The Eighth Annual Fall Finale Fifty-ish Mile Country Path Ramble rolls out at 9 am on Saturday, November 12…less than 2 weeks from now. This post is to remind those of you who might be considering joining us to make a decision, make a plan, invite your friends, and come on out.
This post is also for folks who haven’t joined us before…to explain what it is we do. Veterans of the ride have a pretty good idea on what to expect. In many ways, this year’s ride will be very similar to what we’ve typically done for the last few years.
When
This year’s Ramble will be on Saturday, November 12. We will roll out of my driveway at 9 am. That means you should arrive in time to make all needed preparations BEFORE 9 am.
What
The Ramble is a ride I do each year on a Saturday near the end of autumn. The primary objective is to spend a few hours riding a bicycle with others on rural north Texas roads. A goodly fraction of the route is on gravel roads. Historically, it’s length has been in the 40-50 mile range.
This year’s route, weather permitting, will be the same as last year. There will be two options. The standard route which includes the communities of Greenwood and Rosston is approximately 50 miles. The shorter optional route is smaller loop-within-a-loop that bypasses the two communities (so no services at all) and is roughly 35 miles long.
I always want folks to know that I’m not hard-core. I can ride if it is a little cold, or a little drizzly, but I don’t like cold AND wet. On days like that, I will send you on your way with a cue sheet and my best wishes, and then spend the rest of my day by the fireplace (join me there if you wish).
The pace is what I call “conversational” because I think of this as a social kind of touring ride. We will stop for snacks, photographs, or just because. Since I’m participating in the Coffeeneuring Challenge, I am definitely planning to stop for a coffee brew-up. Like last year, I plan to have cue sheets available for those who might wish to ride faster or slower than me.
The other thing to emphasize for this ride is that you are responsible for you. This is not a T-shirt ride, there are no entry fees, and no sag services. We’ll have a couple of places to stop for restroom, water, or snacks. You should have a back-up plan for a mechanical problem, and beware…some areas on the Ramble route do not have cell phone service. Yes, it’s rural.
Who
Anyone who is interested in being a part of what is described above is welcome to participate. If you plan to join me, I would appreciate an email message (cj dot spinner at g mail dot com) or a blog post comment telling me that you will be here. My preparation plans are dependent on the number of folks participating, so please help me with this. If you plan to join us and haven’t already contacted me, please do so now.
Where
If you need my address and/or directions to my little place on the prairie, send me an email.
How
Plan ahead. If this Ramble thing sounds like a good time, block out the day and get it on your calendar now. Then make your contingency plan in case you can’t finish the route for any reason. Finally, let me know you are coming. Bring a friend.
Any questions?
Lovely morning in Ohiopyle State Park
Steve descends a steep one
Steve and I went into town for breakfast and spend some time at the river
Some of the nicest sections of the trail for us was here
Rivers, hills, and trees filled my senses
The Rambler performed wonderfully
Steve and Carey with backlight highlights
View of Meyersdale from our room
Steve cooks on a chilly morning
Carey’s morning cheer
Camp, after the fog lifted
Cruising to Connellsville
Library coffee shop stop
Ohiopyle State Park, we camped on the right side near the top
Carey works culinary magic with water outdoors.
Pondero 