The Hat

I've had a little pressure to post a picture of "The Hat" from the New Year's Day ride. My wife really didn't want to be seen in public with me while I was wearing it, but she'll get over it. To get noticed you have to be crazy once in awhile. It's not the greatest picture, but you get the idea (Spiderman, you owe me a couple beers for the public release of this picture).

New Year's Day Freeze Your Giblets Ride

The Spoke-N-Sport New Year's Day Ride was very much as advertised in my last post: Cold, windy, and would only bring out the stupidest bravest riders. The ride was cut from 20 to about 8 miles due to the conditions (sorry to my friends in Alaska, we can't hang with y'all). Eight miles was still enough to make my toes and fingers a little on the numb side so I was glad to be done.

Afterwards we enjoyed some awesome chili, a keg of 1919 Root Beer, hot chocolate and coffee. It was nice to see the Sioux Falls gang. I hadn't seen many of them since the Margarita Ride so it's always good to spend time with them.

My last post laid the guilt trip on Craig D. and he showed up to ride. Chad P. (from Alcester, not The Owner) also showed up and rode his trike. Travis K. (now living in SF, but former Lane Hog legend) also rode but showed up late, something that NEVER happens with Travis < /sarcasm > so it was nice to see him as well.

Here are a few pictures from the proceedings:

The owner:


Craig D and I preparing to rob the store go for a ride. I'm sporting a new balaclava due to the fact I forgot my Headsokz. It's all part of the owner's evil plan I'm sure.


Craig D and I mounted up and ready to roll.

Bringing in 2008 Right...With a Ride!

This is where I'm going:

This is what I'm potentially up against:

This is why I can't wuss out: An email from Mr. Bite himself:

Yo,

Thee 103rd annual Spoke-n-Sport New Year's Day ride will take place tomorrow (New Year's Day to those calendaricly challenged) starting at 1 PM. The ride won't be that long and afterwards there's chili and stuff across the street in the church school gym. Good times.

Yes, it will be a bit cold. But, you haven't anything better to do and the cold will serve as a character builder. Only severe wimps will not attend. Since I know that's not you I'll see you there.

Spoke-n-Sport is just east of the corner of 37th St and Minnesota Ave. Just go where all the bikes are. Last year I think there was more than 100 riders in weather that was a lot crappier than it will be this year.

Word.

So much for thoughts of going up, hanging out, eating, and potentially NOT riding. I've been called out. I'll be there. Probably bitching. But I'll be there. Riding.