Pedal Power Invades Sackets Harbor, N.Y.
September 10-12, 2004

On the weekend following Labor Day, Pedal Power accomplished something the British Armada couldn’t. We successfully invaded Sackets Harbor, New York. The assault began with a brigade of fourteen velo-troops who scouted the countryside surrounding the town on a twenty-mile excursion. The invaders then searched the local Barracks, hostelry, village, and Battlefield on a precision mission. As darkness approached, our regiment mustered at the edge of the Battlefield overlooking the harbor for briefing and directives from the High Command. Under cover of a glorious sunset, the gathering dispersed to the various ration purveyors in the village. The company, who convened at the local American Legion, enjoyed a chicken or fish dinner, Red White and Blue hospitality, and afterwards some mingling with the local folks for tunes and Square Dancing. Taps sounded as the exuberant army retired to their billet, the Ontario Place Hotel.

At dawn the Exploratory Force went forth. Some went to Henderson Harbor, some to the peninsulas and lighthouse to the north. By evening, the commission gathered by the Bay for the telling of tales and the consuming of snacks and drink. Tales of two lighthouses, rolling rural countryside, wild beasts, hills, and great distances traveled were shared. As with most adventures of this sort, the order for dinner was "Hurry up and wait!" There was a gathering of the enlisted that formed a foot borne expedition in the darkness of the village. They returned to quarters for the night.

On Sunday, reveille found the garrison planning and executing one last campaign before disbanding to homeports. The entire mission was declared a success with great and small deeds done under the finest of weather (thanks to the Lady General). There were only minor casualties suffered by our troops, a single member temporarily abandoned, and another missing before action.

At present, a repeat assault is anticipated for the same time next year. Thanks to all that shared the weekend.
- Kathy & Bob