July’s Ride:

   Good fortune was with us Sunday for the BWAH July ride. We enjoyed a classic Maine Day, and we rode to visit one of our own children.

Strange Happenings:

   I perceived that there was something strange going on, however as soon as we approached the Coastal Decorating parking lot. I was sure I saw “The Cat in the Hat” standing by Mary’s van. I thought; we have replaced the clown with the Cat in the Hat! However it turned out to be Mary wearing the hat. I looked around for Vas and decided he was not there. Then this huge creature that had the appearance of a werewolf approached me. I was a bit concerned until Vas’ voice came out of the fuzzy brown face. As I looked around, I saw a couple I thought I knew. One had very attractive rainbow-colored hair and the other wore a cap with a whirling propeller. I decided they were in disguise, so I will not name names. Next, I saw a shark and a chicken masquerading as BWAH bikers. My own frog hat and pin paled in comparison to these interesting creatures. Vas announced that we would be visiting Hans’ son, Ansel. We had visited his brother, Gunner, in 1999, and now it was Ansel’s turn to have the honor.

Ansel’s Day:

  Ansel is the second handsome young son of our own Hans, and the three of them were there to greet us. Gunnar was feeling a bit shy but waved at us from the doorway. Ansel knew it was his day. He enjoyed doing high fives with the BWAH group. Ronnie presented the gift bag to Ansel, who was a lot more interested in the group than the gifts. Because it was Ronnie’s birthday (39th I understand) we stopped briefly and sang; Happy Birthday to her. Mike Conner read the Certificate of Proclamation and presented it to Ansel. There were a lot of big red noses in the BWAH group, but Mike was the only one who had to try to read around one. Wasn’t easy, was it, Mike?

The Parade Ride:

   Hans had fashioned a safety belt for Ansel from a life jacket. He strapped him into it and onto the back of his bike for the parade ride, and off we went. On their return Hans took Ansel off the bike and out of the jacket, but then he ran into a problem. Ansel did not want to finish the ride. He tried to get his father to take him out again, and was not content with Hans’ assurance that they would do it again another time. I fear you may have to ride that little guy around again, Hans. When I asked Hans about his thoughts for Ansel’s visit he said, “I was able to share with Ansel today something I have never been able to before”. There were a couple of tears in my eyes, Hans.

August BWAH Ride:

   The August ride will be on Sunday the 10th. Possibly more strange things will happen, and we will see many more interesting sights! So mark the date, come up with something to wear that's funny, goofy or silly, and come join us. We hope to see Lt Gary Fecteau, with his family, and their new member, a little dog. We appreciate the safety you provide, and the commitment you and your family make, Gary. A grateful Thank You from the BWAH family.

[July's "Ride For Cheer" was the first time that participants were encouraged to come dressed in something funny, outlandish or silly, to add to the humor and positive spirit of the day. It was a great success and we now encourage all to come looking "funny!"]