Cover Indiana 2010 - Day One
This year’s ride started just like last years - with a clean shave. It’s the first clean shave I’ve had since the night before last years ride. I’ve trimmed the beard short a few times (it still counts Kelly!!!) but never completely off.
Looking at my full face for the first time in a year, it seems a little chubbier. But I figure that’s a good thing. I saw this documentary about a guy swimming across English Channel; he put on 10 or 20 pounds of fat to fuel his long swim. Clearly, I had the same idea for this year’s ride. So don’t be fooled by my rounder abdominal region. Though it may look like a beer belly, it’s actually a finely tuned athletic machine.
I had a late start this morning, there were a number of errands I needed to run during business hours. Showed up to registration at 7:30am, threw my stuff in the truck, and drove off. The group started the ride at 9:00am, I didn’t get on the bike until 11:20am. So while last year I made an effort to lead the pack early on, this year I started out by playing caboose.
I didn’t mind riding solo, I can’t remember the last time I rode in a group. To make up for lost time, I decided to eat a big breakfast, skip the diner, eat lunch on the bike, and take the shorter route. Though when I got to the diner at mile 40, I was surprised to see SAG support and a few dozen bikes… change of plans! I went in to say hi, stretch my legs, and grab a snack (a sweet roll and soda, yummy).
Today brought back a lot of memories, sights I remember clearly. It feels great to get back on the road. At first I was bummed that so many of my friends weren’t returning this year, but things are actually working out well. I’ve reconnected with some old acquaintances from last year. I even dragged them out do the local Mexican joint for fried ice cream and margaritas (though this year I was the only one to get a Margarita… sigh).
Many of us are groaning about tomorrow’s weather forecast. It’s the longest ride of the week (70 miles). Strong headwinds of 20 mph gusting to 30 mph. Scattered thunderstorms. At least it’s supposed to be fairly warm… starting in the high 50’s and eventually into the 70’s. In the words of my Aunt Lynn, “sometimes you just gotta suck it up.” Not that we have a choice in the matter, but I think that’s good advice.
