[DVBC] Buckeye's Big Adventure

[Debbie Chaga]

On the morning of the last day of Le Tour, Buckeye led Charlie, Tom, Nancy
and I not to the Champs Elysees but to Mays Landing.  The weather was
pleasant at the start and we all agreed that we'd take an overcast sky as a
break from the summer sun and relentless heat of late.  Our route was
enjoyable as we stayed off Route 40 as much as possible.  Our lunch in the
park at Mays Landing was interrupted by a passing storm so we retreated to
the gazebo where we ate and waited out the storm telling stories of past
TOPAs and joking around.  Back on the bikes we rode along contently although
we had no champagne to sip as we rode along.  Within 10 miles of Kingsway,
we saw BIG, BLACK clouds striaght ahead and we knew we were going to get
wet.  However, when the worst hit it was a much stronger storm than we
expected.  When the rain started Tom took off on his own trying to beat the
storm.  The rest of us trudged on and we were caught big time on the
straight stretch with the hill and light at the top that is on the most
direct route back to the cars.  This is section that is always windy on a NJ
ride.  After climbing the hill we pulled over to turn on our flashing rear
lights and Charlie suited up in his stylish olive green trash bag.  We
started riding again but only got about 1/8 mile when the wind made it
impossible to see and the rain felt like needles hitting our skin and the
lightning was downright scary.  I was hoping I wouldn't see Dorothy, Toto,
and the Wicked Witch flying by.  We turned around hoping to catch some
shelter by a house and some trees we had seen.  Doug saw a driveway with
several big trucks parked by a large garage and he went up to door and
knocked.  Luckily the owner and his son were there and let us in to sit out
the worst of storm.  After a while we ventured out in a light rain and the
25 degree difference in temps made it downright chilly.  Riding up the road
we saw Tom in his truck.  Somehow he was able to keeping riding through the
storm and had gotten back.  We declined his offer of a ride since we figured
what the heck we were almost back.  Total mileage 87.9.  Looks like we've
got another story to laugh about.  Well, Doug, you've done it to me again
.   .   .  got me out on another rainy ride!  : )
See ya on the road and hope it's not a wet one.
Dreamer
(p.s. -- this ride report per Doug's request)
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