Bicycle socials in full swinging regalia

May 14, 2012

It is now that time of year for many of us bicyclers to gear up for some type of "bicycle social." These events are also known as "charity rides." I'm going on one next Saturday called the "Wear Yellow Ride" and it starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) museum! That is great, but now I will have to come up with a plan on how to spend the rest of my day. I'm sure the ingredients will include beer and couch. Here are some other options:

1. Invite me over to your house to watch the Giro d'Italia and/or Tour de California.
2. Plant some zucchini and/or cucumbers
3. Attend an ice cream social and/or pizza party

I have high hopes that the top fund raiser will be launched with a glider attached to his bicycle over towards the Platte River with some type of helmet camera and some sweet tunes on an MP-3 player. 
I hope that my list was helpful, but I'm guessing otherwise. Do you know what is helpful? Developing a keen awareness of one's surroundings while enjoying your local multi-use trail. I can spot these suburban animals out on the prowl because we are one and the same. We live in a world where each second is crucial. We are aware of smells, vehicles, other suburban mildlife, the exact time when that cool keyboard solo starts on our walkmen MP-43 player, and even very loud sights and noises. I was thankful that I was wearing yellow, and a very loud version of it, at that, today. A girl in a car said, "I like your shirt." Her delivery was such that it was either a serious comment or a notably non-sarcastic-sounding form of sarcasm. These are the things that I will remember for days to come.  Communication.  Relating. to. other. lifeforms (as Cap'n Kirk would say).

But enough about the mild kingdom. What have you been up to lately? That's nice.  I am getting ready for some lengthy enjoyment of BRAN June 3-9. Yes it is the End of the World Tour, and I am gradually getting myself amped up for this excursion. Here is the map. If you are signed up for it then you can count on some crazy nights out on the small town. Probably some sun, wind and bike talk, too. I am looking forward to finding out more details shortly. Are you taking the bus?  Me too!  It'll be like going to bicycle camp!  Ding ding!

Speaking of bells, I think I should order another couple of them for the various bicycles around here.  Maybe a chain, too.  Nothing like a bell and chain to put one in one's place (out on the open road, that is!).  Ride free, you animals!  Okay, now let's go home.  Shwew!