Guilt

Not sure but think it might have been guilt that drove us the distance today? Sorry that we missed yesterday's ride, Dodie, Ray and myself met at Panera this morning and headed out. Wound around back behind Best Buy and I thought we might be headed for the Wabash Trail (we were undecided when we left Panera) but we turned back on Koke Mill and headed North. Turned west on Iles and never looked back. No - literally. Here is what Dodie and I saw most of the day:

Sure he wore an orange jersey so we could see him - but the black jacket didn't help! We actually lost him once - thankfully our fearless leader did circle back for us.

The weather wasn't as sunny or as nice out as we'd hoped. In fact, the 12.5 miles out felt pretty much all against the wind. There were a couple of twists and turns as we headed out West Iles and followed it past Farmingdale Road - and it was misting a little on us in the beginning but it was a pretty ride nonetheless - I enjoyed seeing the grassy fields really starting to get green at the eve of spring. As we lost sight of Ray over a hill - when we reached the bottom we had to roll the dice to see which way he went, we decided he must have gone west. So we rolled on.

We climbed the hill and followed the road as it turned north again and saw our Captain again waiting for us. We thought maybe he finally turned back and realized we weren't with him! Yes he did and turned out he was worried about our safety as well because this was what was waiting for us at the top of the hill:



While Ray saw this:



Apparently Ray thought the dog was seeing this:



Ray started to explain to me something about the weakest of the heard and singling out - but he trailed off and said we should just get going. Huh.

ANYhoo - on we rode. At a point where I was sure we'd hit 12 miles already - Ray said - we just hit 8 miles! I knew it was going to be a looong day.

When we hit 12.5 we turned around and headed back with the wind at our backs - and it was a much easier ride back. Well - maybe not MUCH easier - but felt better knowing we'd hit the halfway mark anyway.

To lift our spirits - Ray even shot a little video. After nearly falling out his chair at Panera, post-ride, reviewing the movie - I figured I'd better post it as well - enjoy!




See you at the park Tuesday!!