Riding on the Seven Cs

How lucky was I to get a sneak preview of Alan’s new populaire with the Fearless Leader himself? Alan wanted to do a “pre-ride” prior to his birthday celebration in two weeks. MikeO and Sridhar joined in.

The route is a collection of roads with surprisingly low-volume traffic given the ongoing growth of Chatham County. We went back in time, trespassing the environs of Bynum on the Haw River. While I’d visited the local artist community before, having been introduced to it on past NCBC Summer Rallies, I’d never made the turn up the hill to Clyde’s to see his world-renowned critters adorning his property.

We got to see Clyde (on a first name basis with Alan) who invited us to view his critter collection!

After that, is was on to Pittsboro, where we had a leisurely lunch at the location of the former General Store of Howling Grits fame. On March 16th in celebration of Alan’s birthday, cyclists may want to consider other control options, given the time consideration and the fact that there will be a post-ride celebratory meal at the finish.

MikeO has been kind enough to provide an update of the logistics for Alan’s birthday ride and post-ride party. Note that there has been a change in venue regarding the party. It will be held near the start/finish at Angelina’s Pizzeria located right across from Dunkin Donuts in Morrisville Market Shopping Center. In MikeO’s own words:

Registration: Alan will be doing the cards, let him know before if you are going to ride. I'll send out another email the week before the ride. So far I have 16 riders that responded. Rain date: Sunday, but it will have to be raining pretty hard to cancel. Cost: $10, that includes salad, pizza, soft drink and birthday cake Contact: Me Parking: in the center of the large lot near Dunkin Donuts, pre-ride gather at the Dunkin Donuts where there's plenty of space to park bikes before the ride. Post ride party at Georgina's Pizzeria (this was changed from the initial email). Morrisville Market Shopping Center 3536 Davis Drive, Morrisville NC 27560.

Here's what Mike O originally posted on the Rando listserv:

What better way to celebrate your 70th birthday than by riding 70 miles on your inaugural populaire route? Have a pizza and birthday party with your riding friends afterwards! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16th for Alan's new excursion through Chatham County. The ride starts at 9am at the intersection of Davis Drive and Morrisville-Carpenter Roads in Morrisville (up the road from where the brevets start). The ride costs $10 and that includes pizza, salad, soft drink and birthday cake after the ride. Please park for the ride in the large parking lot behind the McDonalds at the corner of Davis Drive and Morrisville-Carpenter Roads. The post ride pizza party will be held at Angelina’s Pizzeria. If you're interested in riding please respond to the list so we have an idea of how big a birthday cake to order. This is not a surprise party for Alan, he will be printing up the brevet cards for the ride. 

Thanks, Mike, Sridhar, and Alan for a memorable ride on the Seven Cs. Hope to see everyone out there at the birthday ride and party!

Let’s Ride!
Dean/Raleigh