Veteran's Day Ride

Sunday November 8th

It's been a while since I blogged.  It's been a adjustment to re-entry into the Florida life....and cycling.  It's been hot......hotter than it should be for this time of year and an adjustment to flat riding and pace lines.

Today there was an organized event for Veteran's.  Instead of going to a breakfast which seems a popular option here I decided to ride my bike in honor of them.  The ride was escorted in the front by a hummer and a police car in the rear.  We rode along US 41 and occupied one full lane.  Seventy eager faces willing to ride in the heat of the day for 55 miles at a pace of 20-22 mph.  Scary for sure....at least for me.  However, you just can't believe the draft you get from a hummer.....

The Southwest Florida cycling club.....in our new jerseys and shorts.   The dog in the front belonged to a paratrooper who provided one of the sag vehicles.  This dog was rescued from dog fighting in Immokalee, FL years ago and had only three legs but could run with the best of them....and such a happy pup   His name was Jake and we adopted him as our mascot for the day.

The dog and his sag wagon that was provided for us.

At the start of the ride getting ready but stopping for a quick photo.

The end of the ride rest stop.  We had hamburgers and hot dogs to go with the beer or soda.

The regular menu.


We also had a stop at mile 24 and it was manned by the Tour de Cure members.  Well stocked rest stop complete with smiling faces.  Unfortunately it was a quick stop so I wasn't able to get a photo.