By Fran Smith, RABA Public Relations Director
The word I’ve often heard for the month of July is “HOT” and, for most of us, seems to be a reason to limit our riding times. This has been a July of record according to the weather forecasters and Richmond reaching triple digits for the first time in a while.
Regardless, all the folks that find a way to get out and ride their bike always impress me. In early July, these dedicated RATS riders were several that I met while riding on Wes Surina’s Sunday morning Virginia Cap Trail ride. Apparently Joel and Buzz Spencer always find new paths to cross and divert from the Cap trail that still offer the miles but add the shade. They reminded us of the ability to easily take the diversion over to Richmond’s National Battlefield Park’s Fort Harrison and the cooler comfort of the shade and trees.
Cool air conditioning and refreshments were the focus of the “Bikes for Kids” fundraiser on Monday, July 17 at Answer Brew Pub. A number of familiar faces in attendance and a great time had by all (as evidenced by these great photos from our favorite photographer Alan Cooper).
We even found RABA President Andrew Mann back from his trip in Dusseldorf and his close up views of the international cycling Tour!
As this month comes to a quick close, cooler temperatures are in the forecast and we hope more opportunities for comfortable rides. We also understand that Claire Bonney (our Girl Scout collaborator on cycling helmet safety) has been chatting with a number of RABA members and notes “their testimonials have been wonderful and very insightful…its really great to see that this issue is also important to many other fellow community members”. We look forward to hearing more from her project updates in later August.