Thanks to Shauna Archibald for this weekend’s ride report!
It was under the gray skies and low single digit temperatures of April 12th that a small but mighty group from Randonneurs Nova Scotia gathered at the Armdale Roundabout to kick off the 2025 season. At a distance of 80km on well-traveled HRM roads, this first ride still had its fair share of new adventures! There were no major issues with mechanicals, thank goodness, as members always help each other to avoid the potholes and other hazards by pointing them out as we ride along. After making our way up the Saint Margaret’s Bay Road, we rolled smoothly to the intersection in Tantallon then, took a right turn along Hammonds Plains Road, getting our climbing legs on and making it to our first stop at a convenience store in Kingswood. We were treated to a low traffic short cut through to the Lucasville Road, making our way then into Middle Sackville and Windsor Junction to Waverley. As we stopped for a brief refuel, the northeast wind blowing off Lake William had us in agreement that it was colder than the forecast had predicted! Off we went along the Waverley Road. Motorists were uniformly courteous- giving space to our high vis jacket and flashing light huddled pack of riders. Timed to perfection was one final treat- hail on our last push leaving Dartmouth onto the MacDonald Bridge bikeway towards the finish on the Halifax side. At least it was a light shower of hail rather than the heavy down pour type- leave it Nova Scotians to say- it can always be worse! Small groups and individuals, who by the end had spread out, each made it safely to their destinations of choice. Thanks so much to the group who came out for supporting each other- it meant a lot to those of us relatively new to the club. This club runs on volunteers and we thank everyone that lends a hand. Looking forward to more adventures and memories to make, next up a ride outside of HRM to mix it up on the Easter weekend!
