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olding. Tandem. Two, three, and four wheels. Bikes of all kinds went for a ride in the 2022 Turkey Pedal.

Two riders, one bike.

Appropriately dressed for the season, and the ride.

The annual Oriental tradition is an event with a sole purpose: a pleasant morning ride about town.

Residents, visitors, sailors, and families gather on Hodges Street in front of the town dock and ready themselves for the 9a start. Keith Smith, instigator and organizer of the event, announces the route from the porch of The Bean.

Ready to head out.

Leaving SailCraft.

Gathered in front of The Bean, waiting to go.

Under law enforcement supervision, Town Dock senior staff explains the route.

It’s about a 5 mile route through town.

Cyclists travel at a leisurely pace around town. Going by Zimmerman’s (formerly Deaton’s), near Tosto Circle near SailCraft, Whittaker Creek Marina, and the Wildlife Ramp by the bridge. Along the way, the group winnows down as cyclists get close to home and choose to peal off toward a Thanksgiving meal.

Over 150 bikes were in this year’s ride, says Eric Kindle. He made his count as riders pedaled their way to the first stop at Zimmerman’s.

Daivd Kreutz models his Turkey Pedal head gear.

No spandex in sight, but plenty of other fashion options.

Officer Bill Wichrowski stopped traffic on Highway 55 to allow cyclists safely pass on to the Wildlife ramp on Midyette.

Officer Bill Wichrowski directing traffic.

Canine companions ride up front.

Caution. Over one hundred-fifty bicycles on the road.

About half the crowd hung with the ride until the very end – arriving back at Hodges Street at about 10a.

Checking out the gear, disentangling bikes.

Easier to pop a wheelie when your bike has two lead-acid batteries in the stern.

It is estimated that more kids were in the Turkey Pedal than live in the village.

Wildlife Ramp group photo. Click to see the big view.

Cruising down Link Lane.

Turkey Helmet by artist Laura Turgeon.

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Story by Allison DeWeese. Photos by Andrea Bruce and Keith Smith.

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Posted Thursday December 1, 2022 by Allison DeWeese