Ten members/friends of Craigmeur Ski Club ventured down to Philadelphia to take part in the third annual Bike Philly ride that was held on Sunday, September 14, and drew a crowd of over 3,500 participants. This family-friendly bike tour took us through the historic neighborhoods of Philadelphia, where Ben Franklin waved us on, and through beautiful Fairmount Park.  The area was closed off to traffic so bicyclists could enjoy a car-free bike ride. It was mostly flat and all paved making for a relaxing pedaling experience. Diane Bogert organized this event, which included a stay at the Philadelphia Chamonix Hostel so that we could be at the event early in the morning.
The event organizers started the bike tour at the bottom of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Museum is the site of Rocky Balboa’s famous climb, a metaphor for the underdog rising to a challenge. And rise to a challenge, some of us did. The event gave bicyclists a choice to do distances of 10, 20, 35, or 50 miles. Some in our group did the 20-mile run, which if we include the 9 mile round trip from the hostel to the starting/finishing point turned out to be almost a 30-mile trip. A few more adventurous souls such as Olivier Monod, Adele DiBari, Pat Finn, and Maryanne Mecca did the 35-mile run. John Rodgers (a friend of Glen DeSantis) and Karen Blaine completed the 50-mile run and according to John, Karen kicked his butt going up hills and wowed him with her stamina and strength.
Of course, no event would be a success without food. The event organizers supplied beverages, snacks, and fruit before the ride as well as at some rest stops along the way. We also enjoyed hot dogs, Philly pretzels, pizza, and various other foods at the finish line.
It looks like bike events are gaining popularity as a summer activity for Craigmeur as more of them are being organized and bringing our members, family, and friends together to enjoy a day or weekend of biking, dining, and fun. We all agreed that this event was a huge success and that we are looking forward to doing it again next year.
Thank you Adele for picking up the registration labels for everyone. And a big “Thank you” to Diane for organizing this event and insuring that we all had a great time!
Written by Sue Ticotin
Photos by Larry Ticotin, Diane Bogert, Olivier Monod
Photo gallery created by Larry Ticotin
Video and narration by Diane Bogert.
Movie created and edited by Larry Ticotin.
Received this comment from Pat Finn:
Dianne,
Just a quick thank you for all your efforts in putting this great bike ride together. Although the weather was a bit tropical everything else was flawless. I had a great time (with the exception of the result of parking over a bees’ nest) and having the chance to get to know the group was big plus! Your constant communications, pre-screening the lodgings, and GPS prowess assured a great time by all without getting lost!
Once again…..thank you!
Pat
Left by Larry Ticotin, Webmaster on September 18th, 2008