| Date | June 22, 2013 |
| Hosts | Tricia and Ed Troike |
| Where | Troike home, Atco, NJ |
| Who (else) | Caren and Mike Bianco, Beryl Brodsky and Tom Fritz, Cheryl Feather and Tom Ghan, Pat and Ed Gifford, Susan Nicolich and Dave Snope, Debra and John Paulson, Cheryl Prudhomme and Mark Cook, Wendy Samuelson and Jeff Winick, Pat and Rob Singley, Brenda Synnestvedt and Steve Powell + daughter Brenna Powell, Linda and George Wells; on singles: Bob Bird, Malcolm Boyd. |
First: A big thank you to Ed and Tricia for hosting the Summer Solstice Ride and Party on 22 June (pretty close to the actual solstice).
Participating were Teams: Troike (Ed and Tricia), Feather/Ghan (Cheryl & Tom), Gifford (Ed & Pat), Singley (Rob & Pat), Brodsky/Fritz (Beryl & Thomas), Nicolich/Snope (Susan & Dave), Cook/Prudhomme (Mark & Cheryl), Paulson (John & Debra), Samuelson/Winick (Wendy & Jeff), Bianco (Caren & Mike), Wells (Linda & George), our newest team -- Powell/Synnestvedt (Steve & Brenda) and [their daughter, Brenna Powell--on her single], along with two other DOGS members on their single bikes -- Malcolm Boyd and Bob Bird.
The routes for the 2013 Summer Solstice were the same ones used in 2012, which allow all the participating teams and singles to pick the route that best suited their desires and abilities and still had everyone returning to the Troike home at just about the same time. Team Troike did an excellent job in what Team Wells calls "Progressive Looping" that allows everyone to ride a base route but the stronger/faster riders can go out on a longer ride while those looking for a slower paced ride can ride with similarly-paced riders. Excellent job Team Troike! All of the routes were basically flat, often tree-shaded and with low to no automotive traffic. The weather also cooperated, making it a perfect day to celebrate the beginning of Summer.
The post-ride was, as is usual for the DOGS, an excellent party with lots of great food. Team Wells had to depart early due to Molly's (meow) scheduled medications. We think we can speak for all participants in saying that it was another excellent day out with the DOGS.
Linda & George Wells
Leaders -- Doubles Of the Garden State (DOGS)