Two officers from the Florida State University Police Department will trek by bicycle from Tallahassee to Gainesville on Monday as part of the "Road to Responsibility Challenge" to discourage drunken driving and alcohol abuse for next week's traditionally rowdy Gators-Seminole clash, which also just happens to fall on Thanksgiving weekend.
After you've stuffed yourself with turkey, turducken or tofurkey - whatever your preference may be - shopped 'til you dropped Friday morning and driven back to Gainesville, don't let all the cranberry sauce go to your head.
Don't think this weekend is any different just because of the rivalry or because there are fewer cars on the road. Don't get into fights with FSU fans at the bars and above all, don't drink and drive.
The officers will deliver a message from their police chief, David Perry, to UF's Linda Stump. This has never been done before, and the message is mostly symbolic, but it's a good idea. We hope UF bicycle patrol will make the trip next year.
Almost all of us have friends who attend FSU. While we want to decapitate their football team on Saturday, we don't want anything bad happening to anyone off the field.
To Maj. Jim Russel and Sgt. Karin Clausen, who will bike the 149 miles: Bon voyage.
To all UF and FSU students: Heed the officers' message, not just next weekend, but every day.
