Bless me, it has been five days since my last blog post. Today I rode with the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (AABTS). We rode 35 miles (actually 33.04). It was a small but determined group. I was the youngest member of today's ride. I figure probably there was only 20 years age difference between me and the next youngest ride participant. We rode from Whittaker Rd in Ypsilanti, MI to Belleville. Along the way we rode through Lower Huron MetroPark and then stopped at what I was told would be Red Robin, a chain restaurant. Instead, we stopped at Red Apple restaurant. Red Apple is a quaint local establishment in Belleville.
As we rode into Belleville, I prayed that I would not see anyone from my job. A few people from work live in Belleville and I did not want this to be the day that they see me in biker shorts. One of the cool (sarcasm) parts of the day was walking into a crowded restaurant and walking through the dining room in brightly colored cycling clothing. As I was walking to the restroom, a couple asked me was I part of a bike trip. I replied "yes" and because I am very self-conscious about walking around in biker shorts I added or "...or else I would be wearing real pants". They seemed to enjoy my humor.
Overall, it was a slow ride but a fun ride. The members of the touring society are nuts like many other Ann Arbor groups. They are not as crazy as the Ann Arbor Camera Club because they recognize you might have a life outside of cycling.
One thing I have noticed about the AABTS is that they eat a lot. Every ride they have, they eat. I understand that nourishment is important for sustaining one's energy but goodness gracious. These people have four course meals in the middle of rides. I am exaggerating but not by much. When I ride, I eat before the ride, snack during the ride, and eat a meal after the ride. AABTS will meet before the ride and eat, ride to their destination, a restaurant, and eat, and then assure each other upon returning home that they will take a nap and eat.
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