Good morning everyone. Today is William Kardas‘s birthday!

Joining us in 2016; Bill fit quickly into the pack with his upbeat attitude and affable nature. Despite being regularly peppered for weather updates he remained smiling and soon began helping yours truly with expedition weather updates for our CR’s — I can’t quite describe the relief of having some expert opinion added to my gut level forecasting. Now, I’m not saying he has “secret powers,” but Bill’s been known to transform a gloomy ride day forecast into a beautiful spring day…I know Bill; you’re just the messenger.

Soon Bill began to get the attention our Head Shepherds and, before we knew it, we had a new riding weatherman Shepherd on the team where he plies his skills with the same grace and good nature he’s always exhibited as a rider. Now if we could just get him to work some of that magic on THIS spring’s weather…I still know Bill; you’re just the messenger.

Please join me in wishing our very own riding weatherman, William Kardas, a very Happy Birthday! Thanks for being part of the team Bill; Best Wishes for a great day, a great year with fair winds and calm summits. (He likes to climb.)

SPEAKING OF WEATHER…Not sure what’s going to happen with the steady rain today; best to check the ride line late for an update but, in the meantime, here’s the morning CR report:

RIDE WEATHER:  Mild and rainy. High 63F Winds SSW at 10. diminishing to 7.

TIME, TEMP, DP, RH, SKY, WIND:

6:00 pm; 63 °F; 56 °F; 79%; Light Rain; 10 mph SSW
7:00 pm; 62 °F; 57 °F; 82%; Light Rain; 9 mph SSW
8:00 pm; 62 °F; 56 °F; 81%; Light Rain; 7 mph SW

UNIFORM OF THE DAY: Moisture managing (INSIDE and OUT) light-weight warmth.

ON TOP: A wicking base , short or long sleeve, perhaps arm warmers with your bike jersey as the outer layer. You’ll want a rain jacket and may also wish to have a bandana (du rag), beanie or cap AND, perhaps, glove liners under your bike gloves as it will be coolish.

BELOW THE WAIST: I’d go with bike shorts or 3/4 length (Capri’s) bottoms or rain pants. You’ll also want your mid-weight wool or synthetic socks; shoe covers if you have them.

AS ALWAYS: Have your RoadID, shades – with clear or yellow rain lenses, sunblock (we can dream), lip balm and a snack or two; two water bottles — one full with water; one with some sports drink — or more water if you’re bringing energy chews or “bloks” as snacks.

*HELPFUL TIP: BRING SOME DRY CLOTHES, A TOWEL, SOME WIPES AND A COUPLE HAND WARMERS ALONG. YOU’LL BE COOL AND WET BY THE TIME WE’RE DONE.

DON’T FORGET YOUR MEDS: If you use an inhaler or epi-pen, please have them with you. You may want to let one of our ERT’s know you have them aboard.

DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMET…IT’S A MUST!

AND…

LIGHTS’ FORE AND AFT. RAIN, CLOUDS, LOW VISIBILITY…YOU GET THE IDEA.

Please have a spare inner tube, some tire levers and a means to inflate the tube should you need to use it. Remember to stop off your tires before arriving — check the sidewall but most of you will be looking for somewhere around 100 – 120 PSI. If you’re not sure about this part; please bring your pump in the car with you.

REMEMBER: Sag space is limited. So plan for items you can wear or stuff easily in your saddlebag or pockets.

Please arrive at WHITESBORO HIGH SCHOOL 6000 NY-291, Marcy, NY 13403 no later than 5:30PM(1730).

WE ROLL AT 6PM.

Tire’s been much discussion of West Road’s…ummmmm… “negative declinity.” To ease your minds; it’s slope is similar to Champlin Ave….just a nice steady, low slope ascent. Every one of you has made it up a similar slope. Better yet, both of these ascents are less than 3% grades…which is considered “…not particularly challenging. A bit like riding into the wind.” We’ll feel it pushing back; but we’ll make it; and be up and over before we know it. So, rest easy; it’s just another bump in the road.

Since we’re talking slopes; let’s turn t the great Eddy Merckx for today’s bike month wisdom.

Enjoy your Tuesday gang!

“Don’t buy upgrades, ride upgrades”
– Eddy Merckx

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