“…English weather guaranteed” as it seems, was a misnomer. Wind for 3 days notwithstanding, we had a wonderful weekend for an epicyclic adventure. The Lords of Good Fortune were with us on several levels.
Friday evening was perfect weather for an outdoor reception and we welcomed Aaron and Rhonda Whaley from North Carolina with a modest group of Nutters.
Saturday dawned perfect for the Gravity Race and Pastry Joust. Ron Grogg, the ABCE Opportunist, donned his finest yellow Sowester and transferred the “individually moisture sealed” pastries as we hooligans sped past one by one. Some of the treats were lost during the exchange but it proved to be an excellent challenge to a delightfully daft event. We were well and truly mogadored by Ian Lindridge who out-coasted us all by an honest 50 yards. His secret? 100psi and replacing the grease in his hubs with lightweight chain lube. I can see the challenge is on for next year!
Proceeding with the 40-mile Gentleman’s Tour we struggled through the headwind to the Ridgeway Parkway overlook, the Minneapolis stone arch bridge, Mill Ruins Park, under the new cantilevered Guthrie Theatre then onto the new path along the Hiawatha rail line. The route was an oversized figure-of-eight and as luck would have it, we found a Dairy Queen at the centre so some Tourists were able to enjoy an ice cream before and after lunch. Hungry tourists invaded the numerous shops along Grand avenue in St Paul for hearty fare whereupon a small group split off to head back while the rest pressed on to Irvine Park and downtown St Paul. Crossing the Mississippi on the Wabasha St Bridge, we turned to head upstream through the thickets and parks along the river to old Mendota. We sailed across the mile-long Mendota Bridge as we used high gear for the first time that day. Coasting into Fort Snelling we were running for cover by cannon shot as we were taking a group photo; it seems the Colonists were staging another uprising. Minnehaha Falls was the next stop and we hovered about a water fountain as we were wilting in the heat. 7 Oaks Park was our next destination; a geographic oddity that places an enormous sinkhole in the middle of this fine residential area. Local residents concerned with their property values prefer to call it “7 Oaks Oval”. Hopefully their luck will prevent any foundations from tumbling into the abyss. We rolled into Barley John’s with just enough time for a refreshing Belgian then we pushed off to the Red Dragon for the delicious all-you-can-eat banquet.
Sunday’s Cycle Jumble started a bit drizzly but luck was with all the Totters as the skies parted and chilled sunshine greeted the Social Hour. Nutters of the Realm brought plenty of treats for all including Peter Jourdain's egg salad with Bovril sandwiches washed down with Robinson’s Barley Water. The 5-mile Gentleman’s Tour was a delight that included a bit of rough-stuff due to a train blocking our normal rail crossing. After the Tour our Keeper of the Cask, Dave Brierley, informed us of tragic news; our pin of Silver Knight Ale had exploded during conditioning and all was lost! Not to worry, the taps were declared open with plenty of substitute. Pizza along with lies and libations were enjoyed as stories were told, awards were given and prizes for all. Congratulations to Bert Schlauch for winning Best of Show with his lovely olive green Raleigh. A special thank you to David Skelton for donating a small-frame ladies Raleigh Colt and as luck would have it, won by modest-stature Rhonda Whaley who was looking for a suitable steed for the Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour.
Best along the lucky path, Jon Sharratt, Shirt-Tail Organiser www.ABCEtour.com www.3speedtour.com
Date(s): September 15, 16, 17, 2006. Album by Jon Sharratt. Photos by Jon Sharratt. 1 - 24 of 47 Total. 7695 Visits.
fantastic points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days in the past? Any positive? - 3 in 1 Prams | http://www.3in1prams.net, Sun, 19 Aug 2012 4:31AM
4 Noel and Jon Settle the BetEdit Noel bet that I couldn't get the machine ready in 1 week. An Enkle Belgian was claimed by the Shirt-Tail Organiser.Edit
5 The 3 OsellsEdit Terry Osell with his Osell and Peter Martin with his Osell.Edit
6 Ian Lindridge at the Winning Mark in the Coasting RaceEdit 100psi and light chain lube instead of grease was the secret.Edit
7 Royal Enfield Coventry CrossEdit With the Minneapolis skyline in the background.Edit
8 Aaron, John and BobEdit At the Falls of St. Anthony.Edit
