Not quite to McCormick's Creek

Saturday, April 25, 2009

By Ride Leader Allan Edmonds

It was a warm day in April and a somewhat shorter than average Saturday ride. Given the warmth and the strong westerly wind, many of us were quite happy to complete a basic 35 mile loop.

The official club map for this ride was designed for use on holiday club rides, when we have sometimes headed out to McCormick's Creek State Park and taken a sociable break to eat a (second for many of us) breakfast at the buffet in the Inn. Since we weren't going into the park, the leader opted to cut off the out-and-back segment to the park. That resulted in a basic 35 mile loop. Many riders extended the ride by riding down into Spencer and then by the park, adding 8 or 9 miles at the NW corner of the route. Others did the basic 35 that I had announced. And others, I am sure, did yet more.

At least one pair abandoned the ride after incurring a flat on the way out of town.

I led this ride strictly from the rear, with three of us coming back into town together. We briefly saw a few people at the store in Whitehall, but otherwise we three rode most of the ride on our own, from Ellettsville onward.

The warm windy weather especially made this a difficult ride for one so early in the season. I know of at least one rider who got a ride the last few miles and really appreciated it. And at least one rider welcomed a ride home from the park. As usual it is good to keep an eye on your fellow riders and lend a hand if anyone is struggling.