On May 8th 2016 a group of 41 WTF riders and 2 male stokers converged on The Depot Coffeehouse to roll out on the annual Surly sponsored CycloFemme ride.
The weather was tops. 70s and sunny. We rolled out in 5 groups lead by 5 female leaders.
Riders switched from group to group as we made our way to the vast group campsite at Carver Park in Waconia. Our mid point stop was Excelsior Brewing 10 miles in. The Surly riders held court there for a bit as some enjoyed a drink special offered only to us and others just enjoyed the weather and company. Our barrage caused only minor disruption with one patron leaving in a huff because the beer line was too long for her taste. Mostly we enacted smiles and photo ops from the other guests who wanted to know what was going on with all the bad ass riders they saw. We made a bit of a spectacle and it was grand.
The campsite was vast and beautiful. I had to gently boot the families enjoying their mother's day picnics with a heads up that we had rented the site and there would be a load of riders coming in ready to set up and enjoy festivities. They all moved peacefully on to the public side of things.
The night was filled with Frisbee, cooking over a grill using firewood because I forgot to order up the charcoal this year and general good times.
Mini Beer Pong - check them out here
Prize winners were pulled from a box and everyone got at least 2 things off the table. We had a lot of amazing supporters donate to the table. Stanley, iSSi, Salsa, Surly Brewing, Cat Eye, All-City, Paul Component Engineering, 45NRTH and SRAM. Surly Brewing was kind enough to supply lots of beer for the ride out and campsite and Sociable Cider Werks supplied a vast supply of Cider.
We had all our bases covered. Over the past 3 years of this annual event I have had the pleasure of meeting such lovely riders. The attitudes were on point. I heard no complaints. Only laughs and good times. So if there was grumbling, thanks for staying out of ear shot. It made my night. All joking aside, I sincerely thank all that took their precious time to come out and ride with us. It was a grand celebration and the last of the overnights for Surly Sponsored CycloFemme. Next year we are mixing it up. Maybe we will even go on the road and bring our joy out of state....
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