Back to Live Action

I took a little time off and traveled to the Virginia side of the Graves clan. Visited with my brothers, sister and their families, good fun. Also, since we had not been to the Washington, DC area in more than 10 years, we, meaning the lovely Mrs Graves, Jonners, (aka: The Boo) and myself walked some of the monuments and museums. I really enjoyed the time away with them. If you have never been to Washington, you should go, just not in the winter. It was freezing! I recommend April.

But now...it's back to live action!

Who wants to ride?

Man, I haven't been on the machine in over 2 weeks. Yesterday I went out to my garage to mount the beast and I was having trouble remembering how. Thankfully, it starting raining, so I decided to leave it for another day...like today. I'll let you know how it goes.

We've decided to change the route for tomorrow morning's ride. Just the route, nothing else. We will still start at Fish and Wildlife at 8am, however we won't be doing the Around the Sound Loop. Instead, we'll run down Jackson, Lillian Highway, across Dog Track, (or across Bauer Road for those who want a bit longer route) and back on Gulf Beach Highway through Navy Point and downtown. Kind of a Navy Point Loop with a twist...it's the Twisted Point Loop! (Don't forget the infamous Fried Twinkie Sprint)

The reason for the change is two fold. First, because few of our group have been putting in the miles for a 55 to 60 mile loop which is the Around the Sound Loop. The Twisted Point Loop will be closer to 40 miles. Second, we want to show our support to an out of town rider who Randy Bullock is hosting this weekend. His name is Carl Bratmiller.

Carl is traveling by bicycle from Austin, Texas, (home to Lance Armstrong and Stephen "Manchild" Mills. Uh...I'm not sure who is more famous locally but I know who should be!) to Gainesville, Florida. Carl is riding in support of his friend who is fighting cancer. Carl and Randy will be at the Everman's Health Food store Saturday from 10am until sometime late that afternoon. He will be doing free repairs on bikes (donations accepted) and promoting bicyclists awareness...something we can all get behind!

So, we will be cruising right past there around 10-10:30am and we can show our support by stopping by on our way home. All in favor?! Good it's unanimous! I knew I could depend on you guys...

Weather looks chilly. At ride time tomorrow morning, low to mid 50s with a breeze out of the north. I guess we won't see (the new) Coolio. That's okay he wouldn't be able to find his way to the Everman's Health Food store anyway. Maybe Carl can do one for Bobby at the Krispy Kreme. Can you say, "Pumpkin Spice"?

See you out on the road,
Bob