Mar 02 2008

Acura L.A. Bike Tour

Published by admin at 12:43 pm under The People,The Place

This time last year I was enduring my epic L.A. Marathon run in sweltering heat. My dad came out to support me then, a life-long coach, providing massages, encouragement and a calming influence. Before we even made it home from the race, we had decided that next year (this year), he would come out again and we would ride the course in the Acura L.A. Bike Tour. This morning we accomplished our mission, alongside my brother, Brian (now an excellent cyclist himself), who made the trip as well. The temperature was much cooler, and the course far more fun on wheels instead of feet. Amidst 15,000 other riders, we finished in a little under 90 minutes (the Marathon took me over 5 hours).

When we lost my grandmother, dad’s mother, Libby — known to family as “Me-Me” — last year, Brian had the idea that we memorialize her, and the chain of markets she owned with her late husband, Lewis, in the 40′s and 50s. Thus, Team Riddell’s Markets was born, with jerseys designed by Mark Dempsey. Joining us today were Jan, Mark, and Atila — worthy teammates, and now welcome members of our family. Here are some shots from the ride:

IMG_8306.jpg IMG_8310.jpg IMG_8318.jpg IMG_8320.jpg IMG_8322.jpg IMG_8323.jpg

10 responses so far

10 Responses to “Acura L.A. Bike Tour”

  1. # Saundra Riddellon 02 Mar 2008 at 3:16 pm

    You Riddell men and team are the best! What a wonderful tribute to our Me Me. She loved you so. Her spirit will always be with you. I see a great deal of family resemblance, not just physical, but the gift of loving life and each other. I am proud for you and of you. Keep the strong spirit flowing and continue to pass it down to the next generation. I have a feeling Louie had something to do with the gene pool as well!
    Blessings,
    xo
    Mom Saundra

  2. # JTon 02 Mar 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Awesome! More pictures?

    –JT

  3. # Aunt Sherryon 03 Mar 2008 at 10:11 am

    WOW AM I PROUD OF MY BROTHER AND NEPHEWS, AS WELL AS THE OTHER GUYS. I KNOW MOM AND DADDY WERE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU ALL HELPING YOU ALONG THE WAY AND WERE VERY PROUD OF YOU AS WELL!!. DON’T FORGET I WANT A T-SHIRT WITH “RIDDELL’S MKT.” ON IT ALSO. i SPENT ALL OF MY YOUNGER LIFE THERE BAGGING POTATOES, CHRISTMAS CANDY AND RUNNING THE CASH REGISTER. I WOULD BE PROUD TO WEAR IT ALSO!
    LOVE TO ALL YOU GUYS!

  4. # Shannon G-Kon 03 Mar 2008 at 6:47 pm

    This is sooooo cool! This is such an awesome tribute… I can really hear Aunt Libby saying, “awwwwww”. And I’d be interested in joining next year, if you have room on the team ;-) Those shirts are fantastic! I love my family!

  5. # Bradon 03 Mar 2008 at 9:46 pm

    Shannon, if you want a jersey we can get you and anyone else one. We’re also thinking of making up some T-shirts with that logo on it, too.

  6. # The Newhouse Familyon 04 Mar 2008 at 8:41 am

    Don’t you all look like you were having a bunch of fun?!
    Did you WIN?

  7. # Bradon 04 Mar 2008 at 8:42 am

    We did have fun, and we did win, you shoulda seen all the confetti!

  8. # The Senioron 06 Mar 2008 at 9:25 am

    What a good lookin’ crew! Great to see you guys having fun. Hope you’re all doing well.

  9. # Jay & Wandaon 07 Mar 2008 at 9:06 am

    REALLY proud of you guys!!! A wonderful thing to do! Can’t wait for Uncle Rick to ride me on the handlebars!!!
    Uncle Jay

  10. # Bradon 07 Mar 2008 at 9:08 am

    You should have seen him cross the finish line standing on his handle bars!

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