Saturday, November 29, 2008

Turkey Roll 2008


My first charity ride

I rode in the Turkey Roll the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It is a 25 or 35 or 76 mile ride around Denton, Texas, organized as a fundraiser by the local Kiwanis Club.

With temps around 40 and gray skies, if I hadn't committed to do this ride, I probably wouldn't have been on a bike that morning. I don't have all kinds of fancy biking gear, so I made due with what I've got:



Before I went, I was talking to other people on BikeForums to see who was going. StephenH said he was, so I looked for him and his distinctive Worksman bicycle with twin top tubes. Sure enough, I found him.



We decided to ride the 35-miler together. And away we go!







A rare picture of me actually riding my bike, courtesy of StephenH:



The pack was pretty tight at first, but slowly it spread out. I wasn't too sure about riding alongside StephenH's Worksman single speed bike at first, but my concerns were soon laid to rest as we started passing people, mostly uphill.



He gets the most out of his bike. After a while, things were a little more sane as the groups spread out.



I wouldn't mind seeing more signs like this!



The route ran us out of Denton over to the top of the Lake Ray Roberts Dam.





There were several rest stops along the way.







Including rest stops, it took us right about 3 hours to complete the course. I could have gone a little further, but I'm glad I didn't do the 76-miler.



For those who finished, there were free hot dogs!



For a slideshow of all the pics I took on the ride, click here.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Great pictures and ride commentary. This would be a little too cold for me. I have a problem riding when the temperature is below 60 but many years ago I did not have a problem with 30 degree rides. Happily I have regained my senses. I have not seen a Workman bike in many years.
Rick Ankrum
www.texbiker.net

HeidiTri's said...

Cool ride and pictures! We now all know what to get you for Christmas:)

If any one can explain to me why hotdogs are served after an athletic event, I'd love to hear it.

Felicia said...

Congrats! I wouldn't have lasted 1/4 of a mile!

Doohickie said...

If any one can explain to me why hotdogs are served after an athletic event, I'd love to hear it.

1. It is a charity event, not a hardcore athletic competition.

2. They taste good. ;- )