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Discombobulate: upset, confuse.
Our plan for Saturday's ride was to join in the Cartecay Crew's Chili Dawg ride starting from the Big Creek FireStation in Ellijay.
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There was a good turnout, so we thought we'd be in good company for the 50 mile option being led by Joe.
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For a brief moment, I thought I was in France, climbing La Plagne. Markings on the road to cheer on Tour de Georgia riders were as fresh as the day Mike, er uh, someone painted them.
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This is my favorite. Where would cycling be without him? I've had the pleasure of meeting him. He's as impressive in person as he is on camera.
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Our small group of 50'rs led by Joe consisted of Ursula, Kevin, Mary, #34Mike, me and Raja. Ursula and I raced together in the early 90's, and tried to pinpoint the dates. Enough chit chat, Joe was ready to get on with the show. So we split from the group and began the gravel road climb up Springer.
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I was happy to take the climb at a leisurely pace with the Kellar's and #34. Knowing you have 50 miles to tackle makes the ride strategy different from a 30 miler.
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Joe and Ursula had long since disappeared ahead on the climb. I was merely enjoying the distant views. But then the view in front began to take on a new look. An ice show was slowly unvieling before us. At first it was just on the ground. Ah, isn't that neat!
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The ground was muddy and sloppy from the freeze thaw effect. Mmmm, mud in my face! Isn't that neat?
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Ice was in the trees.
.
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And so we rode along the muddy, icy, wet, cold,
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beautiful winter wonderland.
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However, Raja was not seeing things from my point of view. All he could see was 2 trashed drivetrains that he would have to refurbish. And all he could feel was, well, he couldn't feel his toes. It was cold. I thought it was supposed to be 60 degrees today?
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Not knowing the route the B Group had taken, we were hoping to hook up with them. But after descending a good ways, it was apparent we were not going to be joining in with any Cartecay riders. However, not all was in vain! Discombobulation was temporarily averted and order was restored to our universe. We came upon a hiker and his dog. It turned out to be an old racing teammate/friend that we had not seen since last summer. It was a real treat to visit with him and his beautiful dog, Merckx.
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Mud or gel? Confusing? Just a little discombobulation.
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No need to put the fire out. All discombobulation for today is over!
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4 comments:
You should hang a copy of that truck picture on your wall. That is awesome.
Awsome Blog I want to come ride with you guys. I was slaving away on the rode bike in the cold. Springer is awsome I have not been up there sense I through hiked the GA AT in Oct looks like a grat place to ride.
Every Blessing
Alan
Nice pictures, Polly! Everything was so pretty iced up, but the road was like riding through oatmeal! But, always good riding with you guys. I see you guys visited Ned on the way home!
Til' next time,
Mary
Amazing pictures, as always... I especially like the one with the hiker and his dog in the car window - Wow. Sorry to hear you sprung a leak again! :)
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