Our last long ride before Alcatraz was the Mt. Weather (or Blue Ridge Challenge) route yesterday. Loads of climbing, a few descents, some flats (none on the bike, thankfully) and no rain. Four hrs on the bike tested my new spiffy Assos shorts and anti-chafing cream. It was a very long ride but while my legs felt like spaghetti after the ride, I recovered pretty well and went for a 7 mi run today. On our way home, it rained like a monsoon. I was grateful that we didn’t experience that while we were on Mt. Weather. Those downhills would have been a lot more dangerous on wet pavement.
Once home, we went straight to Arrow Bicycles and dropped off the bikes for a full overhaul. I have taken a bike maintenance course, so you’d think that my bike would be in pristine condition. You’d be wrong. I’ve owned the bike for more than 2 years, ridden over 2,500 miles on it and never changed the chain or cassette. My chain was at 75% and the cassette probably needs to be replaced. This might account for my chain jumping out of gear in the middle range and dropping my chain nearly once per ride. I just kept adjusting my dérailleur in hopes that would fix the problem. I tend to go for the easy solution over the more complicated one.
After the bike drop off, we went to Eastern Market to get supplies for the Sunday of hosting Brunch for post Mother’s Day and supper club. We purchased all types of delectables suitable for serving to friends and family alike. I found a recipe for doing a roast suckling pig but not having the stomach to roast an entire 12 lb pig we opted for a 5.5 lb pork butt, which is actually the shoulder. It called for sour oranges or lime and orange juice to simulate the sour flavor instead. Its been marinating overnight with 4 cups of fresh orange/lime juice, oregano and about a head of garlic. I’m hopeful that this too will be successful. The theme for tonight’s supper club is Cuban. So, the roast pork, a few Mojitos and some Moscow Mules (more Jamaican but tasty nonetheless) and side dishes/desserts will be mucho yummy.
We tag teamed this morning to get everything ready to host brunch this morning. After our ride, we dived and conquered; J cooked pork product (bacon and sausage) and set the table while I mowed the grass (or weeds as is more the case). Once the grass was done, I showered and started on the rest of the meal, challah french toast and spinach feta fritata. A good time was had by all. It was a nice time and now I’m chillin on the couch, listening to/watching the end of the Giro d’Italia (where the leader wears the pink jersey…nothin’ sexier than a cyclist in pink). I love listening to Paul and Phil commentating on cycling. It looks like Alberto Contador, last year’s Tour de France winner, will take the top spot. Its unfortunate that his team, Astana, which is essentially Team Discovery transplanted along with Levi Leipheimer and Johan Bruyneel, will not be allowed to ride in this year’s Tour. The team was not invited to participate in the 2008 Tour de France. While that seems like a short sighted decision by the ASO, there still may be time for them to reverse their choice before the Tour begins. Its a shame to have two years in a row where the defending Yellow jersey winner isn’t able to defend it.
