What happens when two friends, with a similar tendency towards shenanigans, come up with a crazy ass idea for an end of the summer bike gathering? 70's dance music, disco balls, flashing lights, bike crazed friends, an old train tunnel plus beer and junk food is just the start. Add a visit from the DNR Popo and you've got yourself one hell of a night!
This gathering of friends (note this wasn't a "group" by any means--something officer Bates asked us), for a ride down an undisclosed rail trail that wasn't a planned "event" at all (another thing the kind officer asked), for an impromptu civilized "social hour" in the tunnel (call it a late happy hour if you will) was just about perfect in every way. The fact that most of us were in our 40's or 50's (with the exception of a few young'uns) proved that mid life could be the best place to be.
 |
| Meet the "mastermind"--the human, not the dog (but the dog made the party!) |
 |
| There are no words... |
I will say that one of my close friends was truly the mastermind behind most of this, and that another close friend acted as the mule with his Surly Big Dummy and side car. Me? I just came up with the stupid idea (at about the same time the mastermind came up with it--great minds think alike), invited folks, and came along for the ride. Okay, I did do the "walk of shame" with the mastermind when the two ridiculously bright headlights came rolling down the tunnel (for a moment we just thought they were hub generated lights--and then we saw the blue and red flashing lights). Me? I fell into the "yes sir, no sir" role while the mastermind teased and poked a bit knowing he was only with the DNR. Of course once he backed up and did his own walk of shame, we all laughed our asses off (while packing up of course).
Honestly, there couldn't have been a more perfect way to welcome in the new season and celebrate living with friends. We caused no harm, we left no trace, we watched out for each other, we danced to music some of the participants would like to burn, we had a few beverages, and we played like I did when I was in my late teens. For this I will scream at the top of my lungs "I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!!"
Happy late fall everyone!
 |
| Pre ride prep |
 |
| Quick pit stop to pee and buy trail passes |
 |
| Again, there are no words... |
 |
| To more than half of the group's dismay, I think "Groove Is In The Heart" was playing at this moment |
No comments:
Post a Comment