A formidable group assembled at Pulaski Park this morning for the SMR.  We had nine riders at the start, and Wendy, the "King of QOMs"  met us at the start of Clessen Brook Rd.  We had Tim the Tornado Cary (ride co-leader), Madelyn Mad-Dog Nage, Chris The Candyman Owens, Brent The Kardiac Kid Auerbach, Conan Dirty Deeds Deady, John Boltcutter Marshall, relative newbie Seth The G-man Gotlieb, and, last but not least, everyone's favorite vintner dentist, Ian Dr. Pain on the Bike, Modestow.  

The pace was solid all day long, and the climbs were relentless.  Village Hill in Burgy, Hemenway, Ashfield Rd, Main Poland, Creamery Rd were all  contested at the front, but I have no idea what was happening there because I was perpetually at the back.  We stopped for a bathroom break and refreshments at the Good Times Cafe, then went around Ashfield Lake to Rte 112.  We picked up Wendy and then hit Clesson Brook Rd, a nice, stair-step sort of climb.  We had a photo opp at the top (I'm having trouble getting my photos to upload, but it's on my Strava post).  I was lobbying for a "Human Pyramid" but no one would cater to my request. 

After that, there was a lot more up and down.  We saw a big snapping turtle, which I understand makes a nice stew.  I got stung several times by a bee and screamed like a little B-word.  People split off in drips and drabs, and I was pretty clapped out by the end.  I had 58 miles and 4,442 feet, a ride time of 3:46, and an average speed of 15.4 mph.  We got home (as promised) by 1:30.  Good times.   Joe