Coffee Ride: A Morning of Contrasts

With the weather website forecasting heavy fog this morning, I stepped out onto my deck to a cool but crystal clear morning.  The stars were bright pinpoints in the dark night sky.  Yes, there was some humidity, but it was not oppressive.  It was going to be a beautiful morning ride!

On my way to the Rusty Bridge, I noted a large SUV approaching from behind me while another vehicle was approaching from the front.  I moved as far right as I dared, which was probably the mistake.  Taking the lane would have been smarter.  The driver of the SUV squeezed between me and the yellow center line as she passed.  She missed me by only a foot with her side rear view mirror.  I sighed a deep breath.

As I crossed the Rusty Bridge, the full moon was setting in the west.  It was a spectacularly beautiful deep orange color, with trees silhouetted in the dim skies.  I only caught a glance of it, but the image lingered for quite some time.  When I returned to the bridge a little later, the moon had set.

The first quarter of our ride was not fast at all, in fact it was quite comfortable.  The speed began to pick up on the hills of Old County Road.  Bryan and I were a bit off the back and we tried to catch the other riders.  We were making some good headway in that effort when they picked up the pace and again we fell back.  Thwarted by my calorie restricted diet again!

Bryan and I rode comfortably together the rest of the route.  No one waited for us at the turn around, so we continued on to the coffee shop, arriving at exactly the opening time of 6:30.  Jeff happened to join us at Jones Station Road, so the three of us pulled in at the same time, just moments after the faster group had arrived.

We had great conversation and “ribbing” going on as we slugged down coffee and the absolutely delicious “breakfast cookie” that The Big Bean owner makes every morning.  The hot ones coming out of the oven are the best, full of oatmeal and cranberries.

And then it was time to ride home.  It was a little chilly at first, but still a beautiful morning for a ride.

This Ride: 18.8 miles
Malaria Campaign: 1,588.7 miles
Funds Pledged: $794.35
Contributed in support: $2,153.60

Total = $2,947.95