Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Aug. 7, 2017
The Jamboree PPJ continued to encourage exploring the Pontiac via cycling, this time pitting riders against a familiar backdrop, albeit a much darker one.
That’s because this month’s ride was themed as a Full Moon Tour, taking the PPJ cyclists through the backdrop of Shawville, out to Campbell’s Bay and back again, all under the cover of night.
Meeting where the Hwy. 303 and the PPJ intersect in Shawville, ten riders came out to take part. Some looking for adventure, some to try something new, all the riders were eager to get going – especially once the mosquitos got biting.
“It’s very nice that people came wearing their neon,” laughed Tiziana Fortin-Rompelberg, event coordinator.
Cheerful riders started arriving for registration at 8 p.m on Monday night, breaking out their bug spray, reflective gear and lights in order to stand out for their nighttime cruise. All were anxious for the clouds to part and a full moon to be revealed, but the starting line was initially met with a few rain drops.
Undeterred, everyone worked to prepare themselves.
“This is my very first time I’ve ridden at night,” said Connie Renaud, a regular participant in the Jamboree PPJ tours. “It’s a neat idea, especially with the full moon.”
Renaud is a consistent cyclist, usually getting out two to three times a week for long-distance ventures along the PPJ and the area.
Other faithful Jamboree PPJ riders included Cliff Welsh and his wife Cathy Fox.
From Bryson, they’re not exactly living along the PPJ, as they have the highway and traffic to avoid. That’s why they enjoy joining these cycling tours, because they’re organized and a great test of their endurance.
“Last time my legs hurt, they felt heavy like steel,” said Welsh, of the Kichi Sibi Shore tour.
This time, however, Welsh seemed more prepared to avoid the mosquitos than worry about growing weary. Spraying on lots of bug spray, he hoped to stay moving consistently in an effort to avoid the blood suckers, who came out in droves once the sun set closer to 9 p.m.
Though disappointed she couldn’t ride, Fortin-Rompelberg was happy to see returning faces to her organized outing. Unfortunately she was stuck driving the van, offering lifts in case of fatigue or injuries, once her other volunteers had cancelled on her.
She hopes to find more volunteers for the next ride, scheduled for Sept. 9 and designated as a lake tour, so that she can continue participating in the events.
With 9 p.m. rolling closer, the riders hopped on their bikes, turned on their flashing lights and got ready to hit the trail.
Still waiting for the moonlight to break through the thick clouds, they joked about the necessity of a bell, in order to frighten away any late-night bears searching for a midnight snack.
