Having volunteered to work the turnaround control at Seagrove, I’d planned on arriving well ahead of the lead group of riders. But as it turned out, I was running a little late that morning. It didn’t matter, though, since opportunity knocks when least expected.
After navigating both the detour to Alan’s home and the aisles of the Siler City Food Lion—filling my cart with randonneuring munchies, drinks, and fruit—my morning journey led me for the first time onto the brevet route just beyond Siler City.
I hadn’t planned on meeting the riders on the course. But there they were. Due to lax security, I was able to command several different vantage points and witness brightly clad randonneurs wheeling past.
Here comes Wes at the front in the stylish, yellow, Swedish P-B-P jersey.After navigating both the detour to Alan’s home and the aisles of the Siler City Food Lion—filling my cart with randonneuring munchies, drinks, and fruit—my morning journey led me for the first time onto the brevet route just beyond Siler City.
I hadn’t planned on meeting the riders on the course. But there they were. Due to lax security, I was able to command several different vantage points and witness brightly clad randonneurs wheeling past.
For the first time in my randonneuring “career,” I was able to witness the front runners at the 100km mark. Soon the small group of lead riders would tackle the hills near Coleridge, NC. I would be there, too, this time. It was exciting to watch!
One minute Joe Ray, Justin, Lynn, and Wes are in “downtown” Coleridge.
I wasn’t the only one caught up in the excitement. On his blog, Chuck reported an occasional friendly wave from a porch-sitter and farm-vehicle operator. The contagion spread as the mercury climbed. A few dogs got wind of the event and wanted to join. Even the cattle, known for elevating the nonchalant to an art form, could not completely ignore the events unfolding before them.
Since I wasn’t riding, I signed brevet cards and had the luxury of meeting each of the 22 riders reaching the Seagrove control. I’d learn some successful habits from not only the first riders to arrive at the control but the last. I’d also share in the disappointment of a few riders who abandoned on a sweltering day when temperatures were 20 degrees above normal, peaking somewhere in the low 90s. There had been little time this spring to acclimate.
I’d like to give a special mention to the handful of Virginia randonneurs visiting our state. I know the weather could have been better. Usually, it is—normally, it rains on Alan’s brevets!
How hot was it on the Morrisville 300km?
Just off the collegiate race season, Justin relaxes before the return.
Chuck is one of those experienced riders who rides his own ride. A great conversationalist, yet Chuck has an uncanny ability when riding alone to note and appreciate different aspects of the journey: history, nature, and scenery.
Keith, another Tidewater rider and coast-to-coast PAC Tour finisher.
Don’t be fooled by Sara’s pretty pink bicycle and innocent-looking—if not stylish—black fenders. It hasn’t rained on one of Alan’s brevets since the fenders arrived last season. On the other hand, word is—people at the Almanac have begun paying close attention to “rain maker” Alan’s brevet schedule. Something has to give! Stay tuned.
Very little afternoon shade.
Congratulations to all the participants! Although I missed a couple of spots with the sunscreen, I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with you at the randonneuring Hoboville in Seagrove, and especially being entertained by your quips and stories. Thanks!
Thank YOU Dean for volunteering!
ReplyDeleteAs I remarked elsewhere, THANK YOU for all the support ( emotional as well as nutritional AND mechanical).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Kim completed PAC tour a few years ago and was the one who got me ready for my transcontinental with them.