San Facundo 100

Hey all - A bit late in coming, but since several of you have inquired with great curiosity as to what fate befell our group last Sunday.......I will offer a recap below, free of flourish and fabrications, expletives and exaggerations. Early last Sunday, a group of 7 lighted riders met at the corner of Minnehaha and 50th street to take on this year's 5hr century challenge. The Facundo.  It started with a reading to San Facundo, praising his miracle of turning rubber band to rope, and thanking him for holding tools and things (see attached). Departing on a northwest route, we charged up past Medicine Lake in Plymouth into Maple Grove and toward Hanover.  The wind was there, slightly behind us and to the side, but not a big push either way.  Rolling along, adding some cushion along the way, knowing we would be facing some wind after Buffalo, we managed the average up to 21.5 and then 22.0.  Andy gave us cushion time checks ---- 5min ahead of schedule, 8min a...

First, let's get a quick sketch of the main characters in this epic ----- at this point, it's not all that clear who is protagonist, and who is antagonist --- it's possible that they have struck some sort of deal to join their forces against us, but it's also possible that our Saint is just not strong (or cunning) enough to overcome his adversary. San Facundo ---- saint & protector of the 5hr century ride.  A day like yesterday, with 5 flats for 14 riders, makes one wonder if he takes his saintly duties seriously or not.  Then again, we didn't give him a proper prayer before we rolled out at 5:51a from Rustica --- somebody forgot how to search for the word "Ode" to find the prayer attached to this email, which has been printed and distributed in years past to all riders.  Budget cuts and general incompetence meant there was only a brief overview of San Facundo provided to the crew --- many of which were experiencing this event for the first time....

Well, you thought the year would go by without San Facundo challenging you to a fall test of your faith, fortune, and fitness.  But here we are in September and though it may be snowing later in October, San Facundo will be waiting to greet as upon our return.  A date has been set and we will ride. TO the FAITHFUL     Through your preparation and prayers     Your suffering and sacrifices      You've spun through spring and summer      In snow, gravel, road, and sun     Now the air is cooling     San Facundo appears saying     It's time for the faithful to roll     It's time to save your cycling soul TIME & PLACE  ---   SUNDAY October 21st  from  Rustica Bakery  (north side of Lake Bde Maka Ska) --- rain or shine.  Rolling at 5:45a sharp so be there a bit early if you normally run late. RIDE PLAN  --- Finish clock-time century in <5hrs, ret...