Hi, Babes. I am writing to let you know about this year’s (October 13) bike ride to support the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area. The bike ride starts at Nottoway Park in Vienna, about 2 miles off the W&OD trail and offers 25K, 25 mile, and 50 mile options out and back on the W&OD heading west.
Six Babes joined me on this ride last year, and — well, we had an adventure. Let’s just say the weather did not cooperate: the forecasters promised one thing and the skies and the thermometer did something entirely different. Last year’s ride still sets the record for the coldest and wettest ride some of us have ever endured. Under better conditions, though (and surely we deserve those this year?), the ride is a lot of fun. Yes, it’s the trail, and we ride it all the time; but Nancy F. told me she’s never taken part in another ride where the volunteers were so directly involved in the organization, and made her feel so appreciated. The ride sponsors put on a nice picnic lunch after the ride, as well as offering water and snack stops along the way. It is a very small and family-friendly ride, if anyone is looking for a bikeathon to do with kids.
I’m devoutly hopeful that last year’s bad weather will not repeat this year. And many of the big-hearted Babes who slogged through the cold rain last year are planning to ride again this October. Some husbands are signing up, too. I know there are a lot of great causes out there vying for people’s attention, so I appreciate your considering this event. Please let me know if you’re interested in joining us on October 13th!
(For anyone who’s interested in more information about the group the ride supports, read on. . . . The Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area is an organization I’ve been involved with for many years. It’s a local rather than a national group: it works to make direct and tangible improvements in the quality of life for people with bleeding disorders in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. HACA is often the first point of contact outside a hospital for a family coping with a new diagnosis of hemophilia; it is a resource for women with bleeding disorders, whose problems often go unrecognized even in hematology practices; and it offers programs ranging from summer camp for kids to support group sessions for adults. I’d be happy to talk to anyone who’s interested about HACA’s activities.)
Miriam Goldstein
hubbgold@verizon.net