09/08/2026
It’s not our story to tell - that’s up to the individual - but we can give you the basics.
Some of you might remember what was called the Solar Bear Ride, an annual mad dash to the coast to raise funds for a nonprofit.
It was, shall we say, more fun than a group of oversized 14-year-olds on bikes
should be allowed.
Time moves on, people age and joints wear out, however. And such, one of the original players behind that Solar Bears situation, has learned that he has Parkinson’s.
It’s tough news for anyone, let alone a guy who was arguably the strongest cyclist and without question the best human in that bunch.
(If you need more than just our word, consider this: the man could have retired years ago after a career in banking. But he chose a second career working with special needs kids in public schools. That by itself earns your wings.)
And for all those reasons, we’re reviving a much gentler, much shorter Solar Bear Ride to honor him and anyone else you know facing the same challenge.
It’ll be inside the wire at Bermuda Run on Saturday Sept. 26 from 4 p.m - until. Bring your lights if you want some twilight riding. Watch for cars and the new speed bumps.
We’ll have a Poker Bike Ride on a quiet 3-mile loop. Ride as few or as many laps as you’d like. Pick cards along the way, make your best hand, winner gets a thorough strip-and-dip cleaning/bike tune-up courtesy of Ken’s Bike Shop.
Matt said he’d do it himself.
Word to the wise: remove the saddle bag first. No telling how many CO2 cartridges he’ll stuff in there. Or pictures of Charlie.
Fool us once, right?.
Food will be on us. Grill will be going and the fire pit lit.
The only ask is to make a donation of your choosing to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
If you’re down, tell Matt so we can get you on a list to get you past the crack staff at the gate.
And if you’re booked up on the 26th, please consider supporting a dear friend and a more than worthwhile cause.
Here’s a link:
Pedaling Past Parkinson's
https://secure.parkinson.org/site/TR/Champions-DIY/General;jsessionid=00000000.app30025c?NONCE_TOKEN=F552EC664E48E26DAE25DB6F37871100&pg=personal&px=3349952&fr_id=8087
