started with Kathy's crew-Rudge, Sharon, Bruce and some others. Nancy Dumont (tall Canadian) was also with us and I gave her some Skittles on Nagog Hill road and that was the last I saw of her. I began to have problems shifting in the back ring - If I wanted a harder gear, it was tough to push the lever, but when it finally released it went 2 steps, which meant I was in an easier gear - and it took me a long time to realize that was the problem (about 2-3 hours). So I kept down shifting when I needed some power and so slid off the back of the pack. Kathy waited up and I eventually got back on, but the process repeated many times. Need to take it to Bikeway Source to see if there's a quick fix. There was a new lady (Katherine) wearing white dots on black - jersey and leggings - then I noticed what looked like smaller whites dots on the rear of her pedals - looked like part of the outfit - so I said I would look for her after the ride to get a picture. Turns out the pedal dots were bolt heads - but the effect was still great.
Post ride party: The DAMAGED: Gene Ho VT sling clavicle ; Tom Fortman Italy crutches clavicle, leg; Steve Kolak - car hit Boston sling shoulder; Bruce Ingle Wellesley drunk diver - concussion, all sorts of bones; X; Merle-today lady slowed in front of her and she went down - road rash; Not at party-a fast rider lady taken to hospital from a Groton crash
Faces from the past: Diane Loomis marking pin for Century Jersey; CJ - tried to hook on with us, but I didn't hear the call; Robin (helped talk about CJs wheel); Melinda (Nice to see now and again); fellow from TGIF (I'm getting much better about saying "Help me out?" and folks recognize the issue); Francie, I recall others as time goes by.
The Party itself: OUTSTANDING - wraps with protein, cold WET watermelon, abundant ICE water, snack bit brownies, cookies, etc., Decorative photo blowups from the early CRW days. Kudos to Eli and his crew.