TEAM RIDE REPORT FOR 6-14-09

WOW! GEEZ! HOLY COW! OMG! (etc. etc. etc.)

Was that a perfect day or what!? Yesterday was the nicest weather of 2009 and therefore it seemd appropriate that we gather the World's Coolest Team here in Holland and have us a real fine time!

And so we did just that!

Over 35 riders and countless family members found their way to the Eldean Shipyard on Lake Macatawa to enjoy the hospitality, great roads and fine post-ride feast. Thanks go out to JD and Maggie Stone for setting up the day and to John Jasker for doing much of the "heavy lifting" as far as covering the details. As far as I can recall here's a list of folks that rode:

Heather and Brian J (the latest celebrity in our midst)
Brenda and Herb
Mary and Tom
Dawn and Kevin
Linda and Scott
John and Janet
Linda and I
Derek
Amy
Nathan
Maggie
Kathy
Coach Nicole
Jack
Rick
Brad
JD
Chris R
Chris M
Steve
Kris (received the "I drove the farthest" award!)
Dawn A
Tom M
Diane
Karen
Nick
Tom S
as well as Special Guests Carmen, Glenn and Jay!

The route took us from the shore of Lake Mac out into the countryside south and west of Holland. The longer loop (48miles / 80 K) treated the group to the sights, sounds (and smells!) of New Richmond, Fennville, Hutchin's Lake, Douglas, Lake Michigan, Saugatuck & Gilligan Lake while the meduim loop (36 miles / 60 K) featured a stop in bee-yoo-ti-ful downtown Douglas as well. There were 3 flats (Dawn A, Heather and Steve), one rescued kitty and, alas, no buffalo sightings. Everyone rode well, there was at least one "longest ride ever" accomplishment (go Chris M!) and the burgers, brats, hot dogs, corn, salad, chips, cookies, brownies and other related "replenishment accessories" were a welcome sight for weary travelers.

All in all.................'twas pretty much perfect!

Thanks again to our hosts, thanks again to everyone that made the trip and thanks to all of you for making this team the remarkable thing that it is!

Note - if someone finds themselves in possession of one of those "bathroom keys" from yesterday - JD needs it back! (Or it'll cost him 25 bucks) Please let me know if you find it and we'll make sure it finds its way home.

The next Team Ride is set for Sunday, 6/28. I'll be en route from the Sonoma Ride that day so be nice to Coach Nic, okay? Watch the Blog for more details!

I saw it on a sign so it must be true.......You guys rock!. ( I knew that already!)

Coach Mike