Pre-blast: DRP

PREP: Scouting exploratory ride 13-FEB

WEATHER: 63F

Arrived @ Wawa 5:58 with Cottontail waiting and Bing and Crabcakes just having finished the 5AM EC loop. Oh wait, there’s Trump rolling in, having completed 19.9 miles with the 5AM group. And there’s Fireball hastily readying his aluminum pony. Where’s Pincher?  Electrical issues on his bike, so an involuntary absence. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Raider Run 5K – Mar 12

Gator Wilderness run – April 23

SUP n RUN – April 30

PRAISES / PRAYER REQUESTS: 

Fireball’s 2.0 auto accident 

People of Ukraine bravely defending their God-given freedom against the evil incarnate

THE THANG: Take the DRP / the MATRIX

After their 5AM EC 20 miles, Bing and Crabcakes took off for home after the COT.  Trump needed another 500 ft to complete his 20 miles then headed home.  Kudos, men, for the REALLY early ride.  For the 6AM ride this gloom, just YHC, Fireball and Cottontail. 

Today the cycling pax will be exploring what will heretofore be known to F3 as the Matrix. 

South on Lorraine, west on Hidden River, south on LWR to Balmoral Woods / left turn just past right side of the security gate into the Country Club.  As far as YHC knows this is the initial F3 cycle foray into this area, which YHC believes is a hidden gem for cyclists.  The road surfaces are good, there are friendly walkers and cyclists along the route and minimal traffic (although a school bus and golf course maintenance equipment were encountered).  There are (5) segments beyond the security gate, all with ridiculous KOM times / paces.  The longest is the 4.75 mile “Country Club Loop”, which would be the focus of today’s ride.  

Pax completed the loop twice.  The first loop was @ 19.5 mph pace; a little tentative with a lack of familiarity, a few tight turns and the aforementioned school bus.  The 2nd loop was a faster 20.2 mph, with Cottontail and Fireball both pushing a consistent pace, focus by by all pax and crisp exchanges.  The group headed out toward LWR Blvd after the 2nd loop and hit the “CC Post Loop Sprint” segment at a quick 21.6mph pace for the 0.60 miles, with 2 of the light speed indicator signs (that flashed 23 mph).  The group headed out of Country Club and took a right onto LWR Blvd.  YHC led Fireball and Cottontail partway up Hidden River, then turned around and headed home.  Fireball and Cottontail made it safely back to Wawa.  

SUMMARY: A great loop and pretty spicy with just the 3 of us.  Cottontail and Fireball both did a great job pushing the pace in Pincher’s absence.  From Wawa, to Country Club with 2 Country Club Loops and back, this is about a perfect 20 miles.  

I appreciate the pax trusting me on this initial ride to these new (to us) roads.  We’re doin’ it again.  March 22nd.