Rapha 500 - Echelon Excellence - Ride 1

Some Clearing w/Dorn

Winter Solstice - good to be back officially lol

Morning Ride

New Bike Day

Most grueling and most fun ride I’ve ever done. Scotty’s annual FMJ just gets better and better. Left from the Peconic River Front in the pre dawn rolled smooth to the Orient ferry. Bulk of our climbing for the day came on the 40 miles off the ferry. Around mile 60, Scotty had enough of his camelback and had us pull into a post office where he mailed it home for $21. Temps steadily climbed all morning and it was 94 by the time we reached the Rail Trail Ale House in Southwick, MA. Best place ever - owners are originally from East Islip and once we told them where we were from and what we were doing, the hospitality and excitement for us was through the roof!  Such nice people and great food!  Our first 50 miles or so from the Ale House was on a rail trail which was pretty cool. Not a lot of people on it was relaxing to not have to worry about traffic. Downside was the stopping and starting at all the cross streets and no place hazy to hydrate. Had a few miles off of it where we found a gas station. As we’re sitting on the curb out front, putting ice down our jersey and filling the bottles, a dude walks up and and says, “you boys looking to stroke out today?” 🤣 Made more friends with the owner of the station - funny how everyone we encountered today couldn’t wrap their heads around this ride. Stopped off at the Pistaccio Cafe in New Haven - got a nice strawberry smoothie and we all topped off bottles. There were two climbs out of New Haven - both were long and one of them had 10% on it. Felt bad for Larry who was suffering in the heat and he went out the back on those climbs but had the route so we continues. Probably 7 miles from the ferry Scotty flats, first mechanical of the day. As we’re sorting his flat, Larry rolls up. The effort he had to put in is still mind blowing to me since we were rolling hard turns at that point trying to catch the 8:00 Bridgeport ferry. Missed it by 15 min. Made more friends on the ferry - such good times talking with people about this ride. Off the ferry we’re obviously in full light mode, but Roy flatted on North Country and Larry double flatted on 25A and hit the crater in the road so hard that it pushed his bars down. After that it was a night time race to the finish. Roy, Brian and Loretta kept the pace super high and I finally pulled the plug at Grumman. Shortly there after my main light went out… and I can’t charge it and use it at the same time so rode River Rd and 24 to the jail with just by flasher on full which did a great job of light up my front wheel and that’s about it. Was charged enough at the jail to get back to normal and took the longer way home to make sure I hit 216, which is now my longest ride by a kilometer 🤣 

This is hands down the strongest most determined crew to ride with. So smooth, predictable, fun and just no quit in them. Many thanks to Scotty, the route Maestro for a great day on the road. Loreta, Roy, Antonio,   Brian and Larry - rock stars today. Jay you were missed brother. Hope you’re feeling better 🙏🏻

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Walter Olsen / Team Ride the Edge

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Rapha 500 - Echelon Excellence - Ride 1

Some Clearing w/Dorn

Winter Solstice - good to be back officially lol

Morning Ride

New Bike Day

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