RE: MS Ride

WOW, we have another bard in our midst. Enjoyed both travelogs. Good sense
of humor, as usual. I took one of the hand "mixers" as well. Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry [mailto:bfeir@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 9:25 AM
To: Oriel Mor
Cc: Isaac Seinuk; Arthur Finkel; northshorerenegades.chainring@blogger.com;
Jae Cho; David J. Shereck; David Wargin; Anita Christofferson; Greg Keller;
Gus Condiles; George Uribe; Bill Eisenberg; Robert Leighton; Mitchel Lang;
Larry Nipon; Todd Manas; Jan Lemerman; Yihao Ou
Subject: Re: MS Ride

Ori, another fine tomé as usual. Since you covered the ride, ill present
other information - the 'back story' if you will.

For the record, Phantom and I patronized the many rest stops along the way,
mostly out of curiosity. Ham and cheese sandwiches were plentiful, but 'no'
PB&J - my favorite, hold the PB and 2nd slice of bread (just J and a
substrate). Lots of energy bars, gels, Cytowater and bananas.

Our ride was similar to Loco, Beast and Greg, averaging 15 and change. Just
cant help feeling that my speed was negatively impacted by the 20 or so
packets of Clif shots, Bloks and Fig Newtons that I accumulated in my jersey
pockets, which are now keeping my inventory of 'Stok' company.

At the last rest stop they distributed a mini handmixer that looked
strikingly familiar to an adult toy (dual use perhaps, sans blade)? Took
one just the same.

Phantom and I felt the course was sparsely marked, and ride Marshalls seemed
to just be along for the free ride they enjoyed as volunteers.

Due to poor markings, we missed the halfway rest stop and had to make an
impromptu stop to relieve ourselves. Seeking privacy, Phantom snuck behind
the stone marking the entrance of "Hidden Ridge A Private Gated Community".
Upscale for sure, but on this day, it served as our urinal.

We ran into Jeff Blye, Matt and a 3rd Wheelman, who were broken-down with a
flat by the side of the rode. We had a congenial chat. I offered him help
- perhaps one of Bob's spare tubes, but he was fine, so we moved on. No
mention was made of any specialty liquors. We too passed Jon Dobbs, but
avoided eye contact, much like averting your eyes upon noticing a long lost
uncle performing gratuitous act of lust on a boy scout. No disrespect to
Jon or the Scouts.

We ended the ride at the MS Depot and it was pretty empty. The food looked
plentiful, but not my speed - meat, brownies and such. Phantom availed
himself of the facilities, only to discover the olfactory nightmare that
awaited him inside.

We rolled over to the eastside, circumnavigating the Polish Day Parade, and
made a hasty exit from NYC.

The ride quite scenic and enjoyable. The wind and over 5000ft of total
climbing made for a challenging ride.

Let's not forget, we ride... because we can, and though it may often be
grueling, those less fortunate don't have this option. We ride for them as
well...

AB