Mark your calendars. This year's edition of the Ramble is scheduled for Saturday, December 15. I'll have more details later, but let's get this thing on the calendar.
Today was route reconn day. For a variety of reasons, I have a notion to change the route this year. One of the main reasons is that I don't have confidence that the Rosston Store will be (or is) still in business. There are also other reasons.
I've got a great alternate route that has a few more paved sections, takes in the fabulous Greenwood Grocery and Grill, and is actually a little closer to 50 miles than it is to 40.
Straying from the traditional route tugs at my heart a little, but I think you folks that have done this ride before will enjoy some new roads.
Due to heavy rain and lightning, I spent more time in Greenwood than I usually do. The wonderful smell of frying bacon inside tempted me to linger with coffee and a second breakfast, but when the noisy stuff went away, I pedaled out into the rain. It was a soggy couple of hours before I rode into the sunshine only to find not a drop fell at my house.
Oh well.
At least we can begin planning the Ramble...
What's your weather likely to be in December for this ride? I now live in Tucson, but have lived in Eastern New Mexico and I'd think the weather is chancy for mid-December.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fattest tire bike I own is equipped with Rivendell's "Jack Brown" tires. Would that cut it for the roads you're planning on the route?
The weather is a LITTLE chancy in that I don't do cold and wet. As I've said in the past, if it is raining and 35, I'll had you a cue sheet, wish you well, and resume my position by the fireplace. That said, the average low/high in December is about 35/57. It basically depends on whether we get a cold front and whether it rains.
ReplyDeleteRegarding tires, Jack Browns would work, but due to the amount of gravel and for comfort reasons, I like a little more width myself. I ran 37mm tires today, which was fine, and I've done the route with my 42mm Hetres quite comfortably. At our relaxed pace, there no harm in walking the deeper gravel sections if you like.
We'd love to have you join us!
I used Conti 28c tires with no real difficulty. It would be more comfortable in some spots with a little extra width. It would be a lot less fun if it rained.
ReplyDeleteChris and Steve,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your responses. I may have to try a trip over that way!
Jim
It rained a bit here too, but it is so muggy!
ReplyDeleteRamble sounds good.
Peace :)
As usual I enjoy your perspectives. Really liked the last shot. You're proof that there is still a lot of boys kickin' it.
ReplyDeleteI hope to catch one of these someday, but this year that's the middle of when we're moving to the new courthouse, so my time is spoken for. I wish you all well, and know I'm with you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteWile you're at it, send a little of that rain up here. we could use it.
Man, I love the look of that joint, rain or no rain.
ReplyDeleteI will be visiting my mom, in Tennessee, for Christmasish time. I wonder if I could arrange a detour through Texas...hmmmmmm
Jon, I hope you can make it! We now have three out-of-state-ers considering the ride. It would be great to have all of you guys join our humble little rural ramble.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it!!
ReplyDeleteToday, I made arrangements to have the days off around the Ramble so I can join in on the fun! Looking forward to seeing (and riding, of course) some of those beautiful gravel roads.
ReplyDelete