May 22 - Play Off Hockey

Number of riders: 23
Start Temp: 16C
Finish Temp: 19C
Wind: SE 18 - ESE 22
Overcast. Humidity 80%
Distance: 98km

The predicted showers never materialized, but the air sure felt heavy. Gorgeous day for a ride all in all.

FOG's answer to play-off hockey today (put the whistle in the pocket and let the players play as long as they don't do anything flagrant). We had a decent following wind and riders of all abilities seemed to want to cruise along at 35 kph to Lockport so we did. Upped the pace a bit on the way to Selkirk while still riding as one group. Quick break, then on to the big bridge for everyone at to 40-42 kph. Everyone was pretty close together. Quick regroup and then divided into two equal sized groups back to Hwy 44. 40kph with sustained periods of 46+ for the fast group. Some jackass in a gold Honda Accord decided to demonstrate that even the lowest form of life can get a driver's licence leaning on his horn as he passed within a foot of us at 80 kph on a completely empty road. Lucky for him, the Crown Prosecutor only caught a partial plate. Quick regroup at Hwy 44. The regular group was only a couple of minutes behind. On to BHP for 17 riders. Kept up the quick pace. It all worked well as the faster riders pulled, while the less strong hid in the draft. Lots of smiles from everyone.

The ideal dress for the day was a jersey, shorts +/- arm warmers. Rain jacket in the back pocket.

Next ride: Monday morning at 9:00 if the weather holds.