My club just held our fourth annual April Fools Ride to raise funds for our bike advocacy and education efforts. The local Rotary Club chapter partnered with us this time. We had a perfect sunny day with temps rising from the low 50s at sign-in up to the mid 70s by afternoon. The 70 riders we had will seem like a small number to some of you big city folks, but for a tiny club like ours in a small town, we were very pleased with the turnout. We did not have the ride last year, mostly because of my illness, and our third ride in 2008 was devastated by severe thunderstorms and driving rain. This turnout was right in line with what we figured we could manage if the weather was good for our resurrected ride.

The event went off very well and the riders and volunteers alike had a fun day. Our mayor and some other local dignitaries participated in the opening ceremonies and even rode the opening two mile parade lap through downtown. Several casual local riders made an 8 mile round trip to a community garden site and the other riders, more from out of town than local, headed out on rides of 35, 48, 64 or 103 miles.

A local coffee shop provided coffee, bagels and scones for the registration and restaurants provided side dishes to go with the fantastic BBQ pork feast supplied by Rotary Club for the after-ride celebration at the Greenway by the river. We gave away donated door prizes, including some very nice Jittery Joe's bike racing team gear.

We had great support by many volunteers from Rotary and college organizations. About five of us who did the bulk of the planning, arranging, setup and execution of the ride are completely exhausted, relieved that everything worked out well (and safely) and happy that it is done and we can get back to attending to the rest of our activities and responsibilities (at least until we start working on next year's ride which will probably be bigger).

Many pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluesda...05805945/show/

I can relate BluesDawg,

I used to organized USCF races and tours, plus local rides, back when I lived in the St. Louis area and it's a HUGE job, even with a good core of volunteers. So many details that most of the riders never even think about!

Last Sat. I volunteered to drive SAG and work a checkpoint for a local double century, plus I got some insight into how many details the organizers (Deb and Brian - Planet Ultra) have to deal with. So I know what a huge job you had to do! My congratulations on everything going so well for you.

Rick / OCRR

I used to manage the finish line for a fairly large triathalon every summer. Every year, after the event was over, I'd return the clocks and settle into bed with a migrain headache.

I have done event organizing for other clubs - not a bike ride. It is a huge amount of work. I won't do it. I would rather enjoy the ride & thank the organizers profusely

I became fed up with leading measly club rides because of the headaches. I can only imagine the effort needed to run an invitational. Congratulations to you and your club for hosting such a successful ride.

Looks like from all the pics that everyone had a great time. Great pics and congrats on a great job.

I must give credit to my lovely wife for the great photos.

Sleep well tonight, Big Guy. You deserve it.

Totally agree. We do 6 events a year and most people have no idea of the organization and work needed to make it happen-and enjoyable for the participants. I could easily spend 20+ hours a week just on the work associated with the events-but I like to ride my bike and spend time with the family.

Looks like a great time was had! Good job.

I missed the Fort Davis ride last year because a guy told me it was to much work and not enough volunteers they it wasn't going to happen. About a month before the festival, I got an e-mail that said it was a go. I said I couldn't make it then. I really appreciate the work you guys put out to get these events to work. Sounds like you had a pretty nice turn out.

From the photos:

1. Dogwoods
2. Pines
3. Obligatory roll of duct tape on registration table
4. Many types of bikes and riders
5. Hound dogs
6. What appeared to be a big BBQ pit
7. Ride tee shirts
8. A 50+ jersey

70 riders. What's not to like?

You done good! Congratulations on the success and your tangible contribution to your community.

Good job, BD. It's good there are people like you who are willing to give their time for such causes.

I'm assuming this must be around Milledgeville? Great area to ride in! when I lived in Atlanta (1976-1983) I used to go down to Milledgeville for the fall century ride the local club in Milledgeville put on. It was always my favorite century ride. well planned with a great route.

Interesting. I was not a very active cyclist at that time, but I lived here and I know a few folks who were riding back then. This is the first time I have heard anything about a previous bicycle club in Milledgeville or a century ride. I do recall there being a very short-lived bike shop downtown around 1975-6 and they put on one criterium type race downtown that I finished in 4th place on my Sears 10 speed. Are you sure it was Milledgeville?

Good work!

EDS has a fine instructional video for those who organize cyclists.

The start/finish was definately in Milledgeville, probably 1978-and 1979. The club or host ,that I'm not so sure about. I'm still in contact with a couple of people from that era, I'll ask and maybe they will remember who the host was.

BTW I had an uncle who lived in Milledgeville but he wasn't living there voluntarily. I grew up ( first 13 years) in Commerce.

Berry Gordy is from Milledgeville.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_Gordy

Another little known fact: Milledgeville was the original capital of Georgia.

Great job Blues Dawg. I bet organizing a ride like that is a ton of work. Just think of the great and memorable day you gave to so many. Keep up the good work.

Good job, BD!

Nice job. And to have a staff photographer is a real bonus.

Almost. Fourth, actually, after Savannah, Augusta and Louisville from 1807-1868 when it moved to Atlanta. https://www.georgia.gov/00/article/0,...252433,00.html

The opening part of our ride on Saturday passed by the old Governor's Mansion and through the grounds of the Capitol Building, which is now part of Georgia Military College.

My history memory must be slipping some.

Great job! That was some great photography also. The shots of the railroad curving out of frame with the riders in the background are great.
I have a question? We saw all the riders leaving but no pictures of them returning I hope they didn't evaporate. Hee Hee