The "Masters," Social and Bike Ride

Whew, we have a few things to talk about in this post. Darlene and Buzz and Pat and I made it to "The Festival of the Masters" at DownTown Disney. This year we made every effort to be there for the opening day. Cooler temps made for a not so congested walk for us and we got to take our time to check out all the artists and their work.

Nearly 150 white tents were strewn about the West side. The eclectic compilation of artwork satisfied just about every ones pallet.

However, we were there for one thing, the sidewalk chalk artists. Attending the first day of this great event taught us that the sidewalk artists also begin their art design on that day. To see their art in its intended presentation one will need to return the next day or the final day on Sunday. So, I did just that and the results were more than worth the effort.

I would not like the job of pressure washing these magnificent creations away on Sunday night!

Besides we were too busy thinking about our 2011-12 Palm Tree Bikers Social Sunday afternoon.

Our two hours together flew by. We enjoyed some great conversation, talked about waiting for the rest of our members yet to arrive for the season and plans to come.

Then, before you knew it, someone stood up to (stretch or something) and everyone followed to leave!

I think they were impatiently anticipating our West Orange ride the next day. (Or, the lunch at the Winter Garden Pizza Factory.)

With Pete sidelined by his shoulder operation, our group pondered over our leader position. However, Joan and Judy were quick to take the helm and press ahead, Joan had the "list!"

There was no turning back, the ladies took charge and without a quibble directed us to our vehicles.

Like scolded children we quietly and quickly got into our cars. It just so happened I got away first. Everyone lined up behind me and I headed for Avalon Rd. Then, we noticed Jim turned left up 27. With such a deliberate action against the group, we knew Jim was going to lead us today!

We had some new members to boot, Larry and Laura with their new "Cruiser" bikes will ride in elegant style.

Joe and Jane joined us for their first ride of the season. We also welcomed "Just" Jack back for his first ride but we also got to welcome his friend Alice for her very first ever ride.

We were all excited to welcome Darlene back from her hiatus to ride with us as well.

Left to right, Judy, Alice, Larry, Jack and Buzz.

Our ten+ mile ride calls for a "pit stop" at the three mile marker and the Kilarney Station at the five mile marker. The Kilarney Station has a super stop with restroom facilities and a great bike store, along with a few rocking chairs for the "needy."

At last we can all sit down and brag whine talk about how great we did on the trail.

Going around the table clockwise: Alice, Jack, Larry, Laura, Pat, Buzz, Darlene, (joining us for lunch), Bob and Kay, then Judy, Jim, Joan and Steve. (Pete was there in spirit, he was stuck home waiting between 11 and 1 for a guy to pick up a medical device he needed for his shoulder. Grrrrrrr!)

Alice was a great sport, and she was in grand voice when we asked her to sing the "Palm Tree Bikers" theme song, "I'm back in the saddle again."

Alice flew back home the next day, I hope it wasn't something we said!