Saturday, June 22, 2013

2013 PKR Recap

I could just write that it was a great day and be done with it, I suppose. It was just that, and saying much else just kind of elaborates on the obvious. But if I am good at nothing else, I can sure as hell elaborate on the obvious with the best of them. Here goes.

The Stats
Riders who registered: 105 (a record)
Total miles ridden: 3903 (from 82 riders who signed in at the end.)
Hot dogs consumed: approx 140
Beers drank: many
Laughs had: innumerable
Children conceived: uncertain. Do we count activities on-premesis, or within that 24 hour period?

Notables
For the first time in recorded PKR history, all founding Peckerheads were present in body, through representation (We love you Ann!), or in spriit (Hi Paul! We love you too!). This event does not exist if I had not met these people and been adopted by them as the youngster they felt most susceptible to corruption.
Back Row: Ann Abele, Mark LaYacona, Bruce Burrey, Kenton Brune, Scott Conery, Mike Sherwin, Todd Vermilya
Front Row: Jerry Stites, Yours Truly, Tom Weidinger

Jack Bargaheiser returns from huge hit and run accident to triumphantly ride 33 miles and once again, for like the hundredth time, give the finger to old age.

Peckerheads old and new came from from parts far afield. Texas, Georgia, Colorado, and Wisconsin were among the states represented. That's a long-ass way to travel for a bike ride. To the extent it is possible, we are humbled.

My family once again came through with flying colors. Amy, Maggie, Ellie, Jess and Roxie -- thank you thank you thank you thank you for helping make the PKR possible.

Once again, our sponsors absolutely killed it. I talked about this pre-giveaway, I know, but please think of them before you purchase this year. All of them give generously and really help make the PKR possible.

Through the miles we rode and cash contributions, a total of $4,505.00 was raised. The monies will be donated to the Friends of the Little Miami Bike Trail in the name of our friend Paul Leiter. Thanks to everyone who rode, gave, or both. You just made a difference for cyclists all over Ohio.

Maggie, our ten year old documentary photographer, took some pics at the PKR this year. Here's a few.

Seriously, the hot dogs are THIS BIG.

Yes, we think we are awesome.

Scott, you OWN a pump company. 

Theresa is asking herself what exactly it was about the Unabomber that made her fall in love with him.

"I really don't care if you are having the baby today. I am at the Peckerhead. I'll swing by the hospital later."

Free stuff, courtesy of our sponsors.

Ikes and JB on the comeback ride of the year.


 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Possum Would Be Proud of Us

As most of you know, this edition of the PKR is being ridden in the memory of our friend and founding Peckerhead, Paul Leiter. For those of you who didn't know Paul, we wish you could have had the pleasure. He was -- and we know it's a cliche -- the nicest guy you ever met, an adventurer, and a great friend. Paul always wanted the PKR after his passing to be a big party celebrating all the things he loved. With that wish in mind, Paul's friends and family have  put together some special activities, mementos to that we hope share or inspire you to get on your bike. Here's what you should expect or may want to know.

1.) Through some generous donations pledges in Paul's name, every single mile ridden by every single Peckerhead will be matched with one dollar. If we ride 5690 miles altogether, we generate an equal amount of dollars. The final total will be donated in Paul's name to the Friends of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The 78 mile Little Miami was where Paul spent most of his volunteer hours maintaining it for other cyclists. Riders are not required to donate anything except effort and energy riding as far as you can and remembering that this year you are doing some good. If you would like to contribute to the total, we will have a way to do so at the PKR.

2.) Paul rode across the United States several years back. On that trip he kept an entertaining and informative journal that he always intended to publish. In his memory, Paul's wife Ann has arranged to make that happen. Every rider will receive a bound edition of Paul's journal to take home with them. We hope you'll read that journal and be inspired to take more risks, have more adventures, and waste less time. That's what Paul would have told you to do.

3.) A World of Pain, a bike club from Delaware that is chock full of Peckerheads, took it upon themselves to make up some PKR socks. These will be available for purchase at the PKR. Eight bucks per pair, Two pair for fifteen. Fifty cents from each purchase will be donated back to the Friends of the Little Miami Scenic Trail.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

2013 Progress Report

Well kids, here's the skinny. The 2013 PKR is right on schedule - meaning coming up fast and we are not nearly ready. Business as usual.

Seriously though, the routes are marked and have been reconnoitered twice now. Everything looks good there. You can find the route maps posted on the maps section of the site. For you Strava users, we have also added several segments throughout the route to give you something to ruin yourself on early so people like me can chuckle when you are completely blown at mile 50. Looking forward to that.

If you ordered PKR gear, we have everything but the bottles. If they arrive early enough the gear will be available for pickup at Y-Not Cycling. If it shows up late next week, then we'll be distributing the gear at sign in. Everything looks awesome.

Sponsorship goodies are stacked up in my den waiting to be placed in bags and given away. I cannot say this enough: Our sponsors are awesome. We have a culture of sponsor support that, as far as I can tell, does not exist anywhere else in Ohio. All of us are very fortunate for that.

When you make buying decisions, please remember to take care of the people who take care of us.

Stay tuned here for more updates as the date approaches. We have some more cool stuff in the works.