First Ride of 2011

Our first ride of the 2011 season was to Ed Hendrick’s internment. Ed was a member of Waterloo Wings, the group that was responsible for organizing Cyclefest during Labour Day weekends. He passed away on January 27th because of a heart attack.

The meeting place was at a Giant Tiger parking lot in Stratford where we arrived after 10am. Even though it was a clear day, the morning was still cold but the turnout was very good. The event was attended by several members of the Waterloo Wings as well as Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers.

At 10:30 the group, led by Ed’s son riding his Gold Wing, left Stratford for the cemetery in Mitchell where the internment would take place. The turnout was big enough that there a police presence at a couple of Stratford intersections that allowed the group to leave together.

The ceremony in Mitchell was performed by Ed’s partner, Tonia whose tribute was very beautiful and very touching.

At the Schmidtsville Restaurant.

After the ceremony, some of the members of the Waterloo Wings invited us to ride with them for lunch in Wellesley. We had lunch at the Schmidtsville Restaurant which was busy on this sunny, albeit a little cool, day. After lunch, we discussed some plans for the upcoming season and then everybody went their way. As always, it’s good to ride again and it’s even better to have somebody ride beside you.

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Elmira Maple Syrup Festival 2011

Heather and I managed to attend another edition of the festival and this year we even introduced to a few more people like Kim and her children. Mike wasn't able to make it as he was called in to work for the morning. We were in Cambridge shortly after 6am and were on the way to Elmira just before 7am.

Mother and daughter enjoying pancake breakfast.

We were able to find a parking spot on a street not very far from the main event. The morning was clear and it was about 5C although it didn't feel very cold. We had the usual pancake breakfast although Jolene spilled part of her chocolate milk on her coat. Robyn, in the meantime, was patiently waiting things out in her stroller.

Jolene trying her hand at milking a cow.

After eating we made our way to a petting zoo which included pigs, chickens, horses, sheep and a fake cow that kids were able to milk. Milking the cow was probably Jolene's favourite part of the day while the yelling mama sheep was the least favourite because, according to Jolene, it was very loud and scary. Before leaving, we purchased some maple goodies and walked back to the car. I had the pleasure of walking with Jolene as we chatted all the way through. The whole experience of this day sure must have given her a lot of memories.