I got up early this morning and went for my typical ride, which is just under 40 miles. After a number of miles I noticed a guy cross the road to my side and squat down on the shoulder, and as I got closer I realized he had a camera and was taking pictures of me. Ok that was weird.....I didn't understand why.

Then I reached an intersection, and there were two police cruisers on the side with their lights flashing. Yep, something must be going on....

I continued my route and I noticed a single motorcycle pass me, and on the back of it there was a small sign that said "watch for bicycles." My first thought was maybe there was going to be a bike race or something, but then I thought nothing about it.

I reached my turnaround point and started heading back. After maybe 5 minutes I saw a group of cyclists on the other side of the road coming my way, and I assumed they were just on a training ride.....until moments later when there were hundreds more following. I kept seeing these cyclists for miles, and they were on all types of bicycles. Yep, it was a charity ride that just happened to be on the route I like to take.

Had I left home just a little bit later I would have been riding with all of these people. Lol, that would have been interesting.

I did some research and found out it was the Tour de Cure Jacksonville ride. It would have been fun to participate in it, but I didn't even know about it since I don't get out much. Ah well.

Shows how much attention I pay to the local cycling scene.

did you win?

It would be pretty funny if you ended up on front cover of the pamplet for next years ride. I had a guy the other day come running out from a photography studio and snap a couple of me as I went by. That was pretty funny.

As for doing the ride next year.. do it, it'll be lots of fun and raise money for a good cause.

I was half expecting the omens to result in some kind of horror story where a bunch of cyclists died. I'm glad it didn't go that way.

that guy probably was probably taking pictures because you were first

Yeah, I figured he thought I was first. Although I looked like a total fred since I was wearing my mtn bike shorts and one of those moisture-wicking tees.

If you see a photographer you should always sit up, zip up your jersey and throw both arms in the air


Last year I was riding my normal route when I got "shepherded" into a slip road. Like you I thought nothing of it and kept riding. Suddenly I was being passed by pro-triathletes.

I was leading there for a while I guess