Is it a ride group?
In one sense yes. They ride as a group. On the other hand no. They don't meet every week, they have no real catchy name yet and there is no real leader, unless sending out an e-mail message to three friends earns one that title. (It did, ed.)
Back in July Bruce Bush sent out an inquiry to three other riders of those bikes that look like two-wheeled lounge chairs.
His question, "How about an informal recumbent rally in August on the Hawthorne Trail?" got the wheels rolling when Sandra Fradd, Brian Walsh and Gary Kirkland responded with a decisive "Why not?"
Now whether four people constitute a rally, is up to debate but they did meet. Rode from Hawthorne to Gainesville and back and had the most relaxing grand time imaginable during a 30-mile conversation about anything and everything.
"It was like hanging out but you're moving. Somewhat of a roving social. Picture a fancy cotillion where you play musical chairs. The person you ride next to and chat with changes throughout the day," is how Brian explained it.
He also was inspired to produce his own "Hey, hey we're on recumbents" song to the tune of the theme from "The Monkees."
The looks and the head swivels were part of the fun as trail riders were surprised to see this pack of unusual bikes rolling along at a pace of about 13 mph or a comfortable bike mosey.
"As always seems to be the case, large grins were prevalent, worn by both riders and observers!" Bruce noted.
Sandra said it was hard to tell if it was the bikes or the bikers or the combination of both that made the fun.
"Wherever you go on a ‘bend you can be sure to have a parade of curious observers who quickly become friends," she said.
They also fielded some of the "What is it?" and "How is it?" questions from cyclists and rollerbladers sharing the trail. And while there are as yet no bylaws, meeting minutes, matching outfits or election of officers, the only act of official business that took place was an agreement that:
And they did Sept. 12 on the Withlacoochee Trail. This time the group had grown to seven riders, including Jo and Jerry Lowe who made the trip from Perry to join the fun, and Jim Wilson of Gainesville who had a new recumbent on order, but made the 40-mile trip on his home-built model formed from two pieces of old bike frames, muffler pipe and some serious ingenuity. Wilson's bike hadn't yet gotten a coat of paint, so it wasn't the prettiest model on the trail, but it was likely the most impressive. Wilson made the mistake of trying a recumbent out of curiosity and getting bitten by the bug.
As for future rides, there was a vow to tackle the bottom 40-mile loop on the Horse Farm Hundred in October. Plans beyond that still aren't firm, other than the plan to plan. Anyone wanting to see a few highlights of the journey, visit Bruce's website http://www.gdn.net/~db/bent/ where he's posted several pictures. Both Bruce and Sandra came equipped with digital cameras on the Withlacoochee ride. Anybody interested in joining — as much as it's possible to join a group that's not yet really a group — drop an e-mail to Bush or give Gary a call at 373-4455 (home) or 338-3104 (work).
The rides are leisurely and 30 to 40 miles in length, and there is no requirement that you own or ride a recumbent. Anyone interested in looking, asking questions or just riding along is welcome.