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t’s a tradition: a pre-Thanksgiving dinner bike ride around Oriental. The premise is simple, if not quite medically sound. Burn off some calories to make room for a few more.

Setting off from The Bean.

Fifty or so riders met at The Bean, with no spandex in sight. No bare legs, either. It was a cool day, about 50 degrees, when the riders set off on bicycles of all kinds. Folding bikes, tricycles, tandems, small bikes, large bikes, bikes with flags, with baskets, and with saddlebags.

Cold weather breathing apparatus.

The ride is always a casual one and at an easy pace. Participants can pedal and chat while touring the waterfronts, boat yards, and neighborhoods of Oriental. There are stops for taking pictures and taking a break. A police escort was provided this year, granting a safe crossing over Highway 55.

No casualties were reported, though road work on Midyette Street did create a small obstacle course. Riders made it through, however, and returned safely to The Bean.

A trike bike.

The flag-flying bike.

Hat weather.

The bike ride video.

The road between Lou Mac Park and Deaton’s.

Some were just learning to ride.

Arriving at Deaton’s.

Some bikes had saddlebags.

Deaton’s was the first stop on the boat yard tour.

Setting off for the next leg of the route.

Riders pedaled down Midyette, to the Wildlife Boat Ramp.

A slightly smaller group of cyclists at the Wildlife Ramp.

Some took photos at the ramp while others pedaled on by the vacant Oriental Steamer.

Crossing Broad Street.

A bicycle built for two.

A bike with a basket.

Ending at The Bean.

Posted Friday November 24, 2017 by Allison DeWeese