Meant for the kind of sandal worn by a founding club member on early club rides - the period of 1976 -1979 was a time of new growth for the club, from it's original group of former South Florida Wheelmen (1971 - 1976) members in the Fall of 1976, to the first generation of new members in early 1977.
And like flip-flops, the club was the essence of life in south Florida in the 1970's - not too fast, and not too sophisticated - just the simple pleasures of cycling, and how greatful we all are for having had them to enjoy!
Jeffie once told me that she migrated from Georgia in 1922 in the back of a covered wagon - even if it isn't true, it makes for good reading!
Jeffie was one of the founding club members, and held the position of Rides Chairman and Board Member for several years. She is shown here on one of our winter-afternoon (can't you tell?) rides out to the Kendall Glider Port/Chekika Hammock State Park (now part of Everglades National Park).
I must admit, I can't think of why Jeffie is on the wrong side of the road, but I'm sure she had a good reason! This picture was taken on S.W. 192 Street, west of the levee, or about S.W. 197 Avenue, so we were about 4 miles east of the park - a good winter afternoon ride!
One of Jeffie's favorite thoughts about the club was "Cycling builds character, and do we have characters!" - all said out of love, for sure.
By the way, if you've noticed in the below photograph that Jeffie wasn't wearing a helmet - you're right. Helmets were just coming into use then, and only a fraction of the early members had them when this picture was taken in early 1978.
Jeffie left Florida (minus the wagon) for Colorado in the mid 1980's, but her early efforts in the club linger today!
Check back soon to find out!