Castle Shima

Do you remember how we used to play basketball at night? It would get so cold that our hands would go numb. We coudn't even feel the ball with our fingers.
-- Brian from Taps

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

A few weeks ago, I was able to participate in the first annual Breast Cancer ride here in town. The primary purpose was to get used to cold and prepare for today's Turkey Ride. That event was fun since it was around the same general area where alot of Team Blue trains anyway. It was just cold enough to start wearing the cold weather gear as well as for an excellent cause.



With that said, it was nowhere near as hard as today's ride. what the hell was I thinking?

The cold weather wasnt really the issue at the start as much as the 20mph headwinds that we had, regardless of whatever direction we traveled. Even with a ferry ride to help us travel, the wind blew across the deck, chilling everyone on board. It got to the point where one man rode the deck in order to stay warm. That definately didnt make the ship's crew too happy.



By the time we got to the second leg of the trip, the wind picked up more and then the cold became a factor. In my infinite wisdom, I forgot to put on my shoe covers so by this time, my toes were numb. It seemed par for the course since my fingers were pretty numb too. The legs begin cramping from the exertion and the effort required just to keep the blood flowing.

Usually by the last leg of the ride, most riders are ready to strip off the extra layers because the weather had warmed up. Not this year. Oh no. This year it simply got colder. Again, begging the question, what the hell was I thinking?



Aye, for all my complaints, it was a fantastic ride. The 115 riders enjoyed the ride and despite the cold, it was alot better than if it was cold and raining like it was last year.

And of course, there was turkey afterwards. Not too mention the annual stop to Dunkin Donuts.



Yeah, I got your cream filling right here.