Last Sunday when I posted up the ride for this week it was supposed to be in the mid 60s and the route was going to be a century but Mother Nature had other plans in mind. As the week went on the forecast temps steadily dropped and the chances of rain on Friday climbed so a reroute was in order, nobody likes a cold, wet century if you don't have to. Ironically some of the crew were out of town for Land Run and they had near ideal conditions for the race that is traditionally a mudfest.
Seems like the only time that the weather person is correct is when it's for crappy weather, they did not disappoint on Friday and it rained most of the day. Roads were less than ideal but sometimes you just have to play the cards you are dealt. The gravel roads spread across the deary Nebraska landscape like muddy veins spreading out in all directions, our tires the surrogate syringe boring tracks in the soft surface. While fleeting and impermanent, for a short time we scarred the Earth for a little taste of dirt to satisfy our addiction.
The backup plan was a little bit shorter 65 mile route out to Greenwood and Eagle before heading back to Lincoln. Despite the dismal weather and the sloppy conditions of the gravel in spots, we were making decent time and spirits seemed to be high.
Rolled into Greenwood a bit cold and looking for a place to warm up.
I've been through Greenwood on a bike before but always as part of the Heatstroke, didn't even realize that there was a bar in town. Not much for bike racks in the town but we all seemed to find an accommodating light pole, most the same one even though there were several to chose from.
Bar was warm, food was good and the beer was cold. While we were eating we decided to shave off about 10 miles and reroute a more direct course toward Eagle, we never did get anywhere near the forcast 44 degrees they had promised us, 35 was the highest my Garmin ever showed.
Gravel was in mostly decent shape but the MMRs were totally off limits, might have to come ride this one when things dry out a little more.
The reroute of the reroute had us riding straight down 202nd and then onto the MoPac if it wasn't too bad, surprisingly it was in better shape them most of the gravel had been.
With the MoPac being dry and still as flat as ever, we made good time heading back to Lincoln but had to stop at The Hut because what ride on the MoPac would be complete without a stop there.
Once back in town there was the usual peel off of folks who had had enough fun for one day.
The rest of us ended up at Method for adult beverages and a little cake to celebrate Roy's birthday which was on Tuesday. And for some of us a little dinner later on with friends to celebrate my birthday along with Roy's birthday. All in all it was a great day to be out on a bike with friends despite the weathers best attempt to stop us. Thanks to everyone who came out, looks like more rain/snow in the forecast this week so we will have to see how things shake out and plan accordingly for next weeks ride.
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