We are sad to learn of Don Gramling’s recent passing and our hearts ache for his family’s sudden loss, and ours. Don became a randonneur in 2013 and quickly accumulated a pile of awards, medals, and significant accomplishments including a K-Hound and completion of PBP ’15 and other 1200Ks. Don’s completion of Paris-Brest-Paris was legendary and involved being up against the time cut-off, failed neck muscles, a broken crank arm, and a Frenchman whose grace and empathy rivaled Don’s. In my 15 years of randonneuring and four PBPs, I have never seen someone more deserving of the honor of ancien as Don.

But the thing that set Don apart as a special person, friend, and riding companion was his good and gracious nature, positive attitude, and infectious smile. No matter how lousy the weather, long the miles, or weary the riders, Don was always present to appreciate the moment and make it a good time and great adventure. Don was ever-present to enjoy post-ride food, beverages, and tales of past exploits and future shenanigans. Don volunteered for all four days of the 2016 Cracker Swamp 1200K and greeted everyone — riders and other volunteers alike — with “What can I do to help?” Don’s selflessness and helpfulness were inexhaustible. Don will be greatly missed. Chapeau, good friend, as you ride on to the next adventure.

1.  We’ve got a weekend of 200Ks coming up. If you’re not registered yet for them, get on it. It’s a good opportunity for those new(er) to the sport to give the longer distance a try or to practice back-to-back long rides. The audax ride is a totally new format and is an opportunity for some end-of-the-season camaraderie and fellowship. Both rides start at 7am sharp! Register for the RUSA brevet here; and the audax ride here.
2. If you’re planning on staying at the Inn on the Green (or anywhere in Tavares), make your reservations ASAP. There’s a fishing tournament that’s unexpectedly coming to town and rooms are selling out fast!
3. For those doing the audax ride, watch this space for some additional details on Thursday.

All–

(1) If you’ve not seen it yet, the cue sheet was posted Wednesday night on the Events page and it’s also here.

(2)  The route is the first 600K of the Cracker Swamp, with two big changes and a minor one. First, we don’t go out to the wildlife refuge because the Haul Over Canal bridge remains closed. We stay on US 1, and remember that south-bound, that’s under construction in places, and rough in others, so be careful. Second, the ride turns around in Salt Springs (to make things an even 600K). The control will be a postcard control but there are plenty of stores there for you to obtain supplies. The minor change is that we’re using the Starbucks in Satellite Beach as a control (Cracker Swampers will recall that we used the park and staffed the control).

(3)  Say a weather prayer. It’s going to be very hot, very humid, and very sunny. This’ll make for a tough ride. It also makes for good fire weather, as those of you who live in the area know. Part of SR 46 was closed on Tuesday. I’m monitoring the weather and fires; we may need to make some last minute adjustments, but the ride will remain on.  I can’t stress enough, though, how important it is going to be to slow down and stay hydrated as you get into the afternoon. This isn’t just a message about finishing the ride, it’s about being safe out there.  Please, take it super easy. You can crank the pace up again after the sun goes down.

(4)  Dinner (ziti) at the overnight. Y’all are on your own during the day, though you will likely spy me out there at times.

(5)  Register for the Audax ride yet?  Get on that; it’s gonna be epic. Our lunchtime eats have been upgraded to the Smyrna Yacht Club.

-Paul