R-Ides of March Charity Motorcycle Ride

Several weeks ago I went on a motorcycle ride with Team Ride West. This wasn't the typical motorcycle ride, though. I would describe it more as a "Scavenger Hunt." It was a mixed-weather day. A little sun, a little rain, a lot of gray. Temperatures were in the low- to mid-40s. If you are dressed for it, pretty good riding weather (love my Goretex-lined waterproof motorcycle boots!). 

The ride was organized by my friend David Preston (http://www.davidpreston.biz/). This was his tenth "R-Ides of March", a charity ride for Riders for Health. David also organizes the Chilly Turkey charity ride each November - definitely on my list of something to do when the time comes. 

Rather than riding as one group, each rider's goal is to accurately follow the directions that you are given when you register and then answer a question at intervals throughout the ride. The directions are simple, sort of. Like, go 2.3 miles and then turn left at 132nd Avenue, then turn right at 84th Street. Proceed through the stop sign and answer question 3. Question 3 might be something like "What comes before boom?" (an actual question from this ride). IF you have properly followed the directions, you will find yourself in Log Boom Park. And IF you are in Log Boom Park, answering the question is a piece of cake.

Many riders hook up with another rider or two and do the ride together. I thought I was late getting started so took off on my own, thinking if I was lucky I might catch up with someone to follow. Apparently I was the first one out the door, so there was no one to catch up with. And, no one caught up with me. No points are awarded for completing first, however. I had an absolute blast following the directions, discovering roads I'd never been on before, and listening to my own drummer. 

The ride ended at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park where we all had lunch together, told stories, and got to know each other a little better. Door prizes had been donated, and every rider (over a dozen participated) "won". And Riders for Health won, also with about $1200 in donations. 

I didn't take many photos this day (somewhat unusual  for me), but above is one I took of most of the motorcycles and riders in the Third Place Books parking lot. A few people had already departed, but for those that were left the conversations continued as we geared up and prepared to leave. My photo and more information about Riders for Health can also be found at http://www.riders.org/us/n_details.aspx?nwId=286 .