Sunday Morning RIDE! - The last "late" one, because it's getting HOT!

'Tis the season... TO RIDE YOUR BIKE! Tomorrow morning will be the last Sunday Morning RIDE departing Clown Dog at the leisurely hour of 10:20am, as starting next week they're shifting it 2 hours. Read on for the latest from Harry, as well as a map of the previous week's ride:

A SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT

The season that passes for spring around here is fast expiring. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed that the temperature has risen somewhat out of the comfort zone by noon. This can only mean one thing. It’s time to move the start of the Sunday morning ride back to the insane, indecent hour of 8:20. This change will occur for the first time on May 9th, that being Mother’s Day. This gives you plenty of time to ride in the morning and still get out to see Mom in the afternoon.

Note that this week’s ride, on May 2nd, will roll at 10:20. Last chance for all you slackers to come on out before the start time is so ridiculously early that you won’t even tell yourself when you’re loaded on Saturday night that you’re gonna do it.

Jessica, who rode with us last Sunday, asked for a map of our route for that ride. Here’s a link.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/austin/740127246050853109

Apologies for the sparseness of my posts in recent weeks, although that probably comes as a relief to many of you. It seems that my extended vacation is over. The specter of regular employment has reared its ugly head, and much of my ride time is now unfairly stolen by the tedium of professional obligations. That really sucks. Except for the income part.

Those of you who have ridden with us before know how we roll. For those who haven’t, please read the blah-blah below. It’s important. Really.

• Some of us are down with the fixed gear deal, but mostly we’re just about riding. Bring whatcha got and ride with us.

• Every cyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and well-being. We assume that everyone is familiar with basic rules of cycling safety and has enough hours in the saddle to feel comfortable with his or her ride. Use of helmets is optional (but highly recommended). Use of headphones, earbuds, Blue Tooth headsets or any other form of electronic distraction is discouraged. (It’s a SOCIAL ride, dammit!) All traffic laws and rules of right-of-way will be observed. Here’s the deal:

SAFETY FIRST!!!!!

If someone gets killed, it ruins the ride for everybody.

• This ride is 25-30 miles long through mostly urban and suburban areas. We do a convenience

store stop at about the halfway point for anyone who needs snacks or drinks.

• Bring a water bottle. It’s warming up out there.

• There is no SAG support on this ride. Bring a spare tube and something that will inflate it.

• The purpose of this ride is for everyone to have a good time and (we hope) to become better cyclists. We ride at a variable pace, according to the group on any given ride, and all skill levels are welcome. This is a 25-30 mile ride over typical Central Texas terrain. If this is consistent with your riding experience, or is perhaps slightly more challenging than what you’re accustomed to, you should have no problem going the distance.

Rejoice, you early risers.

It’s time to ride.

10am at Clown Dog is where you want to be, as they depart shortly thereafter. ALL bikes in good working condition are welcome.