July 4th 2000 Ride, by Bob Montgomery

I was on the "Slow, Flat Ride after Breakfast" with Bob Yeoman when I got the inspiration for the attached (true) story. It *is* a bit on the sentimental side.

Bob Montgomery [bmont1227@earthlink.net]
New member June '00

She was, perhaps, the happiest creature I'd ever seen. This Independence Day bike ride sent perhaps fifty or so of us rolling past the elderly woman and her mate at a fair pace, and I suspect many didn't notice the glow of happiness about her. She spoke a warm greeting to us as we passed, but her speech, like her steps, showed the effects of her age. He was warm toward us as well, but his attention was on her, helping her along and giving her his full and complete attention.

The love between the couple was so apparent you could almost touch it, giving the woman an aura almost unearthly. I couldn't help but wonder how many of the rest of us realized that we had just witnessed a couple who had it all. I also couldn't help but shed a quiet tear and say a quiet prayer that someday my wife will have that glow and that happiness, and that I am granted the privilege of being there to give her whatever support and love she needs.

It was a good ride, with a large number of wonderful people. I enjoyed meeting and talking with all I could, and I greatly appreciated those who helped me with my flat tire. Bob Yeoman did a great job as ride leader, and I may have even worked off most of the pancakes from breakfast. These memories will fade, but I will treasure the memory of the elderly couple and the happiness in the face of the woman for a long time to come.