Hi, I’m your friendly ride leader for this Sunday, August 27. It happens to be the 25th anniversary of the day I lost my dad - who was just 64 (my current age) - to skin cancer. One of the reasons I chose to be the ride leader is that it will give me something positive to do on that day. My dad taught me how to ride a bike, and as adults we rode many miles together on the Schenectady area section of the Erie Canal towpath. 

My goal is to ride 64 miles this weekend - I completed 30 today (went out a day early due to Saturday’s forecast - short by two miles due to glass picked up in my tire) and 32 on Sunday. I’ll be riding the ride labeled 31 miles, but it is actually enough longer than 31 that I can round up to 32. Or ride circles in the parking lot! 

 Speaking of which, due to popular request, the start has been moved from the strip mall parking lot to the Lighthouse Park on Route 37, just west of Route 11. A link to the ride page is included below. If you’ll be using a paper map, please print out and bring what you need. 

 Since I’m doing the middle distance, if someone would like to ride the 24 mile ride as a no-drop, please let me know. I haven’t had any takers yet. I’ll be riding the 31-miler at about 12.5 - 13.5 mph, if anyone wants to ride with me and keep me company. I’ll stop at some point for nutrition and a butt/shake the legs out break, possibly on Horseshoe Island if there’s a good spot there.And if you would consider donating to my fundraiser, I would be most appreciative. I miss my dad every day, and I hope to honor his legacy in the best way I can. 

You can donate through my post in the OCC Facebook page or through this link. 

If you use this link, please shoot me an email, or text me at 315-396-7727 to let me know the amount so I can keep track of the progress of the fundraiser. As of this email, I’m down to just $395 left to raise. Suggested contributions are $32 ($1 per mile for one ride), $64, $20, or the amount that’s comfortable for you. 

Thank you in advance, and hope to see you Sunday! We roll at 9 a.m.! 

Karen Kelly