Winter Garden, FL – PCC 11

Saturday morning June 17, 2017, TeamOne members (Dawn & Diana) joined other cyclists for the Peloton Cyclist Club (PCC) Ride #11. This ride was a little different from the others in that it was a social ride, including a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

PCC (http://pelotoncyclistclub.com) is a fun and unique company that has set out to unite the cycling community. TeamOne members joined in for the 47-mile course of beautiful riding through Winter Garden, FL.

All PCC rides are fully supported with mechanical and nutritional support before, during, and after the events. PCC has designated fully stocked SAG stops along the route to meet every rider’s need.

The Ride

Summer has arrived. The days up to Saturday had been sweltering and humid. The members knew this day was going to be HOT!

The day was starting off comfortably at 72 degrees at 7 am. Cyclists gathered around the PCC trailer, gearing up for another great ride. Pre-ride checks were being done, including some final adjustments before the ride. Today’s breakfast before the ride included bagels, juice, and coffee.

This PCC Ride #11 was a social ride. The 47-mile route everyone would ride together. The riders gathered for some last instructions (drink plenty of water) before heading out. Hills greeted the riders soon out of the gate. Warming up didn’t take long! Today’s ride, with a large group of riders all together, was an amazing sight to see. At times, the peloton had a double pace line where roads allowed.

The first SAG stop was about 18 miles into the ride. The PCC trailer was ready and waiting for the group. Cold water and Gatorade were top of the list, for though the day started out cool and comfortable in the low 70’s, the humidity and heat were already rising. For those with an appetite already, plenty of fuel was available: fruit buddy packets, bananas, trail mix, snack bars, and cookies were quickly consumed.

After the SAG stop, the entire group of riders started back for the next leg of the route. It was HOT! At every stop at a red light or stop sign, heat radiated from the road. Beads of water dripped down the riders’ faces. Each brief stop was a chance to get a quick drink. There was no keeping cool today. Greenery took the edge off of the heat at least visually. The scenic route took riders through lovely green landscape towards their next scheduled stop for breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kindom Lodge gave the riders a brief respite from the heat. The cool, air-conditioned restaurant welcomed the riders! A box breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, fruit, and muffins provided much-needed fuel for the remaining miles coming up. Riders also enjoyed viewing African animals just outside the restaurant. Soon, though, it was time to get back on the road, before it got too hot.

The last few miles of the ride were intense. Even though this was a social ride and the pace averaging between 15-16 mph for most, the hills on the last leg coupled with the rising humidity made for a challenge.

After the ride, a local restaurant, The Big Easy, provided the venue for lunch, conversation, and relief from the heat. The staff welcomed the tired, hungry riders. Brunch items and New Orleans homestyle cooking included omelets, shrimp and grits, Po’boy sandwiches, and jambalaya, to name a few.

This day was filled with great conversation, camaraderie, and the beautiful HOT weather.

PCC made sure cyclists had a great day!! Tim, Eric, and Rustin plan out the event, including providing course routes pre-ride, to make each ride so much fun. The ride is worth every penny. Where else can you get breakfast, lunch, snacks, a ride back if you need it, route planning and full SAG support for minimal cost? Check out what they have to offer at their website: http://pelotoncyclistclub.com