Climbing & Coffee

A lone Ithuriel's Spear? This photo-worthy specimen popped up in my backyard.

It's often too challenging to play photographer when a group is hanging together on a ride.

What's the formula for coaxing new riders to join a club ride? A gentle pace, a modest distance, not much climbing, a later starting time, a social break?

We had all of that. Yet, besides my chief cycling buddy, the two riders who showed up were stronger than us (and, long-time members).

They rode alongside and chatted with us, loitering patiently at the top of the hill. One enjoyed a concoction that looked like a giant cup of whipped cream. Maybe there was coffee in there, somewhere.

Everyone else missed out on the 31 miles, 960 feet of climbing and the ample camaraderie that I enjoyed.