Marge's Ride

The annual Marge's ride went really well this past Tuesday with perfect summer conditions and a terrific rider turnout. I had 11 people in my group; a record for this summer, with the addition of some new and some returning riders like Dick Fox, (so nice to see him again). Fortunately, I felt very strong and did not have trouble keeping ahead of the group. The two Steve's were also extra speedy on this one! Our average speed, despite the many stops and turns of the residential streets of Irondequoit, was close to 15.5 mph and we lost no one along the way. The return to the parking lot on the smooth new route 590 was a blast, being all downhill for a good long mile or so. No reports of mishap from the short group, so I assume all went well for them.

There was one scary moment in our group, I must admit, when a man using a cell phone failed to see our group coming down Lakeshore Blvd. and almost drove right into us while turning left onto Kings Highway. As a bike rider, I will never trust drivers to my safey; too many are just not paying attention or are ignorant of the rights of bicyclists to be on the road. I guess I would call that "defensive riding".

Back at the ranch, or Marge's, we all enjoyed the opportunity to be on the beach at sunset, enjoying our beverages and food. Gene takes the prize this time for the most spectacular contribution to the smorgasborg of food shared with a homemade stuffed pizza that was delicious! Kathy E. brought her blueberry salsa with chips and it must have been good because it was gone before I had some...next time. Lastly, we had the honor of Kel's presence and he was as much fun as always, staying out rather late to reconnect with the group. One of the nice things about the Marge's ride is that we often have a more diverse group, with spouses, family and friends that cannot or prefer not to join us on the road, but like to socialize just the same.