NBCC

NEW BERN CENTURY CYCLISTS

Eastern North Carolina

Turn your volume up for "On the road again"

This website has but one purpose: To encourage cyclists of all ages in the New Bern NC area to cycle a Century trip and to give recognition to those that have done so.

Why? So we can get cyclists together for monthly Century trips weather permitting. Having a large group of cyclists makes the trip easier and more enjoyable. If you've never ridden with a group of riders it's time for you to discover something new about cycling.

Visitors since 3/6/02

What's a Century trip? It is a rite of passage for all serious cyclists to be able to say that they have cycled a trip of 100 miles in a single day, usually within 5 to 8 hours. Others say one has to be crazy to ride 100 miles. 

Why ride a Century? Because of the challenge! The mere thought of being on a bike for some 5 to 8 hours impresses sedentary folks but anyone can ride a Century that is healthy and prepares for it. I'm 79 and have cycled 56 Century trips since age 67. It's great fun and excellent aerobic exercise. Overweight? You'll burn several thousand calories each trip!

What does one need to do to prepare for a Century? Cycle, cycle cycle! The more you cycle on a routine basis the easier it is to ride a Century. If after riding your bike for 10 miles your legs are sore you're obviously not ready for a 100 miles. You should be able to knock off  at least 25 miles with no pain before attempting 100.

Do I need a special bike? It's going to be hard pedaling an old one-speed heavy bike with fat tires but I'm not going to put down any bike except to say that the trip will be much easier and faster if you have a lightweight roadbike. What's a roadbike? You won't find one at Wal-Mart. It's a bike with a lightweight alloy, aluminum or carbon fiber frame, drop handlebars and very skinny tires (appx. 700mm x 23mm). Prices start in the hundreds and go to the thousands. Many folks have popular mountain bikes nowadays. They'll make the 100 miles but they won't keep up with roadbikes. You guessed it! I'm a roadbike nut...

 Why join the NBCC? It costs nothing and simply places you on an e-mail list to be notified when a Century or any other shorter trip is planned so that you may join the group. It also permits you to send messages to all members by addressing your message to nbcc@XXXalways-online.com (remove XXX). Send your request to Dave Wallace at davewallace@XXXsuddenlink.net (remove XXX). The e-mail list will be sent only to members that are on it. 

Where does a Century trip go? Wherever you or a member that plans the trip wants it to go. The monthly trips that we have been taking over the past few years have departed from River Bend and go to Trenton,  then to Beulaville where we have lunch at Hardees or McDonalds. After lunch we cycle to Fountaintown, Catherine Lakes, Richlands, Trenton and back to River Bend. See mileage chart you can print out. Besides lunch we usually take about 4 short rest stops at stores along the way. Ordinarily we depart on a Sunday morning at 8 AM and return by 3:30 PM. Saddle time is around 6 1/2 hours with the remaining time for lunch and rest stops. Average overall saddle speed usually ranges from 14.5 -16.5 mph depending on the wind. A group of cyclists always makes better time by taking turns "pulling the group" while others draft behind. You'll be surprised at the difference drafting makes. 

How can I be added to the Century Trip Recognition list?  It's easy, provided you live in the vicinity of New Bern NC where you'll be able to cycle with us occasionally. Just complete a Century trip and have it verified by another member. Send your request to Dave Wallace at davewallace@XXXsuddenlink.net(remove XXX). As you complete more Century trips send in update info. (By the way it is not the intent of this web page to record century trips of cyclists all over the country)

Dave Wallace 

NBCC CENTURY TRIP RECOGNITION

Click here for the current member list

OTHER CYCLING WEB PAGES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Scroll to the bottom for the latest narratives of trips. I try to keep approximately one year of narratives)

Four Riders: Too cold for a wimp like me. Here's what John Klecker wrote about 4 polar bears cycling the 35-mile Jasper loop.  (dw)

Four Riders: It was a cold start at 38-degrees and only Cliff Blackwell and John Klecker came from New Bern to meet Philippe Lafargue and myself in River Bend for the Jasper ride. Cliff and John went ahead alone at a speed too fast for me. Philippe dropped back and pulled me to the 70 overpass where we decided it was too cold and windy and returned to River Bend via US-70 and Clarks Rd for a total of 18.5 miles. The wind was relentless at times and the temperature never got higher than 42-degrees.  

Dave Wallace 2/15/09

Zero Riders: Mac Flythe reported that nobody showed up at 8:30 AM on Sunday for the 35-mile Jasper loop. Temperature was almost 60-degrees but the streets were wet and weather radar show lots of weather heading this way. But it never happened. Later, after the sun came out I cycled around River Bend but the wind was so bad I returned home. February has been a bad month. 

Dave Wallace 2-22-09. 

Zero Riders: Lots of rain washed out the 35-mile Jasper ride this Sunday. By the way, this may be my last posting for awhile as I'm going in for colon surgery on 3/5 and may be in the hospital for up to a week. I'll probably then be off my bike for several weeks recovering. But if you guys will send a report on your trips I'll try to post it as soon as I can.

Dave Wallace 3/1/09

Zero Riders: Lots of rain washed out the 35-mile Jasper ride this Sunday. 

Dave Wallace 3/15/09

Millard Godwin 4/12/09

??? Riders: The weather was absolutely fantastic but nobody reported who cycled the 35-mile Jasper loop on Sunday morning. My guess is there were so many riders that nobody knew the names of them all. I'm still out because of colon surgery on 3/5. Doc wants me off my bike until May 1, which is not too far off! I'm really getting cabin fever.

Dave Wallace 4/19/09  PS: later heard there were 12-14 riders.

Fifteen Riders: With starting temperature 70-degrees I knew we'd have a good turnout. Send e-mail if I have some names incorrect: Mac Flythe, Millard Godwin, Bill Sadler, John Klecker, Philippe LafargueMerle & Diane Edington, Travis Bowman, Nancy Alexander, Joanne Somerday, Steve Allert, Ryan Tuttle, Dave Wallace and two new guys, Chris Kelso and Dennis Luffey. It's hard to tell how many separate groups we broke into. Being back for the first time after surgery in March I hung back with the "B" group but returning home into heavy wind I think the last 5 of us were actually in the "C" or "D" group. My recorded cumulative saddle average from RB to the 70 overpass, Jasper and back to RB was 16, 16.5 & 15.7. I'm guessing the "A" group probably averaged 19 or better overall. 

Dave Wallace 5/3/09

Eleven Riders: A Mother's Day ride with 11 cyclists: Bill Sadler, Merle and Dianne Edington, John Klecker, Philippe Lafargue, Cliff Blackwell, Tim Sargent, Beverly Rust, Travis Bowman, Dave Clark (Wash, NC) and myself. Going to Jasper I hung back in the "B" group with Bill Sadler and Beverly Rust. Returning it was just Bev and me and our cummulative saddle averge from RB to 70 overpass to Jasper and back to RB was 16.2, 16.2 and overall 16. In the future, if someone in the lead group will e-mail their overall saddle average right away I'll post it. 

Dave Wallace 5/10/09

Eight Riders: Well eight, if you want to include Travis Bowman whom we only see at rest stops. Otherwise there was Mac Flythe, Millard Godwin, John Williams (MD), Steve Bengel, Dan Sosa (Jax), Bob Newsham (Richlands) and myself. I hung back with Dan and Bob most of the trip and our overall saddle average from River Bend was 15.7. Steve Bengel and Bob were new to the group. 

Dave Wallace 5/17/09

Ten Riders: Great weather for the 35-mile Jasper loop (26 from RB). New Bern riders: Mac Flythe, Cliff Blackwell, Steve Bengel,  Nancy Alexander and Travis Bowman. RB riders: Philippe Lafargue, Leigh Epps (visiting from Raleigh), first time riders John & Dianne Tom and myself. With the wind behind us I recorded a saddle average of 19.2 to the 70 overpass stop and 18.8 at Jasper. But back into the wind returning to RB brought the overall saddle average down to 16.8. On Clarks Rd, for a change, the group formed a double rotating paceline and stayed together all the way to Tuscarora Rd. We missed several of the usual cyclists today whom I suppose may have been out of town for Memorial Day. 

Dave Wallace 5/24/09

Eleven Riders: The weather was great for the 35-mile Jasper ride (26 from River Bend). Riders were Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, John Williams (MD), Steve Bengel, Tim McLear, John Klecker, Nancy Alexander, Philippe Lafargue, Chris Rossignol, Travis Bowman (rest stops only). and myself. Bill, Nancy, Chris and I made up a slower B group that had a 15.7 saddle overall from River Bend. Mac Flythe mentioned the lead group's saddle average was 18.3 at the Jasper rest stop. It was Chris Rossignol's first time riding with us and he ended up having to call someone to pick him up in Jasper after discovering a leaking tire valve.    

Dave Wallace 5/31/09

Ten Riders: Great weather again for the 35-mile Jasper loop (26 from RB). Riders were Mac Flythe, Millard Godwin, Bill Sadler, Merle & Diane Edington, John Williams (MD), Tim Sargent, Tim McLear, Eric Mills and myself. I joined the paceline in River Bend and dropped back with Millard for a saddle average of 17.3 to the 70 overpass stop. All was going well until at 10.34 miles from RB on Dry Monia Rd a dog ran in front of me and I went down. I was told I was unconscious for 5-10 minutes until First Responders arrived. The next thing I recall was a medical person putting a bandage on my elbow. I felt fine and refused to be taken to the hospital but finally agreed to let the owner of the dog, Marcellus Brock, take me home. All is fine now except a sore swollen hip which I'm treating with an ice pack, a black eye and a little road rash here and there. Apparently I was the only one that went down. Sorry I missed the ride guys. Nice to see Eric back with us. 

Dave Wallace 6/7/09

Sixteen Riders: Another great day in the 70s for the 35-mile Jasper ride (26 from River Bend). Riders: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Millard Godwin, John Klecker, Merle & Dianne Edington, Eric Mills, Nancy Alexander, Philippe Lafargue, Chris Rossignol, Randy Allen (Jax), Dan Sosa (Jax), Jonathan Irwin (New), Philippe Lafargue, Travis Bowman (rest stops only) and myself. 

Nancy, Chris, John Imbriaco, Dan, Millard and I made up a slower B group for most of the trip with a 16.2 overall saddle average from River Bend. Mac Flythe reported that the lead group's overall saddle average was 19.1 to the bike shop.Whew! Nice to have new cyclist Jonathan Irwin join us and have John Imbriaco back after a long absence for a knee replacement. 

Dave Wallace 6/14/09

Ten Riders: 10 riders showed up tonight. Ended up splitting into several groups. 6 riders stayed together until end. We did 32 miles at about 20.5 mph.  I had a max sprint at 36.9.  I'm trying to remember all the names..  Charles Fetzer, Ben Lindeman, Ryan Tuttle, Will ?, Johnny Edens, Scott ?, Jeree DeVisser, Steph Rynas, Brian Stoll, and myself. Good hard ride tonight.  Hopefully we'll get even more next week!
 
We'll be doing this ride every Tuesday.  Meet at the St Delights Church in Bridgeton. Roll out is 5:30 PM.

Pat Jacques 6/18/09

Eight Riders: Father's Day! Where were all the riders for the 35 mile Jasper loop? Mac Flythe,  Jonathan Irwin, Steve Adams, Mike Wagers and Travis Bowman departed New Bern at 8:30 AM and were met by Philippe Lafargue, John Imbriaco and myself at River Bend. Mike is John Imbriaco's son-in-law visiting from SC. It was also nice having Steve Adams back after surgery last year but he only cycled to the 70 overpass. I dropped back to cycle with John Imbriaco in the B group for most of the way for an overall saddle average of 15.9 from River Bend. Mac Flythe reported an overall saddle average of 18.3 mph for the A group.

Dave Wallace 6/21/09

PS: Thanks to Mike for the photo which I believe is on NC 55 after leaving Jasper. John is leading followed by Philippe, Dave, Mac and Jonathan

Fourteen Riders: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Tim McLear, Tim Sargent, John Klecker, Nancy Alexander, Jonathan Irwin, John Williams (MD), and Steve Adams departed Flythe's bike shop at 8:30 AM for the 35 mile Jasper loop. Meeting them in River Bend was Philippe Lafargue, Gary Bielejeski, John Imbriaco, Jeremy LeRay and Dave Wallace. The slower B group consisted of John Imbriaco, Nancy Alexander and myself, accompanied by Bill Sadler and Steve Adams at times for an overall saddle average from River Bend of 16.9. Mac Flythe reported an overall saddle average of 20.1 for the A group. Bill Sadler had a flat on Tuscarora Road returning but repaired it about 6 minutes. It was great weather and a good ride.

Dave Wallace 6/28/09

80-100 Riders: This was a training ride sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Raleigh that began at the Craven Community College on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM. Choices of routes were 19 and 47 mile. It appeared most cyclists rode 47. I rode the 19 mile route and despite missing a turn and taking a longer route back I was the first to return. Great weather.

 Dave Wallace 7/11/09

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Fifteen Riders: The following 9 riders arrived in RB from NB and were met by Philippe Lafargue and myself: Mac Flythe, Cliff Blackwell, Merle & Dianne Edington, John Williams MD, John Klecker, Randy Allen (Jax), Mike Wagers (SC) and a new rider Bob Whitmore. I dropped out unable to keep up and later met Nancy Alexander who dropped out from NB. Upon arriving at the 70 overpass rest stop, Beverly Rust and two new riders, Josh Sample and Tim Carter showed up. Returning from Jasper for most of the trip the B group consisted of Alexander, Rust, Allen, Sample, Carter and myself. Because of slowdowns I recorded only 15.3 mph from RB and return. We missed Godwin and Sadler. Great weather again. Nice ride. (Mac later reported the A group returned to New Bern with 19.7 mph average)

Mike Wagers submitted photos 1-3 and Clifford Blackwell submitted photos 4-5. Click on thumbnails to enlarge.

Dianne, Bob, John, Merle, Randy, Mac	Merle. Philippe, John, Cliff, Mike, John, Mac, Bob	You label them	Nice pull Mac!	You label them

Dave Wallace 7/12/09

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Sixteen Riders: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, John Klecker, Cliff Blackwell, Merle & Dianne Edington, Bob Whitmore, Travis Bowman, Jonathan Irwin, Jason Rubin, Jason Rubin, Beverly Rust, Mike Gearren, Bruce Baughman, Ron Lather and Dave Wallace. New riders were Mike Gearren, Bruce Baughman and Ron Lather. Mac reported the A group's overall saddle average for the 35-mile trip was 21 mph, but that he and Dianne's average was 19.1. Beverly Rust and I made up the B group, or shall I say the C group from River Bend and my recorded overall average from RB and return was 16.8 mph. We were joined by Joanne Somerday, Mike Gearren and Bill Sadler for most of the trip. 

Dave Wallace 7/19/09

Five Riders in the "B" Group + more: I can only report on the "B" group for the Jasper ride this Sunday unless someone sends info on the "A" group. They took a different route to Jasper and we never saw them at rest stops. After waiting for stray cyclists arriving in RB from NB the following 4 cycled the Jasper loop from RB and back with a saddle average of 15.3: Josh Sample, Tim Carter, Tonya Mills and myself. Travis Bowman joined us returning from Jasper. This was Tonya Mills first ride with us. Her hubby Eric was in the A group. Nice ride. Sorry I can't report on all who rode today. 

The Tour de France is over. Alberto Contador (Spain) won, followed by Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) and Lance Armstrong. Contador is on Team Astana with Armstrong. He is age 27, Schleck is 24 and Armstrong is 37. Next year Armstrong will be riding with Team Radio Shack. 

Dave Wallace 7/26/09

PS: The following arrived from Mac Flythe. Apparently we had a A, B and C group today:

Twenty-one  Riders: Unfortunately my original post here on Sunday 8/2 didn't take so here's a repost and my best recollection on who rode the 35 mile Jasper loop on 8/2: Mac Flythe, John Klecker, Jason Williamston, Cliff Blackwell, Merle & Dianne Edington, Bob Whitmore, Jonathan Irwin, Steve Bengel, Beverly Rust, Ron Lather, Tim McLear, Philippe Lafargue, Amy & Gary Bielejeski, Nancy Alexander, Beverly Rust, Roger Johnston, Will Kanteres, Chris Lucas and myself. Two new riders were Will Kanteres and Chris Lucas. All I can report on is the B group: Alexander, Rust, Johnston and myself that formed at River Bend and made to trip with an overall saddle average of 15.8. Let me know if I missed anybody.

Dave Wallace 8/2/09

Twenty-six Riders: The Sunday morning 35-mile Jasper ride is getting larger. I hope I have all the names right: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Millard Godwin, John Klecker, Tim McLear, Dianne Edington, Merle Edington, Steve Bengel, Tim Sargent, Randy Allen (Jax), Ron Lather, Jason Williamson, Jason Rubin, Jonathan Irvin, Chris Lucas, John Tomaio, Dianne Tomaio, Nancy Alexander, Philippe Lafargue, Amy Bielejeski, Gary Bielejeski, Travis Bowman, Bridgete Curlin, Bonnie Refinski, Ryan Asher, Dave Wallace. New riders were Curlin, Refinski and Asher. The slower B group consisted of Curlin, Refinski, Alexander, Godwin , Lafargue and myself going to Jasper but Lafargue joined the A group returning. My overall saddle average from RB and return was 15.5. Sorry but I have no info on the A group's average or whether they remain together unless someone sends me a message. Merle Edington sent a message to NBCC reminding everyone that it is a group ride, not a race. 

Dave Wallace 8/9/09

Sixteen Riders: Left to right below at Jasper reststop: Jason Williamson, Tim Sargent, Chris Lucas. John Williams (MD) Jason Rubin (kneeling) Dave Wallace (kneeling), Mike Gearren Jr., Mike Gearren Sr., Mac Flythe, Beverly Rust, Steve Adams, Jonathan Irvin, Philippe Lafargue. Missing are Dianne Edington who took the photo, Bill Sadler who returned home with a cracked bike rim and Travis Bowman who raced ahead. The slower B group consisted of Beverly Rust, Steve Adams and myself for an overall saddle average of 16.4 from River Bend. The A group probably averaged over 19.

Dave Wallace 8/16/09  (Thanks for the photo Dianne) 

Seventeen Riders: Sorry but I can only report on the B group this Sunday morning 35-mile Jasper ride because we only saw the A group going in the opposite direction as we approached the Jasper rest stop and I counted 13 in the group. We got way behind because we stopped to help Jonathan Irvin who was dropped from the A group with a flat tire. After repairing the flat Jonathan decided to return home. The B group consisted of Nancy Alexander, Cassandra Crowder, Avery Corning and myself and my overall saddle average from River Bend and return was 17.2mph. Avery was a new rider. If someone sends an account on the A group I'll post it. 

Dave Wallace 8/23/09 PS: The following message arrived from Dianne Edington. I reduced the photo size for faster downloading and added in last names in italic. Hope I got them right. Thanks Dianne!

Eighteen Riders: Left to right below at the Jasper rest stop: Merle Edington, Bob Whitmore, ?, Jeff Enos, Cliff Blackwell, Jason Williamson, Chris Lucas, Jonathan Irwin, Philippe Lafargue, Tim McLear(barely), Dave Wallace, Mike Gearren, John Klecker, Bill Sadler, Shane Nabor, Mac Flythe, John Imbriaco. Taking the photo was Dianne Edington, The slower B group consisted of Sadler, Imbriaco and myself going to Jasper and only Imbriaco and myself returning for an overall saddle average of 15.9 to River Bend. I understand Millard Godwin, son Barry and Lillian Herderich rode a separate route until Millard went alone on a shorter version of the Jasper trip. Travis Bowman was seen briefly at Jasper. I don't plan to continue mentioning  him as he no longer rides in any group. 

Please let me know whose names I have wrong. Thanks for the photo Dianne.

Good luck to Merle & Dianne Edington who are moving to Asheville NC next week. Dave Wallace 8/30/09

Twentythree Riders: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Tim McLear, John Klecker, Steve Bengel, Jason Williamson, Jason Rubin, Tim Sargent, Shane Naber, Ben Lindemann, Mike Gearrens, Cliff Blackwell, Nancy Alexander, Cassandra Crowder, Bridgete Curlin, Jonathan Irwin, Steve Adams, John Imbriaco, Travis Bowman, Dave Wallace. Plus we had a couple on a tandem bike from the Raleigh/Durham area visiting that are on the MSfits team in the MS Tour and a gentleman from Greenville SC visiting. Sorry, but I forgot their names.

There were a couple folks that wrote asking to form a slower B group in River Bend, but one didn't show up and the other rode ahead alone. I ended up riding alone until I joined the A group at the overpass stop. It was from there I discovered that the A group makes no attempt to stay together so I don't plan to wait for anyone either. Nice ride today. My overall saddle average from RB was 17.2. 

Dave Wallace 9/6/09

Forty NBCC Riders on the 2009 MS Bike Tour: 40 NBCC members reported cycling the 2009 Bike Tour cycling either 30, 50, 75 or 100 miles on Saturday September 12 and/or Sunday September 13. Sixteen members cycled one Century trip while 12 cycled two Century trips. All MS Century trips reported are shown in red type on the NBCC CENTURY TRIP RECOGNITION list above. Nine members cycled their first Century. The weather was great and we heard 1600 cyclists were registered. It just gets better every year.

Dave Wallace 9/18/09

BAD SUNDAY START

Photo shows cyclists heading wrongly up South Front St instead of East Front St on Sunday start from Union Point Park. Group turned right on Hancock and some cyclists crashed on the railroad tracks.

Sixteen Riders: On the 35-mile Jasper Sunday ride the fast A group consisted of Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Ben Lindeman, Bob Whitmore, Mike Gearren, Chris Lucas, Jason Williamson, Phillipe Lafargue, Jeff Enos and two new riders Josh Brown and Chans Miller. The slower B group consisted of John Imbriaco, Steve Bengel, Bridget Curlin, Bonnie Refinski-Knight and Dave Wallace going to Jasper but Steve joined the A group returning. The B group's overall saddle from River Bend was 16.6 mph. Someone in the A group had a flat just before Rhems but he and the cyclists that stopped to help caught up with the group at the 70 overpass stop. By the way I no longer include Travis Bowman as a group rider since we only see him occasionally at a rest stop. Nice weather. Nice ride. 

Dave Wallace 9/20/09

We don't usually hear from anyone in the fast A group on Sunday morning but here's an update from Jason Williamson. Thanks Jason

Hey Dave,
 
Just thought I would give you a little info on the ride from the “A” group perspective.  Seven riders finished at the front, and there were a few more (four?) that straggled in.  We averaged 19.9 mph, despite a pretty vicious headwind on 17 heading north at the end.
 
Jason Williamson 9/20/09

Nine Riders: It was a rainy 35-mile Jasper ride this Sunday morning. I understand 3 cyclists returned to New Bern but I'm not sure who they were. What was left of the A group at the 70 overpass were Chris Lucas, Mike Gearren, Mac Flythe and James Roddich, a new rider, when Nancy Alexander and I arrived as the B group. Returning from Jasper Mac joined Nancy and I in the B group and I recorded 16.6 saddle average overall from River Bend. The rain was light and felt good until we hit River Bend when we hit a heavy downpour. We saw Travis Bowman off/on but I don't count him as a group rider. 

Dave Wallace 9/27/09

Nineteen Riders: All riders on the 35-mile Jasper Sunday ride in alphabetical order were Steve Bengel, Amy & Gary Bielejeski, Cliff Blackwell, Bridget Curlin, Mac Flythe, Mike Gearren, Jonathan Irwin, Philippe Lafargue, Ron Lather, Ben Lindemann, Chris Lucas, Bonnie Refinski-Knight, Jason Rubin, Joanne Somerday, John & Dianne Tomaio, Bob Whitmore and Dave Wallace. All I can report on is the B group, or should I say the last group because at times returning we could see three distinct groups ahead. My overall saddle average from River Bend was 16.7 mph and most of the trip was with Bonnie and Bridget. Nice easy ride and cool. We saw Travis Bowman periodically but I don't include him in the count. 

Dave Wallace 10/4/09

Twelve Riders?  I didn't join the Sunday morning Jasper ride because it looked like rain. Mac Flythe reported:

Eleven Riders?  I dropped out about 4 miles into the Jasper ride from River Bend and returned home when it appeared I would be cycling the group ride alone.

Dave Wallace 10/25/09

Nine Riders: Starting temp was in the high 60s for the 35-mile Jasper ride. The A group consisted of Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Tim McLear, Mike Gearren, Jason Williamson and Philippe Lafargue and had an overall had a saddle average of 18.5. The B group consisted of John Imbriaco, Nancy Alexander and myself. My overall saddle average from River Bend was 16.7. It was a nice easy ride despite running into a few sprinkles on the way home. 

Dave Wallace 11/1/09

Ten Riders:  A cool start at 8:30 AM at about 50 degrees for 6 cyclists departing New Bern for the 35-mile Jasper ride: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Mike Gearren, Tim McLear, John Klecker and Jonathon Irwin. Joining in River Bend was Philippe Lafargue, Steve Adams, John Imbriaco and myself. A slower B group formed with Adams, Imbriaco and myself, although Adams only went to the overpass and returned home. Overall saddle average for Imbriaco and myself was 16.3 mph, a leisurely trip during which we left Jasper ahead of the A group but never saw them. What happened? Tim McLear had a flat approaching Rhems and he and Gearren didn't catch up until the Jasper stop so maybe another flat occurred in the A group leaving Jasper?

Dave Wallace 11/8/09

Nine Riders: Starting temp in the high 50s for the 35-mile Jasper ride but ended in the high 60s. The A group consisted of Mike Gearren, Tim Sargent, Jonathon Irwin, Jason Rubin John Klecker. The slower B group consisted of Mac Flythe, Philippe Lafargue, Nancy Alexander and myself and our overall saddle average from River Bend was 16.7mph. It was a bit cool and quite windy going to Jasper but mostly downwind and warmer returning. Enjoyable ride.

Dave Wallace 11/15/09

Nine Riders:  Another cool start at 8:30 AM at about 50 degrees for 8 cyclists departing New Bern for the 35-mile Jasper ride: Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Mike Gearren, John Williams(MD), Tim McLear, John Klecker, Jonathon Irwin and Bonnie Refinski-Knight. I joined the paceline in River Bend but after Rhems Mac and I broke out to become the slower B group. I recorded an overall saddle average from RB at 15.9. Bonnie joined Mac and I returning from Jasper. Nice ride today. Sorry I can't report on the A group but nobody ever sends info. We saw Travis Bowman at the rest stops but he's not a group rider. 

Dave Wallace 11/22/09

Ten Riders: Cool start in the 40s for the 35-mile Jasper ride but ended in the 50s. The A group consisted of Mike Gearren, Jonathon Irwin, John Klecker, Philippe Lafargue, Bill Sadler, Dave Livingston and Mark Genereux (new). The slower B group was Tim McLear, John Imbriaco and myself. My recorded saddle average from River Bend was 17.4, 17.2 and 16.9 for 70 overrpass, Jasper store and overall. Nice ride. Also nice to see Dave Livingston we haven't seen in a long time. 

Dave Wallace 11/29/09

One Rider: Too cold for everybody but Marine Chris Lucas who braved the 30-something starting temperature at 8:30 AM Sunday for the Jasper run. Looks like some dogs finally slowed him down. Must have been the cold because it's hard to believe Chris couldn't outrun a dog. Below is his account:  Dave Wallace

Hi Dave,

Chris Lucas made up the A group for the Sunday ride this morning. Chris Lucas was then in the B group after some dogs chased after him on T-R road, also a bit of a head wind to slow things up. He sprinted away from the dogs while squirting his water bottle at the dog’s face (mace is on order now).  He then rejoined the A group consisting of Chris Lucas.  Instead of stopping at the mini-mart he continued on 55 back to New Bern via the MS route.  Slight tail wind on 55 where another dog decided to give a half hearted chase.  

Really was not that bad with shorts and tights, poly pro socks and plastic bags with shoe warmers from Wal-mart, turtle neck shirt, short sleeved  jersey and wind breaking jersey on top, performance cycle gloves and wool cap under helmet.

35 miles with an average of 16.8 mph.

Dave I think there are plenty of other wimps that joined you!  (Mac had to work on his parade float otherwise he wasn’t wimping out)

Chris Lucas 12/6/09

Dave,

I rode my bicycle into town today with the temperature at 60.1 degrees, where I met up with Tim McLear at Flythe's bike shop for our regular Sunday morning Jasper loop bike ride.  After a short wait, it was clear to Tim and me that most riders were smarter than us and had decided to stay home where it was warm and dry.  Even the owner of the bike shop was not there. He claimed to be sick, and I will leave it up to the readers to evaluate the merit of his claim.

Most of the ride going toward Jasper Mini Mart was dry with only an occasional mist for rain, and most of the time the wind was at our backs.  However, on the way back the wind picked up and was in our faces and the mist had turned to rain drops and the roads were wet.

Since I had already ridden 12 miles before I got to the bike shop, I bailed out on Tim (sorry about that Tim) at River Bend on the return trip.  When I got home the temperature was up to 64.3 degrees, and I had ridden 42 miles at an average speed of 17.2 MPH - not too bad given the head winds.  All in all, it was not a bad ride - a little wet, a little windy but not a bad ride.

Bill Sadler 12/13/09

Two Riders The following from Bill Sadler whom I proclaim resident "polar bear" in Millard Godwin's absence. Must have started at about 30-degrees and barely reached 40. Whew - not for me and it looks like not for others either. Nice going Bill and Mac!

Dave Wallace

Mac Flythe and Bill Sadler did the Jasper loop this morning, it was a little cold at the beginning and did not get much warmer along the way. They don't know their average speed, but Bill is quite sure it was less than 18MPH (old men, head wind).

Bill Sadler 12-20-09

Nine Riders: Well, we finally got a break in the weather with a 40-something degree start for the 35-mile Jasper ride that ended in the 50s. Not bad.  Here we are at the 70 overpass rest stop. Left to right are Mike Wagers (visiting from SC), Bill Sadler on recumbent, Jonathan Irwin (in shorts), Jason Rubin, Philippe Lafargue, Chris Blackwell, Mark Genereux and John Imbriaco. I'm taking the photo with my new pocket-size camera Marilee gave me for Xmas for bike trips (I always carried a throwaway camera on MS bike tours). John and I made up the slower B group for an overall saddle average of 15.7mph from River Bend. Hey, where are all the B group riders?

Dave Wallace 12/27/09

No Riders: Entirely TOO COLD below freezing. Next Sunday forecast to be the same.

Dave Wallace 1/3/10

No Riders: Entirely TOO COLD for the Sunday 35-mile Jasper ride - again  below freezing.

Dave Wallace 1/10/10

Twelve Riders: It finally warmed up for a starting temp of 40 and ending at 60 for the 35-mile Jasper ride. We rode on Saturday this time because of rain forecasted for Sunday. Riders were Mac Flythe, Millard Godwin, John Klecker, Tim McLear, Mike Gearrens, Jason Williamson, Chris Lucas, John Imbriaco, Chris Kelso, Amy & Gary Bielejeski and myself. It was supposed to be a B-group ride but ended up AB despite both groups riding much slower than usual, probably due to the cold and lack of riding lately. I hung back with Mac and Millard for an overall saddle average of 14.3 from River Bend, reduced considerably due to Mac stopping to water his horse. 

Dave Wallace - Saturday 1/16/10

Fourteen Riders: Starting temp close to 50 and ending at 60 for the 35-mile Jasper ride. Riders were Mac Flythe, Bill Sadler, Tim McLear, John Klecker, Jonathan Irvin, Mark Genereux, John Imbriaco, Josh Brown, Bridget Curlin, Chris Lucas, Mike Gearrens, John Tomaio, Dianne Tomaio, and Dave Wallace. The slower B group cumulative saddle average was 17.8 at the overpass, 17.3 at Jasper and 16.3 at River Bend. The wind was heavy at times returning. Glad to see Bridget Curlin back after knee surgery and Josh Brown whom we haven't seen in several months. Josh dropped his cell phone on the road but it still works!

Josh Brown, Bill Sadler, Tim McLear, John Klecker, Mark Genereux	Bridget Curlin, Dianne & John Tomaio, John Imbriaco	Josh Brown, Jonathan Irvin, Bill Sadler, Mike Gearrens	Bill Sadler, Chris Lucas, Mike Gearrens, Mac Flythe, Josh Brown

Dave Wallace  Sunday 1/24/10

One Rider? It was 22 degrees with wind at 19-24 miles at 9 AM. I and many others canceled the Sunday ride. Millard Godwin sent a message later in the day that he cycled to Flythe's shop in the morning but nobody showed up. Later Josh Brown reported "Oh man was it cold this morning, I got my miles in but was frozen solid when I was done." So that's it folks. As we go into February, it's doubtful that the weather is going to get better.

Dave Wallace 1/31/10

Hey, if you're looking for someone to cycle with and you are a member send a message to nbcc@XXXalways-online.com (Remove XXX) telling folks when and where you'd like to go. After the trip send me a message and I'll post how it went and who joined in. That's what this club is all about. 

   Dave Wallace - davewallace@XXXsuddenlink.net (remove XXX)

Background wallpaper photo was taken at the National Senior Finals cycling events at DisneyWorld in 1999. See http://pages.suddenlink.net/davew/clermont.htm

This web page was created by Dave Wallace davewallace@XXXsuddenlink.net (removeXXX) on 3/27/2002. 

Updated 1/31/2010