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Touring cyclists get shady spot to rest

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | DGKN

Lois and Larry Ramer have created a shady spot at Henry and Wenger at the edge of their yard for touring cyclists. Larry Ramer is a cyclist himself and understands the need to take a break during a bike tour. 

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Ramers also invite bicyclists from out of town to pitch a tent in their yard. Larry Ramer keeps a journal and cyclists are welcome to share their stories.

 

DALTON  “Do you need a bench?” Lois Ramer calls out on a warm, sunny mid-week afternoon upon spotting a cyclist slowly making his way past.

“What’s that?” the bicyclist looks up as he continues pushing his pedals along Henry Street by the sign for the Dalton village limits.

“Do you need a rest area?” Larry Ramer chimes in, seated next to his wife beneath the shade of a tree at the edge of their property.

“No I’m good!” the cyclist responds and continues on.

Some days, the Ramers, who are retired, notice several cyclists pass by them in one day as they’re busy tending to their extensive perennial gardens outside the home they’ve lived in for more than 40 years.

They see a variety of bikes ranging from upright, recumbent and electric bikes. They see lone riders as well as families, small groups and larger sponsored touring groups. They see local unicyclists every so often. They notice many riders who are in their 60s and 70s like themselves. Sometimes, they spot a lone bicyclist late at night.

For the past few years, the Ramers have offered space to weary touring cyclists who have rolled in with their muscles aching and stomachs grumbling who have conveyed to them this was an answer to their prayers. This past year, the Ramers made their touring cyclist rest stop at Henry and Wenger official. The couple created a little clearing in a former flower garden and put up a couple of signs next to a seating area with a bench, chair and a couple small tables offering a shady place for cyclists to take a breather.

Read the complete story in the July 7, 2021 edition.

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