End of Season Road Ride

For about two months now, I have been planning the route for the end of season ride for our group.  We knew that the ride would start off by going past the castle, but after that, we had numerous options.  I elected to take us on a 27 mile squarish loop that took us past some really picturesque farms, some streams and ponds, a couple of Christmas tree farms and rolling countryside. 

A couple of us pre-rode the course a couple of weeks ago to make sure that the roads were in good condition (no broken pavement, decent shoulders, no sand) and check out how heavy the traffic would be for us.  Everyone agreed that it was a challenging but not over the top difficult course.  Only thing we had to worry about now was the weather.

We worried for nothing.  What a gorgeous fall day!

Eleven riders today!  Woo Hoo!!

We started as a group of eleven.  Most of us were dressed in neon lime/yellow jackets to make us more visible to drivers.  It seemed to work.  None of us got hit by cars.  I don't even think there were any close calls.  But the same can not be said for dogs.  We were still in a pretty close pack when someone yelled "dogs."  I happened to be taking pictures over my shoulders when someone behind me hit the little yippy dog that decided to run into the street.  Rider down.  Dog ran back to the house.  Everyone was okay.

Me realizing there is a rider down and Chuck checking back on everyone.

We made two quick stops to look at the castle and then to say hi to the zebra up the street.  Yes, that's right.  There is a zebra that lives up the street from the castle.  And a peacock.  And a 3 legged goat.  And a white tailed deer.  There might be more on the grounds of the castle, but that is all we saw today.

While the guys showed us how to attack the hills, I took the time to look around at what was left of the fall foliage.  While most of it is past, I noticed a few trees that still had some stunning red leaves.  Gorgeous.  The speed demons missed it, I'm sure.

The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful.  Some relentless uphills that transitioned into some sweet curvy downhills.  Some babbling brooks and glistening ponds.  And rolling countryside with fall colors around the edges.  All gorgeous.


We ended with 26.8 miles.  And then promptly started to replace those calories we had burned.  Great ride, great food, great friends and a fitting end to our riding season.  Can't wait to kick it off again next season!!

~Cori