Chic and Happy Cyclists Overtake Nashville 08/24/09

Well, it’s over — and our first LGRAB-organized group ride was officially a success. Despite camera malfunctions, a last-minute venue change and me running my usual five minutes late, we made it to all three restaurants right on schedule and enjoyed delicious drinks and food. Oh, and the cool and breezy weather couldn’t have been better. I’m not sure Nashville has ever seen this many bikes in one place.

Almost everyone...

Without a formal RSVP we didn’t know how many people we’d have on the ride. So imagine my surprise when I pulled into Sevier Park to find this stylish family and their beautiful bikes waiting for us.

Awesome Bikey Family

Diane and George had invited their daughter, son-in-law and grandson Oliver, who bike commute in Chattanooga, to their house for the weekend to celebrate her birthday and go on our ride. Liz and Daniel, in turn, invited their friends from David and Laura from Memphis. Yes folks, biking is contagious . . .

David and Laura - Memphis Riders!

More of our merry band of bicyclists, including the women of Bike Skirt:

Slightly nervous ride leaders before setting out (OK, maybe only the one on the right was nervous . . .)

Bike Skirt Anna and her Nashville friend Britany, who was new to biking (and her purple cruiser).

Bike Skirt Elisa

April and Her Trek

Chiara and Her Mom's Purple Step-Through

Chiara and Trisha

Dottie and The Bat

George and His Surly

The Surly's Golden Hub

Diane's bow-bedecked Peugeot.

Having a drink at Dan McGuinness.

The Bakfiets negotiates the Music Row roundabout

We were all charmed by how happy Oliver looked to be riding in the cab of the Bakfiets with his mom at the wheel.

Cars were very courteous to us the whole ride — the only honks we heard were friendly ones accompanied by waves. We turned heads as we rode by in such a large group. One car stopped next to us at a red light, and the driver asked why we were doing this. When Dottie said “for fun!” the driver gave her a knowing look. “Ah,” she said. “So are you . . . ” she leaned her head back while gesturing with her fist to mime tossing back a beer. I guess the idea of cycling for the fun of it when you’re not wearing spandex, sweating and/or intoxicated has a ways to go in Tennessee!

Thanks to the friends new and old who came out, especially those who traveled, loaned cameras and swept the back of the ride for us. We’re definitely going to have more of these.