Paul, Seth and I met up at Toga. Paul immediately stated I expect to get dropped don’t wait for me. Followed by all of us complaining it was cold and we’re dressed to warm for the ride back.
We chatted with Mark for a few minutes. He was riding with his friend, who just purchased a new tarmac and was trying clip-less pedals for the first time. We wished them luck and warned him to expect to fall a few times.
We took it easy through Nyack and Paul picked up the pace once we passed the Tappen Zee Bridge.
Seth and I passed Paul once we hit the hills on 9W once it got flat Paul again picked up the pace. I think he was trying to tire Seth and I out so he could keep up with us on the hills. Paul showed huge improvement in his riding, since I last rode with him, beating Seth and I to Strictly.
We pulled into Strictly Bicycles just as the A group (Steve) did. We chatted for a bit, and I realized I had an hour and 15 minutes to get back to Toga to meet up with the family. Steve offered to pull, so I could get back in time I left Paul and Seth and attempted to keep up with Steve. He slowed down or stopped for me occasionally, but I never seemed to get close enough to draft. We made good time back.( 1 hour 20 minutes. Chasing Steve motivated me to push my limits on the way back, boy am I sore. Steve thanks for pushing me and stopping to wait along the way.
It was a great start to the season and I look forward to many more group rides.
Here's a link to my strava report for the ride http://app.strava.com/runs/5069165.
Mike
