This was a perfect day for one of MACC's most widely known casual rides, the 'SCT beginner ride'.  With 10 members present our guest were made to feel welcomed even before the VP's riders meeting debrief.

The ride began promptly at 20 minutes past 10 after a few subtle reminders from the Prez.  Frisky and myself stayed back with Eddie as he waited on his guest to finalize there wardrobe and beverage selections for the journey.

It is now 10:30, Frisky and I are released by Eddie to give chase to the group while he remains back to see about his crew.  Our rate of chase rose to just above 21mph before the temp gauge on my UAV (urban assault vehicle) went into the red.  I signaled the leader to throttle back a few clicks to keep me in the game just a little longer.  We rounded the next bend to see the main pack about 400yds up the trail.  

1st stop was Florence Rd trail head, breaks were taken, stories began to unfold.  The Prez receives 'flash' message traffic (from Bike Journal I think), it simply states "more miles", and the smallest of smirks appears on his face.  He quickly makes eye contact with his loyal Lt's and in an instant, the beginner ride was gangstered!  There new destination is now the landmark known as the tunnel, approximately 10 miles beyond the Tara Drummond trail head which will give them around 50mi total today.

The group headed west and was quickly strung out as the Prez's group upped the pace.  When the split occurred, I found myself in the front seven momentarily, then off the back making up chase group 1.  At Tara Drummond Durrel and the VP were off the bike enjoying the sunshine, awaiting the arrival of myself and the rest of the group which include ALL of our guest.  (I don't know if anyone was designated, or volunteered, to be the sweep rider, we need to do better).

Eric came in next on the vintage Trek with wheel reflectors (sorry E :^) after a solo ride over the last 3 miles.  Not wanting to cool down excessively, we remounted and headed back east in hopes of catching the stragglers.  VP and Durrel kept a steady pace but I could see that Eric was not comfortable so we settled back into an easier pace.  Just as we went up the hill from Lost Mtn road, we stopped to assist a fellow rider with mechanical trouble.  Problem was a stuck chain in the front chain rings, I retrieved the multi-tool from the trunk of the UAV and in three minutes he was on his way.  

We pull into the SCT Depot, Jerry and guest, Eddie, VP and Durrel are there comparing notes on ride experiences.  Staying on schedule (and out of the dog house), I limit my post ride fellowship to 20 minutes and hop in the truck to head home just as the Prez's squad pulls into the Depot.  (Video provided by Atlbike.org helmet cam)

10 members present, 6 guest (both friends and family)