Every year as BVA approaches I worry. Can I still climb up the hills? Will I get lost? Will I find anyone with whom to ride? Will packet pick-up at Registration go smoothly?
For the past several years I have been in charge of the volunteers who work with me at Registration on Friday and Saturday. That’s usually 45 folks, many repeat volunteers, who work shifts 2 to 8 hours with smiles and great energy. (The ride hasn’t started yet!). I worry about getting the room set up, that the very long day will go smoothly, and that our BVA riders will get their questions answered. There are always last minute items to be put into the packet envelopes. Fortunately, we all rally to get it done before the 2 pm Friday opening. Saturday morning at 5:45 we are back at Registration ready to work again, getting last minute riders signed in. My job would be impossible without great volunteers.
As an aging 60+ rider I always doubt if I can muster the energy to bike 5 days through Virginia’s picturesque rolling countryside. But somehow the energy and enthusiasm of 2000 riders propels me to do the distance. There are always riders along the routes who are riding my pace, encouraging me up the hills, and offering to “pull me” when I am dragging. The rest stops are my mini oases, providing food, drink, musical entertainment, and an opportunity to share a few stories. As a camper I meet lots of fellow bikers in all ages, sizes, and abilities. The camaraderie at Tent City adds an additional layer of excitement and fun to the whole BVA experience.
Getting lost sometimes happens, even with the well-marked signage. For me it happened just as it started to rain. Fortunately, I was with a fellow rider, who was smart enough to carry his BVA Tour Guide and we were able to figure out the next turn. The term, “It takes a village,” is so true.
Now that BVA’s 25th annual ride is over, I can relax – and start worrying about next year!
