SBW SUNDAY EXPERIENCED GROUP BIKE RIDE

I almost made an about-face when I learned that Sunday’s “Wheeler’s” ride would not include an “experienced group” ride, only an “advanced group” ride. You see, the advanced cyclists pedal a tad bit faster than this old codger is accustomed to. The experienced pace of 16 to 18 mph is an acceptable pace for my skill level, but an average mph pace of 18 to 20 would have been pushing the envelope.

When I mention pace, I’m talking about an average mph pace for 35 to 40 miles. Average pace takes into account the ruthless head wind, annoying traffic signals, occasional inclines, vehicular traffic in general, as well as slowing to fill the gaps generated by those who may be struggling to maintain that pace. Had I blindly leaped into the advanced group, I more than likely would have been one of those back-of-the-pack stragglers.

But as good luck would have it, despite the advertised group leader not being able to attend, eight of us formed an experienced group and then headed east and then immediately north on Hiatus Road from our starting point at Hiatus Road and State Road 84. Our interim group leader had in mind a perfect course for our esteemed group to tackle.

Our group included five men and three ladies of all different sizes and shapes. Not one bike was alike, nor were any of us wearing similar jerseys. We were a multi-shaped, multi-colored peloton taking up the entire right lane whenever and wherever the volume of motor vehicle traffic allowed. Whenever traffic was dense, we would form a single-file peloton while hugging the right shoulder. Safety was our primary concern throughout the ride.

Finishing up our ride heading southbound on Hiatus from Sunrise Blvd. at 20+ mph was quite a push for this weary cyclist, who had ridden the previous three days and was somewhat drained at the onset. Pride and determination, along with a bit of stupidity, kept me in the lead group coming into the finish of yet another satisfying ride with the South Broward Wheelers.

Sunday was my second Sunday ride with the Wheelers and I’m already looking forward to next Sunday's ride.

[Click on "View Full" and then click on "3D Flyover Video" to get an areal view as if you were following us in a helicopter.]