Colour me cribbage

Did we not just have the best weather for a September weekend? My friend Aggie, at Sandbanks Park, commented that the “weather gods must always smile down upon the annual Sandbanks Fun Run and Terry Fox Run.” And so it seems they do. Each year the run seems to be blessed with textbook perfect September weather. Sometimes a little bit hot, sometimes a bit overcast but always good for running. I, once again, sidelined myself with my camera and was armed with the “lame excuse list” for actually running this year. I’m quite capable of doing the 5 km run. But, I have a huge list of excuses and soothe my guilt by sponsoring runners registered in the Terry Fox portion of the run. I guess that’s as good as actually getting out there and running the roads for a fabulous cause. Isn’t it? Maybe not so much.

This year my Sandbanks/Terry Fox running excuse list has been repurposed, it is now my Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride excuse list. I do sponsor riders in this event, but I am quite capable of cycling either the 50 km or 100 km route. Quite capable. But, enough about me. The Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride is an excuse all on its own. It’s an excuse to cycle the highways and byways of beautiful Prince Edward County while lending your support to the Kiwanis Club programs.

The Colour Cribbage Ride takes place on October 2nd. Yup, the day before the County Marathon. You just know it’s a weekend to either stay at home and enjoy the autumn or get out and be involved. And, what about those Kiwanis folks? What do they do in the County? Well, I’m glad you asked because I had to get off my arse and do a bit of research to figure it out, myself. I knew Kiwanis is a service club but, if you’d asked me what their “service to the community is, I’d likely have responded, “They do stuff for kids. Indeed they do. The Kiwanis support children’s programs, mainly with a program called Sleeping Children Around the World (buying bed kits for kids in third world countries). Additionally, our local club financially supports local youth sports teams. Over the years, more than a few County kids were able to go to summer camp because of the Kiwanis and every single year they provide graduation awards to deserving teens who have graduated from PECI. And, seriously, if you’ve got a kid in elementary school, or who has been through our local elementary school, you know the Kiwanis are all about the Terrific Kids. Ah ha. I’ve got kids. I know those programs.

So, my list. You’re wondering about my repurposed list of excuses for not taking part in the Kiwanis Club Colour Cribbage Ride? Well, here it is. It looks just like the list posted on the Bloomfield Bicycle website on behalf of the Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride. Somehow, they just knew. Since I do have a bicycle or two (many thanks to the wild and crazy-for-cycling folks at Bloomfield Bicycle Company and to Ideal Bike) I can’t use the “What if I don’t have a bike?” excuse. But, if I were to use it, let me tell you KT and Rick at BBC have a number of bicycles available for rent for this event, and they’ve got special Colour Cribbage Ride rates. They’re so devoted to getting you off the couch and onto a bike they’ll even deliver the bike to the Masonic Hall an hour before the ride commences.

Excuse number two—although these aren’t in any kind of order of importance—what if I get tired or hurt or know a quicker way to the finish? Well, the Kiwanis Club has that excuse covered, too. Basically, the Colour Cribbage Ride is for fun and fundraising. It isn’t a sanctioned ride, no one will win a Maillot Jaune and you’re not likely to see Ryder Hesjedal in the pelaton. The route is all mapped out. If you want to be the first one back, ain’t no one going to stand in your way. But make sure you hit all the check points to collect your tokens to complete your cribbage hand.

Did I say cribbage hand? Excuse number three. It is a Cribbage Ride. What if I don’t know how to play cribbage? I like this excuse because those of you who know me, know I can’t play cribbage. But those darn Kiwanis, eager to raise funds for kids’ programs, have thought of everything. There will be a cribbage expert—whoddathunkit—at the Masonic Hall who will help you figure out your best hand. Get outta town. Thank goodness it isn’t a Rummoli Ride!

Here’s a good excuse. I might get hurt. What if I get hurt? Well, I can get hurt peeling potatoes, but it isn’t a mashed potato ride and there will be folks at checkpoints along the way to make sure you’re well hydrated and fuel you up with a snack, patch up the boo boos or get you some expert assistance—mechanical or otherwise—if you need it. A better deal than heading out on your own for a 50 or 100 km ride, right?

Do I look as if I’ve ever missed a meal? Well, even so, if I’m going to cycle 50 or 100 kilometres I think I’m going to need more than a bit of water and a snack along the way. Your forty-five buck registration gets you a yummy lunch at the Masonic Hall beginning at noon and apparently, there’s always plenty of food for the registered riders. I’m running out of excuses. Except for the most obvious.

Prizes. Every charity event has prizes, right? Will there be prizes? I mean it’s one thing to feel great having made a contribution through your registration and pledges, but what about a prize for having the best hand? Indeed there are prizes, and lots of them, donated by local businesses and individuals. Can’t say what exactly, but there will be prizes.

What do you have to do to participate in the Annual Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride? Well, you can pick up entry forms from your friendly neighbourhood Kiwanis. We all know someone who’s a Kiwanis. If you don’t know a Kiwanis, then drop by the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office and pick up an entry form. Can’t ride a bike? Sponsor a rider or make a donation to the Kiwanis Club. Call Wynand Van Soelen at 613.393.5270 if you’ve got some questions about the ride. Call or drop by the Bloomfield Bicycle Shop if you want to rent a bike for the event or want some cycling tips. They can be reached at 613.393.1060.

The Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride takes place on October 2, 2010, starting and ending at the Masonic Hall on Main Street in Picton. Check your tires and get out for some fun. Ya, maybe I’ll put my list away.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca