What would you do for a delicious lobster roll?

Would you pedal your ancient 12-speed Bianchi for 30 miles along the Maine coast?

Sure you would!

And I did. Last Saturday at the 5th annual Lobster Ride & Roll up in Rockland, sponsored the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

More than 500 riders took part in four rides ranging from 16 to 100 miles, winding about along fabulously serene and scenic coastal byways.

I opted for the 9am ride, a moderate 30-miler that led through the back streets of Rockland to Owls Head Lighthouse and on to the village of South Thomaston.

Starting out from Rockland High School.

On the 30-mile ride.

Checking out Owls Head Light.

That's where the BCM had a rest stop set up complete with Gatorade, water, and tons of delicious and healthy snacks, like oranges, bananas, bagels, granola bars, Fig Newtons and pretzels.

I devoured my share before saddling up and heading south to Spruce Head and the turnaround point at Burnt Island, where it was back to the rest stop and the mountain of goodies and then on to the finish in Rockland.

A well-stocked rest stop in South Thosmaston.

Gray skies and fog at Spruce Head near the turnaround point of my ride.

Despite the fact that I hadn't ridden my road bike (I'm much more of a mountain biker these days) for anything more serious than an around-town jaunt, to the beach or to work, for some time, I managed a surprisingly strong and enjoyable ride. The cool morning fog and mist helped considerably, as did the pretty scenery flying by at the speed of my pedals, and the fun and friendly fellow riders in the ever changing accordian group that snaked along the road.

The reward for our physical efforts?

A very tasty lobster roll lunch! Mounded over with the succulent meat, and complete with chips, cole slaw, cookies and cold drinks.

Yum!

So, cheers to the BCM and the many wonderful volunteers for putting on a great day of bicycling! Can't wait to do it all over again next summer.

Oh yeah, and thanks for way cool red lobster riding socks! Them's some kinda styling socks Mista Man!

Quite possibly the coolest socks on Earth!