OEBC Spring/Summer 2008 Ride Schedule

This schedule will vary with the weather, call if you have any doubts.

We ride on Sunday at 8:30 AM from the Sunset Grill in Minnesott Beach. After the ride, we gather at the Grill for wonderful pancakes and conversation. Call Doug Sligh (252-249-3362 or Kathryn Garcia (252-249-0119) for details. Distances and speed vary with the group, but expect distances of 20-30 miles.

We ride on Wednesday at 5:30 PM from The Silos Restaurant on Broad street in Oriental. The group generally divides into two. A moderate paced group will ride 15-20 miles at 13-15 mph and a faster group 20-25 at 18+. Both groups have a no drop policy and all riders are invited to join.

We have a recreational ride on Saturday at 8:30 AM staring at Lou Mac Park and riding at a conversation friendly pace for about an hour. If you have not been on your bike for a while or are not sure about riding longer distances, grab a bike helmet and come join us. An experienced OEBC member will be there to lead the group and answer questions. Some of the riders head over to The Bean for a morning caffeine fix and others tack on a few more miles at a faster pace.


CYCLE NORTH CAROLINA IN ORIENTAL April 10-13, 2008

The Oriental Express Bike Club was thrilled to share our part of the world with over 700 cyclists. It was an opportunity for many to learn what we already know - that this a great place to ride and reside!

The club suggested routes, organized a roadside clean up, and hosted a famous Tennessee Ronnie Pig Pickin. A cast of thousands (maybe less) did all the rest and did it well. Some of us were able to ride each day and enjoy seeing all that spandex on the roads we frequent.

As a portent of good weather to come, the sun finally broke out a few hours before registration opened on Thursday, a serious band of thunderstorms passed just inland of Oriental on Saturday and Sunday's early morning showers quickly dissipated. The wind was an issue on Saturday's rides, but around here we refer to headwinds as "the Hills of Pamlico County."

In addition to great rides, cyclists were able to enjoy a friendly town, waterfront campsites, and numerous other activities. Based on the number of smiles observed, it appeared it was a successful weekend.

If you want to read another person's opinion of cycling in Pamlico, check this out. And, here is the Cycle North Carolina website report.

Historic Walking (and Biking) Tour of Oriental

1.2 mile loop - map & directions available at the Museum, 802 Broad St. While you are there, check out the museum. It's worth a visit to see how we came to be.


The following was posted by Marion McKinnon:

Wednesday Evening Ride

There isn't a better way to work off the day's stress than with
some serious physical exercise and sharing a couple of tall cool ones
with friends. Even though I don't like beer and can't cycle as fast
and as far as some of the others, Wednesday evenings are one of the
highlights of my week. Some of us even show up a half an hour early so
as not to miss the adventure.  We meet at 5:30 pm in the parking lot
of the best (and only restaurant) in Arapahoe, Gary's on Hwy 306.
Cars begin pulling up and unloading bikes from the back of station
wagons, SUVs and even a pick-up or two. Be sure to wear your helmet.
Padded bike pants help too because the county didn't pave those roads
for your comfort.

Even though we start out together, several prefer extreme cycling
and whiz by those of us out for a kinder ride.  We pass some of the
most beautiful scenery in Pamlico county, including a few porch dogs
cheering us on to greater speeds.  We make a loop around Kennel Beach,
a community of tree-shaded cottages, passing residents who meet in
their golf carts with cocktails to watch the sunset.  Just think, the
rest of the world is sitting in traffic during the rush hour commute.

After an hour or so at 12-16 mph, we return to the parking lot.
If you're quick, you can change into something more respectable behind
your car door.  The food of choice at Gary's is usually pizza, the
beverage beer or tea, and the air conditioning is delightful.

Please come join us.

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