TMD Stage 4 Rome to the Dome Ride Photos

Ride Report

Mad Dogs enjoy a challenge. Our special kind of pain is an acquired taste. Rome to the Dome (or should that be Roam to the Dome?) was conceived by Scott Howes and perfected by Eric Sellers and Rick Croslin to be one of the most scenic and one of the most hilly of the Mad Dog centuries we have attempted to date.  The morning was cold and dank, but that didn’t dampen our spirits!  Thirty participants arrived including some from as far away as Indianapolis and even a soldier from Fort Knox. The ride began at Frisch’s Big Boy in Corydon and wound its way Northwest through Milltown, Marengo, Valeene all the way to French Lick and finally into West Baden, Indiana where we stopped for an opulent dining experience inside the newly restored “Dome,” an old casino and Hotel from a bygone era.

The Astrodome opened in 1965. Its 680-foot diameter dome was then largest in the world. So what do you suppose was the largest free-span dome before that? The Pantheon? St. Peter's Church in Rome? They're only around 140 feet. But, in 1901, a 200-foot dome was built and I'm certain you would have never guessed what and where--The West Baden Springs Hotel and Spa in West Baden, Indiana. http://zbh.com/wbhotel.htm

The maître d'hôtel watched us closely as we removed our cleated cycling shoes.  I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had checked us pour une mal odeur.  But, I guess it had been cold enough that we didn’t smell too awful. The menu was simple but elegant with entrés which included lobster rolls, French Onion Soup, Cobb Salad and a Portabella mushroom specialty.  The food was great, and I guess, we were prepared for the expense.  When a menu shows up without any prices listed, in any language that translates as, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it!" I came prepared to spend perhaps $60 and was pleasantly surprised that my meal including the tip was under $25.00.

The ride was not without its incidents, however.  Debi Hatton found herself with the shiny side down and the dirty side up on one of the early hills--the cause, small gravel that she KNEW was there. She called out GRAVEL! Once, twice, three times and still she rode, and still she slipped and still she fell!  Most impressively, she even stayed clipped in. Fortunately, four strong hands were instantly by her side to help her up as her bike wheels futilely spun in midair.  I have to admire her spunk, though.  Back up on her bike she trundled on with gusto throughout the remainder of the ride. Only a skinned knee and perhaps a touch of wounded pride remained as a souvenir.  We all have those from time to time, don't we?

Then there was the soldier from Fort Knox.  Bless her heart, she was a trooper in every sense of the word. She had accomplished one century last year but this one with the Mad Dogs was much tougher and was exacting a painful toll.  Still, she refused to give up!  It was almost a blessing when her bike broke, the seat post clamp malfunctioned.  Until then, she was adamant to persevere. She had the fire and the drive to continue, even if it meant untold suffering--but the broken bike made that impossible.

With all the challenges, travails and accomplishments, the Mad Dogs began arriving back at the park just before six. The nearly 10 hours tell the story of how tough it was.  This is well beyond the time necessary for a normal century, even with the prolonged lunch stop.  It is my understanding that our co-captains, who both had the patience of Job, did not arrive until after 8:00pm.  Rick and Eric are surely to be commended for their dedication to duty.  It is a shame they could not have been with us when the bulk of the pack arrived. They would have enjoyed hugs from the ladies and appreciative slaps on the back from the guys for a job well-done.

Mad Dogs enjoy a challenge. Our special kind of pain is an acquired taste.
Vivre les Mad Dogs!

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For once, NONE of these photos are by Larry Preble--ALL were contributed by fellow Mad Dogs as specified with each image.  Special thanks to Dick Krakowski, Debi Hatton, Scott Kuchenbrod, Steve Godbey and Vicky Dobbs.
Great job!

Regards,
Larry "Gizmo" Preble