Midwest Tandem Rally-Shipshewana, IN

Rally Day #3: 51.62 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 3 hours 53 minutes, average speed: 13.2

We chose to join the OTTERS for a mini-mass start on this third rally day. It was very peaceful to venture out and have complete ownership of the road before it became congested with bikes, buggies and motor vehicles. Following our first rest stop at Eight Square School, an Amish country school, we were directed onto the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail for a few miles and then back on the roads to seek our lunch stop at Bonneyville Mills Park.

We enjoyed our lunch at the park amongst waterfalls, flowers and the very interesting historic flour mill. Eight COWS riders joined here to share a picnic lunch of fruit, salad, dessert and a warm sandwich. It truly was a beautiful day for a picnic.

Our ride ended back at the Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana after 6 hours of pedaling, visiting and exploring. A debriefing meeting was being held at 3:00 for clubs hosting an upcoming MTR and since the COWS will be hosting in Madison, WI in 2012, I thought I’d lend an ear. The meeting wrapped up around 4:30 and the MTR social was beginning at 5:00 at the banquet hall.

Of the 467 teams attending MTR this year, 3 were from the Rochester, MN area. We visited with Mark and Patty Clancy from Zumbrota prior to the banquet doors opening. Once those doors opened, the crowd scrambled to find a table. Dennis and I dined with Gary & Marilyn Solomon, Kathi & John Johnson and Phil & Janet Paulsen. The food was catered by the Blue Gate Restaurant. We happened to have the same waiter as when we ate at the restaurant on Saturday and even though he was very kind to us, he had no authority when it came to selecting which tables were to be served first. The meal was superb! Juicy beef, stuffing casserole, chicken, potatoes, veggies, gravy and pie for dessert—YUM!

Information for the 2011 rally in Ann Arbor, MI and the 2012 rally in Madison, WI was announced following our meal. Dolly Craft spoke in thanks to her team of volunteers for making this year’s rally in Shipshewana such a success. Last to take the stage was funny man Reed Steele, our evening’s entertainment. He had the crowd roaring with his comedic act mimicking a tandem couple out for a ride. The banquet was well attended and worth the extra $27 per ticket.

After the banquet, we all headed back to the host hotel to visit and swap riding pictures. Plans were made to bike Monday’s breakfast route. Gary and Marilyn would be joining us for our traditional sunrise ride on the final day of MTR 2010.