Chili Ride
For the past 17 years, we have hosted a ride here in Maine that is generally a 'first ride' of the year for some. Now with the addition of fatbikes, that is not the case for everyone. At any rate, it is a ride where we might be out in rain, sun, snow and of course wind. Typically, the folks that show up and are simply anxious to be outside again and meet new friends and catch up with others they haven't seen in awhile. It is a potluck day, so everyone brings something to add to the table. So after a generally cool ride, homemade food around the woodstove in the shop... it doesn't get much better than that. So you might wonder what is the point to all of this?
Like each year, things are changing and now we find that some folks are working, others are no longer riding regardless of the season, and others... who knows. What I'm thankful for is the hearty folks that come to ride, with no certain distance or speed predetermined in their heads. It's based on the weather first and foremost,and lastly what the group decides they would like to do.
From within the walls of the shop, we offer lots of incentives throughout this day. There have been 'quick fix' clinics for women, lube clinics and clinics on how to change a flat. You see in the mountains of Maine, sometimes there is no cellphone reception... so it's best to figure out some things simply to get yourself home. It's great to see folks after along winter, and to hear what their list of goals are for the season.
I have a lot of great memories of the past years and sharing rides with many people... but it always comes down to one question. With numbers dropping each year, is this something that we should stop hosting, change things around or keep pedaling.
What are your thoughts?
Like each year, things are changing and now we find that some folks are working, others are no longer riding regardless of the season, and others... who knows. What I'm thankful for is the hearty folks that come to ride, with no certain distance or speed predetermined in their heads. It's based on the weather first and foremost,and lastly what the group decides they would like to do.
From within the walls of the shop, we offer lots of incentives throughout this day. There have been 'quick fix' clinics for women, lube clinics and clinics on how to change a flat. You see in the mountains of Maine, sometimes there is no cellphone reception... so it's best to figure out some things simply to get yourself home. It's great to see folks after along winter, and to hear what their list of goals are for the season.
I have a lot of great memories of the past years and sharing rides with many people... but it always comes down to one question. With numbers dropping each year, is this something that we should stop hosting, change things around or keep pedaling.
What are your thoughts?
Comments
Post a Comment