Orlando Bike Rides

Unfortunately, because of my daughters 6th birthday party I missed the Satuday ride with my local group Eastside Cycle Club. Great birthday party with near 40 people celebrating.

Sunday morning I got up and dressed, for my ride with Lakemont group. Left the house in Avalon Park @ 7:00 with plenty of time to make the 7:30 AM start time at the Lakemont group. Looked at gas gauge and had to make a stop that would make it tight. Gassed up and got some H2O and left for the ride. As I got closer I decided to meet the group at the Buffalo Wild Wings on 436 which they normally roll past at about 7:40-7:45 a good spot to pick up the group and not stress about time or have to start out playing catch up. Arrived at 7:39 AM and rolled around parking lot until group showed up.

Based on feedback from previous week, I focused on my riding style and stayed toward the back of the group. The group ride was good and I was on stride with the group through the course. When it came to the sprint section on International Parkway the group split into mini groups and regrouped again on the right turn on W Lake Mary Blvd. Once we got on Markham Woods Road the pace picked up a little. On this stretch I had some issues with being at the back of the pack. There is always a gap issue, just after the sprint on International and the pace on Markham Woods riders started dropping. If you do not catch it soon enough you will have to expend energy to catch the pack to complete the ride with the group. So when you see gaps starting move forward and fill it or you will feel it later. There were at least 3 occasions that I did not think I could make it because of the gap and riders falling out. I have to admit this ride is tough for me because it is only the 3rd group ride since moving to Orlando and probably in a year. I already see my strength and endurance increasing and look forward to more challenges in Orlando in the near future. Thanks for all that showed up and rode. I did not have a chance to socialize being in the back and because of my start position – my end at Buffalo Wild Wings did not allow for the Einstein Bagel chat. Thanks to all.

1 additional issue – sometimes the Lakemont Elementary School is locked if so the group forms on the corner of Lakemont and Aloma near the Bank of America – you will see the group hanging out. Be sure to be there and prepared to ride @ 7:30 AM

I will be riding with the Lakemont crew tomorrow, Sunday 7/25/09. Gotta get there by 7:30 and have bike back with new grips and new spare tires from my last ride. Will try to get CO2 before ride, do not want to depend on others (not a good model). I will report back the results and the how the group responds to a new guy.

Here is a map of the meeting place – Lakemont Ride Start

The group ride with Lakemont was enjoyable. Sunday ride is laid back with a decent pace. There is one section where they pick up the pace is a stretch on Marcom Woods road and it slow for a turn and one last hill before the final run back home. The group was about 40 strong with a good mixture and many guys from a team/bike shop Glory Cycles. These guys seem cool and have a good relationship with each other. As an outsider I felt comfortable with the group even though at the end of the ride I was given constructive criticism, which was delivered in a caring way, no jerks here that I saw. After the ride there was a group of 12-15 riders get together at Einstein Brothers Bagels on Aloma and I was able to gt to know a few better. Very positive experience and I would say that anyone would feel comfortable riding with this group but must at least be a strong b rider especially if you are new and do not know the course. Thank you Lakemont Gang hope we can do it again someday, soon.

Three (3) rides depart from Lakemont Elementary School (901 North Lakemont Avenue in Winter Park) Saturday, at 7:30 a.m:

(1)     the 41-mile Oviedo Loop – three (3) groups: the first (25+ mph) goes straight through; the second (23+ mph) goes straight through; and the third (20+ mph) stops at the 7-11 halfway to tell jokes;
(2)     the extended Oviedo Loop – 56 miles; usually, very, very fast.  If you get dropped, you will be left.
(3)     the Fort Christmas Jaunt - (65 miles) going off the back of the third group of Oviedo Loop riders, turn right at the fire station east of UCF and assemble.
For Sunday, show up at Lakemont Elementary at 7:30 a.m. – the group decides the route!