Wow! A second ride in as many weeks!

We're slowly getting our bicycle legs back. Most of our riders admittedly had a great summer but our legs lost a little tone due to our bikes sitting in the garage. We're deliberately starting out with a slow pace and easy riding venues. Celebration fits the bill! (Of course, dining at the Celebration Towne Tavern doesn't hurt our reason for riding in Celebration.)

Our group gathered for our pre-ride roll call before we head out.

 Move'm out!

 

...although, one of our riders had to make a quick turn-around to check that his vehicle is locked....Larry!

 

First stop, Celebration Hospital! No problems, it's our usual first pit stop.

(It also gives us an excuse to rub sore muscles early in the ride without anyone thinking we can't hack it!)

 

Here's a creative way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

You have to admit the pink flamingos are truly fitting for this eye catching display.

 

On with our ride. Let's give you a few photos of our group from the front as they approach.

 (Mind you two riders happened into our group and  wanted desperately to be part of our photos! That's the fellow in the dark blue tee-shirt on the right and the rider behind him.)

Jack on the right in orange, Pete followed by Steve and (photo bomber who snuck into our group) in the dark blue! 

Judy, Jim and Joan

Joan, Mary Ellen, Dave and Larry

Mary Ellen and Dave

 

 And of course, bringing up the rear is none other than our (ever-so-reserved) Larry!

 

Here's a few photos of our individual riders approaching our second pit stop.

Above, first Pete, then Steve.

 



 Judy

 

Jim

Judy

Joan

Mary Ellen

 Larry

 

 Dave

 

 

We must pay close attention to Jack. If we allow him to take the lead, it's "head down and peddle!" He blew right past me so I waited to "catch" him at our rest stop.

 

 With a little chatter, sips of water and a moment to recapture Larry's "topsy-turvy" butt plant in the grass a couple of miles back. More on that later in our blog!

At one of the ponds we caught sight of this gator catching some rays! He must be at least 20' long!

(Note: The author has a tendency to "embellish" things.) 

 At last, the journey's end... all 10+/- miles. (Depending on who's odometer/GPS/IPhone or guess, you accept!) In any case, it's time for lunch.

Above, Judy (standing) is my only (photography) competitor on this ride. Take my flash you scene stealer! Then, she has the audacity to hand me her camera to take a photo of the group! If I see that photo on Facebook I'm calling the copyright lawyers!

 

 Finally, everyone's looking at the (my) camera..."Hold it, I think you're going to like this picture!

 

 

...and now (as Paul Harvey used to say)... here's "the rest of the story!"

I don't remember the entire story of how Larry ended up on his backside in the grass early in our ride. I think the story goes like this... Larry got a call on his phone. Wisely, he decided it would be a good idea to stop and check out who the caller is... so he wouldn't fall or cause an accident. Sooooo, he eased his bike off the sidewalk and onto the grass. (Very wise on his part.) But, if you've never walked on St. Augustine grass be aware, it's thick, course and typically very deep. Larry hit the soft grass and his wheels stopped! He rolled onto the grass in slow motion and thankfully, even his pride didn't get hurt!

 

Now, I've heard at one time, Larry had a nickname. The person offering this moniker will remain anonymous to protect the innocent.

 

Do you think "ButterBall" might stick!

 

But here's what Larry's fall really looked like....

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...and that's all I'm going to say about that!

 



They're back! The "Snowbirds" are returning to the nest.

 The area around Rt. 192 and Rt. 27 is beginning to show signs of activity and meeting up with friends. After their time away the "Snowbirds" never seem to have any problem re-adjusting to the routine of dusting off their home-away-from-home and getting out and about to see how things have changed. And boy are things changing! Construction is everywhere!

Speaking of routine, the Palm Tree Bikers wasted no time to hit the trail. Our first trek was Fort Wilderness and the Wave. Our small but eager group led by Jim met up in the parking lot and headed out. Alright, everyone line up for the official trailhead photo! Hey, Larry.... Larry!!!

 



 OK, now we're ready!

 

We look pretty good for our first outing!

 

 Thanks to our Captain, Roseanne, we have a terrific group photo!

 

You'll notice Pete and Joan didn't make the bike ride and for good reason, They arrived in Lake Magic the day before and have been on the go since. They needed to get their camper in order at some point. But, (oops, correction)they did not make it to lunch at the wave. Eight riders and thirteen for lunch, not bad for our first outing!

(Editor's note: Sorry we don't have a photo of our group at the Wave. The PTB photographer was so eager for a Ruben he totally forgot to snap the picture.)

For the record, all but three of our group selected the Ruben! By the way, we hear that the Ruben will be discontinued from the Wave's menu! Grrrrrr! They say we can get a very similar sandwich but it will be on pretzel bread. Mel told us we can still order the "Ruben" but we will need to request multi-grain bread. (corrected)

Please tell me this ain't so!!!!

 

I didn't forget about the "Nostalgia Journey Part 2." Pat and I were treated to a special event we'd like to interject before I carry on.

 

A few weeks ago we had an opportunity to enjoy a "Breakfast with the Chef" at the Festival Center in EPCOT.

 

The guest Chef was non other than Robert Irvine. Our Sunday morning consisted of a breakfast of wine and Eggs Benedict with all the fixings including dessert. 

 

Following breakfast Chef Robert offered a program of how to cook the breakfast along with a wonderful mix of his quick wit and outgoing nature. His program was fun, lively and extremely interesting. He drew from the crowd and ended by enlightening the audience about his devotion and work with our Military personnel.

 

The Robert Irvine on TV is basically what you get in real life. He's extremely energetic and can be quite demanding. He's one of the more difficult people I've tried to photograph. He's constantly moving and very animated as you can tell by the photos.

 

 If he calls you to the stage to "assist," be prepared!

 

 See what I mean about being prepared if your in his audience? Robert had two guest "sample" the difference between Olive Oil and Grape Seed Oil. He cooks with Grape seed oil.



He has his Sous-Chef and an audience participant do the preparation of the meal as he walked about and explained the procedures as the cooking progressed. You can see, he's quite animated!

 

 Near the end of all the cooking, Robert had one last thing to do... remove his chef's coat to show off (among other things) his trademark tee-shirt!

 Yes, he is as big as he looks!

 

As mentioned earlier, Robert is more than a little connected to our Military men and women. He spends much of his time with and training them as well as traveling to be with them and preparing meals and supporting them. In the British Military, Robert was the equivalent of our Special Forces fighters. He's cooked for the White House and often travels with Gary Sinise to be with and support as many of our fighting men and women and especially our Wounded Warriors as they can.

 After the breakfast, he set up for a "Meet & Greet!"

 What a terrific way to spend a Sunday morning!

Here's a couple Robert Irvine links you may find interesting....

 

http://chefirvine.com/

 

http://www.robertirvinefoundation.org/