Really need to get better about getting these blogs out there into the interwebs quicker, so this one will be a dual write up. Thursday we had our end of the season appreciation picnic for all the riders who came out and rode with us over the summer. Food was good, beer was cold and the company was fantastic. This is our third year doing these at the end of the summer season and they're one of my favorite events, huge heat felt thanks to everyone who came out this summer even if you couldn't make it to the picnic we still appreciated you riding with us.
While the summer rides might be over for the season the Saturday morning fat bike ride (SMNDFBR) is actually about to hit it's stride as the weather turns colder and gets a bit more on the nasty side. While we are about 50/50 during the summer on fat bikes to non fat bikes that moves more toward the pudgy side once the cold and snow start descending on us.
Wasn't too sure what we were going to do for this ride, the initial plan had been to head out to Hickman and 9 South Chargrill but that was on Wednesday when the forecast called for dry conditions. Fast forward to Saturday and we were standing around in the shop at quarter to 9 and it was raining off and on, some of it pretty good but Mother Nature is a fat bike lover so she cleared off right around 9:10.
While the rains might have stopped, it was still wet and really chilly but after talking it over we decided to stick to the original plan weather be damned, so off to the soggy gravel we rode. I love the ladies and guys that we get for this ride, real troopers who rarely complain about the weather and just show up rain, snow or shine prepared to tackle whatever is thrown our way.
The gravel was soft and wet which gave the advantage to the fatter tires, for once we had to slow up and wait on the skinnier tires. Luckily the councilman made an executive decision and deemed it necessary to pull out the ditch beer and call the meeting to order. On Fleek, was the name of this particular brew and if you're a fan of the dark, heavy stouts and porters this one is... well, on fleek as the name implies.
We couldn't dilly dally too long though, Todd was getting so hungry he started gnawing on his Ziploc and plastics nothing anyone should be forced to eat.
For a brief bit the clouds parted and we rode though Roca and onto Hickman under blue skies and sunshine thinking maybe things were looking up weather wise.
9 South, although not located on South 9th Street in Hickman, is always good and the Hickman location is maybe a touch above the original as far as atmosphere goes. Once done we were greeted outside to wind, cold weather and overcast skies once again, it looked like our sunshine was short lived.
The wind did help dry things out considerably during the hour we were in Hickman which helped us to quicken the pace on the way back to help stay warm while riding into the brisk headwind.
Once back on this side of Saltillo Road we regrouped at the shelter and took a quick potty break, this spot is so much nicer since they built the shelter and put a port-o-potty out there. Poor pugs is going to need a bath for sure, she was looking all shiny and pretty for the most part up until this ride but I suppose all that dirt does add a little character.
Back in Lincoln we high tailed it down to the visitor center and picked up our 2017 Lincoln Beer Tour booklets and then rode over to White Elm for a free beer, followed by Code Beer for a half priced pint, they actually give you two half priced pint so you still get a free beer just in two halves. Although we didn't watch the game, you can generally tell when the Huskers didn't do so well and this was one of those times, while not exactly glum you could tell folks weren't overjoyed either. We will get there again one day, you just gotta have faith and a little patients until we can hit our stride again.
Once refreshed it was a short jaunt down N Street and back to the shop and the end of another great SMNDFBR. Thanks to all who made it out and for putting up with the weather, hopefully next weekend we will get a little more sun.
No comments:
Post a Comment