August 16, 2008 - Saturday morning about 7:45 AM the riders came. It was a perfect morning for a Welcome Ride. Sunny, calm and 57 degrees. Nineteen riders ready for the Tour. A few wearing arm warmers for the start. After a short pre-tour briefing, the regular tour group and the Welcome Ride group departed Huntertown School shortly after 8:00.
 

The Welcome riders decided on the 42-mile tour at a 15-16 mph pace, so the entire group kept it at about that pace until the first split at the 9-mile mark. 13 riders went for the full 51-mile tour while 6 riders took the Welcome Ride tour. Going north on 700E was a little challenging as a portion of the road was recently chipped and sealed, leaving loose gravel on the road. After we got north of 300S the road was fairly rough, but the miles ticked by without incident. A special treat for me, there were a few hills to catch a little burn on.

 

 After a short break in Kendallville, we met up with the regular tour group who caught us. After leaving Kendallville the road was really smooth and we were blessed with a slight cross tailwind. We were able to stay with the regular riders for a few miles. As they pulled away from us, I noticed the Welcome Riders' competitiveness kick in, as the speeds lifted from 16 to about 20. As I dropped back, I asked all of the Welcome Riders if the increased speed was okay. They said yes, and we kept it about 18 to 20 for the rest of the ride back to Huntertown, as everyone took their turn pulling.
 
The Welcome Ride group included Kim, Lynn, Andy, Dan, Justine and me, all finished together. Everyone had a good workout and a lot of fun on another perfect day for a bike tour.

 

 
A big Thank You to all of the regular tour riders for holding the pace with us for the first nine miles, It gave the Welcome Riders the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding in a peloton.