Surry Ride to Claremont 11/1/2011

One of the hazards of leading a Tuesday Group trip is that you can't "just not show up....because" You gotta go! You set it up. For instance, it is still raining, albeit lightly, when you rise at 6a.m. And it is cold outside. But the weatherman says it will be fine in a short while. Today was one of those days that turned out to be so much more than the starting weather would have you believe. It was 50 degrees and overcast when we started rumbling in to the Surry County Government Complex a little after 9a.m. The deep gray clouds filling the sky were moving quickly to add to the alarm. One Tuesday Grouper showed some common sense and decided to go eat breakfast instead. The rest of the shivering crew ( Jean Bz, Phyllis, Sandy B, Sandra C, Don R, Bill Q, and piston leg Mark) took off with Brian for a ride on a new route upriver from Surry. Nothing will stop this group after driving as far as they did!

A second hazard of leading a Tuesday Group trip is deciding whether the activity fits with the group. Let me quote from the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists route book: "A few hills are interspersed throughout the ride and offer some toughness to this rather short ride." You bethcha. This set of Tuesday Groupers took to this ride like schoolchildren let out of school for permanent recess. No hill was too much. No hill was too far. A little walking never hurt anybody, right? It was a beautiful day. The terrain was different with tree lined roads interspersed with farms and a few water views. The temperature hit 64 degrees, the trees advanced a little more in fall color, and all the Groupers were in fine spirit--that adds to the good time. Near the end of the ride, Brian announced there were no more hills--a little prematurely. The quick vocal reaction of all riders at the hill which suddenly appeared out of no-where would lead you to believe that the ride did indeed challenge the group. But we were too close to the Surry House Restaurant for anyone to dwell on any aches. Visions of Southern cooking were in everyone's eyes. You would think that Paula Dean ran the restaurant the way they upped the pace.

After completing a 27 mile route, bikes stowed, and nestled in our restaurant seats, we feasted on our southern treats. Sandy B is trying to gain weight so she ordered Fried Steak. Paula Dean would be proud. Brian ordered the Ham Biscuit(s), Peanut Soup, Apple Fritter, and Peanut Raisin Pie special--with a group of tasters to help him sample the meal, calories were cut substantially. The rest of the group exercised discipline and ordered sensibly--or what passes for sensible in a true Southern Fried menu. French Fries were diet food here. We didn't have Jeanette with us today to give us our Yoga lesson, but we were centered on good friends, good food, and a break in the weather. Another great day to be outside!

Brian