Rest Stop

Members of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club take a break during an early-season ride in April of 1977.

This photo was taken at the corner of 33rd and Main in Comstock Township by my brother, whose bike is visible on the right edge of the photo. Most of these riders were regulars on KBC rides. This particular ride was memorable because it took place a few days after a tornado had damaged several of the homes on (rural) Main Street. We discussed changing the already-published route before starting the trip, but the riders decided to mix it up with the gawkers. Of course, we were ourselves gawkers. But the tour route was planned well before the twister hit.

My proudest accomplishment as KBC's president was our ride schedule. In-season, we offered four weekly rides, from a variety of starting points and for all levels of ability. All rides had maps, and most maps showed options for stronger and weaker riders. I, and the other officers, considered presenting ride opportunities to be our main responsibility, and I think we did it well.

The riders, from foreground to rear: Unknown (memory failure, I think), Debbie Dinda, Alvin Holmes, one of the McLains in orange (I think), probably Kevin Kimbrough in the blue jersey, not sure who's stretching, me in the white (BikeCentennial) jersey, not sure in yellow, and Scott McLain in the red/white/blue outfit. Any help will be appreciated....

Camera: Olympus OM-1
Photo by Richard Dinda