Where to Begin.....

      Funny how some nights there is nothing to talk about and other nights I have more than enough to talk about.  Where to begin tonight????  Let's start with all the new riders that came out.  Todd Graham finally joined us after 4 years of emailing back and forth.  No babysitting needed on the trails.  Hopefully you guys didn't scare him off from coming back.
    Another first timer was Derek Roth.  Another surprise.  Derek rode well, although I couldn't figure why he was carrying such a big backpack on the ride.  I found out later when I rode behind him.  Apparently Derek cannot be separated from his tunes.  That was a first, hearing music blasting out as we rode along the trail.  Now that I think about, has anyone mentioned to Derek that you don't need to carry around boomboxes anymore????
     And a third first timer was out tonight.  Russ Hodgson.  Some of you may remember Russ from a few years ago (1999ish).  Apparently Russ was able to free his schedule to join us tonight.  Now, not to look down at free beer but...... we did put a "premium" clause in the constitution for a reason.  And I thought Ali was the only one who bought ass-flavoured chips..... apparently not!  Thanks for the beer Russ.  On a side note, I did hear Russ comment about soccer being done and his Wednesday nights were now open....
     Tonight was also the best attendance of the season.  However, yesterday's weather did split the group into road rides and mountain bike rides.  Those that were afraid of the mud chose the road.  And we don't want to hear about your 32.5 or 32.6 km/hr average.  The real riders (minus Dave, Russ and Derek) headed out on to the mountain bike trails.  Trails were in fabulous shape and all signs of downed trees have disappeared.  Hopefully concerns of wet trails are finally behind us.
    Smitty seems to be on record pace for not riding and showing up for beers.  That is going to cost him next season.
    Michigan game is set.  Saturday, September 13.  Mark your calendars it is a go.
    Congratulations to Mark for winning the 55+ Ontario Games in Road Cycling!!!  Ali said he would have won it if he was old enough.  Also, Mike is competing in the Provincial Championships this Saturday at Ciociaro at 1:00.  Also don't forget Erie street race this weekend.
     On a sadder note, this is the last night that we will be able to push the limits of Ali's curfew (which no one really follows anyways) as many of the CRC riders have to return to work after 2 months off.  I know next week we will hear many complaints of nap schedules displaced, reworking  bowel movement times and the difficulty of working an 8-10 hour days.  I hope all non-teachers can go easy on us next week.
    As per CRC constitution, we are moving the ride start time back to 6:00!!!!  Rides leave sharply at this time (Jim, Russ, Ali).  In October we will move back to 6:30 and go lights.  Jeremy, you are up for beers next week.