tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37430145.post-76575999083844506712008-07-05T17:20:00.004-06:002008-07-05T17:31:44.596-06:00At least, cycling in Dallas rocks. I ventured out with the Greater Dallas Bicycle Club this morning for a nice jaunt to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DFW</span> &amp; back. It was a kick ass ride.<br /><br />I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous joining up with a group where I knew no one. But it was meeting less than half a mile from my parents house, and it seemed to have various levels that I could hang with. In fact, I thought I'd try to start out with the fast group and see where that took me. I figured: Dallas = flat! I should be able to fly! What I did not account for was Dallas = wind!!!<br /><br />Anyway, I was all ready to head out with the fast group, but the ride leader told me I needed to stay with the normal group. I was a little disappointed, but I relented - he probably knew what was best. As we cruised along, switching often between 16mph and 20mph, I made some new friends and generally had a great conversational ride.<br /><br />Twenty miles in, all the groups came together at a Shell station. My new friend Ryan suggested we head out, that the fast group would catch us, and we started a 22 mile loop around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DFW</span>. It was actually pretty hard to start - sadly, I am a wuss at windy overpasses. :( But over time, I ended up with the lead rider and we hammered it between 24 - 30mph. 22 miles of just trying to hang on, and it was awesome! When we regrouped at 40, the fast guys all said, "you need to hang with us!" Yes! I made it to the club. ;)<br /><br />All in all, the total distance was 57 miles &amp; it was awesome. I might make it to Dallas more now that I know a group where I am welcomed to ride. What a kick ass morning!!<br /><br />Then... the icing on the cake... my dad &amp; I took his bike into Richardson Bike Mart to get a chain cut off (long story) and he bought a helmet. We came back and he started riding around the block. My dad! On a bike!!! What have I done to this man? :) It's fun to see my love of cycling rubbing off on him.<br /><br />I'm loving this visit to Dallas.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492855004660152578noreply@blogger.com