Pride precedeth a summer

 About two weeks before the solstice, this Saturday was the All Bodies on Bikes Pride Ride in East Hampton, the third one where I've been a helper. I'd first heard of this ride a year or two before that, but the published speed estimate of 5mph had scared me away. That's my fast walking pace.

We amass

Photo credit to Gene

I now support that published speed. Yes, the ride actually travels quite a bit more rapidly, but stating that target is probably quite effect at keeping away people who, like I may have been, a poor match to the ride. Speed is not the point. Joy of movement on bikes is, and if that happens slowly, that just means longer enjoyment.

For me, part of the joy is experiencing a truly open and accepting group of people on bikes. Unlike group rides where the intention is to go quickly, quicker than the person next to you, the Pride Ride is much more about talking to the person next to you. I was on sweep duty this year, so stayed at the back instead of migrating through the group, but even that smaller cross section gave great conversations, and I even was treated to spotting the bike pulling the tag-along pulling the kiddie trailer!

What's to not love about this?