Despite
the last minute planning, about two dozen people gathered near
the Town Dock in front of The Bean Thanksgiving morning and
set off on a Turkey Pedal around the village (thanks to Rex
Bragaw who took most of the photos for this story).
Humans
and dogs gather for the pedal |
The route
became a tour of "boaty places" in town, taking the
cyclists along the waterfront to Deatons (with a good view of
SailCraft) and then down Ragan and on to Whittaker Creek Marina.
From there back down the full length of Midyette Street to the
Wildlife boat ramp, and then past Oriental Harbor Marina and
back to the Town Dock. Most of the group made the whole trip,
although some chose a shorter course.
On
South Avenue |
We
stop to look at boats at Deaton's boat yard, with a view
of the boats at Sailcraft across the creek |
We
felt we needed photographic proof that most of the pedalers
made it all the way to Whittaker Creek |
Regina
Dubiel shows serious cyclist style, while the TownDock dog
shows how to hitch a ride (she got tired after running all
the way to Whittaker Creek) |
This
photo was cropped to maximize beauty |
Some
dogs fit in the bike basket |
"Wrong
Way Ray" got the award for the shortest course, covering
an estimated 200 yards from The Bean back to his home |
Several
runners in the crowd said that they preferred the bike run because
it was easier on the knees and gave them a chance to chat (as
opposed to the somewhat more strenuous Turkey Trot which has
been held in recent years).
While no firm plans are in the works for a second Turkey Pedal,
it's likely that Senior TownDock management would be organizing
it with less than a day to spare as this one was. Check in here
for details on the day before Thanksgiving next year.
In the meantime, those who may want to bike a little longer
and a little faster can find an outlet with the Oriental Express
Bicycle Club. This group of local residents arranges regular
rides year round down a couple of different routes in Pamlico
County. A fast paced group does routes of 20-35 miles, at over
18 MPH. Another group takes about a 15 mile an hour pace on
a 10-15 mile trail. For more info, and exact dates and times,
call Doug Sligh 249-3362 or Charles Fetzer 249-2886.
