(Photos by Heydt+Mason, Mat Coes, and Clare Woodhead)
After three months of pandemic lockdown, Bike Newport was in good company with all nonprofits, as we scrambled to think of pandemic-compatible activities to raise funds and help spread some bike happiness in hard times. How could we create a bicycling experience in small safely-distanced groups – and share the importance of biking in these unusual times?
On Sunday, August 23rd, we held our first TEN SPOT RIDE – a creative, fun, and COVID-safe summer experience. The sold out group of 100 people spread out around town to visit ten lovely homes and gardens, ten people at a time. They sampled food and drink from local restaurants and farms, enjoyed tunes by local musicians, and experienced gardens and landscapes usually hidden from view – up close and personal. What a day it was! From secret gardens to wooded acres, to seaside – the Ten Spots delivered beauty and entertainment – and all under clear blue skies.
“It was so fantastic – like taking a vacation in our own town,” shared Newporter Jean Conway. “You guys better do it again or I’ll be disappointed,” added her friend Judy Beyar.
The response of the generous hosts, entertainers, and riders was across-the-board enthusiastic. For a safe pandemic activity, we nailed it. And you can bet we’re already talking about next year.
In addition to a great group of riders, it took a lot of generous supporters to make the event so successful. Here’s the list – with BEAUCOUP THANKS!!!
HOSTS:
Monique Graham, Frank Barbosa and Antonio Aponte
Carol and David Bazarsky
Hank Kniskern
Lindsay Lieberman and Isaac Kardon
Preservation Society of Newport County
Lisette Prince
Ed Richardson and Sarah Whitehouse
Marie Samuels
Vivian Spencer and Mike Fluette
PATRONS:
Daniel Cordeiro
Kurt Dolnier
Adrianne Glascock
Bonnie Kniskern
Paul and Charlotte Marshall
James Steele
RESTAURANTS:
Chef Lindsey Kusic
MUSICIANS
Mikel Arambarri
Beth Barron
Jon Dember
Derek Escher and Ann Meers
Leslie Grimes and Matt Bruneau
Dave Manuel
Newport String Project: Ealaín McMullin and Jacob Mackay
Stephen Rodrigues and Carrigan Nelson
Michelle Siegal
Slackwater String Band: Mike Fischman, Ed McGuirl, Tom Perotti
Jimmy Winters
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Heydt + Mason: Bernadette Heydt and Renee Mason
Wonderwork: Mat Coes
VOLUNTEERS
Peter Bloom
Liza Burkin
Mike J. Byrne
Marissa Caito
Daniel Cartin
Liz Davis
Alicia Lehrer
Angela McCalla
Dave Mann
Ala Naghemec
Susan Raleigh
Amanda Rosado
John Spillane
Bike Newport Board Members and Advisors
Hadley Bazarsky
Tyson Bottenus
Glenn Bradfield
Marguerite Crocker
Liz Doucette
Renee Kaminitz
Valerie Larkin
Lindsay Leiberman
Chris Martin
Laura Murphy
Sandee Saunders
Jordan Stokes
Sarah Whitehouse
BIKE NEWPORT STAFF
Bari Freeman
Allyson McCalla
Clare Woodhead
Bike Newport