Weekend Ride

Spent a wonder weekend away from everything! It was hot (over 90 degrees) and sunny, and of course I was riding in near-full gear. Got to the hotel, got to a room, and found a nice cozy place for Kermit to spend out of the sun and rain (if it happened). Walked across the parking lot to a grocery store, grabbed some snacks and a 12 pack. Guess I was dehydrated a little as all but 3 bottles were gone by the time I fell asleep!


Saturday, morning, got up and rode over for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. A great national chain that guarantees good food at a decent price. I was riding with the face shield up so I could plenty of ventilation in that mile or so ride. A bug found his way into my helmet, hit me in the face, and fell down onto my chin. I figured it was a fly, and could feel it stumbling around on my chin. At that point, I found out what it really was - a BEE!!!! The darn thing stung me on my chin! It was painful, but nothing I could do as I was on a multi-lane road with planty of traffic. Sure enough, it swelled up and hurt Saturday, and by Sunday simply was itching.

After breakfast, and at least some of the pain subsiding, I took off for Grand Lake St. Mary's. It was about a 70 mile ride, and the sun beating down on me the whole time. Got a little lost, but the GPS saved me, pointing me down the right path. Got to the lake, changed clothes into a pair of short jeans, and jumped into the cool, algae laden lake. I layed around in the lake for a couple hours, along with all the campers and locals. "Sunscreen? We don't need no stinking sunscreen!" Yup - you guessed it. Sunburned shoulders!

Got back to the hotel, about 7 or 8 hours after leaving. Tired, hot, sweaty, and hungry. Got some chineese, went back to the hotel, and then ate. Then, of course, I went to watch the Browns "play" football - play, cause the sure as heck were not taking it seriously!

I only rode about 150 miles Saturday. And between Friday night and Sunday, it was another 150 miles. Not much, but my rear still hurt! I have not been riding much this year. It felt great to be on the bike again, even if it was hotter than hades.