Paride Report

The Fourth of July, forty or so dedicated cyclists braved temperatures in the mid-nineties to ride in the First Annual Independence Day Paride, an invented word that turns out to an Italian variation on Paris, meaning warrior or combatant. If there were anything resembling a conflict, that would have been with the weather during the six or so mile path that stretched around the Capitol and eventually to Oakwood Cemetery. As the flock of giddy celebrants pedaled toward the gates, a violent squall arose, drenching the riders before they could make it to shelter, crowding under the porte cochere along the lane adjacent to the Confederate section.
   
Other than that welcome cool-off the ride lived up to the concept of the co-promise of the recreation and practical aspects of the bicycle. Both the riders and the drivers along the ride behaved in exemplary fashion, underscoring that cooperation between bicycles and automobiles is not only possible, but nearly a given as we move into a new era in transportation, wrought by the new fuel paradigm. The Paride was a beginning. There will be more as bicycles begin once again to become an important component of transportation. Look for announcements to come, especially for the Halloween bike show, with an emphasis on vintage and custom machines as well as an early evening costume ride.