Weekend Ride: 8/2 - What is this water falling from the sky?

In the history of the Penultimates (4 years now) we have not had a ride in anything other than than bright blue sunny skies.  This is a luxury that most teams across the world do not have.  However, we are so used to our sunny and dry climate that no one embarking on Saturday's ride even bothered to check the weather before rolling into the parking lot of Smith's at Central and Tramway for our weekend ride to the East Mountains + Rollers - a perennial favorite.   

Smiling and shivering!

As I got out of my car, the thermometer read a chilly 63 deg.  (For the record, I vowed I was not going to complain at all, as last weeks ride was so, so hot.)  I met up with a confused (and cold) looking Evil Gary and Greg.  We started the ride sharply at 6:45 thinking a little cycling would get the blood going and get everyone warm!

Where is the blue?

The first leg of the ride takes you out of Albuquerque along the old Route 66 before heading south on Route 14.  The three of us headed out for the first 7 miles to meet up with some riders at the ranger station.  But before we had made it to the first stop, Craig,  in a heroic effort, had managed to catch up to us about half way up the canyon.  After a quick stop (cold!), we collected another rider, Peggy, and the 5 of us headed out for the next rally point.  

After a long 16 miles and 1800 feet of elevation gain, we pulled into the next stop for a chilly rally for food and drink.  We then headed out for the next part of the ride a quick jaunt through the country side before getting to 217 and heading north over the (in)famous rollers.  This part of the ride got contemplative as a gentle soft rain began to fall, making it very quiet as we slowly spread out over the rolling hills heading north.  (You may ask - contemplating what?  Why in the world am I riding in the rain?  Why did everyone else decide to sleep in?)

Just before we all started to separate on the rollers

Things got progressively more soggy as the rain picked up as we headed on the next 20 miles to the Triangle for the final stop before the last 12 mile drop down into Albuquerque.  It was at this point that I think everyone may have hit their (to quote Gary) peak miserableness.  We were all soaked, the temperature hovered around 60. Those of us with ample, let us just say "reserves", were feeling okay.  I was invigorated by the cold, but poor Greg, was so cold he had to hang out in the gas station warming himself by the hot dog roller! 

Staying alive by the warmth of the hot dog tray.

The last portion of the ride was very quick.  The road dried out soon after leaving the triangle, and as we descended the last few miles you could actually feel the air get warmer.  It was pretty fun too, as a stiff canyon winds sped us along.  Gary and I were keeping about a 30 mph pace on the last 5 miles of the ride, as we headed to Smiths.  The other unfortunate 3 had to head up Tramway to get home, but it was pretty warm back here in the city.  A fun 53 mile ride, that will live in Penultimate Legend!