As some of you enjoy the beach sand, surf and sangria, the Dough is still rolling.
Saturday-
Me, Hoodie, Frank and Stanton met at the Texaco at 12/Hamilton Pool. Windy and warm to start, but nice cloud cover for 3/5 of the ride. Like every day in a Texas Summer, it was a Rule #9 Ride (If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period)
We did the Johnson City Loop, a track that reminds you of Rule #10 ( It never gets easier, you just go faster.) Frank led us out early, pacing us on 12 to Fitzhugh. The Frankster educated us with stories about Lake Travis, and its gene pool shrink inflicted by Darwin's rules. Be careful on that water fellas.
We got a little carried away down Fitzhugh, stringing our little band out and eventually dropping Frank. Rollers were Giant's Bane, and got into the Hoodie's kitchen, leaving Stanton and I on a mission to pop. Probably burned a few too many matches, but we finished the first leg of the ride in Johnson City together. Got the txt from Charlie that he had ripped at 20 miles. So it was 3 of us from JC for the remainder.
281 sucked, as usual. Nothing like contemplating your mortality ever pedal stroke to leech the fun out of a ride. But we all got to Cypress Mill in one piece, and the good roll was back on. We took it easy on the county road, and on Hamilton Pool until the climb. After the second switchback, we all regrouped. Stanton was feeling bullish, and KILLED it for the remaining grinder of a climb to the Texaco. Me and the Ticket did some coach-imposed intervals, secretly happy that we had an excuse to not follow Stanton as he unleashed the furry.
Post-ride, the Hoodie treated to LoneStar tall boys. We headed over the Hamilton Pool for a dip (Charlie was already there). Apparently it was the most popular spot in Austin, as cars were lined up 20-deep to get in. Reluctantly, we U-turned and left Char-Frank to frolic in the Pool with hundreds of his closest friends. How was the water Charlie?
Got home and watched the TT. I had a bad feeling about Andy's chances just by the look on his face as he waited at the starting line. I have seen that look a hundred times as I have passed deer in Lakeway. Props to Cadel for hanging tough in the Mountains and absolutely DOMINATING the TT. He had as much help in the TT as he got from his team on every mountain stage.
Sunday-
Me and Z met up for a (mostly) leisurely 2 hour spin. Great to catch up with the Z again, rehabbing his knee and kids' sports have robbed bike time in 2011. Sounds like he has a phenom on his hands! Z joined me for some Lost Creek 5x3 hill repeats, which were as fun as they sound. Even with the rust, the Z is still a strong rider. And he still digs the big ring! Fun roll Z!
Y'all have a great week.
Stanton's Cousin - Glacier Ntl Park
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