03/17/02 by Ted Ingraham
For the second Saturday in a row, a good turnout of riders braved the elements to get in some realistic race and skill training at Munroe Falls. I believe there were at least twelve of us; four Team Summit guys, two women, and six of us "posers." Jim Mullins ran us through some drills and we practiced pack handling skills, then we practiced going anaerobic enough times that I was soooo glad to hear someone suggest that we go for a ride!
What "elements?" Well last week it was the rain. It was relatively warm but the persistent rain eventually soaked us all. Bryan Huntley remarked that it was perfect RATL training because it ALWAYS rains during RATL! This week it was COLD. Only about 30 and a sharp north wind. Actually, I like riding at that temperature but the head cold I already had didn't like it at all! (It got its revenge by Sunday) The amazing "element" Saturday, however, was the WORMS! Yes, it seemed like it was raining worms. Apparently Friday's warm wet weather brought every worm that ever inhabited the park out onto the pavement. Our bikes were covered with the goo. You could scoop a wad the size of a small ball off your rear brake. Not only did they get all over the bikes, but just as spray from rain flies up in your face from tires - well the worms were splashing-up the same way. Once, with my mouth sucking for air, one landed splattered on my chin! Saturday was one night that I did not want to eat spaghetti!
This week I heard the remark (was it Bryan again?), "Riding in conditions like this builds character!" Either that or it takes characters!
Isn't it weird that we like this sport?