Saturday morning, I got up bright and early packed the car with the girls' stuff and headed to Williamsburg for the 56 mile Patriot Pre-Ride. Although I have no intention of doing the Patriot Half, I thought it would be fun to ride with the girls and it was!
It was a beautiful day. The ride was supported with water and snack stops and some very kind volunteers. The ride went well, I got into aero alot. Margo stayed in the back with me, (a kind soul).
Everything was going well, until the last 15ish miles on Rt 5 which started around 11 a.m. When we stopped at the mile 30 water stop my right calf seized up in a cramp. I did an Orange Power Gel. I hate Gu's but it was ok.
Margo told me that at some point I had opened up a can of whoop-ass because for 5 miles she had to cycle @ 20 mph to catch me. I said she was a liar. She swears it's true! Who knew?! I guess there's nothing like the fear of getting run over by a boat trailer to light a fire under my legs! I swear, if I never ride on Rt 5 again, it will be just fine with me! People are travelling at 55 mph, and really do not care that you are riding on the side of the road.
As soon as I could, I got on the bike path about 5 miles from the Jamestowne High School end point. I'd much rather ride a little slower, say "Excuse me, on your left" to the leisure riders than continue the risk of that road.
I hope that other cyclists will consider using the path that is part of the Capital Trail. It seems unwise to ride on the road when a path is provided for our use. While we complain about the manners of the motorists, are we really using our best manners being on the road when a paved path is provided just 10 feet to the right?
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