The Midwest Tandem Rally had several lengths of rides to choose from. Saturday's longest was 52 miles while the shortest was 18. We had planned to do 26 miles, but 100 degree temps and tired girls, myself included, had us and a lot of other riders opting for the shortest route.
While the starting point for the shorter rides was outside of town a bit, but we stopped to watch the opening ceremony and the real beginning of the rally. I took a few photos, but decided that the best way to really give a feel for the morning was to post a video. John and girls can be heard talking as well as the myriad of bells on the bikes.
Grace and Kitty had a great vantage point to view the rally start.
After watching the start, we drove out to the remote start and got on our tandems to join the other riders. Grace was with John while Ellie was with me.
Grace with John
A view from the road
The best part of the rally was how friendly all the participants were, especially to the children riding. Everyone knew Ellie and Grace. As riders passed us - due to my slow speed nearly everyone passed us, but I'm going to work on that over the winter - they slowed to talk to the girls, took photos, yelled encouragement, etc. There were even activities for the kids following each day's ride as well as picnic Saturday night.
Grace and Ellie sporting riding glasses w/mirrors which belong
to the couple from Virginia seated behind them.
A quint.
Ellie, our social butterfly, making friends.
Grace and Ellie enjoying a little help from Dad.
Climbing a tree after the ride.
Grace hitting the pinata.
The highlight of the picnic for Ellie and Grace was the pinata. It's Pablo from The Backyardigans. They had fun trying to burst the pinata, but enjoyed getting the candy more. Couldn't resist this shot. Actually, Pablo's head is downstairs. Yep, Grace got to bring Pablo's head home. Wonder when they're going to ask if I can make another pinata with it?
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