Judy Grillo
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July is Flying By!

7/15/2017

9 Comments

 
The last few weeks have been in crazy push mode as I've been training for my first bike event in many years, celebrating the 4th and summer in general, working and book writing a bit more, spending hours in the dental chair, and happily entertaining guests. 

Ann Arbor is a politically active, progressive town, but the 4th of July parade was a bit of a shocker. I've never seen a holiday parade that was 90% politicians and political statements! This did not please me -- aren't we supposed to take one day off to celebrate the fact that we can rant freely? With one exception, I've chosen to share the parade bits that had me singing, "I love a parade!"

When I arrived in Ann Arbor, I immediately found the bike touring club's July event, known as "One Helluva Ride". Just the name was enough to motivate me to train for the 66-miler, and since it started 15 miles west, I knew I'd get to see some of the area that I've never seen before. It was a fairly hilly, scenic ride of more than 1500 folks, and yes, it goes through Hell, Michigan. I'd forgotten how much I love a day of rising at dawn with nothing to do but pedal and eat with a crowd! 

The following day, a dear friend from high school and her daughter arrived, and we packed in 12 hour days (and 8-10 mile walks!) touring everywhere possible in Ann Arbor. From breakfast through evening cocktails, we were on an agenda, and what fun it was! An annual July reunion is now on the books. 

I'm stunned that I roll out of here in about a month, and no, I haven't decided which direction the Element will be pointing. That news coming soon, honestly. 
9 Comments
Barb
7/16/2017 02:00:11 am

Judy...so great to spend a few days together and to see you and Ann Arbor. And to make it onto your blog in image and story. Among other things, photo evidence that we turned the cube to reverse the curse for mistakenly walking on the M. Still no word on why the star of David sits in concrete under the arch. Maybe no one really knows. Could eat stout cake at the Grizzly Bear and pita and salad at the Jerusalem forever and walk endless miles tracked generously by my iPhone. Regret not drunk texting Annie Grillo with a random FR ?. Just bc. Hey, the annual July meet up is the way, but you are welcome in Brockport anytime. Hope your dental work moves along w/out event. And hope your birthday socks inspire another year of biking miles and hell-raising. Your book. Don't let go.

Reply
Judy
7/17/2017 07:53:16 am

Barb!
You have captured it and FYI, I enjoyed my hell-raising socks yesterday! BTW, I recalled that I have hearts and STARS to enjoy with my sun & moon :). So great to hang and catch up & yes, none too soon again. Hope Maeve is loving her new wardrobe! J.

Reply
Barb
7/18/2017 12:18:28 am

J... so happy about your socks. And Maeve is so in love w/ her new wardrobe that she is dying her hair purple on Thurs. Will send photo. Also, forgot to say in my first post, "Bye Felicia."

Claudette
7/17/2017 02:13:28 pm

Your bike trip, though strenuous I'm sure, surprised me by how many participated in such a lengthy trip.
I am glad you got to enjoy the 4th as well as your visit with Barbara and her daughter.
Looks like you've had some great weather too.

Reply
Judy
7/18/2017 06:53:52 pm

Claudette,

I forgot details but the 1500 people rode 4 different distances; some as few as 25 and some 100. Not everyone had to do the same route! Strenuous? Not at all; I trained and was ready and did a 20 mile recovery ride the next morning. Weather's been good; one day weekly of rain usually then hot and humid but overall good. Missing the ocean and not used to being landlocked. j.

Reply
Claudette
7/25/2017 09:04:47 pm

Glad the ride went so well. Our weather has been up and down. Right now too cold for Summer. Looking forward to the week-end when it should warm up.
Hope your dental work is coming along well.

Anne-Marie
7/24/2017 01:43:06 pm

Hey, gals, I missed being left out of the drunk-texting loop!!! Must be that new decade that you have entered. Will keep ear to the ground for next reunion but leave you with one tidbit: The Black Widow and (common-law) husband #3 have left FR for Westport Point---oops, accidental drowning or fall from her boat???

Reply
Judy
7/24/2017 02:57:50 pm

AMG: What are you saying? We can't drink and text? Probably true!
This query should send Barb wondering! I predict slip and fall -- dockside. j.

Reply
Barb
7/26/2017 12:18:59 am

OMG. Serious regrets on NOT texting Annie Grillo! Need more details!




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