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News Mar 30, 2009 Signature Ride Report 09: A Cause BentLovers & Friends Everyone has a cause these days. Some look for unity, some for separation. Some achieve both, in the same day. Saturday, March 28th, a diverse group of folks met at 6:30 AM, in the rain, at the Ride South shop, with their causes firmly in mind. Optimistically, some of us smeared on sunscreen, and everyone readied their bicycles. At 7:11 AM, the rain stopped! Mississippi Highway Patrol officers then led the way . . . 23 cyclists, everyone united, through the wet, residential and township streets, baffling residents as to what kind of cause would lead folks riding bicycles, most of them recumbent bicycles even, on a dark and stormy Saturday morning, with red, white and blue lights flashing everywhere! Thank you Captain Rawls, Officer Shows and the fantastic Motor Patrol officers for your excellent support . . . all the way to Prentiss . . . 75 miles!! The rest stops along the way were very accommodating, providing clean restrooms, provisions, staging places for dealing with temporary inconveniences, and places for helping riders with their needs. Thank you Pastor Sartin, at the Harrisville Baptist Church, for taking time out on Saturday morning to meet us at the church and open the doors for our riders! We had great SAG support from Wayne and Kathy, and all 28 cyclists got to ride! Thanks to Bill and Mary Anna for delivering the box lunches to Prentiss! The 41, 82, and 115 mile routes were all long enough to offer something for everyone. Perry even added a personal cause to raise money for a children's benefit charity. The coordination of riders and cars worked out to give folks their separate launch points, and still, all end up at the lunch and dinner rendezvous. The weather turned cool/windy, then sunny, and was great riding weather! On the routes, riders began spreading out at times, some wanting to make a statement to others, and some of us having talks with ourselves, as some of the hills easily kept that conversation going! A high point was the reception in Hattiesburg. Lane was the perfect host, pouring good champagne, handing out cheese and crackers, and providing everyone with tee shirts and medals! Thank you Perry Launius (Wine & Sprits, on Lakeland) for providing the treats!! After showering and loading our bikes on the trailer, we were thrust into the car world of Hattiesburg Festival traffic and slowly made our way to Leatha's BBQ. Everyone ate their fill, at least, and raved about the fare! We gave $50 gift certificates to Story Contest winners, Blake Wilson, Doug Morgan, Perry Launius and Johnny & Beth Rawls. Many thanks to all who participated in the Story Contest! Yes, we got lucky with the weather, and yes, we were fortunate that there were no accidents along the way. Some of us were disappointed in our performance and some seemed satisfied with their ability. On the ride back in the van, Lane said there was a mixture of chatter and needed sleep. But in the end, everyone pitched in, united, and we were on to our homes in no time. Our cause? A mixture of celebration, passion, and optimism. Ten years of work to reach a point where we can do this . . . certainly cause for celebration! Like you, our passion for cycling continues to grow, and we are optimistic about the future. Personally, we think an underlying cause can best be defined by the answer felt by many, when the ladies at Bethlehem Baptist church in Union asked the question " Why are you riding this far, what is your cause?" The general sentiment was, "Because we can." Thank you for a wonderful day, Jim & Lane http://bentbikeman.smugmug.com/gallery/7096277_QNnc6#501180073_hfqhB info@ridesouth.com RideSouth.com 105 Avalon Court Brandon, MS 39047 601 992-2490 888 822-3647 Ride South . . . The Way to Ride! View All News |
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