Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Friday was the first effort at a warm up to Cranksgiving. Conditions were ideal as I rode over to the event. Brisk 20-28 mph west wind with rain, and 41 degrees. However, the Rain let up and was mostly nonexistent for the alley cat . So it goes, but it remained dark and windy with temps falling to the upper 30's.
Once the manifest was presented, there were a few questions from the magnificent 7 who showed
But hey; we have been trying to preach the gospel of Navinity for the past few blogs, and we weren't spouting "Don't trust Whitey." The phone books ,the phone books! They come with city maps and loads of info.
Once the riders took off ,it looked like a Lucas Brunelle Baltimore ballyhoo. Our fearless leader Boris Carbinoff had us stopping at 3 downtown locations to pick up instructions as to the 4 destinations that had to be validated on our little non shopping spree. The business were more than happy to get us ne'er do wells with insanely bright lights in and on our way quickly. We were already starting to cross paths and it did this old night rider proud to see the cascading light show that was the motley crew of niteriders out and about on a rampaging rumpus.
Alleys were used, sidewalks were hopped onto and off as needed, corners were cut, curbs were jumped as we spread out on our appointed rounds. Hints for future events . Use a cap with a bill to keep the rain out
and by all means, don't be afraid to get geeked and use a helmet light as it comes in ever so handy at reading a map, street signs, and house numbers. That advise comes from a guy who knocked his front fender braces off at the first validation point. Time lost as he realized the braces were going into the spokes after exiting the first house. Coupled with the fact that the ankle taillight fell off in the street in front of an oncoming car. Quick u turn and with the grace of a "Steve Hugo can pickup"; the light was retrieved . Onward into the inky blackness we did ride, helping each other out as we crossed paths by offering useful misdirection tips like shouting "Going the wrong way." All occupants were more than accommodating to us as we validated our stops and rode off to meet back at Larry's Lariat and Rodeo night club. Thanks to those who offered us up early Halloween treats ( I'm sure we were costumed up well enough to qualify as tricksters.)
A good rollicking time was had by us all as we gathered back on the pedestrian mall all warmed up and smug in our accomplishments of point a-b-c-d-e and on to Sesame street pick ups and drop offs.. On to Cranksgiving!
signed... A semi anonymous or is it semi autonomous sometimes semi drivin principal of this fiefdom of principalities we call the Underground.
Editors Note; Please be sure to ask Russ about his DQ - and what could 'of been...
I'm proud to have been a (warm and dry) part of the Alleycat. Perhaps I'll be enough of a Navin to participate more fully next time. I have to admit that I just didn't get it at first, but when and if I do in the future, I'll be sure to see and doctor and get rid of it.
BTW - the bill of your cap will also protect you if you run into a low tunnel.
BF
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The bill of your Cycling Fred cap will protect you in those low tunnels.
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