2009 Denton Turkey Roll Rally

Pirates at the 2009 Denton Turkey Roll

This year’s Turkey Roll was billed from the beginning as sort of an anti-rally for me. Instead of the usual ‘race-simulation’ of high intensity rides with the leaders, I decided, with the help of the Pirates of the Peloton, to sit back and enjoy a slower-paced event.

We had a huge turnout of Pirates and extended family, and we rolled out at 9am with what appeared to be another record-breaking crowd. The temps were absolutely perfect for a fall ride, and the winds were minimal until the final hour of the event. Just about everyone stuck together for the majority of the event, and if we gapped people, we self-policed ourselves until we could regroup. Riders on the front were frequently in their small chainrings, and when I pulled, I rarely went over 200 watts.

Due to the slower-than-usual pace for me, I ended up over-hydrating, and made two unusual-for-me pit stops to hit the portacan, but everyone used it as a chance to drink, refuel, or get in line. The conversations were lighthearted, and surrounded family, past rides, the year in cycling, and just whatnot. Along the way, we met up with friends from the Cycling Center of Dallas, including Stephanie Bassin and members of the Loncar Racing Team, and also rode with Geoff Godsey and Ian Sewalt, who were doing the entire 100k on their single-speeds and in sneakers!! GO GUYS!

The Kiwanis decided to avoid a 74-miler this year, so they had us double-back on the course for the return trip. That made for more chip-seal, and some riding on busier roads, but overall, the event itself was its’ usual confidence-inspiring well-oiled machine. Signs were obvious and plenty, there were Scout Patrols and Troops manning just about every station, and the aid stations never ran out of anything. I guess the one negative comment might be that some of the intersections weren’t staffed by flaggers, but common sense always dictates caution.

I actually really like it out there, and I think the gentle terrain, mixed with the wind, can make the event quite challenging. This year, however, it was all about sticking together as much as possible, helping the weaker riders, and renewing bonds on the bike. Several new people were solicited to become Pirates, and I think they’ll cross the line and join us for the upcoming season.

That’s all for now – AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!

Ennis FFA 2009 rally

Ennis Rally Review

The Ennis FFA (Future Farmers of America) held their 2nd Annual Bicycle Rally on Saturday, the 31st of October. The weather was perfect for a fall event. About 300 cyclists lined up in the morning hours and headed out on to the county roads between I-45 and I-35, and south of US287. I have to say that for such a rural ride, the roads were REALLY nice. The 100k route proceeded over gentle rolling terrain, and we traveled through several small villages, many not much more than a Post Office, a corner market, and a few homes. The area is famous for its’ cotton, and the 2nd crop of cotton was almost mature enough to pick. We passed numerous fields of the pawpaws, and we were amazed at how clean and smooth the roads were. Most serious intersections were manned by volunteers, and there were ample signs, both on posts and also on the ground. Winds were calm in the morning, but picked up slightly as the ride progressed, although we finished with a quartering tailwind.

From the gun, several Pirates of the Peloton, including Kevin Roberts, Andrew Popsack, Todd Hollenshead (in Mirage kit), and myself, went to the front and set a gentle pace. The lead pack started with about 20 overall riders, and I was impressed to see one of my own clients, Will Jaudes, right up there in the front with us. By about mile 5, however, the rolling hills began to take their toll, and the group was winnowed down to about 7 or 8 riders. By mile 11, a few more had fallen back, and by mile 17 or thereabouts, we were down to four overall riders. Hollenshead, Popsack, Jaudes and I then rode a smart pace that was tempo-ish in nature, but never hard enough to gap anyone. The pace was fast enough to enjoy, but slow enough to chat, and everyone took honest pulls throughout. We stopped once for a nature break, but that was about it. By mile 42, the wind started to pick up and it made things more difficult for two of the four, and by mile 52, Andrew and Will agreed to back off and set their own pace. Todd and I rode the rest of the way in mostly together, but once we made the final turn towards Ennis, he waved me on and I soloed in. Todd was a few minutes back, and Andrew and Will came in a few minutes after that. Kevin Roberts turned at the 38 mile option, and finished first there.

This was an absolutely wonderful course, with ample parking, great support (we saw no less than a dozen HAM radio operators rolling around the course – in fact, they were the majority of our traffic), and friendly communities. There were a few country dogs, but nothing serious enough that they actually became a menace. I urge all of you to consider this late-season event, be it for pleasant rallying or hammering. The course has open vistas, smooth roads, assertive terrain, and some beautiful reservoir and tree-line views. Changes for next year might include payouts to top finishers, but regardless, this should be placed on the schedule for most North Texans.