Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, races are coming your way (Queen)
We participated in the Bikes and Beers Hampton bicycle ride, a 15, 30, or 45 mile bike ride (depending on your choice), beginning and ending at the Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton, NH, benefiting the Bike Alliance of NH. What a wonderful event! This event is sponsored by Smuttynose, although the event, now in its 12th year, has been held in 20 states, supported by 80 breweries, and has involved over 120,000 bicyclists. The ride is intended for all skill levels, which allows me to participate.
Karen and I had Child Units 2A and 2B in town, who encouraged their dawdling parents/in-laws to get off their asses, take the ride, and somehow get across the finish line. Done and done.
Some of the rider’s outfits probably cost more than my bike. As a style-setter, I was properly adorned in my khaki shorts and white tee shirt. And of course a little day-glo. You’ll soon see more people fashioning my style. You’re welcome.
The ride involved all levels of bike riders and a multitude of bike types (including e-bikes). “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.”, as John Cleese would say. I suspect that’s how some “non-assisted” road bike riders feel about e-bike riders. But what I say is you do you, I’ll do me. If you are able and capable to get outside in fresh air, be active and get your heart pumping, that is a win no matter how you go about doing it. And keep in mind – this was a ride, not a race.
The route took us through beautiful back roads of rural, southern NH roads, not far from the NH seacoast. Even though close to the seacoast, the 30-mile ride had 2,000 feet elevation gain over its course. For every incline there is a decline, but it sure felt like there were more inclines than declines.
To top off a gorgeous day, we were invited to our friend’s house to enjoy oysters, corn-on-the-cob and her world(?) famous lobster rolls. Ooh la la… honestly, it does not get better.
Life is short – get out and ride if you have the ability!