The Wedding and the Rides

I had to attend a wedding on Saturday, my son's, so I missed the excellent Ride2Recovery Honor Ride but one of my trusted confidants sent me this summary.  It matches what I heard from others as well:

So Saturday's ride was SPECTACULAR!  It was extremely well produced and I was really surprised at the quality of the event. It was completely FIRST CLASS.  Huge fanfare before, during and after the ride.  DJ and loud speaker and it was abuzz with cyclists. We had to park in the overflow lot. Over 550 cyclists signed up.  We rode out with the lead group and
got a police escort at most intersections so we did not have to stop!! AMAZING.  People were ringing cowbells and cheering us on, which is really pretty funny and somewhat enjoyable. I of course waved and smiled at all!  The route was well thought out, by taking us out on 161 because the group was pretty large and of course going at a good clip.  I saw some folks I knew but lots I didn't.  I saw Rick Miller and his crew, Farmer Mike, Jon Morgan, Peggy Cook and son, Meredith and Lady Knar Shredders, Bill Gordon; and maybe a couple of others who I can't recall now!   The route was very pleasant, well marked and I couldn't believe the number of riders walking their bikes up Reynolds.

The food stops were excellent, the volunteers super excellent and then when we got back....more fanfare going through the finishing arch...cowbells and stuff. The swag very nice! They gave me 2 different t-shirts! Water bottle, cow bell, food out the wazoo!  I really had a great day and felt good about doing the ride and donating to injured vets who use cycling to get back to health! 

My son's wedding was Saturday and with the associated events swirling around I missed putting up information about the Honor Ride but look forward to attending next year.  Meantime, the wedding was at the Orchard House B&B.  Every wedding I have attended has been a traditional wedding so this was on the unusual side for me but still a nice ceremony.  The vows were taken in a pine forest and upon entering it I thought this was my first wedding where one should watch out for snakes.  I asked someone if they had a snake bite kit.  To the left of the best man was a pine tree oozing sap and then additional groomsmen.  I wondered how pine sap would affect the agreement for tux rental from Men's Warehouse and in fact one of the Bridesmaids discovered sap on her dress.

My son's side of the family is completely normal of course but on the other side, wow.  An aunt wore this slash around her waist and shoulder and in it was a dog.  That dog went everywhere, including the wedding pictures.  Another aunt wore jeans, long sleeved flannel shirt and a golf cap which stood in stark contrast to the more formal wear of others.  An uncle wore one of those Don Johnson Miami Vice white jackets with knee length galoshes.  I thought those white jackets went out in the early '90's but perhaps not.  Soon after the eating and obligatory side ceremonies, I gathered the kids and willing adults in a nearby field for whiffle ball and two hand touch football.  I can take only so much of sitting and talking.  Some of you may wonder why you did not receive an invitation.  The wedding was on a Saturday and I did not want to put anyone in the awkward spot of having to make up an excuse not to attend the wedding so they could instead ride their bike.  Yes, I am that considerate of my fellow cycling buddies.

How about one of Thursday's New Albany stars, Hendra Palisades, finishing first in the Frankenmuth Pro/1/2 race on Saturday!

My only ride opportunity was Monday, out of Granville with 25 others, headed to Utica.....

....then out Blacksnake Road to Bladensburg where....

.....Marty and Gus talked to a local about farming.  From there we headed west where some of us were deterred by one too many gravel roads and bailed out, taking alternative routes.  Finished with 70 miles and a great day for a bike ride.