TOSRV South

by Tim Malles

An impressive turnout of 20 Gainesville Cycling Club members rode the 18th TOSRV, Tour of Southern Rural Vistas, a 2 day, 200mi ride, with metric options, through North Florida and Southern Georgia. Back to back centuries led the group through rolling hills, lush pecan groves, on country roads enjoying great chow and excellent cycling company.

The participants were:

• Bill Boyett
• Barb Bergin
• Bear Bryan
• Angela Choate
• Skip Choate
• Bill Cochran
• Neil Crandell
• Mark Fuller
• Rocke Hill
• Lauri Jenkins
• Mary LaPlante
• Tim Malles
• Jim Merkner
• Roger Pierce
• Burt Silverstein
• Janet Silverstein
• Bruce Stechmiller
• Joyce Stechmiller
• Lynda Wolff
• Mark Wolff

With the wind at our backs and perfect weather, Saturday's ride was one of the easiest centuries any of us has ever done. The weather put a damper on Sunday's ride. Strong headwinds and a constant cold rain proved to be nothing more than a slight inconvenience for a few, a challenge for most and too much for other riders. We were "singing in the rain", led by Burt (Bacharach) Silverstein, to make the best of it and to remind ourselves we were here only for the fun after all.

Would I ride TOSRV again? You bet, but with all the great rides and cycling adventures out there, you would never have to do the same one twice!

A personal Thank You to Bill Boyett for the inspiration, Jim Merkner for the transportation, and Mark Fuller for the U-turn.

By the way, Neil, what ever happened to that cute girl with the French accent and "the best looking legs in the world"? Oh well, C'est la vie!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK FULLER

The gang on the road
front: Bill, Mary, Jim
next: Laurie, Barb
back: Tim, unknown

Mark, Laurie, Jim, Barb

Sleeping Accomodations

zzzzzzzzz

Mary

Bill & Barb

Laurie, Jim, Bill

Tim on lead