The route had been organized and thoroughly planned, each party was given a map with appropriate written commentary on the back. D and I love being invited on these festive group bike rides with my parents and their athletic group of friends.
We arrived in Melba under precarious skies, mountain bikes and road bikes alike. D rode at my pace like a true gentleman as my 1980s Schwinn Road Bike navigated the rough pavement. About 6 miles in the hail started. This is how we earn our post ride beer. The sun came out, the hills got steeper...I actually had to change gears (I like to pretend I ride a single speed). Past the hilltop gun range (somehow there are always guns involved on these festive rides). Finalmente we arrived at the base of a dirt road. At the top of this ominous hill was the Sawtooth Winery. People were pushing their road bikes in a last-ditch effort to summit. At last we were able to invade the tasting room for some wine and serious complimentary cheese (I think we cleaned her out of the cheese). Several purchases later and we're all heading back down that ominous hill only to be met with yet another uphill adventure. Cheerful people passed me by while I grumbled curses. Then a series of beautiful downhill jaunts and we were home free. We wrapped it up in just under 30 miles.
Posts
