Georgetown Red Line

Have you ever ridden a train when you are eagerly anticipating reaching your destination? I have a few times: the Monorail at Disney World, the L in Chicago, and the T in Boston. Each time, either going to another theme park, sporting event, or music concert, the designated stops came too frequently and seemed to be conspiring against me the entire time. Once there, those agonizing moments waiting on the train seem to “go” away like a Kid-n-Play  haircut. Now, that's a fade, fellas.

I can now add the G’town Red Line to that short list of train rides. My oldest daughter’s basketball tourney at Georgetown High School gym had me missing out on the HCD’s weekend cycling adventures. Knowing I’d have a chance to hit the road after the last game on Sunday afternoon, I quickly charted my route from the high school parking lot to my house, packed my gear and bike into the truck, and headed up to watch Sophie’s Westlake Hoops get decimated by AT Elite, 13-43. I swear: Britney Griner's little sister plays for the Elite team.

Two websites figured dominantly in my ride planning. First, Strava (of course!) came in handy to identify the route, distance, elevation, and any segments. The eventual route selected included a couple of segments I’d either never ridden or had previously but poorly. Like this one: Andice Meltdown & SAG Wagon Bitch. Going solo on this route could spell disaster for the Big Fella. Forty miles into a head wind wouldn’t be fun. Immediately, I consulted WeatherUnderground.com. Hmm … not too bad. No rain forecasted, cooler temps, and (wait for it …) a slight tailwind. "Uh Oh!" I hastily clicked the browser’s back button to check out the “My Results” pages on several segments. Times (and a few names) noted.

I won’t regale you with a blow by blow of the ride. Those are best left to oneself to relive … time and time again! But for those of you that have ridden with me know the following: fresh legs + 40 miles of relatively flat / descending roads + a slight tailwind = Train Starts A Comin'. Each stop light that I missed gave me just enough time to catch my breath, Scratch myself, and then quickly clip back in. I couldn’t wait to get started again because I knew what lay ahead. I had some unfinished business from last weekend’s ride up the 360 Hills.

End of story: seven PRs with three coming on the 360 Hills. Nice way to end the weekend and start the week. Giddy Up!