Even with the limited number of G2 riders we made a Big impression on this past weekend MS ride. We all arrived at the Miami Speedway Homestead on time to stand in a traffic jam for over 40 min to arrive late for the start. I just didn't get it why it took so long to get 3000 riders parked but for some reason approx 1500 riders ended up having a late start. Mark (cool bean) had suggested to ride with the cool beans group and UM group at a easy to moderate pace. G2 riders Kyle, Christine, Jenifer, Helena, Norman and I gathered together waiting for everyone to arrive. I was so ready to leave that at 7:40 am I said "lets go" with only Helena and Norm following me starting our 75 mile ride.
Norm and I pretty much set a steady pace of about 20 mph and took turns with Helena following on our wheels. Many small groups formed but as you all know I prefer to stay upfront controlling to group and keep G2 riders safe from potential inexperienced riders. Throughout our ride multiple comments were made about the wild and cool looking all new 2010 G2 uniforms. We sure stood out in the crowd.
About 35 miles into the ride the sound and sight of sirens and ambulance ahead of us. There was a group of riders on the side of the road with a lady strapped on too a stretcher ready to be taken. We all slowed down try to block out what we saw and continued our ride. She looked to me she was going to be alright. I really enjoyed our small 3 man G2 group, well 2 man and one girl riding safely with only 2 short stops making it to Key Largo. I was very impressed how Helena who has been riding for less then one year managing to keep up with Norm and I and finishing the 75 miles under 4 HR.
We lucked out we kept it dry but our luck was going to run out for the next day. Norm and I had planned to ride back with the first fast group the next day but our plans where soon to be changed.
Sunday MS ride WET, WET, WET.
That Saturday night we heard that Sunday morning ride was going to get cut short, riding strait to Homestead Speedway because of the potential thunderstorms and rain.
I was hoping we would keep it dry but when I woke up to the sound of pouring rain outside my room, making me think SHIT, this is going to be a wet ride. 6:15 AM, Norm, Helena and I were meeting in front of the hotel as the pouring rain was coming down. We had 3 miles to ride to the start at Pennykamp. My shoe were soaked within 2 min of riding and it was dark and wet. I said lets just ride all 3 together and keep it safe stay away from other group or riders and that is just what happened. When we totally soaked arrived at Pennykamp to drop of our bags, a friend of mine said you better change in some dry clothes for you bus ride, they have canceled the ride he said and are bringing everybody and bikes with buses back. What, I said, now way! I am ready to ride, I am already soaked and do not feel like putting my bike on the truck. I looked at Norm and Helena and said what do you guys want to do? I am going, I heard a Z motion group also left earlier. Lets go. Yes G2 small 3 man group dropped of their bags and went for it. We rode nonstop with the occasional nature stop for the boys (god bless Helena) seeing only 2 other riders that decided just like us crazy or insane to go for it. I had a hard time seeing riding in front only thinking how bad it would be for Norm and Helena getting the constant shower spray of riding behind my wheel.
We Arrived 9:30 AM in Homestead Speedway seeing the first groups of riders that were dropped of by buses looking at us saying Wow! you guys rode, Yeb, we went for it. I think only less then 100 riders went for it. When we hung out under the tent for awhile the chills started to kick in. Lets put on something dry, load up the bikes and go for breakfast while we wait for the bags to get here. It stopped raining instead started pouring buckets. I was ready to get into my car only to find out I left my light on and my battery was dead. Norm couldn't get into his car because he left his key in the bag that was still in the UPS truck. Man, talking about being WET. Luckily a nice rider with a truck had some jumper cables and got my car started.
Once we finally got our bags and got into some dry clothes we realized that this was still a great G2 adventure to look back on.
My thanks to Norm and Helena to be such great sport doing this ride with me.
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