A Great Bike Ride: NOPA VELO in the SF Examiner

NOPA VELO Image: Rick Helf www.helf.com

Teddy R would be pleased. Today the late President appeared in the San Francisco Examiner on page two in full color hovering over the Golden Gate. He probably wouldn't expect to be celebrated by bicyclists spinning along for a "Dead Presidents Ride," but he was an outdoors kind of guy as well as a naturalist who valued fresh air and a clean environment. And he was determined to set America on a course of protecting its outdoor treasures. By the end of his presidency, Teddy had preserved 70 million acres of land in the form of national parks and monuments.

If you've ever visited, hiked, biked or camped in these outdoor areas, thank Teddy:

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
• Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
• Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming
• Chaco Canyon National Monument, New Mexico
• Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona
• Lassen Peak National Monument, California
• Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, New Mexico
• Grand Canyon National Monument, Arizona
• Pinnacles National Monument, California
• Mt. Olympus National Monument, Washington
• (and more!)

This Sunday it's all about the ride. Great weather anticipated. See previous post here for all the details. If you can't dress like Teddy, try that grin.

NOPA VELO's Ride with the Presidents, April 25

Image: Rick Helf, www.helf.com

Teddy R returns to NOPA, and you won't want to miss it. On May 13, 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt first visited the neighborhood for a stop at the east end of Panhandle Park. There the country's youngest president tossed some sod at the site of the future monument to his slain predecessor, William McKinley. Teddy recalled the grief he and the American people felt when McKinley died of bullet wounds fired by an anarchist at the Pan American Exhibition in Buffalo, New York in September of 1901.

"It is not too much to say that no man since Lincoln was as widely and universally beloved in this country as was President McKinley."

That's quite a tribute for the nation's leader who helped

launch the country into full-blown imperialism with the Spanish-

American War of 1898 and the Philippine Insurrection that followed.

For its fourth monthly ride, NOPA VELO spinners will first

fuel-up with breakfast at Mojo Bicycle Cafe and then kick-off for

a tour of presidential memorials in Golden Gate Park and the

Presidio before crossing Golden Gate Bridge. Here's your chance

if you've yet to cross on your bike. Riders will take in the views from

the Marin side and then leisurely bike back for a lunch stop at

Herbivore Restaurant on Divisadero.

Join us for a nod to seven Presidents and a great ride.

Neighbors and friends of all skill levels are welcome. Kids too

on their own bikes if with a guardian. Mild to moderate climbs

in the Presidio. Presidential attire encouraged.

9:00 am Breakfast or coffee at Mojo Bicycle Cafe

639 Divisadero, between Hayes & Grove

10:00 am Ride begins

Noon Lunch at Herbivore Restaurant

531 Divisadero, between Hayes & Fell

For more information: Lenore @ 415-300-6744;

lmcjunker@gmail.com

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Heavy rain cancels.