My initial column about how my 50th birthday was a bummer prompted this uplifting email from Ron Westbrook, a new reader of this blog. He came up with a good idea.
“My 50th was a blast.
“In 2004 I organized and planned a 50 mile bike ride from Bville to Weedsport, Cato, Plainville and back to Bville. There were 15 riders,
and my wife drove the support vehicle with water and snacks, and tools for the occasional breakdown (we had three flats within the first mile, so anyone
wanting to plan a similar even should advise the occasional riders in your group to check bikes out ahead of time.. oh and tell any cheapskates among them to buy a new tube, not rely on one that’s been patched 6 times previously).
“It was a blast. We did it in a little over three hours including stops. Ended
with a quick swim on one of our groups pool, then off to a local watering hole
for a few beers and wings. It was such a great time we kept it up for several
years after that, although there was one year we shortened it to 54k instead of miles due to inclement weather. It has been on hold for a few years while I try to regain my ‘nerve’ following a crash that left me with wrist and shoulder
issues, but I plan to do it again someday.
“It’s great fun, and even better if you live in an area where there are a lot of
long trails since keeping large groups together on the roads without interfering with drivers is difficult. Most drivers don’t appreciate large groups of bikes so choose your routes carefully.”
Thanks for sharing, Ron.
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