Annual Thanksgiving Day Ride - 2011
American history scholars and diplomats have long debated whether the first Thanksgiving celebration occurred in 1619 Virginia or 1621 Plymouth. In stark contrast to that dispute, they’ve always agreed that the first annual Thanksgiving Day Ride occurred in 1623 Shorewood. Much has changed since then of course. At the time, electronic shifting seemed impractical, carbon componentry was reserved for the pros, and Gene Macken was still using junior gearing. In the modern era, the ride was moved to Wheel and Sprocket Northshore to accommodate the ever growing media presence with its cumbersome fleet of satellite trucks, and the large and boisterous tifosi which line the streets along the route.
Bowing to the pressures of popular demand, this year’s ride will once again take place on Thanksgiving Day, with a 9:00 a.m. ceremonial rollout. The first 35 miles will maintain that pace, with the green flag waved for everyone lined up to wind it up on the second lap. In deference to the magnitude of the ride, the NFL has postponed the start of the Packers/Lions game until 11:30 to avoid a conflict with the ride. Early arrivers with a preferred pass can park in the W&S lot to the north and south of the store. We have arranged for overflow parking at the church and temple lots to the north. Shuttle buses will also run every 10 minutes from the Bayshore Mall park and ride lot.
This year’s event has several impressive upgrades:
- The first 2,500 arrivals will receive a free www.WIBikeLaw.com refrigerator magnet featuring the new and improved logo;
- All riders who have completed 10 or more Annual Thanksgiving Rides will receive special recognition and preferred field placement for the ceremonial roll out.
- Every rider will receive one free entry to the raffle for an all expenses paid VIP trip for two to the 2012 Tour de France* (riders wearing WIBikeLaw kits will receive a bonus second entry to the raffle).
*Please note: the promoter reserves the right to substitute the raffle prize with an alternative prize of equal or lesser value.
Despite these prestigious upgrades, the ride will maintain many of its most valued traditions, including its free entry, the lack of any support whatsoever, and its strict anti-doping policy.
Early race radio projections call for clear skies and temps in the mid 40s. Following tradition, culture and good manners, we’ll replicate the route of the original Mayflower explorers, rolling west though River Hills and Thiensville to Falls Road, then east to the lake and back home.
Ride Details
- Thursday, Nov. 24, 9:00 a.m.
- W&S (Green Tree and Lake)
- Rain or shine, but it won’t rain
- 35 miles, holiday pacing
Please forward this to anyone interested (if you get this notice and weren’t on the original message, please contact me if you want to be added to the group rides list)
As in past years, management strongly encourages everyone to join the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation, or renew their old membership. The WBF continues to lead the way in bicycle advocacy at the legislative and administrative levels. With your support and their hard work, future rides could explore the ancestral homelands on the south side of the Hoan Bridge. Your membership benefits all of us and costs as little as $35. See http://bfw.org/join/index.php?category_id=4611 for more information.
- Thursday, November 24
- 9:00AM
- Wheel & Sprocket (Green Tree and Lake)
- 35 Miles
- 414-352-0900
- [email protected]com