The Unsurprising Amanda Birthday Ride

As many of her legions of fans knew, Tuesday was Amanda's birthday.  Not sure exact age but think she is closing on 40 rapidly.  To celebrate, we all planned an Amanda O/Green Caboose birthday ride + party at Shades afterward.  Only problem....no Amanda.  Nope, only the toughest of cyclists showed tonight, Jeff S, Steve O, Pastor Mark, Mitch and Recumbent Dude.  Knowing Amanda likes Merlot there were several bottles brought too as gifts but those disappeared back into the gift givers car when the Lioness of the Peloton failed to show.    It rained most of the way down to Canal.  I called Steve and he said, "No, not raining here" but of course, it was and at times kind of hard.  Mitch, Jeff and I huddled in Jeff's van telling war stories while Mark and Steve huddled in Mark's car listening to Rap.  Their car was really jumping around from the rhythm as they shook that car and the base was deafening.  We talked ourselves into not riding and instead headed into Shades.  Shortly, this stunningly gorgeous waitress approached and while Mitch oggled, Recumbent Dude admitted she was his sister.  Not since my childhood when Darth Vader told Luke that Princess Lia was really his sister have I been so surprised. Clearly the beauty gene was not fairly distributed in that family!   Anyway, we hung around and ate (except for Steve who drank water and had a few Ritz crackers) and after an hour, headed home.  Things are looking good for the Thursday ride but this is Ohio and this is Spring so it may snow.  Thanks to Steve for sending this image.

---