Bits and Pieces 200 Ride Report: September 28, 2003
Reports by Scott Chisholm and Peter Leiss.
Photos by Phil Piltch and Karen Scaife.
Bits and Pieces, Audax Style
By Scott Chisholm
The Bits and Pieces 200 put on by Peter Leiss was one of those enjoyable rides that one does not soon forget.
First of all Alan encouraged a new rider out for yesterday's ride. Fernando who apparently comes from a marathoning backround completed his first ever 200 km. brevet and if memory serves me correctly his previous personal best was 120 kms. Congratulations to Fernando, witnessing him leading the pack of us into the finish area and the excitement on his face was very similar to that of the look of a kid let loose in a candy store.
Fernando and myself were accompanied on this ride by Alan, Phil, Karen, Steve, Peter, Kaz, and the Prez. who unfortunately had to part company with us just shy of the first control in Erin for dog duties at home. Too bad Graham you missed a great ride.
I also offer up my congratulations to Steve his riding ability has improved immensely since his first ride back in early August; I think it was the Markham/Port Perry populaire.
Karen is also riding very strong.
And of course there's Kaz who is just a great cyclist. Of worthy mention Kaz just recently completed a cross Canada tour. Congratulations on your accomplishments. Well done to all you newer members and/or want to be.
We set out shortly after 8:00 followed the route up to Erin with some pretty nasty climbs most notably Bell School Line road and one other one just outside of Georgetown (a nasty gravel climb).
After a short stay at the Erin control (just a complete dung hole) which incidently, we unanimously decided to change. I suggested the Bakery in the centre of town which was the control for years but somehow got changed and I think collectively everyone agreed. From here we make the 64 k jaunt down to the second control which was lovely Cambellville. Always a nice stop full of motorcycles roaring around and just fun roads around here to ride on. After a quick lunch stop we set out towards Waterdown just touching on the easterly fringes and not actually entering the town. Now it was just a short ride back to Erin Mills.
A great ride with a fun bunch of people thanks to you all I really enjoyed our time together yesterday. A nice way to cap of a long season of brevets for me. I could not have scripted it any better than to go out in "Audax" style.
Organizers Report
By Peter Leiss
I just want to add to both Alan's and Scott's reports. First I would like to thank Alan for assisting in my organizer duties as I had a complete computer meltdown and basically lost everything...for those of you who in the know yes I did a have a complete backup but unfortunately that failed as well.
In spite of the forecast of rain showers, the day turned out to be quite pleasant. In the first hour we encountered a couple of really testing climbs, Bell School Line and to lesser extent Sixth Line. I am happy to say that everyone managed to ride all the up both. One interesting note on this ride were the various campaign signs and the comments they elicited as we passed. We even managed to make it to Ernie territory. (No political comments in this posting).
I can share Scott's review of the control stop in Erin...not pleasant and smoky to boot. We basically got our cards signed and grabbed some food and ate outside.
The countryside was outstanding with some areas comparing favourably to the prettiest areas of France. While the trees have just started turning, the fields contained a mixture of golden rod and fall flowering asters in shades white and mauve.
I have to say that this ride was one of those memorable rides where you work against a bit of wind and altitude on the way out and get a push home from a following wind and some nice descents. Even the drivers seemed to be very patient and waited to be waved through when it was safe. The group stayed together for the most part and regroup at the top of the longer climbs. The company was pleasant with lots of chatter and interesting conversations. There was a nice mix of new and veteran members.
Finally the smile on Fernando's face at the end and his comment " The first thing I am going to do when I get home is phone my brother and tell him of my accomplishment " said it all.
Again thanks to Alan for the organizing
