This was a three-day clover-leaf style event, starting on October 11, 2014, and run out of Tavares, with each day turning around in Gainesville, San Antonio, and Ormond Beach, respectively. The weather was near-perfect, with sun, light winds (other than the last day, on the coast), and nary a drop of rain. Including the 4 who did the workers’ ride, there were 34 starters and 27 finished.

There were too many highlights of this excellent experience to recount them all. I’m always struck by the grit and good-cheer that randonneurs show, especially on the longest of our rides. This one was no exception. Special commendations are due to Luanne Brinn, whose first brevet this was, ever, and to Dennis Holmquist and Shravan Neill, who likewise are new to the sport but who are, as you can see from their finish times below, no strangers to impressive accomplishments on a bike.

We had riders from 15 different states on this ride and I’m still touched that those of you who traveled so far made the trip, and I hope you’ll return and join us again. I seriously did not pay the bobcats, bears, and gators (plus the usual compliment of deer, eagles, opossum, armadillos, and boar) to appear on your ride and make this truly a legit, rural “Old Florida” experience.

My most special thanks and gratitude, though, is reserved for Cara Wells, without whom this ride simply would not have happened. Cara …, what can I say, other than a sincere “thank you” for your service and sacrifice to our riders.