Ridin' with C'ville...

I've been trying to get out on the road with the Charlottesville Bicycle Club ever since I began my group riding "career" (not quite 3 months ago--LOL!), and I finally managed to hook up with the C'villians this morning. With my first century looming, I was hankerin' to get in one last local ride before I decamp for California, and the CBC Somerset-Barboursville loop (33 miles) offered the perfect opportunity. It's a great route and I'm familiar with the roads and the terrain, so I decided to take the plunge.

MadCyclist and CBC regular Jeff Dillon was also along for the ride, so I didn't feel entirely like a fish out of water. I was pleased to see that folks began arriving early enough to socialize a bit before hopping on the bikes. I found it to be a more relaxed atmosphere, as opposed to the 'pre-race buzz' feeling I've encountered when riding with some other clubs (testosterone overload). Jeff introduced me around and everyone was very welcoming, indeed.

For the first half of the ride, I purposely hung back toward the middle of the group, as I'm semi-officially beginning my "tapering week" for the Cool Breeze century next weekend. The weather was drop-dead gorgeous and the miles melted away as we sailed through the lovely Virginia countryside. I'm sure y'all will be pleased to know that I had no, ahem, accidents on this outing. The only malfunction I experienced on the entire ride came early on in the form of a dropped chain, but I don't think anyone noticed (did I say that out loud?).

When we pulled back out on the road after a brief break at the Somerset Store, I fell in behind Jeff and we took off with the lead element. It wasn't for a few miles that I finally realized I was riding with the faster folks. Hmmmm... Somewhere along that wonderful stretch of Rt. 20 where the rollers look like a set of ocean breakers, I found myself in a pace line--not sure how I got there... This was my first real experience in a pace line, and I must say it felt pretty cool to be flyin' over those rollers at about 24mph with everyone in perfect synchronization. I even took my turn pulling the line!

When we got back to the Stony Point School, one of the gals was passing around homemade muffins (thanks, Kathy!), and as the riders began to trickle in, the general feel was very laid-back and no one seemed to be in an arse-busting hurry to get in the wind. Folks lingered a bit to exhale and chat--pretty nice, really.

In summary, I'd like to say that I had a great time and have every intention of riding with the CBC again soon. There were riders of all skill/fitness levels, so no one need feel intimidated, and they're an outgoing bunch. Their rides tend to be longer (many 40-plus mile routes) with several that cover our own beloved territory. I'd heartily encourage all of my fellow MadCyclists to check 'em out!