Bicycles & Beignets!

*PREPAYMENT NOT REQUIRED - Please CLICK "RSVP and Pay Organizer In Person at the ride." *

Our annual hommage to the Tour de France! While none of us will ever compete in that venerable race, we can pedal up to Crystal Lake and enjoy a favorite of the French Quarter (New Orleans), beignets and coffee!

We will roll promptly at 8:30 a.m. to ensure we arrive at Benedict's La Strata in time to get beignets (they stop serving beignets at 11). As we get closer to the ride date I will coordinate with the restaurant owner to give them the heads up to our group size. To expedite beignets at the restaurant, we will be requiring at least a $3.00 donation per rider. This donation ensures plates of beignets to share when we all get to Benedict's La Stata.

This is, roughly, a 23 mile ride round trip. The ride north to Crystal Lake is UP HILL! Of course, this means we get to ride down hill on the return. This ride is for people who want to get off the couch, improve their fitness, meet some great people and enjoy a beautiful ride.

Our route: **https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28214232**

This is a "NO DROP RIDE". HOWEVER, please be able to MAINTAIN AT LEAST 11 MPH AVERAGE pace over the total 23 mile distance. If you are uncertain you can maintain this pace, please email me (Chris P).

As there are many spots for refreshement in this area no one is required to stop at Benedict's. There is also a small farmers market on Saturday down the street in the town square.

Upon our return to Dundee there are many options for 'apres ride' refreshment, Duke's BBQ N Blues often has some live blues on tap, Black and Gray Brewing, Aliano's, Diamond Jim's, Bandito Barney's and the ever popular Dairy Queen for some ice cream! I will have a couple of coolers of beverages to share for an immediate thirst quencher!

A HELMET IS MANDATORY for all Let's Ride bicycle rides. Also required, a working and properly maintained bicycle that will allow you to travel the 23 miles at 11 MPH, or better, average pace.

As 'situational awareness' is critical to safe bicycling, EARBUDS, EARPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS will NOT be ALLOWED on this ride.

You should also bring the normal accoutrement (ID with Emergency Contact and Insurance cards, spare inner tube, pump, etc.), proper attire based on the weather forecast, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for food and/or beverage, a bicycle lock and a good attitude!

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Please make certain you have "email communication turned on" in your meetup account settings.

NOTE: All riders participate and ride at their own risk. Meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety.