Social Cycling ATX presents: Monday Heavy Metal Fitness Ride - Run to the Hills edition.

Keith just let me know that Clif posted the writeup on tonight's Heavy Metal Fitness Ride as a Facebook event, so go there if you want to RSVP, or if you don't do Facebook here are the details:

Anyone up for a cold, wet Heavy Metal Fitness Ride in the dark hills of west Austin? Uhhhh, anyone?

Hmmmm. Well, regardless, the Metal Ride must rock on. This Monday we'll forgo our newly established ritual of breaking up into groups. That'd just be too damn lonely. Expect a B to C pace with "no drop" this week. Thus, despite the likelihood of inclement weather, the ride will be a bit more mellow.

The temperatures are predicted to be in the low 50's, high 40's with a 50% chance of rain. Think rain gear.

We'll depart from the Plfuger Pedestrian Bridge at 7:30 pm sharp.

Here's the route map:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Heavy-Metal-Hills-Version-4-1

The usual lowdown follows with a special emphasis on helmets, lights and the large west Austin rodents we know as deer.

It'll be slick as a whistle out there so helmets are VERY STRONGLY recommended. We had a rider crack his helmet in dry weather three weeks ago so this week's wetness could make it even more important to protect yourself. I'd rather not attend to any head injuries in the rain and cold. Ok?

With the potential of reduced visibility comes the increased importance of good front and rear lights. You know how Austin motorists get when the weather turns...

Watch out for deer! I try to ride the west route a couple of time a week and I don't think there's been a ride in the last couple of years without seeing at least one, two or ten. Please slow down for the deer. It's much quicker than hitting one.

Ride what brung ya. Road, mountain, bmx, cruzer, fixie, whatever. Metal Fitness is an equal opportunity ride and not limited to roadies.

You’ll need to bring water, LIGHTS, tube changing necessities, a lock, your id and TIP MONEY if you’re into quaffing free beer post ride.

See you there!

-Clif

It's gonna be a wet one out there so don't forget your fenders and rain gear. They're going to go at a somewhat slower pace due to the weather, so don't worry about getting dropped this time around. The ride leaves at 7:30pm SHARP, so don't be late.