Photos by:

Karen Holmquist

We may not have been on the guest list for Chelsea's wedding July 31st, but some of us had an ULLR party of our own Aug 1st.  The occasion being celebrated was the 17th Annual Chocolate Lovers Ride, and the guests were 10 A-List Chocolate Lovers from the club.

Attending the early soiree were 8 strong bicyclists, plus a support crew of 2 (Sherrie Mitchell & Charlotte Navratil) in the "sagwagon".

The group was first observed that Sunday morning at Lynnhurst Park in south Mpls.  They appeared to be enjoying a chocolate? breakfast!  It was later reported that there were sightings of this same group riding along Minnehaha Pkwy and also at the Falls of the same name. 

Still others reported seeing these riders along Mississippi River Blvd in St Paul, and then spotted them at the monument where the Blvd meets Summit Ave.  They were taking photos of themselves (one of the riders confided) for some publication called the "Nullr" (see Karen Holmquist's photos). 

Later, a report came in from a resident on Summit Ave, stating that this same group had just passed by their mansion in a blur, heading up Summit Ave. The riders had a "crazed, desperate look in their eyes, and were chanting something about chocolate"!

Later, the group was spotted having lunch outside at Billy's on Grand Ave & Victoria.  The group was identified by one of the riders, who wore a silver helmet, foiled as a Hershey's kiss, complete with trailing tail (later identified as one Sally Chevalier).

After lunch,the riders seemed to disappear into one of St Paul's neighborhoods, only to reappear crossing the Ford Bridge & heading west (the riders were swift & strong, even with the hot & humid riding conditions).  They were not seen again until they were spotted back at Lynnhurst Park in Mpls.  By this time, some of the riders actually had chocoate on their faces & hands!

They also seemed to be comparing the miles they had just ridden, & agreed that they had completed the 23-mile ride in approximately 4 hours, including lunch and two leisurely stops. 

One observant witness at the park noted that in spite of all the chocolate consumed by the riders (not to mention other tasty treats & beverages enjoyed along the way), the riders were surprising svelte as they arrived back at the parking lot in south Mpls!  The secret?  That magical formula of chocolate plus biking--works every time!  Amazing.  Just amazing!

Other riders in the group were identified as:

Linda Heintz, Bill Lyon, Patty Fitzgerald, Alan Moore, Kathy Potter, & John Stiefel.

Sherrie & Karen