Ride report from Carey Chappelle:<\/p>\n
This past week-end turned out perfect for Huron Chapter\u2019s Brevet – Linda\u2019s Loop 300!<\/p>\n
On Friday, John Cumming decided to pedal from London to Goderich \u2026 even with the WEATHER WARNING that was posted! He said he took advantage of not having to pedal with that strong tail wind that blew down trees and electrical lines all the way to Goderich!<\/p>\n
12 Ontario Randonneurs successfully completed Linda\u2019s Loop 300. Congrats to myself (Chappy), Chris Cossonnet, John Cumming, Jerzy Dziadon, Charles Horslin, Ken Jobba, John Maccio, Matthew McFarlane, Con Melady, Liz Overduin, Jim Raddatz and Sergii Tsymbal!<\/p>\n
Special Congrats to Matthew McFarlane and Sergii Tsymbal for completing their first ever 300 km Brevet!<\/p>\n
Originally, I planned on driving to Goderich for the Start on Saturday morning, but Con and his wife Cindy convinced me to stay at their place Friday night. Knowing we had 12 Randonneurs participating in this Brevet, my wife encouraged me to leave sooner than later to ensure I had enough time for myself and the fellow cyclists.<\/p>\n
Arriving at the Tim Horton\u2019s in Goderich at 0530hrs, I unloaded my bike and got myself ready to go before meeting my fellow Randonneurs prior to the Start. Confirmed everyone was a member of Ontario Randonneurs and had OCA Insurance along with Safety Vests, front and rear lights, bicycle helmets, I handed each of them their Control Card\u2019s before heading out at 0600hrs.<\/p>\n
On our way to the First Control- the Colonial Hotel in Grand Bend, we all road together. Road conditions were perfect, weather conditions were perfect and the Scenery was perfect. Many comments were made early on about how gorgeous the scenery was!<\/p>\n
At the First Control we departed in two groups, 4 Randonneurs shared a Large Muffin \u2026 John had the TOP and his buddies, Jim, Sergii and Jerzy split the BOTTOM (at least that\u2019s what I remember!). The remaining 8 of us went into the restaurant for a REAL BREAKFAST! Ken and myself shared a table beside Chris, Liz, Charles, Matthew and John. Unfortunately, Ken and myself had a different waitress and watched our friends enjoy their fuel loading a little ahead of us! Con figured it would take too long, so he headed to Tim Horton\u2019s down the street for his breakfast, figuring he’d be back before we were done.<\/p>\n
Leaving the Colonial Hotel in Grand Bend we headed towards London and the second Control – Tim Horton\u2019s. It didn\u2019t take long, but Con was able to catch up to us \u2026 so much for Tim Horton\u2019s being faster! On occasion we had some head wind. Ken encouraged all of us to cycle peloton style and that worked out perfect! I\u2019ve talked to a few of the fellow cyclists who loved cycling into the wind using that style! Thanks Ken and Thanks Fellow Randonneurs for staying together!<\/p>\n
Eight of us arrived at the London Control – Tim Horton\u2019s around the same time. I convinced everyone to make our stop short so we could spend more time at the next Control in St. Mary\u2019s, the Parkview Creamery Bar and Grill. Once there, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch and a beverage or two. A few Randonneurs had gone out to refill their water bottles prior to taking off, but mentioned the rain coming down! Needless to say we hung around another 20 mins or so before heading out.<\/p>\n
From St. Mary\u2019s to the finish was 112 km with one stop at the Mac\u2019s \/ Subway Control in Mitchell. Fortunately, the eight of us had no RAIN and the WIND had dropped to at least half of what it was for the 4 Randonneurs ahead of us! OUCH! Now having said that, the 4 Randonneurs ahead of us went through a BBQ Festival in Londesborough, where the food and beverages were second to none. Too bad that Festival ended at 6pm, our group of 8 would have loved that experience!<\/p>\n
After leaving Mitchell, we headed towards the Finish in Goderich. John and Matthew let us know they were going to take a little break along the way, so the rest of us continued on. I was riding at the front of our group listening to stories from Charles and Liz, tears in my eyes \u2026 everyone laughing and simply LOVING RANDONNEURING! To top it off, as we got closer to the shores of Lake Huron and Goderich, the view of the SUN GOING DOWN WAS THE BEST I’VE EVER SEEN! BREATHTAKING!<\/p>\n
At the Finish in Goderich, we all talked about how GREAT this get-together was. Then those who weren\u2019t driving home Saturday night, paid a quick visit to the Paddy O\u2019Neils Restaurant and Pub downtown Goderich. Con asked me if I would spend another night at his place Saturday night \u2026 I couldn\u2019t resist! John and Matthew dropped in to give us their Control Cards and let us know how much they enjoyed Linda\u2019s Loop 300! The next morning, John, Jim, Ken, Con, Cindy and myself went out for breakfast at Willy\u2019s Eatery downtown Goderich. Incredible food and Incredible conversations!<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, I left my Cell Phone in my car and couldn\u2019t take pictures along the way. However, John Maccio took a few and posted them on FACEBOOK. Check them out!
\nThanks John!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ride report from Carey Chappelle: This past week-end turned out perfect for Huron Chapter\u2019s Brevet – Linda\u2019s Loop 300! On Friday, John Cumming decided to pedal from London to Goderich \u2026 even with the WEATHER WARNING that was posted! He … Continue reading