We are seven years old and continue to grow. Hope you all are well and had a nice summer.
Last Saturday, 11 September, 15 of the 83 DOGS teams participated in our Seventh Anniversary Ride and Picnic, in Bradley Beach, at the home of Team Engleke/Mertens (Don and Connie).
The teams who attended included: Claire and Walt Willard, Helen and Bob Bird, Susan and Greg Adam, Jane and Paul Fialcowitz, Brenda and Larry Isherwood, Barbara and Tracy Cate, Jo-Ann and Tom Figurelli, Linda and George Wells, Cheryl Prudhomme and Mark Cook, Christina Chan and Rich LeGrand, Marji Brandriss and Dave Kristol, Susan Nicolich and Dave Snope, Lydia Chambers and Bill Stusnick and, "young pups," their sons, Hunter and Henry, Judy Allison (Malcolm was on travel in Houston, Texas, but says hello to everybody. She gave him a call while we sat around one of the tables in Don and Connie's back yard), and, our fearless leaders for the day -- Connie Mertens and Don Engleke.
The weather was gorgeous -- a beautiful, blue sky, not a cloud in it, very little breeze and most of the roads were relatively flat with only a couple of small rolling hills, thus making it possible for lots of chatter between the teams throughout the entire ride. When we weren't near the beach, we wound our way through tree-lined streets with homes of all ages and sizes. For those of you who are Bruce Springsteen fans, we even rode past "The Stone Pony," which is only two miles from Connie and Don's front door!
The plan was ride to Mt. Mitchell, which was opening that day, look at all the scenery, and return via the way we went to Mt. Mitchell. Once we arrived there, we learned that Mt. Mitchell wasn't going to open until the next day, Sunday, so we turned around, went down the hill and stopped to view Sandy Hook and beyond. During that time, while we were stopped, there was a couple (not DOGS) also enjoying the great view until they saw an even greater view -- all the tandems! The gentleman began talking to George about tandems/tandeming. The guys had quite a lengthy conversation. Hopefully, they will visit Mel and Barbara Kornbluh (Tandems East), buy a tandem and maybe we will have some more new club members!
After leaving that scenic spot, we returned to 208 Fifth Avenue (Connie and Don's home), via the same roads. Just as we (Team Wells) were about to turn left on to Norwood Avenue, after passing Deal Lake, we met up with Team Stusnick/Chambers (Bill and Lydia, each on a tandem with their stoker/sons, Hunter and Henry). Bill and Lydia were members of the club when we were the New Jersey Tandem Club (NJTC), before we became Doubles of the Garden State (DOGS) and when Hunter and Henry were very young, which is why Bill and Lydia haven't joined us for any rides until now. (Team Stusnick/Chambers, thank you for renewing your membership with Doubles of the Garden State (DOGS)).
When we returned to Connie and Don's house, we had three choices -- shower at their house, relax in their pool or, since they only live 1 1/2 blocks from the Boardwalk, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. It was enjoyable watching Hunter and Henry and Connie and Don's dog in the pool together.
Thank you, everybody for all the delicious food you brought and shared with your other DOGS teams members. And thank you for the hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and chicken that Chef Mark prepared for us on your grill, Don and Connie. By the way, how was Don's home-made Sangria? Conversations continued throughout the afternoon and everybody returned home with lots of nice memories.
Thank you, Don and Connie for providing a very nice venue for our "special" day and all that occurred.
There are several more DOGS rides that have been planned -- Saturday, 25 September -- Walt and Claire Willard will lead us through the hills of Warren County from/to White Township Recreation Area; the next day, Sunday, 26 September, Malcolm Boyd and Judy Allison will lead us on their very flat roads in Medford as well as more flat roads that they will lead on the following Saturday, 2 October. By then, those of us who are preparing for the Seagull Century on Saturday, 9 October, should be ready for 100 miles of "flat" roads on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
And don't forget, Sunday, 17 October, Mel and Barbara Kornbluh will be leading us on their Annual DOGS Ride, (also pancake flat roads), from/to the Shopping Center in Tuckerton.
Sure hope those of you who have been unable to join us on a ride will be able to fit us in to your busy schedule and those of you who are thinking about wanting to lead your first DOGS ride, please send an e-mail with the information to Dave Kristol, the DOGS Webmaster. All you faithful DOGS teams who lead rides, thank you for making our day with you so pleasant.
Stay well and Stay Upright!
Linda & George Wells
Leaders - Doubles Of the Garden State (DOGS)