March 15 Gravel ride

[schouten]

I'm aching for a dirt ride. 7:30 from Cookbucks. I don't have a route in mind, and open to suggestions. Weather looks a bit warmer than today and dry, although windy.

[Dolly]

I will join you Ron, as long as you keep your social distance and don’t sneeze on my egg sandwich..!

[schouten]

Strictly air-fives Dolly!

[toddhatfield]

I'm in too.

[schouten]

Okay, I'm working on a route (open to suggestions of course). I'm thinking not too long or gnarly leaving lots of time for coffee after. Feels like a breakfast day...

[schouten]

Here's a little route that takes trails we know but against the normal flow. With a mech or two we'll still complete the ride in time for coffee. Destination shows Pluto's but anything okay.

https://www.strava.com/routes/24389270

[Claire]

Steve and I are in, too. Since you have said you're open to other route options, Ron, I'm going to suggest a few tweaks:

- instead of Trillium, take the highway trail, Phelps, Belamy and "Scafe Hill Loop Trail" (all are wide double-track types -- it's basically a circumnavigation of Stewart Mtn) to Barker to Highland
- then Panhandle... but Hector Connector rather than Clavert (the west side climb is delightful, and the east side, while rideable for but a few, is not very long)
- breakfast ideas (all have egg sammies!): Rise & Grind on Broad across from Giant shop (window seating, room for bikes [or park at Giant shop!]), Bubby Rose's on Cook (generous sidewalk, good food), Shoal Pt Moka (tried & true), Koffi on Haultain (best coffee of the bunch, $4.25 breakfast sammies)

Just offering up some ideas. I'm not wedded to any of them, just happy to roll along in the dirt with friends.

[schouten]

All great suggestions Claire. I won't plot them on the route, we can just decide as we go.

[Dolly]

It’s still really blowing out there. I am going to hold off and go later if the wind settles. I prefer to not to be squished by a tree...

[myboys]

Dolly,

It’s still blowing at our house. I’ll ride later if you post something.

Mary

[schouten]

Fair enough Dolly. The wind is meant to be less rediculous by the time we are rolling but should make steady improvements throughout the day. Maybe later afternoon is in your cards...