Big Mountain Riding

Story and photos below the video feed from WDBJ News 7.

Monday, June 22, 2009 – Bedford, VA – More than 50 riders rolled up for the Rally Ride to show support for Blackwater Bike Shop following Saturday’s fire that destroyed the entire complex, including several other area businesses. News coverage matched the show of rider support. Several area news stations were present, including WSET, WDBJ and FOX. The News & Advance also had photographers present and columnist Darrel Laurant was on hand.

Blackwater owner Davy Hazelgrove kicked off the ride with a “thank you” speech, and then everyone headed out on one of two road rides in the Bedford County area around Forest – an 18-mile and 11-mile route. The weather shined on us, with high pressure and partly sunny skies. All bikes were welcome, and the rides ranged from a recumbent to mountain bikes to fixed gear and retro road bikes up to light-weight road racing and triathalon dream machines. Near the ride’s end, a rainbow appeared in the sky over Wyndhurst, a fitting finish to a great show of support, and a unity-building moment for the Central Virginia cycling community.

© Big Mountain Riding

Most of the group at the Forest Sonic

Clothes pulled from the fire and used in clean up

Lining up in the bike shop parking lot pre-ride

Rocking the Retro Raleigh

Local riders got some press coverage

Monday Night Live at the Blackwater Bike Shop

After surviving the onslaught of a fat kid with a super soaker at the Lake Vista pool

A quiet scene on Coffee Road

Spacing out on Coffee Road

Pedaling through the Sonic Drive-thru

Down Time at the Forest Sonic

Chowing down on Chili Dogs at the Forest Sonic

Sonic supports the local bike scene - they paid for the drinks for Rally riders

Living easy at the Forest Sonic

Tanks refilled, it's time to hit the road again

A fitting climax near the ride's end - a rainbow

© Big Mountain Riding