StuporBowl XV

Todd had to work. Bob had a show. Jim had a bad back. Great day for a ride even if solo. Temps in the 30s, clear roads, sunshine. And 400 other riders to keep me company.

Showed up early, scored the manifest. Just enough time to map out all 14 points and plan a route. The first unknown, the start turned out to be east bank, way under the 35W bridge. The second unknown, an additional stop, folded easily into my route. I took off downriver and up out of the valley with a minority of the riders, out to pick up the four stops on this side of the river.

I maintained a methodical mid-pack pace, maybe two minutes off the lead at the first stop atop of Witches Hill. A long slog to Sporty’s, also a drink stop so had to navigate a line out the door. Back over the river and to a bizarre stop, in Gardner Hardware, through the fire door, up five flights of stairs to Trash Bags HQ. And five flights back down thank you very much.

A little trouble finding Kitsune Cycles tucked into an alley on the far side of downtown. Have to go back and find out how they ever stay in business. South Minneapolis and then a long slog to the Testosterdome.

Or so I thought. Barb’s clue for me was, “this one’s off the map”. Another questioning voice would have helped here. Anyone? A lonely trip down Portland into Richfield and the obvious conclusion that I should have read the manifest more carefully. Only a 9 mile round trip out of my way. Did I says it was a great day for a ride?

By the time I got to the Testosterdome the party was in full swing, people were settled in for the duration. Then Angry Catfish, then Sunrise where, uh oh the stamper had beat feet even before 5:00. Same story at The Hub. I did cruise past the finish, the Nomad World Pub. In good company with other arrivals, but outside of the time limit. 

Stupor action at the Testosterdome. The race within a race.