Morrisville 200k and cookout

Way back in April I posted my impressions after the first Morrisville 200k . 

Now, at the end of the season, I can reiterate that same opinion: I did not become Marco Pantani during the course of the year. 

I literally went backwards on the first big climb ~20 miles into the ride and got dropped by everyone in the lead group. The closest riders behind me would not be seen again until after the Siler City stop, on the way back up Siler City Snow Camp Road.

It was, however, a simply gorgeous day for a ride, so I decided to take some pix as they came along, and try to keep moving along as fast as I could, anyhow.

With a slight headwind, I was going slow at chicken Bridge road 

and was treated to this view,

and to THIS view on the other side

(see that mist in the distance, it looked great in the early AM sun)

We always see these on the ride, but I never took the pix before, so here they are

 

 

Andy and Jayjay were at the Siler City control for us

This was, of course the last ride of the year, so we had a cookout at the end as we have done since the RUSA 10 year anniversary ride

Geoff with his new bike. Mike manning the grill

Last brevet of the year, so time to try a new mount for the video camera

6 AM roll out

Early in the ride

Having been dropped waaaay back on Jack Bennett,
I took this cause I felt like it

I finally caught some riders after Snow Camp.
Here's Tom and Mary with a few others

Leaving Siler City, back on the road to Snow Camp

Big group still together on the way back to Snow Camp

Long video of the paceline leaving Siler City

All in all, a great ride and a great way to top off the year.