If you don’t know the significance of polka dots in cycling, LMGTFY.

Today, RJ, Jray, and I set out on a ride through Skyline Drive. It’s a 62-miler with 5600ft of elevation. Some good “hills.”

It’s not really a race, but given the elevation it’s tough to not put in a pretty hard effort even with a huge number of teeth on your rear cassette.

Congratulations to all contestants for completing the ride without incident. The only casualty of the day was a rear spoke for Jray near the end of the ride. It hurt his final descent a little bit (no rear brake), but he said he still hit 37mph, which is only a few slower than RJ and I so no big loss. We also encountered only one redneck ignoramus heckler… I’d call the ride an overall success.

Results

  1. RJ – 3:31:23 (winnar)
  2. Mike – 3:41:53 (+0:10:30)
  3. Jray – 3:49:53 (+0:18:30)

Rules

  1. Last year’s winner must wear the polka dot jersey or must remain in the car in the Big Lots parking lot with the windows up for the entirety of the ride.
  2. Two-thirds of all riders from the previous year must be present, otherwise it’s just any old ride.
  3. Previous year’s winner does not have to be in attendance, in which case the next placing rider who is in attendance must wear the polka dot jersey.
  4. If any rider is found to be trying harder than “just another weekend training ride,” they will be punted off Hogback Overlook.
  5. Riders will stop for food, beverages, rest, and restrooms at Elkwallow Wayside.
  6. Riders will stop to regroup at turn to Fodderstack Road in Flint Hill, Thornton Gap Entrance Station, Hogback Overlook, Jenkins Gap, and the meeting of Skyline Drive and 340.
  7. Riders may leave stops at any time once the final rider has arrived.

Thems the rules and I’m sticking to ’em. They kinda flowed stream of conciousness and I think they make sense for the most part… So that’s cool.

Hope to see you out there next year!