starting with a flat before we even rolled out of Meridian Place, delaying our start a little, allowing late-arrivers a bit more time to get ready and leave with the rest of the group after the puncture was patched up.

heat was a factor today. 32c midday when we parked the bikes for lunch in Midland. after eating too much at Subway, I wasn’t feeling very good as we headed towards Penetanguishene. fortunately, Peter got a puncture and we stopped. while he fixed his flat, I drank desperately in the shade of a tall tree, trying to rehydrate and cool down my core. I didn’t feel good. I was reluctantly contemplating shortening my ride with a solo beeline to Barrie.

when Peter finished his tube replacement, I was beginning to feel a little better, but still a bit beaten by the heat. the rest of the group had continued on as expected, so Peter and I got back onto the hot pavement to tackle the remaining route together. Peter was very supportive, providing a strong wheel to follow, sound advice and encouragement. by the time we reached Awenda Park Store, I was feeling like I would finish the full ride again.

so, we all survived the day, completing our personal distance goals at a couple of different paces.

Chris G was a Hairshirt North first-timer, and with the help of strong veterans, Chris H and Todd, he achieved his longest ride ever! Chris and the two others had opted for an escape route due to the heat. finishing up back in Orillia, they enjoyed cold beers at Todd’s place after two hundred hot kilometres on the road.

Mark, Jason, Rory and Dylan finished the full double century route at a solid 32 pace. Peter and I took it a bit easier, finishing the three hundred and twenty k at a 30 average, indulging in a refreshing dips first in Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach, where we saw some spectacular sand sculptures, and then again at Centennial Beach after we finished our full ride.

extra kudos to Dylan who started to ride hours before all the others and finishing the day with an amazing 386 km ride! he’s training for a 600 km Race Across Quebec in late August. Dylan’s in fine form. Oh to be 28 again… perfect 😉

another Hairshirt North under our belts!