Oh ye of little faith…who stayed home last night when I suggested it would clear in time for the ride…what a beautiful night for a ride!  I hope your couch or easy chair was as nice.  Yes, the weather around here is pretty crazy…especially on Tuesday nights it seems…but last night turned into a fabulous night for a ride.  It is so hard to outguess what nature will do…but sometimes you get a win.  Last night was a win for sure.

We had a larger number of riders than I anticipated due to the doubtful weather.  Thirty-five members and one guest gave us a total of 36 riders.  There were 4 routes that were offered depending on skill levels.  Tom Hotaling led his challenge group for the more experienced riders on a 23 mile loop while Mike Lyon took his intermediate group on a 21 mile circle.  Mark Perrin of The Bikery along with co-ride leaders, Dean Connery, Al Storrings, Roland Pearson and myself led the easy ride group on a 10 or 13 mile course at a nice easy pace.  The four routes covered a total of 633 miles.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the night’s rides and of course…the post-ride treats.  Mike Lyon brought a bunch of treats from the past weekend’s get together as well as a few yellow squash that quickly found new homes.  We ogled Larry Comfort’s new E-trike.  Quite a set of wheels!  Many happy miles to you.

I got an email from a friend regarding my concern over new members or guests this year falling below my expectations.  She stated that my emails are “preaching to the choir” in that most who see and read them are already riding and/or members.  She was right.  Before the season is out I would like to try an idea:  many of you have friends who envy your riding and probably would like to get out and ride.  Why not invite them to come out as a guest for next week’s ride and see what it is like?  If they are brand new at this…I’ll be happy to take them on an easy canal loop for their first time out.  Please get out there and spread the word and bring in these new folks…you are the key.

See you all next week,

Ciao,

Tony