Mother Nature was kind to us yesterday for our “Mini MetroParks Tour”. That or I really have stolen some weather mojo from Rick Metcalf. When I woke up at 6:00 to get ready for the ride, I was surprised to find out that a weather front had moved through the area and cut the heat, and left us with a nice cloud cover. On the drive out to Whitehouse my car said it was 74 degrees outside. 74 DEGREES! That mild temperature brought out a crowd of 15, including 3 first time Adventure riders - Justin, Brian and Tiffany. (Welcome!) As we left, we were joined by John Wodarski  and Todd Korczynski on their early morning ride to bring us up to 17. 

We rode mostly shaded roads that took us through Oak Openings and gave us some wind protection, until we got north of Airport Hwy and Swanton. But due to careful planning, - ok, it was just plain luck - we had a SW tailwind while we were exposed. Once we got west of 295, we were back into the woods all the way to Secor Park and our rest break. We bid goodbye to John and Todd, who went on their way, and rode south through Spencer Township and by Wiregrass Lake Metropark. We broke out of the woods briefly to ride Lose Rd, one of my favorites, and then burst into the open again to ride back to Whitehouse. On the Cannonball Trail we began to see shadows, but arrived back at Whitehouse at 10:46, just as the clouds began to break up. Temperature - 84 degrees. We had beaten the heat! 

Two special call outs on this trip. Brian had ridden with TAB last year, but this was his first outside distance ride for the year. Tiffany had just picked up her road bike Friday, so this was her maiden voyage, and her first ride at this distance. Both of them killed it, and looked like longtime pros. Thanks for coming out and hope to see you again. You too Justin!

Next week’s ride is with me again. We’re going to head out to Winameg from CycleWerks at Whitehouse and return to meet with the Meanderers for a farewell picnic for long time member Mark Nowatarski as he moves closer to family. Distance is 45 miles. I hope to see you there!