A Bientot Carbon Dave

We say "'til next time" to Carbon Dave and all the best out west!! CD brought his A game on Sunday and despite only being on the bike a handful of times he grit his teeth and was prominent in the front group all day long. It was a very quick ride with group remaining "ensemble" for most of it. We started super fast and flew through eastern T.O. like grass through a goose. Once over the river the torrid pace continued and a quick left and onto Rosebank. The cobblestones in Pickering were traversed with little fanfare and Taunton Road was all the carbon man's until cresting when Steve (et al) tried to fracture the group.

Brock Road was somewhat miserable but a welcomed nature break in Brougham (I am sure I will pay at the pearly gates for such indiscretions) had us on our way through Claremont. Thanks to all those who waited for the group to reform...outstanding!! Up and out of Claremont and towards the promised land...Webb Road. Lots of other cyclists on this stretch although heading in the easy direction I might add. Emile, Jeff and Steve (the usual suspects) flattened the rollers and conquered the toughest part of the ride. Thanks to Jeff for buying our caffeine...not necessary but appreciated.

What a bomb southward!! The peloton was strung out and no one was allowed to breakaway....Dan would be salivating at the prospects!! My pitiful efforts were routinely nullified. Jeff merely pumped those pistons called legs a couple or three times faster and he was on me......no biggy for him but my tongue has abrasions from rubbing on the ground. A couple of more efforts and finally Emile had seen enough and swatted me like a gnat. It was kind of like poking a sleeping bear with a stick...eventually you get what you deserve.

Military Trail, to be perfectly honest, was somewhat anti-climactic.....I may be given to hyperbole at times I guess. I was dispatched to the back (as usual) as the climb started and I thought for a bit my bike was emitting that "beep beep" sound trucks do when they are backing-up. Either way I think Steve took the final ascent but the lead group remained intact.

A great ride guys and a real pleasure. Some individual notes on "Surfing the Webb".

Carbon Dave.....always a pleasure and you'll be missed. Give Sunwapta Pass a try and let us know what you think.

Bob (the new guy)...check this cat out. He rides the Donut less than 24 hours ago and despite having the chance to drink beer and eat pizza and stay up late (wife away running half marathon) he hauls his backside out at 0630 and throws done with the BCC....hardcore...OUTSTANDING!!

Big Mat Matt....word on street had it that 60 km was his longest ride and here he is going full throttle for a metric century....well done and great to draft off of too!

Jeff always on his game and seems to crush every route I come up with. No point trying to break from the group when Jeff is on the front...he just puts you in his crosshairs and you're toast...or toasted.

Barry D. ...always upbeat and stays loose like his water bottles! Barry always goes the distance with quiet confidence and was a great riding partner down Reesor...we tried to catch back on together but despite a solid effort we couldn't quite dot it.....just the same a highlight for me to ride with.

Christian...riddled with mechanicals this ride...even the spare tire decided to eject itself off his bike.,,,but never a complaint and he will be visiting Dano this week for some "chain stay on bike" therapy. Christian is used to the riding in France...takes awhile to get used to cornfields vs vineyards. A great partner along Kingston Road.

Steve...never at the back as he relishes in dishing out the pain from the front.. he never met a breakaway he didn't like. Fast up those f*** inclines and speedy on the lats...only a handful can hold his wheel. Not sure if the family witnessed the tour passing his home this week....hardcore to the bone.

Emile...what can I say...consumate pro...helps the group...helps guys bridge back...laws down the law only when necessary...what is in those donuts anyways??

James Young

Editor's Note: Sounds like I missed another great ride. I'm not sure when I'll be back on the road, but this will be my last post as the temporary blogger as our intrepid leader, Dan, has returned from his cross-Canada journey. Many thanks to James for his great text and pictures!

Adam