Two big ol' Texans covered in tattoos with bodies built like linebackers set a blistering pace.  The half-dozen surviving riders string out single file in the gutter - not by choice. With little draft available, they grimace and strain to hold the wheel in front. Luckily, at 30mph only a few minutes of suffering remain.  Less for some - like me.  

This is ludicrous speed.  I'm done, sawed off the back, dropped like a rock.  Like always, the hopes and dreams of finishing in the front group at the opening day KOW - King of Wednesday - ride are left strewn in the gutter.  

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME RIDES ARE BACK! CREDIT: FLOMO CYCLING
With the arrival of daylight saving time thousands of weekday evening group rides, like the Texas KOW, start-up across the country and beyond. DST triggers an internal clock in every cyclist telling us "Wake up. Time to ride. Time to resume evening group rides."

It's a big deal.  As big as opening day for baseball fans. It's when our riding starts anew, a chance to chat, strut our hard-earned winter form or just struggle to display any form at all. For true cycling fanatics that first DST mid-week evening group ride is anticipated for months and never to be missed.

The KOW is one such ride. It started 15 years ago, with local coach Christian Williams pulling together an evening training ride in the rural hills and roads of Denton County. With spirited attacks, cross-wind, short steep punchy climbs and plenty of rider ego it offered a fun Texas sized workout after a long day at work or school. Legend has it that back in the early days a KOW handlebar trophy, a toy plastic cow glued to a bike bell, was presented to the winner each week.  

THE KOW IS FAST FURIOUS AND FUN. CREDIT: FLOMO CYCLING
Although the trophy and Christian have long since disappeared (Christian now grooms the next generation of cycling stars at Williams Cycling Academy), the ride still rolls every week, giving anyone a chance to be King of Wednesday. It's a mid-week DST mini-bucket ride worth a try.         

RIDE: King of Wednesday - KOW

LOCATION: Denton County, Texas

WHEN: Wednesday 6pm DST

DISTANCE: 30 paved miles, ~75 minutes

DIFFICULTY: On The Rivet

START: Downing Middle School

RIDERS: 20-30, Cat5 to Pro, Age 16-66

TRAIL BOSS: None

- Arrive early, be prepared, bring a GPS phone as this is a "you will get dropped ride".   Introduce yourself and don't be intimidated by guys resembling linebackers - they're big teddy bears, till they gutter you.    

- The first 20 minutes is fast and flat, so just sit in. Stay towards the front, find the draft sweet spot and hide.

KOWABUNGA! THE KOW TROPHY REIMAGINED. CREDIT: EBAY
- The hard bits start in the hills of Argyle. Be up front and dig deep to stay with the group. You'll have time to recover (maybe) on the downhills or on US377 with a tailwind.

- The next tricky bit includes blind property line turns with uphill sections perfect for attacking.  You'll dig hard to cover the attacks. Oh yea, and stay right of center unless you want to be a hood ornament.

-  Up next is the make-or-break Col du Hilltop. It starts steep at 12% and it'll feel like everyone is sprinting - because they are. Ride at your limit, but don't go too hard since it's not cool to be the new guy blowing chunks on everyone else, plus it makes the road slippery. A false flat in the middle provides opportunity to latch back onto the herd, so don't give up. Make it over the top with them and you'll probably start fantasizing about KOW victory pose options (classic two arms in the air, index finger pointing to heaven or maybe the double fist pump). Enjoy the thought...it's as close as you'll likely get to the thrill victory today.  

GOOD ECHELON SKILLS HELP KEEP YOU WITH THE HERD. CREDIT: FLOMO CYCLING
- The backside of Hilltop is fast and crappy - covered in potholes, patches, cracks and gravel, plus an occasional squirrel or possum. You'll wonder why the hell you're doing this. Hang on, hang in. It will be over quickly - the bad section of road that is. You still have lots of suffering to go.

- By now the main herd is pretty thin. Remember those linebackers at the start? They'll attack for next 20 minutes, taking every opportunity to wear you down so you can't even outsprint a tortoise. Realistically, your only goal now is to hang on till the final sprint and watch the crowning of a new King of Wednesday.

Good luck.

Cheers and most of all enjoy those DST evening group rides. What's on your bucket list?  

John is a former faux pro racer enjoying life as a geriatric cyclist in search of great bucket list rides to keep him in shape and out of trouble - well, at least in shape. 

He writes about his Bucket Rides in all their variety and glory for Granfondo.com. See his other pieces here

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