Ride the Drive

It's the fifth spin of the wheels for Madison's Ride the Drive and it pedaled over to my side of town, close enough to ride to the planned loop.

Hill, Segoe, Regent, and Rosa provided the track yesterday from 10 to 3 for walkers, skaters, joggers, and bikers to get out and enjoy the west-side neighborhood.

Barricades shut down the streets with police at certain intersections so those living inside the loop could get in and out.

There were two rides this year - one downtown back in June and this one - and more than 10,000 were expected to come to the street party.

The first thing that makes this kind of thing special to me is the lack of automobile traffic thanks to the police control and the barricades.  It is a luxury to ride without worry and fun to see riders of all sizes, ages, and abilities.

The route was three miles long over gently hilly terrain and three official points to find concessions (at very reasonable prices), bike and fitness vendors, and entertainment (music and bouncy houses are popular).

A second thing that grabbed my attention was the change in sound from the usual sounds of the city.  On trails there are birds and the crunch of limestone under the tires - here it was the sound of conversation between parents and their kids; the excited sounds of impromptu lemonade stand barkers, and the sound of relative silence.

Then there were the sounds from the members of Lighthouse Church on Regent Street, "Free water, free pizza, God bless you."

The congregation handed cold bottles of water to the passing riders, had hot Ian's pizza to stave off some hunger, and offered the shade of their trees and inside facilities to offer a moment of rest.

They weren't the only ones thinking how to reach the masses passing their doors - Wellspring Methodist offered a a misting station and free water so everyone could cool off.

It's not a typical bike ride, but was a neat way to be part of the larger community of bikers in a bike-friendly city.  I bought a 'Ride the Drive' water bottle, got a free t-shirt for the 'Tour de Cure' (as an incentive to do that next spring), and rode home with a smile.

That's a good day.