It's just not the same

I brought three pictures with me this trip that I keep in my map holder so I can see them when I look down at the daily map. One is of Maureen, one is of my parents, and this trip I have one of Gerry Rawlings. Many of you reading this didn't know Gerry, but he had been on all of the Big Rides I've ridden, and was really a very special person. Gerry died late last year, and this is the first ride I've done without him.

Anyway, without getting all maudlin, Gerry was famous for finding ice cream shops along any route we rode. Today during my crankiest of moments, I was riding along and off in the distance I saw this.

After a smile and a couple of tears I pushed on and enjoyed the rest of my day.