2nd Annual Ocracoke S24O

By Emmett "Buddy" Pate on October 24, 2012

Taking a break on Ocracoke Island

The road and the touring bike were beckoning, a free weekend presented itself, and the appeal of a relaxing night with some good food on Ocracoke Island was just too much to resist. A couple of motel reservations were made in Manteo and Ocracoke, the gear was packed, and it’s off to the Outer Banks for 130 miles of coastal cycling. The weather forecast was for mild temperatures, clear skies, and wind out of the south. Oh well, it wouldn’t be the Outer Banks without a headwind. Little did I know.I made this yearly pilgrimage last November due to Hurricane Irene and the “new” New Inlet she decided to open just north of Rodanthe. I also traveled somewhat lighter using only a “trunk” on the rear rack. This time I decided to use my GT18′s and test out the new front rack in preparation for next year’s segments of my Great Lakes Project.

I arrived in Manteo in time to check in the motel and go for a run over to Festival Park, along the waterfront, and then through the Marina. A nice 5 miler that must have been at least a mile on wooden boardwalk.  Back to the motel, a quick shower, and it’s off to Nags Head for dinner.Last year’s ride was a loop around the Pamlico sound–taking the ferry from Ocracoke over to Swan Quarter and coming up to Manteo along Route 264. Not the most scenic section of North Carolina and I wasn’t in the mood for the distance or the tedium so I decided to just do an out-and-back this time. Leaving the vehicle at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center would be just over 60 miles each way. As predicted, the weather was near perfect. Clear skies, mild temperatures, and slight wind out of the south. That is, until I got on Ocracoke Island, The wind kicked up and it took about an hour and a half to cover the final 13 miles.  I still arrived in time to get checked in, clean up, and ride down to SMacNally’s for a couple of beers. Then it’s off to my favorite Ocracoke watering hole–Howard’s Pub–for dinner.

These guys certainly weren’t complaining about the wind!

True to Outer Banks tradition, the wind did a 180 degree switch and came howling out of the north at 20 to 30 mph all day Sunday. I can honestly say it made for the most miserable 64 miles I’ve ever ridden. It was simply relentless.  As much as I don’t particular enjoy crossing the Bonner bridge on a bicycle, it was a welcome sight on Sunday afternoon. Over 6 hours on the bike and 9 hours overall.

This guy rode beside me all the way from Rodanthe to Oregon Inlet. I just couldn’t shake him…

As with any tough ride, however, within minutes of getting off the bike all the misery is forgotten and all the remains is the need for refreshment and nourishment. The bike is loaded, a quick change of clothes, and it’s off to a Nags Head tradition and the locals favorite, Sam and Omie’s, for a beer and a crabcake sandwich.  A nice finish to a wonderful weekend and a challenging ride.

 

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2012 Tour To Tanglewood

By Emmett "Buddy" Pate on September 17, 2012

This year’s MS Tour To Tanglewood began with a beautiful Saturday morning ride.  The team split into a variety a groups doing different distances with a couple of us hoping to do the 80 mile loop or maybe even the century. As it turns out, the century route continues on from the completion of the 80 mile route which means you go right by the entrance into the park and add another 20 miles (some of which you’ve already ridden).  After 80 miles it’s practically impossible to not turn into the park when you can smell the beer and food waiting just a mile away. Needless to say, the beer and lunch provided by Carrabba’s won and the century will have to wait for another day.

The forecast for Sunday called for rain later in the afternoon but it came early and we woke to a dreary morning. It never really rained that hard but after Saturday’s beautiful weather, it was tough to get excited about spending a couple hours cycling in the rain. By 9AM the team had dwindled to about a half dozen so we decided to throw in the towel, pack up, and call it a weekend.

 

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2012 Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon

By Emmett "Buddy" Pate on September 4, 2012

After a couple of false starts, I finally made it to the starting line of my first half marathon. My training still left a lot to be desired, however. I had hoped that my cycling would be enough to get me through the latter half of the race but I was simply not prepared for the conditions. The temperature was actually pretty reasonable but the 80% humidity was just too much.  After about 3 miles, I was as soaked as if I had climbed out a pool. Two and half hours later, I finally managed to stagger across the line.

Even so, it was still a good event. I began with two simple goals – avoid an injury and not feel so bad at the end that I’d never enter another half marathon. Both were accomplished. In fact, I had a nice bike ride the next day and have already registered for the Shamrock Half Marathon next March. Now lets see if I can get through the winter without going into hibernation again.

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