The Midnight Garden Ride 2010
words and photos by Pat Longstreth
Several hundred cyclists of all ages came out to The Distillery on Saturday for a leisurely night ride. There were many creative costumes including super heroes, monsters, an aerobics instructor, giant strawberries, a pair of Waldos, adult babies, and more!
The Savannah Bicycle Campaign did an excellent job of organizing the event and planning the route. Police blocked off the streets so we could enjoy a car-free carefree ride. Red light? Who cares! Ha ha!
Neon bracelets lit the way and Evil Kenevil kept us jamming to the tunes with his mobile DJ station. He wasn’t the only musical accompaniement though. At several points throughout the ride we were treated to a live performance from 14-year old local music phenom Jamison Murphy. What a swell guy!
After 6 miles we ended up back at The Distillery where we could chose to (a) give up or (b) go for another 6 miles. My friends and I chose the full 12 mile route and we were rewarded with a smoother and faster second half.
Back at the finish line there was a DJ and a costume contest. It was a great place to hang out, drink Lagunitas, and meet fellow bike enthusiasts!
This was my second Savannah Bicycle Campaign ride and I loved it just as much as my first one on Earth Day. The next big Savannah Bicycle Campaign event is the Savannah Super Prestige Cyclocross Race Weekend, October 23rd & 24th at Oglethorpe Speedway Park. I just found out what Cyclocross is and I’m pretty fired up!