This is the first year the shop, James Bros Bikes, participated in Adventure Cycling’s Bike Travel Weekend. Man was it a good weekend. John Little, route designer and good time extraordinaire put together a killer route that travelled across Lee and Chambers County. Unfortunately I was not able to ride and camp out due to the help of my buddy Austin. BUT I did get to hangout, take photos and ride home with the crew on Sunday. Aaaaaand here we go.
Day 1: James Bros Opelika to Chambers Co. Lake
The group met up at the shop with 6 in total. Roll out time was 6pm due to it being a Friday and we wanted to give everyone time to get to the shop after work. Turns out we probably could have started earlier, things to remember for next year. Once everyone loaded up, I finished my day at work and then headed to the lake to help set up, deliver beer and chairs. I rolled up on the crew just before they arrived, perfect timing. Everyone settled in for the night, had a few beers and seemed to be stoked about the trip thus far.
Day 2: Chambers Co. Lake to Amity Campground
Day 2 started out with an early morning delivery of doughnuts and coffee. Also to note for next year, doughnuts were not a big hit, just do biscuits both days. Some of the guys were moving a little slowly due to the beer consumption the night before. But hey, that’s what these trips are for. Everyone got loaded up and started heading out on the road. And then the bottom falls out. I guess the world decided the guys needed a shower that morning. They kept moving and I made my way to work.
After work I caught a quick ride because hey, I need some exercise too. Little did I know that I would get a barrage of messages begging for me to bring pizza to the group, which I did, eventually. Pizza delivered and man did it seem the guys were tired. Looks like we were in the middle of job well done. Sun goes down, I hit the road back home.
Day 3: Amity Campground to James Bros Opelika
Day 3 and I am on the road with biscuits and coffee. Somehow I managed to talk my wife into waking up super early to drop me off at the lake to ride home. Thanks babe! Everyone was fed, packed and ready to roll with me in tow.
The weather was great, at least for the first weekend of June in Alabama. John planned an incredible route. Too bad I missed out on the other routes because I know they were just as good. We made a few stops along the way, took some photos, and enjoyed some temporary shade. Back in Opelika we had a few beers and a few laughs on the trip. I say the weekend was a huge success.
Thanks to everyone that came out and look forward to doing it again next year.
