Welcome:

On May 31^st bent riders gathered for the first ride and meeting of the TBA Bents subgroup. Members enjoyed a nice 35 mile ride through beautiful Isle of Wight County’s picturesque country roads. Temperatures were in the 80s with an occasional gusty headwind, but the warm weather was pleasant and bents do well in headwinds so fun was had by all. At the conclusion of our ride, we enjoyed a fine lunch of hotdogs, bean salad and homemade brownies, all courtesy of Kim Hogan and her band of junior helpers. After lunch, we held our organization meeting and all agreed that the only rule for now is that no rules are allowed! We’re keeping things informal, fun, and all about bents.

On June 6 Ron and I traveled to Charlottesville for the MS 150 Tour de Vine. We brought our tents and camped in the official tent city that evening, and began our ride at 6:30 the next morning. Riders had the option of doing 25 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles or a century on both Saturday and Sunday. The heat was extreme (high 90’s) and the climbs were strenuous at times, but we both finished the 75 mile loop and returned to camp. Actually, our ride was closer to 85 miles due to a missed turn, but the scenery was so beautiful we didn’t mind.  The SAG stops were first class; excellent food, cold drinks and lots of camaraderie. Saturday night was filled with music and all sorts of festivities, but we were beat and decided to return to Tidewater.  Riders had the option of doing another ride on Sunday, but due to the heat many decided against it.  I would recommend this ride to anyone and I plan on doing it again next year.

Our next ride will be on Saturday, June 28^th. We’ll meet at River View Park at 255 James Street next to the Luter Family YMCA in Smithfield at 7 AM and ride to Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County, Virginia. This ride will be roughly equivalent to a metric century in length the pace will be B or better. Bring plenty of your favorite sports drink; temps are likely to be high. Cue sheets will be provided for all and you are welcome to set your own pace.  Following the ride we’ll eat lunch at one of the excellent restaurants in downtown Smithfield. If you would like to join us for our next ride, please contact me at jhogan9600@verizon.net.  In case of sever e weather or rain, the ride cancels.  Helmets are required for all riders. 

Regards,
John Hogan