Read, Ride, Repeat (a Book Club for Cyclists): Duke to John Chestnut Park

August's Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The ride: We'll ride from the parking lot at the Mirage Restaurant (2284 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765) to John Chestnut Park via the Duke Energy, Ream Wilson, and Pinellas trails. The Pinellas Trail North Gap - Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal Bridge is open, so this will be 100% trail riding with road crossings. It will be hot and humid with periods of shade. Please bring what you need to stay hydrated. We will take a break at John Chestnut Park before returning to the start. There are restrooms at John Chestnut and along the route, but not at the restaurant before the ride.

The Restaurant: After reading The Lion Women of Tehran, we decided to check out the Mirage, a Persian restaurant in Clearwater that serves many of the dishes we vicariously enjoyed while reading last month's novel. The restaurant does not open until 11 a.m., we all want to avoid the blazing August heat, and Outspokin Bicycles is conveniently located across from the Mirage. So, we're riding early and hanging out at Outspokin to drool over the merchandise until the restaurant opens. We have reservations for 11:00. If you are not riding but wish to join us at the restaurant, please let me know so I can adjust the reservation.

The Details:
Meet @ 7:45 in the parking lot at the Mirage Restaurant (2284 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765)
Roll at 8:00.
Ride distance: about 25 miles
Rolling speed: 12-15 mph
This route is 100% trail riding with road crossings. Sections of the trail have no shade. There are restrooms along the way and at John Chestnut Park where we will take a break before returning to the restaurant.

The Great Gatsby turned 100 years old this year. Maureen Corrigan of NPR's Fresh Air, reviews the novel, highlighting how topics such as excess, immigration, racism, women's liberation, and social class and social mobility continue to be relevant today.

Here is a synopsis from Sparknotes: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and social change in the United States. Set in the summer of 1922, the novel unfolds in the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island and follows the life of Nick Carraway. Nick, the narrator, becomes entangled in the lives of his cousin, Daisy Buchanan, and his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a wealthy and enigmatic man known for his extravagant parties and his unrequited love for Daisy. The novel explores themes of wealth and class, with Gatsby’s pursuit of success and love serving as a symbol of the elusive and often unattainable nature of the American Dream.

The story is layered with symbolism and explores the moral and social decay hidden beneath the surface of the glittering Jazz Age. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the excesses and moral bankruptcy of the era offers a critique of the American society of his time. The Great Gatsby remains relevant today as a commentary on the pursuit of wealth and the corruption of the American Dream. Significant film adaptations include the 1974 film starring Robert Redford as Gatsby and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These adaptations—along with the endless memes inspired by the 2013 version—have contributed to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.

About Read, Ride, Repeat:
Every 4-6 weeks we meet, ride, then relax at a restaurant or cafe and discuss the book. Before we wrap up, we pick our next book, route, and date. You are welcome to join us if you don't read the book. Life happens. Ride anyway :)

The Safety Stuff:
You must wear a helmet and exhibit safe riding. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers. Be prepared with water & a spare tube/flat kit.

THE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:
By registering and participating in this or any of our future meetups, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement.
I understand that the activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself. I will abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or it’s agents for damages or injury sustained in the physical activity.