We rode 45 miles with the San Antonio Wheelmen - A fairly flat ride southeast of the city. I had my 2002 OCLV Trek "trainer bike" that I had lent to a friend and I forgot about double checking the saddle height. I remembered that her son borrowed it but all I thought was - at least I know the bike would be functional on the road. (I know-space cadet!) We rolled out of the parking lot and I was all jacked up. I thought about doing the pro thing and lower the saddle while riding but my team car wasn't with me on this trip. So I stopped and dropped the saddle 3 cm and hoped on Brad's wheel and we chased. The group was already single file so Brad rolled up to the front. Little did I know that the other guy was an out of towner and they set the pace. Luckily, most of the riders were able to hang as the pace was probably about 16 mph until the other out of towner (Denver Dave Haar) who was late to the start, caught us. I was so thankful for the rest stop as I did not lower my saddle enough. When I got off the bike, my hip flexors were throbbing. Doaph. Fueled and readjusted, we rolled with a smaller group doing the 50 mile loop. We met great people and Brad hammered the second half of the ride, dropping all of us one at a time.
At the rest stop, I was able to talk Denver Jim into doing a second s.a.w. ride in the PM; "grand tour of San Antonio Central (City)". As I unhinged into the wind, and took a few pulls with Denver Jim and another guy, I questioned the 2nd ride - even if it was going to be at 12 mph. Brad finished his interval and we caught back on. We let him roll off alone on his next effort and for the last, one guy and I worked the sweet spot until we hit a pass over.
So the out of towners ruled the ride and I hope it was okay - Thanks S.A.W. Denver Jim, Dave joined us for the 2nd ride and we made it halfway. If you thought an "any town club ride" could be dangerous, try doing one that was geared towards tourists. Wow, we were six abreast after the ride leader gave us a detailed "rules of the road" lecture. Luckily, the drivers were gracious. I rode in the back "sweeping" with the camera. Not used to riding the Trek in a while, I had to stop to take pictures. Multi-tasking didn't work so the sweeping turned into sprinting. It was a fun and entertaining way to see the city as Ken, the rider leader, knew his history. The best part was Williams St. This area's restoration was started by one man. Right, I was taking pictures and did not get to hear all the stories first hand. Google hasn't helped me out and I am getting sleepy.
Tomorrow is a big day as Brad, Denver Jim, Dave and I will be riding 87 miles from a "mapmyride" ride. Hmm. Hasta manana.
