Thursday, June 21, 2012

Ride Into the Sunset



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Distance 28 Miles
max speed 34 mph
Ave speed  13mph
pedal time 2:05


Ten Speed Spoke bike shop in Newport R.I. sponsors a really nice ride around the island annually on the Thursday closest to the Solstice.   They provide pre-ride fruit and drinks and post ride pizza, water, soda, and this year ale.  You got a ticket for two drinks after signing the waver with the ride rules.

The temperature moderated from the 96F as we got closer to the ocean.  By the time the ride started it was a comfortable 85ish with low humidity.

The ride began downtown Newport on the famed Thames St.  That's where all the America's Cup people rubbed elbows.   It took us along the harbor to ten mile drive.   We rode through the mansion district and past the tennis hall of fame property.  The police escort left us as we turned on Memorial Drive for the steep downhill fall taking us to First Beach.   Up a long climb to Purgatory Chasm followed by another steep down hill to Second Beach.
10 mile drive.  Newport R.I.

Ocean Drive  Newport R.I. 



Bellview Ave.  Newport. R.I.  

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Screaming down Memorial Dr. to First Beach. 

Approaching Purgatory Chasm

Second Beach


We lost Steve way back on 10 mile drive and he decided to turn back at first beach.  He said he didn't know the route and was very disappointed when I reminded him that the route was marked with green directional arrows painted on the surface.

Two of us coasted along the Indian Road for a couple of miles before u-turning for the return trip.  We got back to the shop with plenty of time to mingle, talk bikes, drink beer and eat pizza.

Riding easy on Indian Rd. 

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