Epic Lollygagging 2017

This is the post that provides key information for the 9th Annual Fall Finale 50ish Mile Country Path Ramble. This year’s information post includes bonus photos of Blue Moon leading the reconnaissance expedition. That was a huge responsibility because this year’s route has been modified. The key differences in the route are (a) it is a couple of miles shorter, (b) includes less mileage on FM roads, (c) omits the Rosston General Store, and (d) includes a few new segments. The route for 2017 is similar to what we’ve done in the recent past, but Blue Moon wanted to shorten it a little and trade FM road mileage for County Road mileage. Regrettably, he had to sacrifice a crowd favorite stop in Rosston, but was able to keep the delightful Greenwood stop on the route.

Blue Moon takes his reconnaissance seriously

When

This year’s Ramble will be on Saturday, November 11. 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. Sometimes we have a fire going, or some breakfast tacos to munch. We always enjoy admiring our friends bicycles. This is a social ride, so arriving an hour early would be brilliant!

He wants you to know you’ll see gobs of barbed wire

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 (about 44% this year). Historically, it’s length has been in the 40-50 mile range. This year totals 48.

This year’s route, weather permitting, will be about 2 miles shorter than last year, and will include a couple of new segments. In the past, I have offered two options.  The standard route, and a shorter interior loop of approximately 35 miles which omits the Greenwood stop. Blue Moon urged me to omit the short route option this year. There are no services on that route at all. Officially, I probably will omit it. However, if you want to come and are not comfortable with the 48 mile route, let me know.

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.

Blue Moon allowed for my favorite coffee brew-up spot on the route (mile 14.5)

Blue Moon approves of the brew-up spot in front of the grove

The Ramble has gone through Leo in the past, and Blue Moon wanted it back this year

In addition to the coffee brew-up on the route, a sort of tradition has emerged to drive into town (Sanger) after the ride to refuel with Mexican food at Miguelito’s. Any who wish to join before making their way back to the big city are welcome to join the group for a little more bicycle-related socializing.

Not far past Leo, we’ll get to see the big hole

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.

Blue Moon knows we all want to stop at the Greenwood Grocery for grub (mile 27)

…and admire the classic ad mural…

…and the park…

Where

If you need my address and/or directions to my little place on the prairie, send me an email.

Blue Moon made sure we’d have plenty of creek crossings

Blue Moon suggested routing through Slidell

Did he mention barbed wire?

…and gravel roads, we love our gravel roads!

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.

We are sad when the last gravel segment turns to pavement

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 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 (official) sag services. That said, Mrs. Pondero has been known to rescue a few folks in the past. She has a pick-up and a cell phone, and often tries to join the group at Greenwood at the time she expects some of us to be there (noonish?).

We’ll have only one place to stop for restroom, water, or snacks (Greenwood, mile 27). 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.

Any questions?