GRITS 5/22/2005 – Ride Recap

 Our best turn out so far

62 miles:

• Doug & Robin Bradley
• Chet Buell & Cindy Van Der Wiele
• Matt & Amy Dean
• Smith Doss & Claude Monnier
• Gaary Tiler & Maggie Gradison

51 miles:

• Pat & Judy Buckley
• Bruce & Margaret Rosar
• Gary Shaffer & Sara Husdson,
• Andy Stewart & Emily Rosen (HOSTS)

DNF

• Mike & Carol Vilardo

The group met in Carrboro, Wilson Park to explore the countryside of Orange, Alamance, and Chatham counties.  We regrouped after 8 miles at Frosty’s country store.  This enabled Bruce and Margaret who threw their chain off to catch up with the group.  This first section, we noted the sprinting debut of team Tiler &Gradison.  The routes stayed together until mile 22 where they split.  The groups had already split by then.

5 teams went the 62 miles route.  The hosts tried to keep us away front sprinting temptation by not indicating where the sprints were, but old habits die hard!  We enjoyed beautiful scenery and very quiet roads.  After 30 minutes without a car around, getting passed by a car felt almost bizarre.  How quickly we forget!  We enjoyed beautiful farm houses and ponds views, and nice honey suckle smell.  The cultured amongst us noticed a sign for the outdoor drama “the sword of peace” off Snow Camp Road. 

(here’s a link to a complete listing of outdoor drams in NC http://www.unc.edu/depts/outdoor/dir/states/nc.html)

We crossed the small mill town of Saxapahaw, established by the Sissipihaw Indians and initially settled by British colonists in the 1600’s.  The last section of the ride took us in a section of Orange county where local artists show their sculptures in their yards and barns.

At the end, we all decided to skip the ice cream stop to head for Carrboro, and lunch.  4 teams met at Foster’s for brunch afterwards.

This ride was a real treat for the scenery (great views), quiet road and good company.  Also, it is hard to beat great blue sky, warm temperatures and low humidity!