Once upon a time, I was the featured cyclist in the B/CS Bike to Work Day article. Remember when I worked at Stata? Remember when I had long hair? Not that you can tell in the photo! I still commute on that very same bike. This article is from the Sunday, April 24, 2005 edition of The Eagle.
Jean Marie is featured in this 2005 Bike to Work Day article.
Part 2 of the April 2005 Bike to Work Day Article.
Tonight was my penultimate social ride — on July 28, I relocate to Washington State. It was the first day of the year over 100F, and only 2 other riders showed up. One of my big fears starting out as a Social Ride Leader was that no one would show up. It’s happened a few times. The worst was one night when one person showed up and rode about a mile then decided to just go home! That time I really wondered if it was something I did or said. But it was fine; if you want to lead, you have to grow thick skin for those moments. Life went on.
I’m pretty convinced that on the most part, making sure the ride happened every week got a lot of people out on bicycles. Even if it is only 3 of us at a time, it is still a bike ride! I think I’ve been a good bicycling friend to many.
Tonight, after the ride, a young lady who saw that I had “bike stuff” to give away came by to see what I had. I dug out a few things I might have otherwise kept, but that I honestly didn’t need. I so enjoyed her enthusiasm. Some things are so worth the price of admission. I hope the “stuff” that I don’t need brings her many miles and many smiles.
Next week, Monday July 21, after the social ride, my friend Karen has generously arranged a picnic to send me off to Washington. Everyone is invited, new riders, old friends, friends who don’t ride, if you want to be there, just come. Karen asks “It would help if I could get an RSVP (to vierow@verizon.net) on the number of people in your party. If you don’t RSVP, please show up anyways as I will bring more than what seems appropriate.” If you are planning on bringing a potluck item (which is NOT required, especially not for those doing the ride), please mention that too.
The picnic will be in Steeplechase Park (click for map), and will start at about 7:30 pm. There are picnic tables near the playscape and dog run area where we will gather. Social Riders should arrive around 7:30 and certainly by 7:45.
If you want to join for the bike ride:
Departure time: Mondays, 6 pm from Technology Loop in TAMUs Research Park
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5881835
or http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4684741
Distance: ~20 usually, but the short route is ~15 if needed.
Meeting place: TAMUs Research Park, on Technology Loop, nearest shade
to the south bridge by the duck pond
Pace: Suitable for beginners, no-drop.
Required items: helmets, flat change kit, water
Strongly suggested: headlights, taillights, food, cell phone
Some notes: Beginners welcome, faster people will need to slow down to make the pace comfortable for everyone to ride and talk. No fancy bike is required.
Great article. Thank you for all you have done and all you do in welcoming people and making this world a better place.