Crab Cruiser - 40+ miles June 29, 2002

We (From left to right, John, Mike, Nadine, Steve, Skipper, Cluadia, Corrie, Kelly and Ron) were welcomed aboard the,"GM Giant," it may be more than a couple of grand floating by the Pier St. Restaurant on the Tred Avon River in Oxford. It was a perfect spot to take the group photo and only, "Elvis," Fine could've sweet talked the owners into it. We even had them take the photo! That was just one of the highlights of our annual Crab Cruiser hosted by Kelly and Steve.

We started In St. Michael's on a sunny, dry and beautiful day. "You look good enough to drink," said Ron after Corrie and Nadine donned their Yoo-hoo Jerseys for the first time-now looking like serious cyclist not weekend pedal pushers. Only two riders would go the distance to Clairborne where we watched an osprey feed her young, our passage delayed only slightly when a black snake decided to cross the road. The other 6 riders enjoyed a tour of the Harbortowne golf course and a shopping spree through St. Michael's and a peek at the Maritime Museum as well as some last minute mechanical modifications by Claudia.

Together again we all headed out by passing Easton and straight on to Oxford. Ron, Corrie and John stopped at the sunflower field for some floral photography foolishness and were the last to sit at our waterside table for lunch. Mike was fascinated by one of Ron's favorites - Long neck clams, and even joined him, confessing that it may have been this, plus the other culinary concoctions he consumed last year that gave him more than a mere belly ache! Some of us actually ate crabs, hence the name and tradition of this enduring classic in the history of Team DC riding. After we had fun taking the team photo on the, GM Giant, we had time to tour Oxford having just missed the ferry. On the other side of town we encountered the mean streets of Oxford where we were not so welcomed. "Why do you bicycle??," cursed the half-tanked Waterman. Ron, Corrie and I were checking out the small crabs in the bushel baskets on the tailgate of a little pick up when we were "F" you"ed and chased off, probably cause they were illegal size. Corrie thought it was fun. I'm staying on the other side of Main St. from now on.

Bellevue, Royal Oak and back to St. Michael's. No Ice cream before the pool this year, we had far too much good eats in store. The setting of our final pool frolic is idyllic. Steve's folks have a gorgeous home and property overlooking the water and the pool was fantastic. Here, we could eat, drink and be merry as well as cool off and swim.

We all picked up some 'Local' corn and veggies on the way home. Where ever it came from it was good, and whenever we do this ride, it's fabulous! Thank you Kelly and Steve for being such wonderful hosts-we all appreciate it and we'll see you next year.

Love the Eastern Shore

JB