April 11, 2024

0600:

It’s a cool and cloudy Thursday morning at 6am. There’s an empty parking lot in Bay Head and a bit of drizzle is in the air. 

0615:

Cars with loaded bike racks start to arrive in the  parking lot. You can feel the excitement in the air. Tires are getting pumped up. Lights and bike computers are being attached to bikes. Helmets and shoes go on and get fastened. There may even be a bit of rummaging through stashes of triathlon gear for a warmer pair of gloves or a light jacket or extra base layer thanks to the unexpected drizzle. 

0625: 

The parking lot is abuzz with lots of chatter, high fives, hugs and even photos.  More cyclists arrive by bicycle. Some athletes are admiring new bikes while others are catching up with friends they haven’t seen in a while. 

0628:

The group quiets. Kevin is ready to give his pre-ride talk!  

• Head on a swivel! 
• Watch for debris from recent storms. 
• Be alert for garbage trucks work vans, and distracted drivers. 
• Be careful as the painted lines are sure to be slick. 
• We have one new rider…welcome!  
• Kevin promises to stay at the back. 
• No one is too slow. 
• Have fun and be safe!!
• Wait!  Group photo!!! 

0630

GO!  The A group leads out followed by the B and C groups and those who have no idea what group to stick with. Only one thing matters today:  just keep pedaling. Straight down 35 into Seaside to the turn around at the gates of Island Beach State Park. 

That pretty much sums up the first Crumb Bum Ride of 2024. You won’t get dropped on this super fun, friendly, and flat ride!  Some turn back early. Some go further. The main group does 24 miles before returning to the lot to load up the cars and head out to start the rest of their day. But first…a stop at Muellers bakery for a crumb bun! An we managed to see ZERO flat tires today. That’s impressive!!  

Come join us most Thursday mornings (weather permitting) for this now infamous  group ride!  It’s a great way to learn or fine tune your group ride skills skills —the A and B groups work on pace line skills too! No rider left behind. Not even if you tell us to go on without you! 

Marcie