And there were two

Coordination was not our strength today. Masher---mashed. Schmuckatelli schmucked...and that was long and the short of it. I saw the Diesel pulling away fm my garage before I could flag her down... :(

Sweet Spot doubles as master mechanic...you read it here first.

MS 150 Day 2 Start!

Follow up to MS150 Ride

What a fantastic weekend. Our crew was small this year, consisting of Masher, SweetSpot, Quadzilla, KL and me. Masher was riding for Team CSX, while the rest of us were under the Citi flag.

Saturday - the morning started early as we lugged our stuff down to the starting line. A temperate morning, we got our luggage on the trucks and our machines road ready while the sun rose. The winds were strong from the west, but the skies were clear, and the temperature stayed in the mid-80s. KL started with a friend of hers, while the 4 remaining got in a pace line and got on it. Despite the wind, and some whining from the Diesel, the big engines of the team kept us at a nice steady 18MPH, and the four of us finished together. Quadzilla and Sweet Spot, THANK YOU! KL made it in good time - despite an early bit of road rash acquired at a stop light. It's nice to be in the hotel with the event, but the Plaza has some work to do. Water could have been hotter, ice machines could have had some ice, food could have been better, and it's starting to show it's age. Citi had an awesome tent, with incredible barbeque and massages. Great jerseys this year, too. The afternoon was spent by the pool, drinking beer, soaking up some rays, and people watching. Note to self, guys - white boxer briefs do not do you any favors, particularly wet. To the lady doing crunches after an 80 mile ride - ok. You win. But we weren't actually impressed. We just thought you looked silly performing for a film crew that wasn't actually there. And the dudes preening in the corner - did anyone ever take the bait? Ask Sweet Spot about 5 hour energy. I think he may have FINALLY slept last night.

Sunday - 5:30AM and it's time to do it again. KL had been battling some sinus issues, and grabbed a ride back to the ranch with the volunteers. The remaining 4 gently saddled back up (some of the bits and pieces remembered the ride the day before), and at 7:15 we were off. The wind was slightly to our back, so with the engines of the team on the pull, we maintained a 19-20 MPH pace. We were able to grab the wheel of some fast teams, and had a nice 22 mph run going until MarineLand, where a semi brought about 150 riders "all back full". He was completely blocking the road trying to get into a parking lot. With that - there was only 1 casualty (not one of ours) I'm aware of - and that was just a case of not getting unclipped fast enough. We made record time this year, being back home and in our showers by 12:30. A team dinner at Maggianos rounded out another MS150 for the books.

Quadzilla. You are just a machine. Hope the swampage is feeling better today.
Masher. A really strong ride this year. Keep up the spinning. I think it's working. And I noticed you never even went up on your big chain ring. We may have to change your name.
Sweet Spot. Thank you. Hope you finally got some sleep.
KL. This is all your fault. Be proud.

To those who couldn't be there this year:
Come Back Kid - if you want the new nickname to stick, we expect to see you back out there with us.
Better living through chemicals - hope your boy is feeling better. Sorry you missed it this year.
Buffalicious - really? A concert? A better excuse will be required in the future.
Everything is better with Bacon - give up the cigars and pull the bike back out!
Schmuckatelli - Have the girls meet us down there next year. I am sure the engines wouldn't mind a little help pulling us ladies along.


Photos can be found on facebook.

Yes, the rumors are absolutely true. My toes do currently match my bike perfectly. And I'm still convinced that makes me a full 1.5mph faster.

Don't think this gets anyone off the hook - look for the ride posting later in the week. I'm thinking - BRIDGES!

MS150 Weekend

If you are riding down with the Springs - we roll at 6:00. Ride leaves the Farm at 7:30 - and we ride till we hit the tent!

Weekend Ride 9/26-27

Ok people...one week left till the Cycle to the Shore! So we need to hit the miles....

Rides:

Sat - 8 am Micklers

Sun - 8 am Micklers

See you all out there......

9/20 Short Ride

Two of us rode. The weather wasn't nice so we only did the Wonderwood run. The Noreaster wasn't kind on the way out but the way back was a breeze.

Bubba has planted glass all over the east bound lanes on the bridges. We came through unscathed but I wouldn't bet on it again.

Weekend of 9/12

Saturday:
Mickler's - 8:00AM.

Sunday:
Mickler's - 9:00AM.

What, you say? Mickler's twice in a row? Are we going the whole way? What is wrong with you?

Well, the MS is in about 3 weeks. Time to build up those saddles - and start fund raising (Quadzilla, this means you).

Rides in review for last weekend - I was slack this week. OK, not slack! Slammed! Of course, the blog is always open for you guys to do the review or the schedule or the gossip!

An RSVP isn't necessary, but it helps if we know who's coming. You can just comment here - I have the RSS feeds so I can see them.

Even a kid likes it!

Both my parents love to ride, even I like it! I'm nine and I love it. It is super fun getting to feel the wind in my face.I love getting up to super-fast speeds. If you are interested in riding I really think you should ride with my parents. I really think you should try it.

PLEASE!!!!!

Labor Day Weekend Rides

Saturday Morning:
8:00 AM at Mickler's

Sunday Morning:
8:30 Schmuckatelli's house (for those who ride from the Spring's it's 8:15)

Monday:
8:00 AM Lodge ride (group ride 18-22MPH). Let us know if you want to ride this so no one get's hosed. This is an "I'll go if you go" ride.

Sunday Ride Revisited -8/30

Ok ..we did Schmuckatelli's ride again starting earlier (8am) today. I would guess that we would have less traffic at 8am Sunday mornig but that was not the case. It seemed that alot of people had 'stuff' to do ...right then....Today's participants were Quadzilla, Sweet Spot, Schmuckatelli, Masher and Red Shirt. We were all doing well but got seperated a bit on St Johns Bluff after turning off from Monument. As everyone regrouped, we got an Add on to the group. A lone rider that asked to hook up. AS always we have no problems with adding to our group. He was a nice conversational guy....saw my VT(Virginia Tech) racing jersey and asked if I had been a part of that team since he used to ride against them back in his Naval Academy days. I told him the truth and said I wished I did looking back on it now...man how fast would I have been a few pounds lighter and 15 years younger....ok back to reality. Well we were talking a bit more when he hit a large rock and almost went down, luckily it only popped his front tire. So we all do what all good groups do...stop and watch him repair it. Well he had a mis-matched air cylinder and nozzle so I gave him my spare set....he filled his tire up and proceeded to rip the stem clear out of the tube while removing the nozzle head. Ok... I give him my spare tire and air cylinder number 2. He gets the tube in and can't get the nozzle on fully since it was a short stemmed tube (curse my bulk order from Nashbar) so he borrows Masher's extra tube with a long stem (leave it to one of the ladies to have one of those....). I know its alot of parts but we didn't want him to have to walk home....we were nowhere close to the SAG mobile. Anyway, he stayed with us through the rest of the ride and was strong over the bridge...We made it all home in one piece and had fun doing it! Diesel was missed...she is back in town tonight!!!

Weekend Rides

All...It looks as if Masher wants a ride on Saturday. Quadzilla and Diesel are out....So I think anyone that wants to meet Masher at Micklers at 8am Sat would be appreciated.

Sunday we will do the Schmuckatelli's Ride at 8:00 AM to start before the heat. 7:45 at Quadzilla's or 8:00 am at Schmuckatelli'....

Lone Rider

I think Masher is looking for a ride on Saturday if anyone is out there.

Sunday Afternoon

Just a quick note....Sunday afternoon, Diesel Jr wanted to go to Hanna Park to fly her new Kite and play in the surf. She also asked to bring her bike so we can hit some trails! How can you say No to that? So I packed up the HMS Clifford with beach stuff, Diesel's Hybrid, Diesel Jr's bike and my own hybrid (which I had to do some minor surgery to and replace the front slick road tire back to the original off road tire) and headed over to Hanna. We got on the trails first and tried a couple easier ones. We were doing well (Diesel Jr is new to trail riding and riding in general but she has done a few of the Hanna trails before. Yes the first one she ever did was the trail Misery...that almost wrecked trail riding for her for good. That is another story.) and liking the new(for us) trails. About half way through the trail there was a good sized hill. Diesel Jr was up in front at this point and decided to ride down. As we watched, she was doing well then started getting a bit squirrely, then started over-correcting.....you see where this is going... Well she almost recovered until she hit a nice root at the bottom that spun her front wheel and bucked her like a bronco. She went face forward like she was diving into Home Plate. We got the Whooomp.....silence (since the air was knocked out of her) then a bit of crying. We raced down and made sure she was still functioning...which she was with a bit of coughing and a couple scrapes....KH would have been proud! After a minute or so of recovery....she was back on the bike continuing on. Granted she was a bit more tentative and we went directly to an exit trail but I was very proud of her overall. We'll no doubt do some more trail riding in the near future ...minus that one big hill!

Ride Reviews - 8/22-23

Saturday

More good rides! We are all trying to stretch ourselves to get ready for this year's Cycle to the Shore in early October. So we got together and did the Micklers to Vilano run on Saturday 8/22. It was Diesel, Sweet Spot, Buffalicious, KL and Quadzilla on a mission to go Fast! Well it seems as if everyone else in Jax was 'in training' too so we had alot of groups to choose from. This benefited KL since she was not keen on the prospect of a continuous fast ride. She jumped onto another group and had a good ride. So the rest of us, right off the bat, got hooked up with a 6 person group from Comcast. They were planning to do 30 sec pulls to keep the speed up at 23-24 mph. We fluctuated but stayed pretty fast to the Gate station. Since a few of the group dropped a couple miles before the Gate, we got to catch our breath. The two from the Comcast group that dropped, I think, decided to head back to Micklers instead of continuing on to Vilano. So the rest of us hooked up and got back up to speed. We made it down to the bridge, turned west right into a pretty good headwind (just what you want up the bridge :( ). We turned right back around, attacked up with the wind and all regrouped at the close BP station. We made sure everyone was ready and got going back North.... as soon as we got up to speed, Buffalicious blew a tire....We told the Comcast group to keep going and then tended to his tire. It's always happens in the hottest section of road without fail. New tube replaced, new tire tool thrown out...(I didn't like it) and we were off... As we were 'trek'ing north we caught a couple lone riders that looked like they could use a wheel to grab onto. So our little troop grew as we went along. One of the riders got enough of a rest that he accelerated up the inclines in Guana during his pull, the other new rider wasn't fond of that and dropped. We proceeded to finish the ride with our sprint starting at the top of the last incline where the houses stop through the long left turn into the hard right turn to Micklers. I got the benefit of the Sling Shot from Sweet Spot and burned out the rest of the gas out of my tank by the time I got back to the parking lot. Everyone rode strong and I think showed that we are ready for the Cycle to the Shore.

Sunday was Schmuckatelli's Ride. It was Schmuck, Sweet Spot, Masher and Quadzilla. Diesel was being Super Mom and ran errands with Diesel Junior. It was cooler than expected (for mid morning in Aug) but we were all OK with that. We did the tour starting at Monument at Hidden Hills, right onto Wonderwood/Merrill, turn around at Merrill/Old Ft Caroline, right onto Monument Rd, left onto St Johns Bluff to the Town Center. Half way down St Johns Bluff the clouds looked pretty ominous. We were contemplating turning around and forgetting the Wonderwood bridge (I don't like riding in rain and wind). We lucked out though since the upper level winds pushed that storm out to sea and we were back in the sunshine. we made it all the way back to monument, took a right then took a break at Monument/Wonderwood before heading towards the bridge. Sweet Spot needed a quick lower back stretch to get him the rest of the way. Masher was passing out her Power Gels(?), I am not sure if I liked the little gummy discs...but they did taste just like Coke(modern technology is great!) Since Masher was under the weather a bit, the other 3 of us rotated the pulls (yes, even Schmuckatelli). We all attacked up the Wonderwood with the wind pretty well. We all hit around 35 mph down going east. We took a quick break then headed into the wind back over going west. I think I was pedaling through the downhill and only hitting 25 mph. We grouped up after Girvin and continued to the Mt Pleasant right turn. We all decided to get a couple more hills into the ride instead of heading straight back up to Monument. We all had a strong day and a good ride.

Lodge Ride Info

Hello

SAFETY NOTE: Be careful on Saturday Ride especially in Group AA. The last couple of Saturdays there have been a crash at the U-Turn in Spoke 3 and at a couple of other places like on top of the PV Bridge. Either the rider is coming in too HOT and the wrong line or there is some type of road debris – rocks or sand in the U-Turn. Ride with in your limit. Keep your head up and watch out for other riders. Stay focus!

Remember to call/point out road debris on all rides.



Saturday – 8:00AM @ the Lodge – 35 – 40 miles round trip
Group AA = 25+ MPH
Group A = 19 – 25 MPH

Due to the Nocatee Bike Road Race on Saturday we will have a different route for this Saturday’s Ride.


We will ride out to 210 and right at the roundabout to Landrum and complete one figure eight. Then over the bridge, right onto old 210. Right at Crosswater Parkway and complete Spoke 1 – two times and then return back on old 210 to the bridge.

This should keep us out of the Nocatee Road Bike Race traffic.




Sunday - 7:30 AM at the Lodge – 50 – 55 miles

This is a group ride; we try to keep the group together.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH

Remember this is a GROUP ride. Let’s try to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge.

Ride Safe
Robert


Robert Buck
robertbuck@comcast.net
Phone 904-285-1217
Cell 904-635-1718

Gossip

Does anyone have any gossip? I have been out of touch this week!

Riding this Weekend

Saturday 8:00 Mickler's to Vilano (Keith - I know you wanted to ride the Lodge ride this weekend, but the races are kinda in the way.)

Saturday afternoon- gonna try to get to Nocatee for a race or two.

Sunday 9:00 at Craig's.

8/15-16 Rides In Review

Lodge

Whew....Well Sweet Spot and I met up with the Italian Stallion(IS) at the Lodge Ride on Sat. We got a bonus because Robert and crew were getting a professional group picture done. One at the start and one at the Traffic circle on 210. I hope we didn't break the camera...I know my bike is pretty but I am not, especially at that time in the morning. The ride started out nicely at an easy pace down to Micklers. That is always a good time to catch up with friends while warming up the legs. The pace was still OK up to the traffic circle due to the aforementioned photo opportunity. I know we confused all of the cars yielding since we did a 360 then continued on the ride since Pablo was setup on the Publix arc.

The pace picked up towards the 210 bridge, I found a rear that I recognized (easy guys, it was KH) and proceeded up the hill. I stayed on and realized quickly that our trip back was going to be fun since I was hitting 35+ on the way down....

I looked back and saw that Sweet Spot and IS had dropped just off the back of the group flying down the hill so I peeled off to let them grab a friendly wheel. We humped it back up to a group as we got into Nocatee. It is very true that 100 yards behind a fast group is as good as 10 miles. It was too much effort to grab on so we backed down, kept a steady pace and caught them on a turn around. I grabbed onto the group that I thought was the one we were trying to ride with....Jumped up to 24 mph and took my turn pulling, broke off, looked back and realized I had gotten myself into a faster subset of the group we wanted to ride with. At this point we lost IS for good (Sorry Man). I understand due to the amount of effort we used to catch a couple groups and he already had 10 miles or so from his house before the Lodge ride even starts (Kudos to him).

After a couple more spokes and extended effort by Sweet Spot, we pulled off and headed back over the parkway....and yes...the wind reminded us that we were tired... We made it back to Micklers, stopped and had our Ambiguously Gay Duo moment when I helped him stretch his back. We got a second wind and had a good average speed back up to the truck.

It was a good ride, it again showed us the importance of staying with the group!

Sunday Ride:

This was our normal (as of late) Sunday ride local to East Arlington(Home Base). It was myself, Sweet Spot(Back for more fun), Diesel, Schmuckatelli and Red Shirt (FNG, Clue... we haven't decided). Masher was under the weather and Buffalicious was a no show (I guess he is either "skeerrrd" or not able to balance late night partying with early morning riding).

We were all riding strong. We still need to work with Red Shirt on his group riding skills since he is new. Since he is young and strong, I guess he doesn't mind riding a couple bike lengths behind the rider in front of you...Hey if you want to pull the whole ride, more power to you.... Schmuckatelli made an appearance up at the front this week...I wonder if last weekend's continuous stay as the caboose kept him fresher for this week. Diesel always rides strong and consistent. Sunday was no different. Sweet Spot took some miles at the front of the group and kept us at a good pace. The wind whipped a bit heading up to and over the Wonderwood. Even though we were almost creamed by the same car at different times and places in the ride and me trying to get everyone hit at the Wonderwood/Girvin stop light( I just didn't want to loose my momentum, sorry all) it was a good ride. I had some left in the tank so I tried to attack on both sides of the bridge. I try to remember our motto when I start to fizzle..."We Do It Because It's Hard"

Till next week.........

Rides

Quadzilla is riding the Lodge Ride Saturday morning.

Sunday is Schmuckatelli's at 8:00. THIS IS A CHANGE. It has been too hot for the late start, so we moved it back an hour. If you start from Quadz house, be there at 7:45.

Gossip

• Thong1 had a big week. P-Nut had to get tubes in her ears on Thursday. Baby girl is doing just fine and back to school already.
• Thong2 returned from the beach on Sunday, bringing with her Sweet Spot's teenager, who started school on Thursday.
• When asked about the teen ager's summer, all we got: "It was goooooooood".
• Dieselzilla is back from her trip to the Outer Banks. She had a great time spanking all the old folks in Gin and holding her own in Scrabble with two teachers.
• SweetSpot tripped to Georgia for business this week. Something about deliverance... there are questions I just don't ask.
• KL is feeling much much better.
• Got gossip I missed (it was quiet this week)... post it!

Rides in Review

Saturday last, Quadzilla took the ladies out to the Lodge Ride. Yes, a hot date, indeed! OK, so Masher and I had some trepidation about this ride. We'd heard the rumors of how quick they moved and some of the recent crashes. I know a bunch of these guys, and they are a tough crowd. We meet up with the group, saddle up, and start heading down PV Blvd, past Micklers and onto 210. So far, so good. A nice warm up speed of 18-19. Nothing the ladies couldn't handle. We're hanging out. Feeling good. Starting to approach the bridge, and the tension begins to mount. 21MPH. Again, no problem. The hypnotic hum of the chains is beautiful - but you can almost smell the testosterone. Then the bridge - ATTTTTTACCCCKKKKK. Masher and I are stong on the bridge, but not strong enough, and we get dropped by the gazillion A group and the zillion A group. The A group is about 6 of us. We finish out the 35 miles at about 18-19 MPH, every so often getting buzzed by the race horses. It's amazing that you can recognize someone's ass as it goes by at 26 MPH. While Masher and I are independent ladies, and quite willing to go it alone, Quadzilla stayed with us and was feeling his own oats - pulling about 90% of the time. Damn.

Sunday was Schmuckatelli's ride. Again, another 35. Buff was out - and not expecting the Tour du St. Johns Bluff, but even more so, not expecting to get DROPPED on the Wonderwood by none other than Quadzilla. Yes, you heard me correctly. Buffalicious was dropped on a climb - and not for lack of trying. The -zilla is just a monster these days. Masher and I were in pretty good form. Schmuck never skipped a beat. Sweet Spot was out and easy to spot - what is with the day glo anyway? We did have to tubes go that ride. And Kernan is no place for cyclists. Even with three lanes, it is still just a death trap. I bagged on the bridge. The best part was lunch. Props to Hot Dog Spot on Monument Road....

Tuesday night saw KL back on her bike. You go girl! She and I did a 15 mile reintroduction ride. We won't be winning any crits, but KL rode solid, and with some regular time in the saddle, should be showing strong in no time.

Anyone else ride when I wasn't looking?

The Lodge Ride

SAFTEY NOTE: Be careful on Saturday Ride especially in Group AA. The last couple of Saturdays there have been a crash at the U-Turn in Spoke 3 and at a couple of other places. Either the rider is coming in too HOT and the wrong line or there is some type of road debris – rocks or sand in the U-Turn. Ride with in your limit. Stay focus!

Remember to call/point out road debris on all rides.

We are creating a blog thanks to the help of Clint Burbridge for the bike riding group that meets at the Lodge. This will make it easier for you to check the ride schedule for the weekend.
More information to come. Stay tune.

Pablo Rivera will be taking photos of the group on Saturday at the Lodge and then at the roundabout at 210 & Mickler’s Road. We will take more photos at a later date out in Nocatee.

Wear your best bike kit, shave your legs, and clean your bike on Saturday.
The blog design will be a work in progress for a couple of weeks.


Saturday – 8:00AM @ the Lodge – 35 – 40 miles round trip (See Map Attached)
Group AA = 25+ MPH
Group A = 19 – 25 MPH

Remember it is a warm up ride to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The Group will leave the Lodge South down PVB out to 210 though the roundabout and out 210 over the PV Bridge and make a Right at Old Palm Valley Road (the first Traffic Light) to compete the Nocatee loops.


See Attached Map for Group AA and Group A

Group AA will make Right at Crosswater Parkway (at the traffic Light at the end of Old Palm Valley Road) and complete Spoke 1, 2, 3, 1 and 3 before returning back by going up the ramp onto Nocatee Parkway.

Group A will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway and complete Spoke 2, Spoke 3, Spoke 1, and Spoke 3 before returning back by going up the ramp onto Nocatee Parkway. We try to make Group A a fast group ride. We will regroup at Old Palm Valley Road after the bridge. Turn around and look to see if we are all together.



Sunday - 7:30 AM at the Lodge – 65 miles.

This is a group ride; we try to keep the group together.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH

This Sunday August 16 ride will be a long ride. We may include 2 water stop if the group needs them.

Remember this is a GROUP ride. Let’s try to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge.

Ride Safe
Robert


Robert Buck
robertbuck@comcast.net
Phone 904-285-1217
Cell 904-635-1718

Tuesday night 8/11, 6PM

The Route: Start at Publix on Bartram Park. Go south on Bartram Park (marked bike lanes) to light at Racetrack Road about 3.5 miles. Turn Right on Racetrack and go for 1.5 miles. At next light, turn left on St Johns Parkway (marked bike lanes). Turn right on Longleaf Pine Parkway (need to check if it has marked bike lanes and distance). Make a U-Turn at the end of Longleaf Pine Pkwy (need distance and bike lane status). Turn right on St Johns Parkway (marked bike lanes, need distance) and make a U-Turn at the end of the road. Turn right on Racetrack Rd (1.5 miles). Turn left on Bartram Park.

Rides 8/8 and 8/9

Saturday morning: Lodge Ride for as long as we can hang - then we know the way home.

Sunday morning: Craig's house at 9:00 (or the Springs at 845).

The Gossip

• Last Friday was the first adult night out Quadz and Diesel had had in a while. Let's just say Diesel got her drink on - and she aint as young as she used to be. But to my defense... I got my butt up out of bed and got on my bike the next morning. I wasn't setting any land speed records, but I was out there.
• Thong2 is out of town again this weekend. Hitting the beach.
• KL has been fighting a nasty cold this week. Hope she gets to feeling better.
• Sweet Spot and KL are back to full time parenting next week. Vacation over!
• Masher was in St. Louis this week... pics on her Facebook page.
• Thong1 has turned into a SharePoint Geek - so much for that HR career... the Borg got her!
• Buff has been fighting a nasty cold this week also - not sure which door knobs he and KL were lickin' - butchaknow...
• Saturday night Rugby was good times! Saw a few familiar faces out at the Axemen.
• Sunday was a beautiful day for a boat ride.
• KH was riding Mountain style in Greenville this week. Hope the trails were a blast!

Last Weekends Rides

I am behind getting last weeks post ride summaries up - that whole work thing gets in the way...

Saturday was Mickler's. Attending: Quadzilla, Thong2, Masher and Diesel. The weather was good, everyone looked strong heading south. I can give some good advice though - moderate the alcoholic intake the night before. Riding with a hangover lends one towards unimpressiveness. So at the gate, I took my hungover self, and turned back around. Luckily, the wind was at my back - so I only sucked a lot, instead of having to be scooped off the pavement. Masher and Diesel rode strong. Thong2 was having a good ride, but a strange craving for a chicken. Not, not a piece of chicken - A CHICKEN. Sometimes, there are questions you just don't ask.

Sunday was a retro ride - doing Lisa's loop. Schmuckatelli, Diesel, Quadzilla and Masher were riders on. It wasn't a particularly fast ride, due to the route, but it was fun - and we still had to work for it. The miles count! By then, I had worked the poor judgement out of my system, and felt much better.

Lodge Ride Updates

Hello

Amelia Island ride on Sunday

Let’s be careful on the road. The last couple of weeks we have had a couple of bike wrecks on the Saturday and Sunday rides. Fortunately they have been a single rider going down and not a group. Pay attention, call out road debris and hazards.
We hope those of you that have wrecked are healing up.

A couple of riding issues people have commented on to me. Then they ask me to pass along to the group.

Please observe the biggest issue – no riding on aero bars in the pace line! These are road bike rides not TT / triathlons.
Wearing head phones or adjusting you iPod/MP3 in the pace line. It is hard for you to hear what is going on and you may gap the pace line not being focused.
Riding over your head in the fast Saturday Group AA.
Please point out or call out road debris / hazards.
On the Sunday ride – watch your speed. These are group rides and we will easy up to let a weaker rider get back on.
If I let one comment out, I know someone will remind me to add to the next email.
Stay focus in the pace line and ride safe.

Saturday – 8:00AM @ the Lodge – 35 – 40 miles round trip (See Map Attached)
Group AA = 25+ MPH
Group A = 19 – 25 MPH

Remember it is a warm up ride to the Palm Valley Bridge. Let’s try to manage the warm up speed till the bridge. It seemed like we were at race speed going out 210 before the bridge.

The Group will leave the Lodge South down PVB out to 210 though the roundabout and out 210 over the PV Bridge and make a Right at Old Palm Valley Road (the first Traffic Light) to compete the Nocatee loops.


See Attached Map for Group AA and Group A

Group AA will make Right at Crosswater Parkway (at the traffic Light at the end of Old Palm Valley Road) and complete Spoke 1, 2, 3, 1 and 3 before returning back by going up the ramp onto Nocatee Parkway.

Group A will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway and complete Spoke 2, Spoke 3, Spoke 1, and Spoke 3 before returning back by going up the ramp onto Nocatee Parkway. We try to make Group A a fast group ride. We will regroup at Old Palm Valley Road after the bridge. Turn around and look to see if we are all together.



Sunday - 7:00 AM at the Lodge
Ride to Amelia Island – 70 miles round trip from the Lodge
We will ride North on First Street
We will pass Rag Time in Atlantic Beach around 7:30 AM
Catch the 8:00 Ferry - $1.00 Each Way

This is a group ride; we try to keep the group together.
Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH

Remember this is a GROUP ride.

Ride Safe
Robert


Robert Buck
robertbuck@comcast.net
Phone 904-285-1217
Cell 904-635-1718

The Rides

Weather looks good...

Saturday morning, 8:00AM, Micklers to the bridge and back.

Sunday, Lisa's Loop. 8:30 her house. Contact Diesel if you need directions. This is a little "lighter" ride, with a coffee stop along the way. Perfect for anyone who's feeling a little rusty these days. Reach out to Diesel if you don't know how to find it!

The gossip

• Saturday saw Sweet Spot, Quadzilla and Kathy H out on the Lodge Ride. Considering Quadz is fighting an upper respiratory infection, this borders on heroic. They rode hard, but time out of saddle brought Sweets down a bit. Sweets and Quadz dropped off about 12 miles in. Kudos to Kathy H for holding on the wheel in front of her the duration. You go girl!
• Buffalicious was spinning wheels of his own - Roulette wheels in Vegas, baybee! He and the spousal unit headed out for their anniversary, and judging from the Facebook pics had quite the time.
• Kathy L spent some time back in Tally with the family and friends over the weekend.
• Tank was out king fishing, with proof making it into the Newspaper! Next thing you know, we will see her on Versus with her own show! It did mean she wasn't out on her bike.
• Tour de France season is over... 51 weeks and counting...
• Sunday brought the Schmuckatelli crew together. Masher, Quadzilla, Schmuck, "the new guy", and I rode about 33 miles. It was HOT. Quadzilla is just a beast, still fighting a cold, and he rode hard. All of us put in a decent showing. Schmuck never even looked like he was working hard. Masher took her pulls, and "the new guy" has revolutions. Sweet Spot was a no-show, but that's HIS story to tell ;)
• Dash 1 is headed to Virginia, so we are looking for rides this week. I personally am going to be looking for opportunities to spend time in the sun. (Save the lectures, I know.)
• This is the last week the L. teenager is outta town - I'm sure they are seeking ways to enjoy their last moments of liberation.
• Masher was in Cali last week visiting friends. I am always amazed when she comes back. One of these days, she won't.
• Make sure you comment if I missed anything~

Saturday – 8:00AM @ the Lodge – 35 – 40 miles round trip
Group AA = 25+ MPH
Group A = 19 – 25 MPH

The Group will leave the Lodge South down PVB out to 210 though the roundabout and out 210 over the PV Bridge and make a Right at Old Palm Valley Road (the first Traffic Light) to compete the Nocatee loops.

Weekend Rides

Saturday morning - the lodge ride. (7:30 at the Lodge. When I get the email from them, I will post if there are any changes.)

Sunday morning - Schmuckatelli's ride. Meet either at the Springs at 8:45 and ride over, or meet at Schmuck's at 9:00.

Weather looks tolerable.

And the gossip

• Quadz and Diesel had another trip to Virginia over the weekend. Apparently, we took all but Schmuckatelli's motivation with us. Where was everyone?
• Sweetspot has been enjoying Hotlanta, with the emphasis on Hot, as in Hot Airplane sitting on the tarmac. There is a guy who knows how to have a good time. Between that and shooing bar flies, I think he is happy to be home.
• Thong and Tank got a ride in early in the week, as did KH who did bridges Monday night. KH was having problems with her saddle, and anyone who been there knows that will wreck a ride AND the day after.
• KH returned from her trip across the pond, and while over there did get to see a leg of the race. Word has it, it really is awesome to behold. They went by so fast, she couldn't even get pics. Or so she says.
• Sweetspot and KL are teen ager less right now - so anyone with good happy hour opportunities, I think you might have some takers.
• Schmuckatelli has been in the gym on the spinners, so he's gonna be putting the pain capes on the rest of us slackers.

Road ID

My new RoadID came! I was terrible about taking my license on my rides. Of course, if a car blew into me, no one was going to have a clue who the flat chick with the gorgeous bike was. I'd been meaning to order an ID for Quad and myself, but during the Tour, their ads finally got me on the schtick. So, it came, and I am such a GIRL. It's an accessory now, so I will never forget it. It's pink, and I totally love it. It matches my outfits, cuz, c'mon, you gotta be hotness when you are out there sweatin' you butt off. OK, right, there is that whole added safety thing, but let's get back to what is important. It's PINK!

To get your own, click the Road ID Icon on this page, it's quick and easy for a piece of mind!

Watching the Tour

It's been great to watch the Tour De France this year. It is a fortnight (yes I used Fortnight) of focused TV watching that brightens up the boring summer TV doldrums. The only issue in my household is from Diesel Jr. whose cartoons and Disney/Nick channel watching has been usurped by wafer thin men(except for their thighs) going way too fast for way to long. When I utter that great statement...." Guess what dear? It's time for the Tour", I get a resounding , "NNNoooooooooooooooooooo" which leaves me smiling.

I have enjoyed the renewed interest in the US of A due to the Lance Armstrong storyline. I think it has made more people at least look at the standings on a regular basis instead of at the end going...who won someone named Sastre(2008)? No matter what you think of Lance and his motives, just his inclusion in this years race and his subsequent showing has fueled the renewed media frenzy.


I enjoy getting the stats from the riders in mid stage. The mph (I am getting better at the KM/hr conversion in my head) and their BPM give me a better idea of how fine tuned their bodies are for stage races. I find myself saying, "Hey, my bpm is usually in that range for that speed" then I go "Oh but they are on a 12 mile continuous 7% incline".... Nevermind..... Anyway, it gives me some goals when I look down at my bike computer during my rides. "So almost passing out frothing at the mouth equals X BPM"...good to know!

I will continue to watch the rest of the Tour and marvel at the last Time Trial later this week.

Post your thoughts...

Quadzilla's Machine

Quadzilla's sweet Ride!

I got this Trek 5.0 Madone Discovery Team version in the Spring of 2006 right before my first MS-150. It has been by far the best bike I have ever owned and ridden. I have taken the aero bars off since I never use them and have added blue walled tires and dark blue handlebar tape to match the bike. Those two features alone have made me 2.7 mph faster.....

Diesel's Baby

I may be the beast, but she is the beauty! My ride is a Trek Madone, 5.9 with a chameleon powder blue paint job. The engine doesn't do the body justice, but I sure love trying.

Ride in Review 7/11 and 7/12

Well, crew... a highly successful ride weekend, even if we were missing a few of you.

Saturday morning, we dodged the triathalon and rode A1A south and back. Winds were mild from the west, so we couldn't use that for an excuse. It was a rocky start, but Sweet Spot earned the "Can't keep me off my bike" award. Yes, he looked like a total goob riding in his flip flops - but, dude, he rode 12 miles that way! The Italian Stallion, Masher, Quadzilla, Sweet Spot and myself made up the pace line. Stallion has been hanging on a fast group recently, and he's riding strong (he even put in 20 more miles than the rest of us). Masher didn't think she was up for the full distance, but completely suprised herself. She had a great pull, despite a crummy transition on a hill. Masher even tackled the Vilano bridge this go round. Those weekend rides with her brother are paying off. Sweets wasn't on his bike long enough to feel the 6+ weeks away - he'd pay on Sunday. Buff was nursing a hangover, so his cutness was no where to be seen. Tank was being a responsible mom, as was Thong. Considering Quad and I have been off the bike for 3 weeks, we weren't complaining. We felt good and were just happy to be back in the saddle. Of course, Quad made sure I was coffee'd up as soon as we got back to the SAGburban. Don't underestimate my crankiness. And hats off to whoever the 58 year old lady was we picked up.

Sunday was a reunion, with some additional wheels. Buff had managed to rehydrate after all the Patron shots (though he is admitting to drunk chatting with his wife and having NO memory of it. Odds on when he gets to go out again???) His saddle had a little bit to talk about considering his time away. Sweets had all his gear, so he was looking for redemption this morning. That lasted until coming BACK over the Wonderwood, at which point he came pretty close to leaving all of his internal organs on the bridge. Foaming at the mouth is not his best look. Masher was huffin' a bit too - since back to back rides have been scarce of late. I was able to hang, but showed some real weakness on the climb. A billy goat I am not. Tank and Thong, still being responsible moms, were nowhere to be seen. That whole parenting thing can get so in the way of your riding. Craigilicious has been spinning during the week, and pretty much schooled us. And Quadzilla, well, there's a reason he has that nickname. Beast. We have a coupla Ghost Riders we wouldn't mind seeing sometime soon (you know who you are - don't make me call you out).

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Just for Starters

Hello All....

I'm Quadzilla, one member of a fun, social road cycling group in Jacksonville Florida. We are primarily weekend riders that love riding, being with friends and good natured sarcasm. We started riding together in the spring of 2006 for an excuse to have BIG Breakfasts and to get ready for our 1St MS-150. We got started by jumping on to a normal weekend Jax Beach ride by Craigilicious and Masher. That evolved into more diverse rides and local ride groups as we dove into the biking lifestyle. 3 MS-150's and new bikes later, we are riders for life , even getting Diesel Jr's participation. So this is our Blog about our group, our rides, our bikes and beer!

Please post any group stories or questions.