The 2017 Greencastle Great Escape

We had another great Great Escape this year, with about the same number of registrants as last year, but it didn't look that way at first.

Only five of the 29 people who had signed up for the weekend showed up for the ride start at 9 a.m. on Friday June 9 – Dan Artley, Bill Wiesand, Scott Hagaman, Ed Jarcy (minus Mary, who had to work that day) and yours truly.  The weather forecast was predicting a perfect day for cycling – clear skies, temperatures in the 70s, light winds – so I was wondering if there had been an accident on the Beltway or Interstate 70 that was holding everyone up.  Nope.  It turns out most of the others had gotten together and planned to arrive at 10 so as to avoid the worst of the morning rush hour traffic in the Baltimore area.  Dan and Bill decided to wait for them, so Scott, Ed and I lit out for Chambersburg and lunch at Trickling Springs Creamery on our own.  Eventually the rest of them also made it to Trickling Springs, but not before the three of us had finished lunch and hit the road again.

Read more: The 2017 Greencastle Great Escape

Cycling on the Eastern Shore: Kent County Spring Fling (KCSF) Celebrates 35 years

It is a classic.  It is a gem.  The KCSF celebrated its 35th year with outstanding cycling, socializing, and much more.  Centered at Washington College, in historic Chestertown, MD, this event was a thoroughly fun weekend.  Rides from 11-109 miles may have spread cyclists out, but all were united in the joys of pedaling in this scenic region—where osprey soar overhead, sea craft nestle along the Chester River, and bathers enjoy the picturesque beach in Betterton.
A little event history:  In 1983, Judy Getz, Charles Tully, and Jim Gent had the idea to organize a bike weekend on the Eastern Shore–and the Spring Fling was born.  The time was always Memorial day, to coincide with Chestertown’s Tea Party Festival—a glorious event with living history, music, vendors, and much more.  KCSF has evolved through the decades and has drawn thousands of cyclists to this area of natural beauty and to the historic town of Chestertown.

Read more: Kent County 2017

Finger Lakes Trip

9 BBC members & some of their friends joined the Harrisburg Bicycle Club for their Finger Lakes Trip. A fun weekend of riding out of Geneva NY, along Seneca and Cayuga lakes, past miles of vineyards and farms. Here are some members taking a quick break overlooking Keuka Lake. A splendid time was had by all.

Tailgate Potluck

On Sunday May 21, more than 35 BBC members enjoyed our first ever Tailgate Potluck ride -- despite the damp, cool, and cloudy weather and a first time ever ride start at Howard County's Western Regional Park.

The rides of 60, 50, and 25 miles were modifications of familiar club rides in the cue library.

The food, mostly provided by the riders and a little from the club, was very much enjoyed. As can be seen from the photo, tailgates were not needed as we snagged an unused pavilion with tables.

The club's new banner was used for the first time. Members will be seeing it again at future club events.

The favorable response from the participating riders may well lead to a few more potluck rides this year at this location or other locations. Members are encouraged to give the Board any suggestions for future dates and locations.

Movers and Shakers

The  committee and its hard working group of volunteers pose for a group picture at the annual Spring Social (March 25).  Without these dedicated workers, this terrific event would not have been the huge success that it was.  Many thanks go out to Ed & Mary Jarcy, Pam Ellis, Gene Young, Howard Saltzman, Stephanie Jeram, Rich Burns, Andy & Joy Bauer, Bud Lippert, Nabil Ali, and Jim Gagne for their contributions (Renee Rees, Mary Ryan, Cindy Wyatt, & Ken Philhower not in photo).    The committee of Gloria Epstein and Evie & Mike Reinsel organized a fun evening with lots of socializing and great food.  Read the article to find out more about the event.