Sat (26th) alternative: modified 6:00 sufferfest + 9:00 OBB

[Lund]

The Saturday sufferfest ride will leave as usual from Cook Street Starbucks at 6:05 am.

Instead of the full Land's End loop, tomorrow's plan is to cut over to the airport from Sidney and get back to town in time to join the 9:00 Oak Bay Bikes ride.

For the sufferfest portion of the ride, expect an average speed of 32–34 km/h. A little slower than usual, but what the heck – it's the holidays.

[Claire]

Right, because what says "holiday indulgence" like 200km of riding on Boxing Day? You know you want to - nay, need to - join this ride to burn off all that nasty eggnog, gravy and gingerbread you'll stuff yourself with tonight. All is forgiven when you ride ridiculous mileage the next day.

And, don't be scared off by Lund's big talk. I suspect the average speed will be closer to 31, tops.

[Lund]

Claire's average speed may be 31, tops, but the rest of us will be pushing 34.

[chrisb]

Sounds like fun! see you at 6-ish

[GarthC]

See you around Mt Doug Park!

[Claire]

Success! It was a bit of a scramble, but after 80-90-ish km of "suffering," the sufferfesters (minus Christian, who had a 9am curfew to make) nabbed the back of the OBB group just after they left the shop. The four of us (Steve, Garth, Lisa, me) added another 30+k onto our day, with various points of departure from the group.

The road and weather conditions were surprisingly variable. From a high of 5º-ish to something solidly below zero... dry roads in town, to soppy roads from Island View north (today's lesson, kids: when in doubt, ride with fenders), it was a veritable smorgasbord of winter delights.

I hope everyone's Festive 500 kms are stacking up nicely. I give a nod to mother nature for dishing up entirely rideable conditions so far.