First MS Training Ride 2003

The weather predictions were WRONG again! About 25 people showed up for the first training ride of the season; really great turnout for an early training ride. It was an absolutely perfect day for riding on Sunday, March 9th as the Babes and Babe Magnets on Bikes led three routes. After the legal formalities, cue sheets and leis were distributed to the riders. Five people did the 10-mile route, where two riders used their clipless pedals for the first time. Team MADFitness Captain provided a commentary on Poolesville that was better than having a tour guide. Eleven people did the 20-mile route with a personal best for new rider Mary. Valeria somehow got back and must've lengthened her ride. About 11 people did the 30-mile route (and some even tacked on an extra 15 miles). Steve's two flat tires were the excitement on that loop. There was a bit of water on the roads in some places, but the roads were generally in good shape around Poolesville. The grit washes off.

Six teams were represented, and at least five of the new individual riders were convinced to join a team. We had riders from The Babes and Babe Magnets on Bikes, Bike Team DC, Bombers, Hell's Fury, Team MADFitness, and Weeda Beahm Team. It's good to be back on our bicycles. Sunday's ride renewed old ties and created new ones. There were lots of smiles, and everyone was having fun (a requirement for a Babes-led ride).

Thanks to John Ordway, Jim Carlson, and Maggie Thompson (MS Bike Tour Coordinator) for bringing their brooms to sweep the rides. Welcome to new riders and the ones that keep on coming back. Let's see how many names of riders I can get: Maggie, Willy, John (2), Jim, Tim, Doug, Linda, Julie, Michelle, Valeria, Clayton, Mary, Jenn, Sue, Bob, Gil, Steve, Elvis, Victoria, and just a few more