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Rest Stop With Pickle Juice, Cookies, a Warm Welcome
by Ruth Filz, Palm Gardens RV Park
S aturday, February 25, the Henry Roberts Memorial 32 Annual Jalapeno 100 bike ride took place in Harlingen. It is a fun ride benefiting the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club. For the last few years, the ride has seen over 500 riders from across the state and the country, as well as from Canada and Mexico.
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the accident occurred. He decided this spot where the young agent “ended his watch” should be marked by a larger cross.
Fellow Chimney Park resident Ralph Spencer, a retired firefighter, and Jose made the memorial cross. Gigi Nelson, another Chimney Park resident and the wife of a retired firefighter, painted and lettered it.
James Kropenske, Chimney Park activity director, organized an informal memorial service. Chimney Park residents and a group of CBP agents attended the event as they placed the cross, lovingly made to honor Agent Gonzalez. •
Palm Gardens RV Park in Harlingen has been involved with the ride since 2000 when three couples--Gerry and Pat Bradley, Buzz and Vonnie Jones, and Boyd and Marge Mallot--started sponsoring a rest stop for riders. The Park has continued sponsoring a rest stop ever since. In 2009, Russ Manhard took over chairing the rest stop for our Park. Through the years, riders and our rest-stop volunteers have formed many friendships.
Riders always comment on the great food and warm welcome they receive at the Palm Gardens rest stop. Who can blame them? The week before the race, residents are busy saving pickle juice and baking cookies to supplement the hot dogs, fruit, ice cream, water, and other goodies at the stop. This is made possible through generous donations from Park residents and management and local businesses. Saturday, we were happy to provide food and a place to rest for approximately 300 riders. The Park has won the award for Best Rest Stop several times over the years. In addition to having a rest stop, the Park also has several riders who take part in the ride. Dale Aalderink has taken part in the ride for the past 14 years. Dale rode 50 miles in the event this year. His rider number was 86, which also happens to match his age. •
