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!