Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2006, Page 8

Description:	Cyclists take theScenic RouteBy Jen WinstonMany students traveled 1,650 miles this past summer, butonly a handful of them did it on their bikes. Decycles is a summeractivity that attracts many, from middle-aged couples to Southhigh school students. This program gathers people to bike acrossthe country. The first trip in the summer of 2005 brought ridersup through Sandusky, Ohio, Niagara Falls, New York and on intoMontreal and Quebec, Canada. A second trip was offered aswell, where riders covered more ground, traveling from Portland,Oregon back to Bloomington. Some past trips have led bikers toKey West, Disney World, and California. The first trip, known toriders as the East Coast Trip, averaged about 75miles a day, while the second trip averaged around 1 10.All Decycles riders stayed nights in the pews ofchurches. The churches were sometimes spacious with lockerrooms and showers, but others were the size of small gyms. Ridersslept between pews and in sleeping bags only to wake up brightand early to ride again.It didnt feel like it was that far—it was just like a bunch ofpractice rides with new scenery, sophomore Matt Sullivan recalled.Junior Kristen Miller agreed. It didnt really sink in until after I gothome. I realized I had actually biked 1,650 miles. Millers favoritemoment of the trip was relaxing after the groups toughest day.Senior Jenny Blackwell, sophomore Maggie Ruf, and junior LizzyWhitlatch loved arriving at their final destination—Maine. It wasall downhill when we got there, kind of like a reward, Blackwellremembered. The mountains were gorgeous, Ruf said.Other cyclists agreed; they loved the scenery as muchas one could while zipping past it at such a pace. This being hersecond trip, sophomore Corinne Innes, 2004s rookie rider of theyear award winner, said her highest speed was probably around47 miles per hour. Sometimes your speed can get out of hand. I trynot to look at the speedometer when Im going that fast...it scaresme. Riders attended a drum festival and rode all types of rollercoasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park. We were given a lot offreedom, Whitlatch commented. Whitlatch was named 2005srookie rider of the year.While many Decycles riders prepared well before their trip,some South riders say it just wasnt enough. When asked abouthow much pre-trip training she had under her belt, Blackwell said,not enough. On the first day I was positive I was going to haveto go home, but when youre in an environment like that, nobodyfeels sorry for you. Theyre all going through the same thing.To learn more about Decycles, you can visit the website athttp://www.geocities.com/decyclesindiana/.*(Above) Riders arrive indouble-file escort as theyreturn to Bloomington to bewelcomed at their cominghome party. The party washeld at St. Marks MethodistChurch.Did You Know?The 2005 Decycles East Tripwent through Bloomington, Ohio,Ontario, Quebec, New York, andMaine. Heres some other interes-inq facts about it:► Trips cost $400 for students, $500for adults.• Around 60 cyclists participated inthe East Trip.• Riders traveled about 75 milesper day.• The total mileage was 1,675, finishing the trip off in Maine.• The trip took about 20 daysSource: http://www.geocities.com/decyclesindiana/CO Student Life
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/7781
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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