Tour de Grand in Cambridge. Massive fail at first... When 'Bent loads our bikes into the van, he often grabs the box I've put out with helmet, shoes, bottles and gloves. But it's my job to make sure it comes along, and this time he didn't and I didn't, so after 40 minutes on the road, we were heading back to Palgrave in grumbly moods. (Slap forehead!)
It was almost not worth driving all the way back to Cambridge but we were looking forward to seeing Kirikou and BrentD, so I took over driving to ensure the earliest possible arrival while 'Bent took over emergency texting duties.
We'd signed up for the 72K tour, which started at 9 a.m. along with the 60K tour. There were longer tours that started earlier and shorter tours that started later. After the world's fastest check-in, we headed out at 9:21 a.m. We asked if we could start late and the volunteer answered, "I don't know." We interpreted that as a "yes" and decided to do the 60K tour to avoid inconveniencing volunteers at aid stations. We needn't have worried.
Within the first kilometer, Kirikou joined us on his mountain bike. It was an awesome day for riding - perfect cool temperature, mix of sun and cloud, rolling hills, lots of other riders to keep drivers alert and police assistance at the busiest intersections. Maybe a little more wind than we needed but still really fun and a great workout - especially for Kirikou on his MTB!
In no time, we caught the back of the pack and started passing people, which continued for the rest of the ride. This was a tour, not a race, but we're adventure racers and we just couldn't help ourselves.
Kirikou and I were working hard to chase 'Bent, whose recumbent bike really shines on a rolling road ride. He finally raised his seat to increase wind resistance so he wouldn't go so fast. (Show-off!) I'd warned Kirikou that 'Bent couldn't resist meeting challenges from other riders, some of whom seem to feel there is shame in being passed by a recumbent bike.
Sure enough, there was a guy in a big time trial helmet who kept an eye on 'Bent for most of the ride. When 'Bent got too far ahead, Time Trial Guy would take off after him. His friend would glance at Kirikou and me, and we'd all laugh and start pedaling harder to catch up until they took it down a notch. At one point, I swear we saw them do The Look.
All good fun and we caught up with BrentD at lunch afterward. Nice to see Kirikou one last time before he becomes a Dad!