Lovely morning at Flatwoods. Saw Jeff coming out of the trail and announced the trail was flooded which was expected with the heavy showers this week. Took a ride up to see and there was about 5″ or 6″ of water before the side bridge.
Rode back and met Pete who said profoundly “I did not come out not to ride!” Being on the fence, that was all the encouragement I needed – ride on!
David (DRep) joined, sore from a dog attack (Riverwoods, used his bike to fend off – another good use for your bike 
Followed another bunch and crossed the water – someone shouted in excitement “we are either dedicated or dumb?”
There were seven cyclists in all – the 3 of us from TNT stayed to the back as this bunch was talking about doing 7 laps and controlling the ride at 20/21 mph – it was their ride so we tagged along, happy for the company. I was pleasantly surprised to see such an ‘apparent’ display of discipline – ‘apparent’ for surely there was too much testosterone in this bunch for this to last, especially with TNT riders visiting – thought ‘let’s see how this goes and enjoy it’.
20/21/20/21 and 22 controlled, nice. Some water at clay gully bridge – not too bad on lap one. Lap 2 we pick up Kirby, this seemed to be the partner Pete wanted as he was hanging at the back on his tri bike. David was there too, nursing his sore back. I was mixing it up in the pace line.
Then it came, it was bound to happen, Pete attacked, classic Pete from the back, sounding like a truck when he passed, Kirby on his wheel, David next, I joined, tucked in ahead of David. The bunch followed. 25 mph, steady, Pete paced for about 1/2 lap then rolled off track at Morris Bridge, figured something was bothering him. Kirby kept it up for another 3 mins or so, he rolled off, told me later his stomach was a mess. Over the water at clay gully – the water was rising and we slowed – picked it back up and you know how this hurts. The bunch was in testosterone mode now, 25/26/27/28, we were moving, impressed as the pace was steady, constructive, all cyclist holding their own. No one dropped (after all we had to fly the TNT flag high) and we stayed like this to clay gully – this time the water was even higher. Rolled on to the end and then Kirby and I left the ride for the car park. Pete and David continued for a fourth.
Crossing the bridge on the way out the water level was much higher. Doubt we can ride at Flatwoods tomorrow. Pete is going to San An, I may sit this one out.
Have a good week all.
Roger
