Carolina Crossroads Checkout Ride

The Carolina Crossroads route for Saturday's ride is now ready to go. The checkout ride has been completed, the cue sheet has been double-checked, and the bonus miles have been ridden so you that don't have to.

Geof, Lynn and I christened the Carolina Crossroads permanent yesterday, striking out for new destinations under deep blue autumn skies. The route is surprisingly quiet, even into and out of downtown Raleigh, and the portions south of Benson are nearly desolate. It's the kind of backroad riding that I like best. We battled a headwind to the turnaround at the Crossroads Grocery & Grill. The grocery and grill are being renovated and both are currently closed, but we talked to the owners and they said they'd be on hand with sodas and snacks for Saturday's ride.

By afternoon, the sky had clouded up and taken on the mantle of winter but the temperatures remained perfect, and we warmed up nicely after each stop. We came back into town as darkness fell for about 11 total hours. A great day on the bikes; thanks to Lynn and Geof for the company. These pix were taken along the way.

Details on Saturday's rides:

200K: Carolina Crossroads 200K: Time 7 a.m. / Leave from Natty Greene's in Raleigh. Fee: $10 (to be used for party expenses)

100K: Dean's Benson Mule Pull. Time: 9 a.m./ Leave from Swift Creek Coffee House in Garner. Fee: $10 (to be used for party expenses).

Please let us know ASAP if you are riding so we can prepare cards, etc.