Hola Muchachos and Muchachettes!
Well, Stick a fork in the third annual event at Chez GearMan, We had a BEAUTIFUL day (I already forgot whose soul I sold for the weather, but whoever’s it was, it was worth it! Oh, and ummm, thanks for your sacrifice…). We had a GREAT day, with GREAT people, and a scenic, challenging, and enjoyable route! Our mechanic, Brian, was actually a little bored because with 30 riders, there wasn’t even a single flat (After the starting area). A couple areas were rough pavement, that was supposed to be re-paved by now- But you know how it is with Government projects, 5 months behind schedule and 5 times the budget… Sorry about those two roads… If it’s not done this year, I’ll re-route around them for next year.
Thank you all for coming, Thank you all for showing up prepared, Thank you for bringing a tuned bike, and thank you for bringing a great attitude! This event grew out of a few cycling friends from the NEC and a BBQ at my house after, to a fully staffed, local small-business supported ride.
All that said, it’s time for the Thank-You’s: I’ve got to first and foremost thank the most important person in my life, Lulu for her support and hard work throughout the whole process of planning, marking, and supporting this ride- I’ve got to thank my Mom, and my buddy Marcos for their time and efforts over the last few days leading up to the event, and even the day of the event… I’ve got to thank my Step-Father Mick, for his help getting the water flowing, and Brian, Karen, Faith, and Jim for being the most bodacious route support crew I could ask for.
As for local businesses that supported us, I’ve got to thank (In order of mileage along the route) Christine at Atkinson Country Club for allowing us to use their roads and grounds, and for being a pretty damned nice place to ride through and look at; Jeff and Deb at Discover Diving who, since I started doing this whole nonsense have been more than welcoming and courteous to our riders, even when it was a last minute ask; and to the whole crew at Prime Pizza who open both their hearts, and their doors ahead of schedule to accommodate our riders every need. I also need to thank Bill at Brookstone Park who, even though we didn’t end up needing it, offered his facility’s parking for any overflow vehicles.
I couldn’t do it without any of the people listed above, and I sincerely thank you all for your support and the use of your facilities.
Keep the wind at your back, and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan
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