| After some email messages and phone calls, Andy and I met up down on Columbus Boulevard toward the very front of the ride, around 9:00 a.m. The ride down was chilly and it was breezy upon arrival. Took some pictures of the toys that we had brought down and then took them up to the Humvee where they were collecting them.
The sun didn't come out until about 11:30, but we got a chance to check out all the vendors and the plethora of two-wheelers in every shape and color. A photographer from EastCoast Bikers took a picture of the side of my bike and provided a card for me to access their website if they decide to publish it.
Without a whole lot to do for three hours, I put my bike up on the center stand and laid out on it for a rest for an hour or so. It was actually quite comfortable. Once the sun made its appearance, it warmed up enough to remove my hands from the jacket without concern of frostbite.
During the wait, several females stopped by to raise funds for March of Dimes. Andy deferred to me and I willingly paid the requested $5 for the MoD pin and a chance to win a leather MoD bag. I told Andy I'd pay, but that if we won, that he'd have to take the bag.
The Philly Phanatic made his way through the crowd, stopping for photos and to accost several automobile drivers who dared to stop. The guy certainly knows how to play up the crowd with his hand-twisting to get passing cyclists to rev up. In the meantime, I received a call informing me that my ticket had been picked and to come pick up my winnings. The bag sat on Andy's bike upon his return and I took a photo of him with it.
At noon, cyclists and their passengers hopped on the bikes and soon, the increasing participation of the cruisers led to the crescendo of exhaust noise. Hitting the starter on my bike added nothing to the fray, but I was wishing I'd brought earplugs for the inevitable, unavoidable, underpass echo to which I'd soon be subjected.
Having informed Andy that I may peel off at any time, we said our goodbyes. The procession moved slowly around the city, stopping often and changing direction occasionally. Eventually, we arrived at our Northern Liberties location which was perhaps a mile from the start point!! Since I'd already dropped off the gifts, my entry into the final destination parking lot was quickly followed with my exit from the other end of said lot. A half hour later, I was back home. I trust Andy made it home too. |
