It has been over a month since we had our last official ride of the season, a ride on sometimes snowy trails in 40-degree temperatures in Far North Bicentennial Park and the Campbell Tract. Unusual conditions during this uncertain time, but with good friends who enjoyed every moment of a beautiful fall evening that also looked like winter.
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| Michele and Maggi enjoy a crisp evening. |
When the organizers made the decision to delay the start of the scheduled rides this year, we hoped that our community would have a higher vaccination rate by early July. It was not to be, yet we pedaled on anyway. Because after 2020, we missed riding with friends. We missed meeting and welcoming new riders into our little group. We missed the energy and, for some of us, we really missed the post-ride treats and social time!
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| Even the mud loves our bikes! |
Normally, we end our season with a party filled with prizes for the people who show up to lead, sweep, and ride - among other things, but we'll just need to wait to get together at another time when people feel more comfortable sharing indoor spaces. We do have some statistics for you - thanks to Gloria who kept the tallies again this year (we need a prize for her!).
Though our group experienced a short and somewhat rainy season, it was also filled with fun rides with friends. Most rides had small group sizes, but on July 14th, 15 riders showed up for our largest group of the season! The next largest group sizes were 11 people on both August 18 and September 22.
The Divas who attended the most rides were Michele with 10 rides, followed by Rae and Kirsten who both attended 8 rides! Way to go, Divas!
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| Clockwise from Michele in front, Rae, Nancy, Rose, Kirsten, and Maggi |
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| Tour of Anchorage Trail |
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| Tour of Anchorage Trail |
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| High water at the bog |
The Divas who led the most rides were Jo-Ann with 4, followed by Lisa K., Nancy, and Rose (with 3 each). We didn't do a tally to see who posted up the most unofficial rides, but these were great opportunities to ride on weekends or other days when people were available.
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| Nancy and Michele |
Now that we're heading into the winter riding season, be sure to post up rides on the MeetUp page. If you want a small group, post a ride size limit (a smaller group is a bit easier on the coldest days). And if you want to post up for a hike, ski or snowshoe outing, you can do that, too! Let's do our best to keep connected and active in the outdoors this winter.
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| Be sure to post photos! |
As for next year, in 2022 we expect to start the official riding season sometime in May. For now, it's time to dust off the winter bike, maybe take the mountain bike into your favorite mechanic for any maintenance you were putting off until end of season, and make plans to meet with friends soon.
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| Hello Sunshine! |
posted by Rose
photos by Michele Murphy
