American cycling legend, Greg Lemond said, It doesn’t get easier, you just get slower.  okay, maybe I said that…

great day with a capable crew! thanks for joining the party, boys.

small group this year. not sure if the smoke deterred some riders? it was a perfect day really. some NW wind all day… nice for the last 120 km.
one young newbie, Brock, who had a stellar ride.also a new visiting Hairshirt Toronto-Niagara veteran from New Market. some partial riders, as usual. they wanted to watch the FIFA final.
some new pavement and construction along the way; Tiny Beaches Road surface is going to be awesome next year! it’s a beautiful route, really.

I rode at my own pace and told the group not to wait for me. Tomasz (from New Market) graciously offered to stay with me and pulled me for most of the way between Port Severn and Awenda Park. what a strong and generous rider. thank you very much, Tom! at Awenda, we caught up with the faster group as they were taking an extended rest. as we left, I reassured them that I’d be fine on my own and I enjoyed my slower pace all the way to Woodland Beach store where I caught them again, having a cold drink and a break in the shade at the picnic table. they rode on while I self-medicated with a RedBull.
I enjoyed the NW tailwinds all the way home! stopped in Phelpston for water and the Red Ambulance to sustain me for the final stretch home. there I randomly ran into Carol and Jerry Scott. great to catch up with them after all these years!
~ this was my twelfth Hairshirt ride (200 miles or more)