Hollyhocks & Thee: Cycling in Ontario & the 1000 Islands, Canada
In vibrant hues of purple, pink, yellow, and red—tall, stately, flowering hollyhocks adorned the passing landscapes on our bike trip this summer. With this colorful backdrop, we explored miles of scenic back roads and water view lanes in Prince Edward County (PEC) Ontario. Breaking with our tradition of carrying packs and having no reservations, we decided to forego that adventure in favor of a less challenging, but not less enjoyable trip that included 3 base sites and day rides to explore each area. It was a wonderful change of pace.
The 2017 Greencastle Great Escape
We had another great Great Escape this year, with about the same number of registrants as last year, but it didn't look that way at first.
Only five of the 29 people who had signed up for the weekend showed up for the ride start at 9 a.m. on Friday June 9 – Dan Artley, Bill Wiesand, Scott Hagaman, Ed Jarcy (minus Mary, who had to work that day) and yours truly. The weather forecast was predicting a perfect day for cycling – clear skies, temperatures in the 70s, light winds – so I was wondering if there had been an accident on the Beltway or Interstate 70 that was holding everyone up. Nope. It turns out most of the others had gotten together and planned to arrive at 10 so as to avoid the worst of the morning rush hour traffic in the Baltimore area. Dan and Bill decided to wait for them, so Scott, Ed and I lit out for Chambersburg and lunch at Trickling Springs Creamery on our own. Eventually the rest of them also made it to Trickling Springs, but not before the three of us had finished lunch and hit the road again.
Finger Lakes Trip
9 BBC members & some of their friends joined the Harrisburg Bicycle Club for their Finger Lakes Trip. A fun weekend of riding out of Geneva NY, along Seneca and Cayuga lakes, past miles of vineyards and farms. Here are some members taking a quick break overlooking Keuka Lake. A splendid time was had by all.
Tailgate Potluck
On Sunday May 21, more than 35 BBC members enjoyed our first ever Tailgate Potluck ride -- despite the damp, cool, and cloudy weather and a first time ever ride start at Howard County's Western Regional Park.
The rides of 60, 50, and 25 miles were modifications of familiar club rides in the cue library.
The food, mostly provided by the riders and a little from the club, was very much enjoyed. As can be seen from the photo, tailgates were not needed as we snagged an unused pavilion with tables.
The club's new banner was used for the first time. Members will be seeing it again at future club events.
The favorable response from the participating riders may well lead to a few more potluck rides this year at this location or other locations. Members are encouraged to give the Board any suggestions for future dates and locations.
Movers and Shakers
The committee and its hard working group of volunteers pose for a group picture at the annual Spring Social (March 25). Without these dedicated workers, this terrific event would not have been the huge success that it was. Many thanks go out to Ed & Mary Jarcy, Pam Ellis, Gene Young, Howard Saltzman, Stephanie Jeram, Rich Burns, Andy & Joy Bauer, Bud Lippert, Nabil Ali, and Jim Gagne for their contributions (Renee Rees, Mary Ryan, Cindy Wyatt, & Ken Philhower not in photo). The committee of Gloria Epstein and Evie & Mike Reinsel organized a fun evening with lots of socializing and great food. Read the article to find out more about the event.