Bicycle Campout 2.0

This past weekend saw yet another crew of  folks head out into the world on bikes with the plan to not come back for 24 hours. We did it. This was the second trip that was planned, with more in the works.

Here's the low down on what happened this time.

Everyone met up at the shop on Saturday afternoon around 1pm. There was a round of introductions, lots of new faces on this trip, as well as some old. We made sure that everybody had a good way to get their gear out to the camping area. We ended up loaning out three BOB trailers and one bike to make sure everyone could come play. So, next time if you're thinking you would want to come, but don't have the gear, know this: all you need is the will, we will find a way.

The riding was easy going. We all stuck together and got to know each other. There were some teaching moments also. By the end of the ride out people were stalking wild asparagus with ferocity. We stuck to the back roads as much as possible. So much so, that much to my pleasure, John Gehman, who has been riding bikes around here for 30+ years, touched a new road. 

Food was shared during the rest break. That was part of the theme of this ride. It was a bit of a potluck. Everyone brought their own food, but brought enough to share. There was SO MUCH. 

The final push up to the Stokesville Campground. Thomas rode not only with all of his camping gear, but also with his son, Ethan. Which produced great quotes such as "I'm just standing on the pedals." as we pushed up the broken pavement on one of the steepest sections of the ride. The force is clearly strong in this one.

"Ethan, what's the next turn?"

Upon arrival, everyone set up camp, hammocks were strung, tents were pitched. People got into swimming gear, or stayed in sweaty bike shorts, for a dip in the swimming hole.

As the sun dipped below the tree line, we made our way back up the hill to get a fire going. Hunger returned but was soon won over by a plentiful bounty of fire cooked foods. Smores, hot dogs, pies, couscous, asparagus, biscuits to name a few.

There were visits to the Stokesville Observatory, where a club of astronomers had telescopes pointed at distant galaxies. The lightning bugs were doing their best to to outshine the clear sky full of stars. The temperature was perfect for sleeping, so one by one, our crew melted into the darkness and bid goodnight.

The next morning arrived, as peaceful as it could. Perhaps the whipoorwill was a bit eager for some. After an easy breakfast, we loaded up our bikes and hit the road. All together again we explored a new route home. 

All together we were gone from our homes for just about 24 hours. What a great day. Friends were made and adventures were had. 24 hours well lived.