Sunday, January 3, 2016, started at 5 am in 59 degree weather with pockets of light rain. The kind of morning that is great to stay in bed and sleep. We woke up thinking the same thing as in previous years … “Why did I volunteer to be in this ride?”
3rd Annual American Diabetes Auburndale Community Ride
Diana, and I represented TeamOne in Lakeland, FL by riding the 31 mile course to promote the upcoming Tour de Cure in March. Once we met and loaded the car with all the required equipment and materials, we were on our way at just around 8 ish. In Auburndale, FL the temperature did get warmer, up to 61 degrees, misting, balmy and drizzling. Great Florida riding weather.
The Teco Auburndale Trail, 905 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823 Google Map
The training ride focused on preparing for the ADA Tour de Cure ride by doing exactly that… providing an opportunity to ride with others and see what you can do. There was a nice turnout, in spite of the drizzle. Our own team started with the group and managed to make the first water/gatorade station without incident. After a little water refill and some PB&J sustenance, we were off for the rest of the ride. This particular trail offers a spectacular view of nature. What a change from roadways, but a welcome change. Things went smoothly for the first half of the ride. Just after the turnaround point, though, there was a “little” issue with one of the bikes. The chain kept coming off one of the rider’s bike. Not only was this inconvenient, and slowed us down, but it also provided an unwelcome side effect: cold muscles. While having to stop to get the chain back on track, our muscles suffered from the cold and drizzle. This made for a slow start to get back up to speed once we were back to riding. Another lesson learned: keep a little rag in that bike bag to wipe off the dirt!!
We were back on our way soon enough. The rest of the ride was uneventful, though chilly. And while it might have been a little hard to get going on a chilly, drizzly day, once we were crossed the finish line, we were rewarded with wonderful cookies compliments of Heather. It was a great feeling to have finished our ride…the adrenaline made the inconvenience of the weather disappear. A great ride and great fellowship of other riders made for a great start to the new year! No more questioning “Why did I volunteer to be in this ride?”
Auburndale, FL
Auburndale is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 11,032 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 12,381. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Statistics for the Day
We wanted to share the day with the members who couldn’t attend, so please enjoy the map and images below.
We rode as a unit so this could be the stats for all of us on the ride. Use this link to view more details: Garmin Connect http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1002105015
