Oh, and the title of this post? You are reading it correctly. One of Jeff's coworkers who did the 25 mile ride (a bigwig and in Jeff's words, not the type to speak like us heathens) found him at the finish and was shocked that he had just barely passed him. He kept asking Jeff questions trying to figure out how a guy pulling two kids in a bike trailer could have beat him to the finish line, especially after hanging out at the rest stop for an hour. He finally blurted out in a shocked and impressed tone, "You must have been hauling ass!" That's when Jeff laughed and confessed he'd started an hour before everyone else because he knew pulling Pearl and Cole would double his time. Too funny!
Jeff technically only pulled both of the kids - who did squirm and fight the entire time - 12.5 miles. He left Cole with me for the first half of the ride. Cole was NOT happy to be left behind. He cried and screamed, "Dad! Bike! Hat! (meaning his helmet)." He cried the entire way to Old Grist Mill for a bagel. Good thing that is THE best bread store EVER! It quelled the heartbreak pretty quick.
All ready to go. Pearl talked about this special time with her Dad for weeks. Weeks!
Years and years of going to the exact same spot for the rest stop and I still get lost. Urgh. I thought Cole was going to start crying again when we couldn't find Jeff and Pearl so he could have a turn in the bike trailer.
Oh my gosh! The exact same Pearl face I get when I'm trying to take her picture and she's annoyed with me!!! Frightening!
Jeff's parents are always supportive of our activities. They help raise hundreds of dollars for Jeff's ride (so he can get his fancy new jersey and shorts each year). Jeff rides for his Dad who has diabetes. They also know just what to do to keep the kids happy. Gummy bears, Goldfish crackers, cookies, and everything in between. And they have a calming influence on a stressed, groucy mom who couldn't find the rest stop!
All set to go. Cole was beyond excited!
I just happened to make it to the finish line seconds before Jeff crossed! Hence the awful blow out of the picture... I didn't have time to adjust my camera settings for the bright sun.
My man is stud. Every year I think, I should do this ride. But then Jeff walks around with a "biker's butt" for several days and that thought quickly fades.
And for the record, he really was hauling "A" and two little ones too.
