Mike B. and I pulled out of Toga Nyack at 8:00. We were both pleasantly surprised by the fairer-than-expected weather. We picked up Steve on Hook Mt. and Rena and Marshall in front of Rockland Lake.
Steve and I pulled away from the group on the climb to the 303 turnoff, and we kept up a steady pace through the Marina and up 9W. We trudged up Dunderburg and dropped down to 7 Lakes Drive. Steve set the pace up 7 Lakes toward Perkins, and we both decided that discretion is the better part of valor so we skipped the Perkins Drive climb. 7 Lakes Drive through Harriman gave us a pretty nice display of foliage as we made the 3-mile climb to Tiorati circle. Steve got in the drops and ratcheted up the pace between Tiorati and Kanawauke while I held on for dear life, but the tables turned when we hit the short, steep climbs on the backside of 106. After summiting 106 we dropped down Gate Hill Road and made our way back to Toga via 9W. Steve headed home on Congers Road, and I was left alone with my lead-filled legs to limp up Hook Mt.
Steve and I had a great late-season workout and a good time. We pushed the pace and swapped some travel stories.
I hope to see more RBCers coming out for the late-season rides. Everyone who rode yesterday would agree that with some smart clothing choices you can ride comfortably in the fall months.
-Ian
