A Bike Ride to Beat the Rain!

With dark clouds threatening our eager group headed to the West Orange Trail for this weeks bike ride. Over thirty riders departed from the center of Winter Garden.... except for Jack! While our riders lined up to begin their ride, I noticed Jack was walking his bike toward (I suspected) to the www.wgwheelworks.com bicycle shop in the center of town. I figured jack needed some sort of repair and that it might be just a quick repair so Jack will most likely catch up with us on the trail.
At our first stop, I called Jack and found out that his bike "transmission" finally gave out and he'll catch up with us.

As we approached our first rest stop some of our riders were stopped and looking up into the trees.

This is what they saw a majestic Bald Eagle attending to a nest.

 Here's a better look (cropped) at our Nation's symbol.

 From a different position

 It's always a special moment when we catch a glimpse of Florida wildlife in their natural settings.

 

 Judy (Larry and Judy) was in fine spirits at the rest stop!

 

And Larry, well........ he's always in FINE SPIRITS!

Editor's note: We're not sure if Larry is really overjoyed or wincing in pain from taking a hit on his right forearm and upper arm when a pair of vice grips slipped while winding an awning spring a couple of days ago!



 

Kathy gets the "Most Enthusiastic" rider award!



 

 

Jack said the shop took good care of his bike and sent him on his way. Jack is in excellent condition. He works out in the mornings and rides his bike almost everyday. He caught up to us at the Killarny Station and wasn't even breathing hard! Jack had some good comments about the Winter Garden Wheel Works shop. The technician replaced his rear wheel center hub gears and bicycle chain in about 20 minutes at a reasonable price.

 

 Nice! Shiny new gears, internal parts and chain! Jack enjoys getting the most out of his equipment! He says, "as long as the frame is in good condition and minor parts can be repaired/replaced, the bike will last for years."  

 

 

 

Hey UP and Jim, let's have some excitement and fun for a pose! Err, lets try that again.....

 

Ahh,.... that's better!

 

Alright, how about this group. Hey folks lets pose for a photo....

That'l do!



The next three photos may not seem unique but if you look closely you'll notice a rare event taking place.

 

 You'll notice Bill crossing the bicycle bridge that crosses the Florida Turnpike. Well, Angela is at the other end. (You can see Angela approaching the bridge in the above photo.)

 

What's so special is that Angela is following Bill across the bridge. This particular bridge has been Angela's nemesis for most of our West Orange rides.

 

Congratulations to Angela for "taking the next step!"

 

Back at the parking lot Jack has some 'splainin' to do to some of our riders about his bike repairs.

 

Nineteen of us gathered at the Winter Garden Pizza Company for lunch. Others headed for "parts unknown" to satisfy their taste for a different menu.

We won't list the names of those who took the "other fork in the road" for lunch. You can see who's here and judge the others accordingly!

You'll notice Larry is not present in either the above or below photo. (I think Larry was showing off his "battle scars" too often at the table and Judy gave him a kick under the table. He's bending down to rub his leg under the table!)

 

We were fortunate. The rain held off until we were at lunch.

 

In other news, time is flying by. John and Mary Kay are heading north to prepare for the growing season. They need to get planting in their greenhouses for the Spring. John and Mary Kay are sitting to Bill's right. (John's expression just about says it all about leaving.)