How ironic that my first post here is going to be about the first Cycle the WAVE. I signed up for the Burly Girl, but decided to take my fendered Salsa Casserol out for her maiden voyage on the Girly Girl route. I must say...fenders w/ mud flaps set you free! Despite the mucky road, I had no road grim on my legs after the ride. Also, with fenders on a bike, you give yourself permission to just enjoy the ride. Now...about the ride. Incredibly well organized. Volunteers & food were abundant! Also, due to signs posted along the route, you were reminded why we were riding...to support the Eastside Domestic Violence Program. I've participated in their Bowl-a-thon several times, and it was great to have an opportunity to support them while riding my bike! Kudos to the Lakemont Cycling Club, too. One thing that was amazing...I've never seen so many flats! Even more amazing, was how many ladies gathered around, helped & waited for their friends as the flats were fixed. I wasn't disappointed at all that I "only" did the Girlie Girl ride...it was just such a pleasure to do the ride and be around so much positive energy. This will be on my calendar next year and my friends and I are also recruiting our SO's to volunteer...the volunteers seemed to have as much fun as we did. The weather looks good this weekend, and we may take the guys out with us to follow the Burly Girl route and see how they hold up.