Saturday, September 17, 2011

Scenes from a Saturday Ride...

Today was my last long ride before Augusta 70.3 next weekend. It is still hard to believe how quickly time went by. It seems like just yesterday I was perched on a stool in my friend's kitchen filling out the online registration. One week to go!

I rode 85 miles today on my favorite route of all time. The route is nothing but hills without a flat road in sight but I still love it. There is almost no traffic at all and the scenery can't be beat. If you like an out in the country relaxing ride, this route is for you. The crazy part is that it is just 30 minutes or so outside of metro Atlanta. Good to know there are still pockets of undeveloped land out there that haven't been taken over by shopping centers and fast food restaurants.

We see all kinds of animals out there - rabbits, llamas, deer, cows, horses, mules, goats, chickens, assorted road kill & vultures... ick. I have also had a celebrity sighting - not once but TWICE I have seen Santa Claus running in the neighborhood (he was wearing an Atlanta Track Club singlet no less). The second time I saw him he said "ho, ho, ho" as I shouted out his name. I would not lie about these things - there is that whole naughty/nice list.

Hope you enjoy... :)











































12 comments:

ajh said...

It looks like my rides -very rural! I am impressed at your 85 miles. Good luck next weekend.

Ewa said...

Stunning and so close to the city too. I can just imagine myself running there. OK, I could bike there too. :)

Scott Cannon said...

I'm a newby to bike riding on roads--I bought my first road bike in July. I love the bike but I'm finding it challenging to map out a route that is safe and not too challenging. One question for you: in 85 miles there seems great potential to get lost. How do you navigate?

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Great pics ... love the horses! 85 miles is insane ... I can't even imagine. But I do love those pretzel things! Great workout!

Michael said...

Nice job! Love all the gorgeous pics. I think I could ride longer if I had that kind of scenery. And Santa....now that's just cool. Tell him next time that I've been very very good this year and I need a new carbon bike :) Good luck next week!!

Jennifer said...

Wow! I can't believe it's next week already! I have been out of the blogging loop for a few weeks so I have missed some important news. Good job on that last epic ride and good luck this week as you prepare mentally for the 25th!

Amanda said...

Time does fly - I can't believe your race is next weekend already! You're going to do great.

I love the pictures...Looks like it was a beautiful place to ride and the cloud cover must have been a nice break too.

Taper, rest and get ready for a great race next weekend. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Kate Geisen said...

What a beautiful ride! That reminds me a lot of the scenery around here, although there was no corn in your pictures. :)

Good luck next weekend! It's my big race, too...the 12 hour adventure race with my brother. Can't wait to hear all about your day!

Sarah said...

This ride looks great! And the pictures look about the same as the half century I rode today. Lots of cows and corn :)

Lindsay said...

augusta is next weekend?! seems like it came out of nowhere! well probably not for you. :) great photos!

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

All of those pictures look like where I ride here in Florida if you can believe that and only 20 minutes north of my house. One of my favorite rides too. Lots of rolling hills, farms, cool farm animals, roadkill, just overall a beautiful area to ride and not a lot of traffic. We are blessed with these awesome places to ride. Are those pretzels the one's with peanut butter inside? Love those!

That Pink Girl said...

The photos are gorgeous, no wonder you enjoy this route! And a llama AND Santa Claus? Totally worth 85 miles! Way to go!
We have a route that features a camel and a miniature donkey. The dinkeynissuch a friendly little guy - he makes my day!
Good luck this weekend - have a GREAT race!