When we selected the Bux/Mont Rattlesnake Run for the October CSBA ride this year, we were hoping that it might turn out to be a scenic “fall foliage” ride. It was also equally possible that it could have turned into a “wet leaves” ride, which would have been a bit dangerous on many of the roads on the route.

  As it turned out, the warm and rainy September meant that the only significant foliage color was still green and, thankfully, not many leaves had fallen to cover the roads. However, just like nearly every other weekend this year, the roads were wet to start the morning. A heavy mist – that wasn’t even forecast! – covered the entire first half of the morning route, slowing the pace considerably, and reducing visibility for what should have been a scenic ride.

  Promptly at 9:15, CSBA President Mark Hamm gathered us for our pre-ride meeting and gave us our ride instructions for the day. These included the Safety Tip of the Day: animal carcasses. For whatever reason, small animal roadkill has been everywhere in the area, and the nature of the roads on this route made it a genuine cause for care while riding.

  We began the ride with about 18 riders, split equally into 2 groups. This route is the most technical and “back road” ride of the year. With almost no time spent on state highways and lots and lots of turns and intersections, there are not many opportunities for big speed differences between the groups. The Chase group, though, did have a few riders with less experience – especially on wet roads – so we took a more careful approach to all the twists and turns than we otherwise might have, in order to ensure that we all stayed together and arrived safely at the lunch stop.

  After about the midway point of the morning, the mist finally went away and the roads were mostly dry, so we were able to pick up the pace a little bit and enjoy the route a little more.

We give thanks to God for his wisdom and the ability to serve and be appreciated….

We finally had a day (weather-wise) that was worthy and we made sure to maximize it – the following is the accounts of our ongoing saga of Team CSBA…

Where do I start? The weather was heaven sent – we could not have asked for a better day weather-wise. Everyone was excited to ride – and we had riders. Crews came from as far north as Conn., east from Long Island/NY and south from just north of Philly.

We all arrived early so about half the group settled in for some breakfast –

It was a very special day as we made some new friends while introducing some old ones. One in particular, has been a member for nearly a year and it was his first time joining. We’re so happy to have Sheldon finally in our ranks. Another new rider to our group was CJ – he had never ridden with us before, so we made sure to give him a proper welcome. Sydney came down with his NY crew and also brought to us the famous “MzKelz (Kelly)” – she’s been nearly to every state on 2s and I believed she just returned from Alaska. I couldn’t help but admire her bike – the woman surely has good taste! George didn’t disappoint – riding down from Conn, and Nick and Kount Latin Riderz joined us from Long Island. August (aka Auggy) was Cory’s friend and he came to hang with us too. Along with the usual suspects (all identified in the above picture), it was to be a great day! Oh – I should also mention that Russ brought 2 new friends and one of them had less than 40 hours seat time as a rider – she (Lindsay) did amazing. (Tip: to all those riders out there that think you’re not experienced enough to ride with us – we have all groups and will take good care of you – just come and experience our rides)