Tour De Amigos

Since I have been training, I have ridden several different places. One of my favorite places has to be a spot in North Georgia, my friends and I named it the Tour de Amigos. It’s definitely a rural area, wide streets and not many cars, perfect for cycling. On the roads, there are routes marked out for 27, 45, 64 and 105 mile rides. I love these rides because the scenery is amazing. It’s Georgia Americana at it’s finest. Big green fields, huge red barns, and cute houses with big front porches line the roads. At mile 15 there is a little country church, we pulled over there once for a break. It was late in the afternoon on a Sunday, almost dusk. As my friend Margo and I sat of the front steps of the church we could hear the joyful singing of old hymns coming from inside. Such a small church with big praises being lifted up to God. We sat just savoring the moment.
Tour de Amigos gets it’s name because everyone there is so friendly. Many people are outside on their porches as we ride by. We make it a point to wave to everyone…they always smile and wave back. We even say hello to the cows and horses…ok, I probably could have left that out but, ah well, it’s the truth.
There is one part of the tour that is less than friendly…unforgiving really…the hills! Most of the time I have just done the 27 mile route, it’s difficult…but fun. Saturday, we tried the 64 mile route…I think I almost died...ok, not really but it was dang hard. By the end of it…there was no sprinting up inclines, I resorted to dropping to the easiest gear and going about 7 mph up the really steep parts. In hindsight, we should have probably taken more breaks, longer breaks...much more longer breaks. I would like to do the 105-mile route before the trip…but I might have to either deceive someone into coming with me or pay them…any ideas? Just kidding...kinda ;)