On July 24, 2011, Myself and fellow FnT riders decided to make another bike trek into the country side and this time around St. Toolie's District in Manchester was the lucky place. We decided to set out @ 5am but in true FnT style we didn't depart until 5:30. Typical of the Ayatollah and his gang they left us tardy ones to start the journey on time. We had a great ride going down Hope Road, onto Waterloo Road then Dunrobin Avenue and Washington Blvd. We met up the early birds along Mandela Highway and we all regrouped @ Jose Marti.
I have been getting a lingering knee cramp since my fall coming from Maryland months ago and I had to seek relief by putting on my knee brace, after which, I was ready for the road again. Our next stops would be Old Harbour Town then Clarendon Park. The stretch to Clarendon Park would be the true test of the ride as the sun came bearing down on us, energy levels started to get drained and it was just down to mental strength. I thought I had left my cycling shades @ home and rode without them and a massive headache was my gift. Unlike me, I was so ready to quit before Sheriff said, "Look Theresa is in front of u... U can't stop now," and as she said that the needle in my energy tank went right back to full. I decided to press on but was eventually out paced by Terry, Carlington, Sheriff, super fast Marlon, and couple others. The great Ribbie stayed with me until I got to Mineral Heights Roundabout and then the Ayatollah joined me and we continued. Charles decided that he was going to ride faster because as my energy level increased I am going to pass and leave him, so I said OK see u. I did a solo ride until I caught back Charles @ the Glenmuir Road turn off. I rode slow giving him some distance ahead until I heard someone screaming, so I started scanning the bushes wondering who the hell that was.. Then I heard f@#k f@#k only to close the gap with Charles just in time to hear him cursing himself and his bicycle... I almost fell of my bike with laughter. When I passed Charles he was so astonished that I was behind him...
But we both laughed and I rode on!!
My headache started to get worse and man was I happy when I caught up with Sheriff, Terry and Carlington at Four Paths... The sun decided to give us some relief because as we approached Toll Gate it got overcast and I felt a little sprinkle... Man that would have been a welcome shower...Carlington and I took on a steady pace while sheriff and terry passed us but we continued our pace stepping it up a little to Clarendon Park. We arrived in one piece and as the entire gang started to roll in, I realized that a couple cyclists had already taken support vehicles. Donovan said he didn't know Clarendon Park had moved and couldn't ride anymore...Fritz (my guest) had developed leg cramps and was out of the ride from as far back as Free Town...we regrouped and re-energized ourselves and continued to St. Toolie's.
The road to St. Toolie's District was rough, with the asphalt none existent and plagued by potholes in some sections...but I didn't mind it as it was a nice little off road for the off roadies and away from the impatient drivers that kept blowing us out of the road or men on the road side telling us females not to pressure our privates as if it belonged to them. We arrived at our final destination and the first question echoed by so many was where is the river, but my mind was on the food after doing a 50 mile ride. Off some went to swim while others waited patiently.
Then off we went to swim... The water was magnificent, cool and revived us from that gruelling bike ride. In usual FnT style we laughed, chat, frolicked in the water, took pictures and just had a great time. We said our good byes to the cool countryside at app 12:30pm to say we have returned to our concrete jungle from whence we came.
Big up to the scouts for this fantabulous and magnificent location and kudos to all the riders.
Mtr!!!
