Plano
Payback Shatters
Legs, Lungs, and Attendance Records
by Alex Pettit & Bill Cassidy
CORINTH-The first annual Plano Payback ride, combining the two fastest, friendliest,
and finest cycling clubs in the Universe, was a resounding and immeasurably successful. Shortly
after 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, 3 November, three groups comprising 85 riders from the CCC
and the Plano Bicycle Association steamed out of the lot at Crownover, full of good-will,
good ‘tude, and good carbs
Bill’s C-group boasted 16 hardy souls, pretty much evenly split between CCC and PBA, looking
to tame the dreaded "Wall" before the day would be done with. The group headed out
at WalMart, before continuing on Spencer and Woodrow up to the Waterpark, where they enjoyed
some
much deserved refreshments. It was then out the old
to the "Wall" via Milam. The contingent viewed the "Wall" with dread and anticipation but
persevered as everyone made it to the top. After a few minutes respite to get lungs and
heart back to normal, it was back in the saddle as the group bravely headed back by Ganzer
and Elm into downtown Denton past the historic courthouse and on out to Woodrow, retracing
its path back to Crownover. Everyone was happy to see the finish but sad to see such a
wonderful ride come to an end. Special thanks need to be expressed to Mary for making sure
that
no one got dropped in a land far, far away from Planet Plano.
Thrasher and Dan handled the hostin’ for the 14-strong B-group, which rode north, then west,
then home again at a variable but impressive pace. The group leaders, by all accounts, did
a smashing job keeping together a diverse group of riders at various levels—always a challenge
for B-rides and one met splendidly by T&D.
The A-group swelled to a staggering 55 riders for the 62+ mile sprint through Aubrey, Sanger,
and other storied sites. Big Steamer,
CCCers who took turns up front early on. After
the two mini-H’s, Rick and Scottie hung on up front for what turned out to be a barn-burner,
with the Hosses averaging 20 mph on the day. FlyBoy, Dice, and the Professor brought up
the rear, eager to convince themselves and others that they had done so to accommodate other folks
who’d gotten spit off the back when the peleton passed warp speed
This ride confirmed the fact that you meet the nicest people on a bike. All three groups would like
to express their appreciation to the PBA for coming out to ride with us and for making an
enjoyable ride more enjoyable still.
Plano Payback Photo Gallery
Riders assemble for the Plano Payback
7:30am and it's time to roll
B and C groups waiting to start
The Sweep team is already in position
Starting to settle into a rhythm now
The tempo starts to increase down Mingo Road
The A group flys towards the 3 sisters
The leaves are finally turning
Elm Bottom Circle
