Ride Report - August 15, 2007

Phillips, Marc and Megan Peterson

A pleasant change was in store for us as we pulled into the Peterson estate. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, no rain in sight, little wind to speak of.

A great group turned out for the last Phillips ride of the year. Marc, Megan, Emma, and Zoe (sorry about the spellings), Nancy and Scott, Shayne and Vickie, Todd and Julie, Tom and Katrina, John, Joe, Chris, Jeff, Kyle, Mark, Nathan, and Bryan all showed up.

The ride started with the Peterson/Anderson triplex pacing us out to Hwy H. Emma and Zoe did a great job!! (We were also waiting on a late arriving rider.

Once onto H the pace picked up, but stayed within reason. We cruised out to Little Elk/Worchester Rd and made our way to Hwy D. Out D, up the East Highlands, and over to H. Turning down H, we took advantage of the downhill and cranked it up.

The pace kept up as we took the up downs of H. Finally on the downhill about a mile from Sheep Ranch, Kyle took charge, charging down the hill at nearly 40mph! he dropped back for a while as we climbed and dipped again, and then as we climbed to Sheep Ranch, Kyle took the lead and started to pull away. Nathan, John, Joe, Bryan and Jeff, gave chase as the others started to drop back. Kyle opened a lead but the others reeled him in. Eventually he shook everyone again except Joe.

Further back, as Marc, Vickie, Scott, and Mark were working together, an unfortunate accident took place. Vickie went down after touching Marc's wheel. Thank God for helmets! Bruised and scraped, and after minor mechanical fixes, Vickie climbed aboard and rode in with the rest of the group in support. Hope you're feeling better Vickie!

Back at the Peterson's we were treated to a Mexican Fiesta. Wonderful fajitas, taco salad, salsa and chips. Great deserts to fill the tummy. Thanks Marc and Megan.

On a more personal note, first I would like to say it again, Thank God for helmets. Vickie was able to get up and continue riding, and go home with only scrapes and bruises, because of the helmet she was wearing. I don't like seeing people crash, and i don't like to crash, but it is nice to know that helmets do work! Helmets have been around a long time now, and I don't think there is a one of us that climbs on the bike without it, but there are still many people who do not wear helmets. Please encourage them to do so. I've never smacked my head on the ground, but I know it can happen at any time to the most experienced riders. (Sorry about the diatribe, but I saw the accident. Thank you for wearing your helmet!

And on another personal note, as many of you now know, I will be leaving Phillips for Milwaukee in 1 week (August 25). I have accepted a position as hospital and prison chaplain. My family will follow as we get things settled. I do not know if I will be able to be at the Medford ride, almost certainly won't be at the final ride. Said many of my goodbyes the other night. To those of you who weren't there, I also want to say thanks and goodbye. I have really enjoyed the time spent with all of you on these Wednesday nights for the past 4 years. You have challenged my fitness, (or lack there of) and have driven me to new heights of cycling torture, I mean enjoyment. But I have really enjoyed the time sitting around talking and laughing about life. I've enjoyed getting to know you a little bit. I enjoyed the many different kinds of beer we had. I'll keep riding, but I don't know if I will find another group like you.

Thank you so much, and, not goodbye, but Auf Wiedersehen, "until I see you again," or as Tigger loved to say, TTFN, "Ta Ta for now". Your biking buddy and friend, Mark

PS, the web site will remain up. Todd Zumach will be taking over as webmaster, and I might keep my blog going, who knows? My email address remains the same, [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you in the future. Who knows where our paths will cross. Keep an I out for that Flambeau Freewheeler jersey!