Way, way out on the outskirts of the parking lot was the Kenda corner. Here, Paul, Janet and Dave had easy access to the Porta-Potties and seclusion so they could change into those Kenda outfits. Good turnout for the Dry Run ride and Westerville Bike Club does a good job with the road markings and food stops. I rolled out with Muscle Dude, Billy C, Marty, David C, Steve Fields and Tym Tyler. We rolled through the Kenda gang and picked up David S, Andrew C, Jeff S, Alyson & friend. Fast pace but not brutally so and we rolled into Johnstown at mile 23 where Marty & Co kept going. Somewhere short of Johnstown we picked up Rick Miller, John Sada and John Gorrila. In Johnstown, I ran into Rick Holt, a long time Canal cyclist who has been missing for awhile because of work but also recently got married. I'm running short of time so I'll hit the highlights....I finished. 101 miles, 4100' of climbing. Ride time was 5:15 with an 18.7 avg. David and Alyson took long, remorseless pulls that put some of our group in difficulty. Alyson has a heck of an engine and can stay up front for miles and miles. Andrew Clayton, having ridden a 200k on Saturday struggled on the back half and despite my urging the group to slow and let him catch up, the two horses were having none of it. Pretty staunch head wind coming back on the long and kind of boring Sycamore Road. Might want to change the route a bit on that last 30 miles and forego the little southern loop prior to Johnstown that causes a very early split between the 100 and 70 milers.
2 Comments
Lighter turnout than last week, at least among the B group, so the "seasoned" cyclist who intended to give some pre-ride pointers decided to let it pass. Here, Betsy, Brian and David Smith sign in. Nathan on the left, reflects on the many good times he's experienced on the Thursday New Albany rides. This time one week from now he'll be in San Francisco (Pleasanton actually just over the mountain from San Fran) and missing our fun group. Dave C checks in, in the background. Prior to the ride, Paul Stock gave me two "Pedal with Pete" water bottles (and a T-shirt too) for plugging the ride on the blog. Being water bottle rich, I immediately thought who may need one and recalled that Retro George usually rides with a bottle of Gatoraide or water so I donated one to him. Here, he graciously accepts. Now, the guy really needs a new frame. Someone out there Shirley has a 56cm frame or bike that they want to give to the guy to get him off that steel frame. Come on, step up and help this character out! Well, the parking lot was abuzz about John Sada's Colorado exploits while sometimes riding with the Lizard Head tour group and sometimes mixing it up with the pro peloton as the tour group followed the pro peloton's route. One person claimed on one day, John started with the tour group's B group, caught the A group, kept going and caught the pros. Another said John had a hired hand along serving as a domestique whose role was to pull him in to each finish town first. Others speculated about what the benefit would accrue to someone who had spent a week training at altitude and is also rumored to have an altitude tent at his home. I don't know what is the truth to any of what I heard but it sure is entertaining. Here, a different John in the foreground, than Christian and Mick signing in. Unfortunately, all the good times had to come to an end at 6:00, as I got on the bike and shoved off with a group that included Marty, Dave C, Kyle W, Jon M, Gus Cook, Muscle Dude, John Sada, Mick, Ron, Tym & Lisa Tyler, Danny A, Steve Nelson, Steve Fields and a few others, totaling about 18. Not there were Chris G, Billy C and Rich Lewis, who usually punish at the front, so I didn't miss them much, no offense intended, good guys all.
We headed out Jug toward the village of Alexandria and the ride out had an unusually high number of interruptions that included a truck pulling out of a driveway towing a pontoon boat, which caused our group to compress as we skidded to a stop. We exchanged well intentioned remarks with the driver but as I was at the back, I got most of the verbal abuse as the driver passed. Life at the back of the peloton reminds me of what NBA centers say about playing the post position, it's described as "Hell in the Hole". Sure, life at the front is no day at the beach as you are working harder than me but as the intensity builds people start drifting back. There I am, usually the last outpost of the peloton and the back drifters make a final effort to catch on, usually fighting me for that last wheel. Elbows are thrown, helmet butts are common, cursing is the norm, aggressive behavior with one's bike, the surges and slowdowns are more pronounced......it's hell to be at the back. Anyhow, we arrived in Alexandria with a rather modest average speed of 23 mph. We turned on to Mounts and hit the opening ramp. I struggled but clung to the main group until roughly half way to Hardscrabble Road, I was done. Sada was the first to catch me and we rode together briefly before Steve Nelson came by, at which point John jumped on his wheel. At Hardscrabble, Lisa and Mick came by and I jumped in with them but I did not make the eastern turn on to Battee, instead going straight and riding with John S down to Raccoon Valley Road. We split there and I rode back into Alexandria, out Outville to Morse where I planned to catch the A group coming back through, which I did and enjoyed the ride back into New Albany. Finished with 34 rather than 38 miles as prescribed by the official route and a 21.8 avg. Forecast for Saturday's COP, Covered Bridge ride not looking too good but don't forget there is Westerville Bike Club's Dry Run ride on Sunday. Sounds like 8:00am is the start time when most will be shoving off. Terri Biafore, John Martin, John Sada and others attended a tour hosted by Lizard Head Cycling in Colorado, which coincided with the pro tour event. Terri has begun to post her reports for each day, accompanied by fantastic images of the scenery, which you too can view and enjoy by clicking: http://outsidetheradius.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html Shannon is in New Jersey, hosting an event and so, once again you will be treated to having me as the sign-in & map dude. If the B crowd is anything like last week's, we need to break it up into a "B+" and "B" group. Recognize what are your current abilities and choose wisely the group you join. A seasoned cyclist told me he wanted to address this week's group with common sense instructions for the less experienced who, last week, demonstrated the need for a quick educational message, such as "What the heck were you thinking when you went left of center on #161 dumbass?" and that type of thing. Also note, the return route for the A group includes the steep descent just after the turn off Outville. The bottom of the descent includes a sharp turn to the south after the bridge is crossed. Very dicey so be careful.
Yes, it looked not worthwhile to make the drive down to Canal for a ride, given the rain and imminent rain but there was the Nathan going away party at Shades, with or without the rain. The rain passed by 5:30, radar suggested more rain maybe a couple hours later so, we rode. Our original route would have taken us into the teeth of the rain, that was only slowly moving off to the southeast, but Kevin H came up with a new route going west and then south before a return. Dustin, Randy B and Steve O gritted their teeth and hung with us, roughly a total of 15 cyclists taking a circuitous route around the countryside before..... .....heading into Shades. Here Poobah and Flyin Tuna mug it up for the camera. Thanks to Cindy for organizing this event. Kenda Janet and Paul drove down just for the party, here in the back. Cindy tried to organize a group picture but our side of the table was too busy sampling beer so we obviously had better things to do. Andrew, on the left, examines the contents of his wallet, just after a moth flew out of it. That's Nathan in the middle. Good times and good food. Wish more people were leaving so we could throw more parties. Medium hilly route of 38 miles for the A route. More importantly, there is the "Nathan Going Away but Be Happy Cause He's Relocating to CA and Wish I Was Goin Tooooo!" party, immediately following the ride at Shade's Restaurant. If there is a rain-out, we will start the party at 6:00pm. Don't know Nthan that well? come on in anyway and enjoy a beverage and appetizer or pizza.
The Dan Peter's Benefit Ride, Saturday, was well attended, despite kind of a gloomy looking radar and forecast. People were seen giving donations far in excess of the miles they intended to ride and if you decided not to come because of the weather, you can find how to donate by looking back a few posts. TriAndrew was there, with his son, who demonstrated some bravado when, after being told, "Good luck on the ride today." said, "Luck's got nothing to do with it." Yes, a chip off the old block. Our group was comprised of Mark C, here with the rain jacket attached to the bike until peer pressure forced him to remove it, Poobah, Dan, Jeff S and Flyin Tuna. Later, Greg Dubois, Kevin S, Rich R and Joe G caught up to us and rode along too. A few miles into the route, we turned west on Carroll Eastern Road and soon, heavy rain ensued, drenching us but with the high humidity, it hardly made a difference. To the south and west, the skies were much brighter so upon turning north and seeing a sheet of rain and dark grey, some of us stopped, reconnoitered the situation and decided to go off route.
I began to get nervous that our pace and decision to go off route would cause me to miss the OSU game so at some point, I departed the group and a good thing too! After getting back on route and rolling into Amanda with 31 of the 32 miles that those that stayed on the original route had logged, I enjoyed a Monster while talking to Todd Mullins, Nick & Gary V and others. Meantime, Mark C had a flat, Poobah reminded Mark that he should be using Kenda tires, then soon after Poobah had a flat and Mark reminded Poobah he should be using a different brand, Jeff S had cable problems, a three legged dog chased the group, etc.... These guys finished with around 67 miles, some time prior to darkness. From Amanda, I took generally a straight shot back to the parking lot via Hamburg and finished with 46 miles and arrived home 5 minutes prior to kick-off. Lots of discussion last night about the Ohio Gran Fondo and the recent changes, including canceling the official timing with mass start, closed intersections, etc.. This morning, the below was released, officially announcing the event is being cancelled. Too bad but I hear there may be another in the early planning stages for next year.
Based on the impending weather which has a forecast for thunderstorms all day for Sunday and the large number of individuals who have indicated they will not participate, the ride will be canceled and all fees paid will be refunded. Kenda Dave signs in while not wearing a Kenda jersey. I thought perhaps the withering abuse and embarrassment had finally taken its toll and he had given up but no, he was simply having it washed. Dave says most days after a ride he takes off his jersey and just stands it in a corner for the next use but decided to have it washed for once. Franz asked that I take a pic of Miya (I know, not the correct spelling of her name so someone correct me) wearing a jersey inspired by something out of the 60's. Maybe a retro jersey. The group that normally hangs out in the limited shade area were joined by a couple of the superstars, Marty and Danny, thus transforming the group's image, slightly. Massive and I mean massive turnout for tonight's ride. Small group of A's, only 19 but Nathan said he counted 53 in the B group who were in front of him at the time, with more behind. They were lined up three abreast and swarms behind that sometimes crossed the yellow line. Probably I should have sent out a couple of B groups but Nathan said when that is done, everyone just goes out with the first B group anyway. Meanwhile, up ahead in the smallish A group there was the usual rotating at the front that systematically and orderly shelled the group. It was one of the more intense efforts I have witnessed and within the first 5 miles, six guys disappeared including Retro George, Mick, Tri-Tech guy, Accel, Doug Mc (whose vacationing in far-flung places has impacted his fitness), a young skinny guy who I've not previously seen try to hang with the A's and maybe one other person. I point out the names only for the purpose of demonstrating how intense must the pace have been to have so soon lost some good cyclists. Around mile 6, the group began to echelon. Maybe they do this on a regular basis and I am oblivious to it as I understand my limitations and wisely draft in the very back but I found myself too close to the front and had no choice but to pull through. Later, funny man Jon Morgan told me, "I've never seen you ride so fast. You were doing 28mph out 161." The problem with that is I was doing 28mph (briefly) while also doing it into the wind (briefly too). I politely asked the guy to my right if he could ease up just a little so I could actually pull to the side and in front of him, which he did. Then, Billy C rocketed by on my left and did not slide in front of me but kept going with a full head of steam........ .....desperate, I spotted a gap coming up from behind and leapt in, pedaled furiously, lost energy furiously, gave a final gasp and dropped out at freakin mile 7. Ahead, Marty, Dave, Billy, Chris G, Tim Tyler, Jon M, Danny, total of 12, stormed away and arrived in Granville with a 25.1 avg and finished the 42 miles with a 23.1 avg. George and Tri-Tech dude hooked up with me outside Granville and we rode together until they stayed on the A route and I made a left at 661 and then left again at New Burg, where I eventually got in with Flyin Tuna's group. The intensity of this group was a tad bit easier and I enjoyed the ride back to New Albany, finishing with 34 miles. Shannon has to be out of town so I'll be there to sign you in. Distances are 41, 31 and 18 miles. COP has given me a supply of Black Cards and I plan to hand them out liberally to those who are richly deserving. What is a Black Card you ask? It is a lifetime ban from any and all COP events and holders of said cards will be subject to ridicule and humiliation by legions of people. OK, just in case someone believes this, there are no black cards but don't act like a dipshit during tonight's ride, no running of stop signs, that sort of thing.
A reminder of what some of us are doing this Saturday. Mark C, Kevin H and others are arriving at 7:30 and departing on bikes at 8:00am. If you'd like to ride with us, all are of course welcome. The ride departs from the OU Lancaster campus off #37, just north of Lancaster.
Dan owns a bicycling shop in Lancaster, OH and was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. The benefit will be to help with his family's medical expenses. There will be three routes. 20, 40 and 60 miles. Registration and check in will be between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. Entry fee will be $1 per mile you ride. Dollar for Dan Ride. A trust account has been set up so you can also donate by sending a check to Sitterley & Vandervoort Attn. Jennifer Sitterley Baum at 123 S. Board St. Suite 211, Lancaster Ohio 43130. Make checks payable to Sitterley & Vandervoort and mark in the memo line Dan Peters. For more information contact: Ron Burris @ reburris@diamondpower.com The parking lot is usually a calm scene as people ready themselves and their bikes, while taking a few minutes to line up and sign in. This protocol was disrupted as a bunch of us were patiently waiting our turns to sign in. Suddenly, the diva of the parking lot, Kayla Starr, walked to the front of the line, ignoring the little people patiently waiting, signed in, preens a bit and then turns around and strides away. Then, one other guy, who I won't embarrass by naming, elbows his way through the crowd and does the same! Here, off to the side, some of the little people watch, dumbfounded and incredulous as the scene unfolds. Ross signs in while others patiently wait. It has been suggested that we have more than one clipboard with sign-in sheets but the Canal ride is a very low budget affair and we can not afford anything so extravagant as multiple clipboards. Maybe at the Thursday ride, sure, COP lavishes them with cash but Canal, we feel fortunate to have one clipboard. The shade dwellers wait for the start. Kind of a large A group headed out followed by the Rossi tandem and fellow B's. As usual, I just wanted to hang in the vicinity of the tandem, who were headed on the long route of 42 miles. Midway into the route, I became disappointed with the pace the Rossi's were setting and not wishing to do anything about it that would expend valuable energy, I just suggested we shorten the route, which we did by staying on Carroll-Eastern and dropping a little southward jog. Suddenly, the A group came through an intersection and joined our stretch of pavement. They did not appear to be moving very fast and we overtook them. By this point, they would have been around 35 miles into the route and Retro George was still with them so that said a lot about the pace. George began peppering Mark C with the usual, "How is it you are still with us, etc...." comments. He's an equal opportunity insulter. Our group finished with 38 miles and a 20.0 avg. The A group, not sure but probably 20.1, based on who was in that group and 42 miles. The Line Jumper won the village sign sprint and as is the norm, Steve O presented him with the prize. Those New Albany Carpetbaggers....they come down from the north, drink our beer, steal our women and if that's not enough, take our prizes. OK, seriously now, Steve Oxley spent a lot of time asking for freebies from his various financial service contacts and having run through those got Cyclist Connection to pitch in with prizes too. Sure, it would be nice if he sprinkled the B cyclists with a gift now and then but at least someone is benefiting from the largesse. Although the daylight is diminishing, we're going to keep riding at least 40 miles even if it means bringing out stadium lights to light the entire route. Flat first half and well, kind of flat second half but with a few good rollers in there. 42/33/25 distances.
Well, someone said they would not come unless Poobah wore a thong. Not having that piece of clothing, Poobah instead wore what I think is a tube top with shorts. This was the first of what will be many Nathan going away parties as the beloved one is set to move to San Francisco on September 12th. Upon his departure, there will be a period of 3 months set aside for mourning and we must all wear black lycra shorts in honor of him. True, we wear those things anyway but this time it will be with meaning and symbolism. TriAndrew was kind enough to host this party at which cyclists came out in droves to honor Nathan.
So, there I was, waiting for the Sugar Grove ride to start when the Kendaites Paul, Janet and Dave invited me to shove off with them, a couple of minutes early. Receiving this invite is roughly equivalent to an invitation to become a member at Augusta National. On the other hand, the Kendaites have a bit of a reputation for, yes shortcutting but also getting lost. I quizzed them about the route and they rattled off the first few turns and said the first was at mile 7. I believe in giving people a 12th chance so I forgot the reputation and past experiences and headed out. Shortly after reaching the top of the first climb, we arrived at a possible turn at mile 3 and THEY TOOK THE TURN?!?!? I asked to no one in particular, that I thought the first turn was at mile 7 but no answer was forthcoming and like a typical lemming, mindlessly followed, coasting over a cliff. We reached a deep, dark hollow and each of the Kendaites had a puzzled expression on their face. I tried to be understanding but geesh, lost at mile 3? Fortunately, a tandem arrived and led us out. While the group was above riding a ridge, we exited the hollow via a long and steep climb but rejoined the main pack. Emerging from the depths of a hollow, I found myself in the midst of a good group of usual suspects and drafted them in to New Straitsville at mile 26. Marty Sedluk, Steve O and Dustin had come and gone by the time we got there. Marty, in addition to today's 96 miles rode a grueling 115 mile route out of Utica on Sunday. There is a good argument for doing a touch and go at stops like these but on the other hand, it's also fun to mingle with the locals and enjoy the camaraderie with Mark C, here buying his energy drink and food or.... .....stand on the sidewalk and as Flyin Tuna walks toward the fire station to use the facilities, yell, "Don't let her in, she leaves the toilet seat up." Or, as two guys later walk over, yell, "Don't let them both in at the same time!" Childish, yes, immature, yes and I was disgusted by the behavior of my fellow cyclists and record it here only because I have an obligation to report the news. Above, Tuna strides back from the rest room while the great Pathfinder trys to figure out how he is going to get out of town. Maybe Kenda Paul should instead be known as Kenda Tonto or "The Great Pathfinder" or "Lewis & Clark". The locals, who seem to be the same people occupying the chairs in front of the market every year, looked at my map and observed the long route took us along the "rim of the world" and so.... ....it did with this image not hardly the best and not the only great view on the way to Portersville via 78 and 555. Portersville is a hopping place once a year, when those few of us willing to ride the 96 mile route descend mostly in one fell swoop. Even Poobah made the long route and with him was Kevin H, Mark C, Flyin Tuna, Nathan, Dean, Jason, Andrew C, Jimmy, Mark V, John, TriAndrew, Chuck, Jeremy and a few others. There was even a tandem doing the long route and Kevin said Poobah was cheating on the Rossi's, drafting extensively. One guy, whose name I forgot to ask, even admitted in private after glancing around to make sure no one was listening, that he has begun reading the blog. The last time that happened was last year prior to a Thursday New Albany ride and I've never seen that guy since. Exiting Portersville, we eventually went through Moxahala before getting on Marietta Road for a long slog to the west with lots of climbing and lots of sun exposure. Poobah had basically collapsed half way up the first climb on Marietta out of Moxahala and because I had twisted his arm to stay on the long route, felt responsible so I soft pedaled and even stopped once but I never saw him and guessed he was napping out there somewhere. At Bremen, we huddled in the shade and contemplated where else we wish we were. That we maintain our sense of humor by mile 83 is a testament to how easily we can be humored. From there, it was more hills, Lutheran Church, Bauman Hill and then I tapped out, taking a left at Crawfis and down Savage in to Sugar Grove and the parking lot. I already had the "Kenda Dividend" and did not need more miles, finishing with 95 and 5800' of climbing.
Chuck Harris service Sat. at 3:00 and ride to it:
A memorial service to celebrate Harris’ life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Apple Ridge Shelter House at Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville. If you have a mirror on your glasses or helmet you owe it to this man who was the first one to market glass and helmet mirrors. He was a fixture on TOSRV, GOBA, KCBC and other rides. COP is organizing a ride leaving at 2:20 from Westerville North High School for a slow 5 mile ride to Sharon Woods. Cycle gear and road bikes are optional. Helmets and sign in are required. Spread the word. http ://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/22/gambier-cycling-enthusiast-dies.html Upon arriving at the parking lot, we discovered our normal spots had been taken by people attending a nearby football game so it pushed us into the front lot. I set out the Shannon display with sign-up sheets and waited for people to arrive, throw money at my feet and sign in. Sadly, all I found was an empty Gatorade bottle but at least no one deposited a banana peel on my car, which I washed for the first time in years in anticipation of hosting this evening event. Here, Garth explains to Poobah how he and others got off the Leadville 100 course, the impact it had on what was his personal best time and finish in the standings. Meanwhile, Kyle W trims his toe nails. Geesh, while the overall turnout was kind of light at around 40-45, it was a quality "A" group of 21 that included Dave Chesrown, Pete C, Billy Campbell, Craig Rice, Garth Prosser, Tym Tyler, Kyle Wingler, Danny Alarcon, Jon Morgan, Steve Oxley, Paul Stock, Ron Budzik, Mick, Claude, Lisa Tyler, Retro George, young guy in OSU kit and a few other quality guys. The route, 47 miles punctuated with the Alward, Hardscrabble and Northridge climbs was a good one, too good. Karen Rossi, the star of the Rossi tandem, showed up but declined to roll out with the A group, instead no doubt punishing David S, Mark V, Flyin Tuna, John, Dan and others. Steve O made the drive up from the Canal area but was riding his hybrid with tennis shoes out of concern with the chip-n seal roads. We discussed is chances of hanging with the A group and decided that since the A and B routes did not split until mile 17, he'd find a group with whom to ride if the hybrid wasn't up to the challenge. Tonight it was not but he is nevertheless widely admired for trying. Here, Lisa T making a point about something while the others eagerly awaited the stand-in ride leader to make weighty comments about the road conditions, following the rules of the road, not spitting on each other, no sketchy ride behavior, you know the usual stuff to which no one listens. We then rolled out, old #161 where the intensity ramped immediately, turned right on Mink where Dave C pulled alongside and advised me a couple of guys had dropped already. No surprise there given what was the current pace. A left on Condit soon brought us to the long stretch on Headly Mill before the dreaded Alward climb. As is my wont, I was at the back of the pack, knowing this is the last place one should be approaching the left turn on to Alward. Lisa T, much smarter than me, took a flyer off the front to get a head start on the climb. We hit the first ramp and I clung to the front group, hit the 2nd ramp, the 3rd ramp and how many other freakin ramps are on that climb and emerged at the top still with what was now a group of 12. I was too tired to enjoy the accomplishment and the group wasn't about to pause to allow me a moment to enjoy, as we sped out Hollow and reached the stop sign at #310. Here, Kyle alerted me to some sketchy riding, including running stop signs and upon hearing this, Garth hopped off the road down an embankment into someone's yard, crossed the grass and hopped back onto the road. I made a mental note to present him with a COP "Black Card" at some point in the future. A quick turn back on to Hollow and the pace picked back up where we were at 23.9mpg average but rising. Turns took us on to York, Weslyn Church and then Outville where we bombed the descent to Moots Road, turning left and then in to Granville where our average was 24.1. No pause here as a turn on to Raccoon Valley followed and we made our way to Hardscrabble. Upon turning, I discovered the surface had just been chip-n-sealed with lots of loose gravel on the opening ramp. I lost contact with the group but suspected that was going to happen anyway at some point on this long uphill road, with or without loose gravel, so chugged along with Claude out to Northridge, where he had to stop to adjust his saddle bag. So, 22 miles with the lead group and a 23.9 avg, that was sure to plummet and it did, but limped in with 42 miles and a 21mph average with 1400' of climbing. The lead group finished with a 23.5 avg. Shannon has produced another fine route, shown above. Unfortunately, Shannon will not be at the ride and asked that I fill in, which I was elated to do because that takes out one of the guys who spends the entire ride at the front 1/3, rotating in and out of pulls. Now, for this Thursday, since I am temporarily in charge, there will be new rules:
1. No smoking except in designated areas, all of which are winin 2 feet of Poobah's Element. 2. No swearing or cursing at me before or during the ride but if at others or at oneself, that is OK. 3. No injecting oneself with PEDs prior to the ride, at least where I can see you do it. 4. No changing from street clothes to cycling clothing in one's car. 5. Throwing cash at the feet of a ride leader is permitted just this one Thursday. 6. Buying a round or two of drinks to celebrate ride leaders is permitted after the ride at any restaurant which serves alcoholic beverages. This offer expires prior to next Thursday when Shannon probably will be back although I encouraged him to take the rest of the season off, at least from the front 1/3 of the pack. The young guns showed up, Logan, Kayla and Adam, but no Nick V. Jon Morgan and Craig Rice, aka Muscle Dude, ventured down from the north to check out the action in Canal. They keep trickling down, Billy C two weeks ago, Craig last week and now Craig and Jon together and maybe before the end of the season, we can get Marty, Dave C & others to come down one more time. Life around the Canal ride is kind of dull without those guys injecting zest and competition. Good turnout, about 45 in total for either a 43 mile long route, 37 mile middle route or 30 mile short route. Kind of hilly start with the Slough climb, the climb out of the valley on Amanda Northern, etc... adding up to 1800' of climbing. My ride was easier paced and uneventful so no sense boring myself when I come back to read this report in 20 years and no sense boring you either, with a report. Although it's always fun to spend quality time drafting behind Mark R and he tells me Karen is coming out for the Thursday ride to kick some A group ass. Not sure what has happened to this normally primly demure tandem stoker. I am oblivious to what happened with the A group, which was kind of small again but do know that Jon, Craig, Dustin, Steve and Logan made it back in together with a 21.8 avg. The Steve O/Cyclist Connection sign sprint prize of a water bottle was won by Logan.
Good turnout of 40-45 for the Logan to Lake Hope Roving Ride, put on by Tim F. Good weather too with great maps and probably the most immaculate roads I can recall riding. Seemed like all had been repaved in the last month. Here, Marty S on the left, observing the parking lot prior to the ride start. Andrew, ride leader (front, 3rd from left) for next Saturday's brutal Sugar Grove Roving Ride, announced in honor of Nathan's (2nd from left) September departure, he would host a post-ride going away party next Saturday. Sounded like clothing was optional. What a great route with seven named climbs, Starr Route, 374/Conkles Hollow, Chapel Ridge, Airport Road, Mine Hollow, Lime Bank and Union Furnace/Moore Road. Of course, those were not the only climbs, just the ones on which suffering was rampant. Seems like the climb out of Zaleski should have made the list too. After Thursday's effort, I spent most of the ride dropping back in the ranks trying to find someone with whom the pace would be agreeable. I had to go a long way.
I rode with Marty long enough for him to point out a group of turkeys to the side, then dropped back to a group headed by Nathan, but not for long, then back to Mitch and Flyin Tuna but still too intense, back to other groups, some riding motorized wheel chairs and scooters and finally latched on to Poobah and soon Amanda, Mike M, Franz and others. Poobah had ridden 4 straight days or something like that so he wasn't in much better shape then me. We rolled into this food stop and while each of us carefully passed out a single milk crate on which to sit, Poobah took two, claiming he deserved a throne. He is so suave and smooth, he even managed to convince Amanda to pose on his lap. Around mile 70 of this 74 mile route, my legs stopped feeling so bad and as we reached the parking lot, I decided to keep going and found a legit 8th climb on Vooris Road before running into a mail carrier, discovering I was not where I thought I was and turned around, finishing with 85 miles and 5500' of climbing. I have bad news for some, good news for all. Nathan, one of the most beloved cyclists of the peloton is moving. His many friends will be disappointed with the news but out of this change in life is the dawn of "Cycling Blog West". Yes, not only will you be able to read my irreverent posts but there will be access to Nathan's cycling blog and its irrelevant posts. As you may know, Nathan used to cover for me on occasion when I missed a ride but after I discovered his reports were superior to my own, I had to do the logical thing and stop asking him to cover for me. Nathan has accepted a position at Kaiser Permanente, a health care provider, as the Director of Cloud Services & Utilities. In this capacity, Nathan will be working in the area of San Francisco/Oakland but more importantly, establishing himself within that area's vibrant cycling community and reporting in a similar fashion to what you read here, just better quality. I can only imagine how this experience, riding in the mountains around the Bay, will transform him into a real cyclist who will return and crush us. Nathan will remain in Ohio until late September but he promises that his new mansion with multiple guest rooms overlooking the Pacific, is available year round to those who knew him best. Best known, if not for his cycling strength and endurance, was his strange collection of jerseys, such as the "Cat in the Hat", that very weird neon yellow with multi-colored stripes and who can forget the "Fruit Loops" jersey.
Can't blame you if you declined to show, given how ominous was weather radar. Paul Stock, after receiving a good soaking last week, was particularly interested in all of our forecasts, which ranged from rain being imminent to not arriving until after 9:00pm. Paul listened to the latter, rather than the former and good thing too as the rain held off. Here, Poobah, the dean of cycling somewhere if not anywhere, shows off his "John Travolta Saturday Night Live" imitation of 40 years ago. Later, he claimed he was impersonating Usan Bolt but we all knew better. Tattoo Dude, or Wes, who owns a tattoo shop and other businesses. Strong rider but someone noted there was a spot behind his kneecap that was open for a tat. A good "B" group showed up, led by Nathan, Poobah, David Smith, Mark R, Cindy, Ron, 3 OSU jerseyed guys, Peggy, Katherine, Farmer Mike & others. Here, Mark R appears unhappy that Killer Karen did not come along so he could take it easy on the tandem. Ron, in the foreground while Flyin Tuna and her peeps in the background. It's a vibrant scene in New Albany and by far my favorite parking lot scene. What happens out on the road usually makes it my least favorite ride, Dave C glances at his computer while others prepare to get going. Shannon, who may be suffering from first year ride leader fatigue, as he is sending out routes via email later than normal and arriving at the parking lot later than normal. Been there done that but hang in there. You're doing a fantastic job and there's only a few weeks to go. So, about 19 roll out with the A group, Dave C, Muscle Dude, Billy C, Paul Stock, Steve O, Shannon, Gus Cook, Chris G, Pete C, Kyle Wingler (just back from a trip to Alaska),, Mick, Claude, Retro George, Colnago Ron, Wes & a few others. The first several miles were punctuated by missed turns and signed intersections so even though the wind was mostly favorable or a cross wind, it was hard to get the "Big Mo" going, which of course was fine by me! In fact, at one point we turned on to a road that was gravel but no worries, turned around, headed east and got onto Clover Valley. The fits and starts impacted our average but still, by the time we rolled into Hartford at roughly mile 17, our average was 24.5. Pretty much everyone was still in the hunt, including George who was incredulous that I was still there.
We shot out Benington Chapel, hung a right on Clouse Willison and then a left on Appleton. There were some rollers in there that eventually took George out of the action and exposed some weakness by a couple of others yet the group rolled on and most of the original 19 were still there. Of course, I knew the "DECIDER" was yet to come, the dreaded Stone Quarry. We drove on, as Appleton Road turned into Louden and finally, reached the Quarry Road. I had already decided that, now at mile 28 it had been a good evening and the Grim Reaper was hovering over me to cut me out of the group. We turned and hit the first hill and I'll be damned, I hung in with the lead group but there was Billy and Muscle Dude battling for KOM points which Billy won. Several guys were shelled on this climb, but I clung to Muscle Dude's wheel, preparing for the next climb and....I'll be damned, hung on through that and the ensuing climbs and reached Northridge with the blind squirrel still there (you know, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile). I was stunned to still be in elite company but probably the perfect storm had gathered to enable it, head winds on the return to keep the front guys in check, Patrick, Marty and Jon were not there to add power to the front rotation, frequent stops on the outbound leg of the route, you know, I'm not as dumb as I look. However, I began to think the implausible; I may just hang on to the end! Into Johnstown via Concord, down Caswell, up Caswell, eventually on to Jug but through the "S" curve, we passed a B group while I dropped my chain. I happened to be in the middle of the pack, got the chain back on and caught the tail end so that was lucky too. I was there to the sprint at the end, finishing with a 23.7 average, 47 miles and 1175'' of climbing. The front B group, apparently led by Poobah, finished with a 22mph avg. Good route for COP's roving ride out of Logan, with lots of hills over to and back from Lake Hope. Also, have some bad news for some, good news for most to report, coming soon about one of our most beloved cyclists leaving Ohio. An early arrival at the Tuesday Canal ride, Kayla Starr, sporting fashionable Brighton sunglasses. My knowledge of fashion has expanded exponentially this year, now adding Brighton to the DG brand I learned of earlier. Decent turnout of around 35 for tonight's interesting route that included the climb on Becks Knob. Actually, the turnout for the A group remains kind of putrid and ever since the sacking they endured at the hands of the New Albanyers, it's been kind of a dispirited bunch. Kind of like farmers left in the wake of Sherman's March to the Sea scorched earth policy towards the end of the Civil War. Most weeks, a single rider is sent down from New Albany, Billy C last week, Muscle Dude this week, to just check in and see if it's worth bringing the entire gang back but alas, the farmers have not put in a new crop and no reason for Sherman's bunch to come back enmass. Maybe next year. Tonight, it was Steve O, Scott Boss, Paul Stock, Craig Rice, Mark C, Kayla and a few others who shoved off with the A's, about 9-10 cyclists. Meantime, the B group is huge and comprised of a bunch of guys (and gal) that is boisterous and fun-loving. As I'm riding both weekend days, I enjoy slotting in with this group and fighting Poobah for a position behind the Rossi tandem just kind of recovering. Except, Karen was not feeling up to pushing Mark around so only Mark showed up on his regular road bike. With him was Mike Murphy, Kevin H, dude above in yellow jersey, Corvair, Nathan, Dean, Kevin Kramer, Ryan Roe, David Smith, later Jeff S joined us and others totaling over 20 riders. Poobah took the spot reserved for the ride leader, which happens to be the only shaded spot in the parking lot. Upon his return from a warm-up ride, he found a banana peel on his door as a reward for his crass behavior. Next time, we plan on smearing Chamois butter on his door handles and windshield wipers.
Kind of a rolling route that took us over to the aforementioned climb, kind of a steep opening ramp, levels off some but still climbing to the summit. Expansive views westward at the top but most people are too pooped to notice. Probably I should not have put us on Lithopolis Road for so long but it was a different way in and I enjoyed the change. Late into the ride we still had around 15 people and had eased up at times to keep a larger group together. Finished with 37 miles and a 20mph average. Kevin Henschel, a Cat 2 type, showed up at the New Albany Thursday group ride a couple of weeks ago as a suitable warm-up for what remained on his race schedule. The Marty's, Jon's, Craig's, Dave's and Shannons of the group worked him over pretty good and prevented him from breaking away (OK, unfamiliarity with the route may have been a minor influence). This weekend, Kevin lined up at the "Smith Dairy Milk Race", a Cat Pro/1/2 event. Drawing upon the experience of mixing it up with the Thursday New Albany gang, here is Kevin in the final break so cool and comfortable that he thought to wave at the photographer before..... ....leaping away on a solo break to finish first by over 2 minutes on his nearest pursuer. Here, Kevin basking in the glow of beating the Pro/1/2 field, if not able to do the same to the New Albanyers. Note Kevin also came in 5th in the State Road Race Championship and 1st among Cat 2 in the Pro/1/2 one week previously. Look forward to seeing him out with the Thursday group again for more remedial work.
UPDATE: Ryan Roe, called me to let me know Crumley is closed between Becks Knob and St. Rt. 22. Therefore, the route will be amended (B route is OK) so that rather than turn left on Westfall, the A group will stay on Rock Mill, onto Sand Hill, left at Amanda Clearport, left at 159, a quick right onto Hamburg, left on Delmont, right on Crumley and then left on Becks Knob, where the original route is reacquired. Please make a note of it!
Yet another great cycling adventure for those brave enough to show. This time, we travel to the steeps of the infamous Becks Knob. A shout out to Grand Poobah who reminded me it had been awhile since we had visited this climb. Clicking here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/truvy57/7761080806/in/photostream/ takes you to a Flickr site showing those who were first across the finish line on Saturday, the first day of Pelotonia. Not surprising, it was Marty Sedluk, Dave Chesrown, Jon Morgan and Pete C, followed soon thereafter by Dustin, Craig Rice, Paul Stock & others.
Clicking here takes you to an image of the Killer Karen Rossi & Mark tandem, likely finishing just behind Marty: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pelotoniaphotography2012/7770389446/in/photostream Thanks to Dennis G for alerting me to these images and Marty's wife for taking the images and putting them on Flickr. Also, Garth Prosser finished 33rd out of a field of 1500+ at last week's Leadville 100. I believe Garth was part of a group that got off the official route, adding 6 miles and no doubt affecting his finish time and place. Seems either someone deliberately altered the course markings that misled some cyclists or the route was poorly marked. Walked out to my car Saturday morning and was greeted with a surprising light rain. During the drive to the ride start, it continued to rain and did so all the way up to the 8:00am start. We've been so spoiled by the ideal, albeit hot, weather that this light amount of rain produced a lot of grumbling about quitting or delaying the ride. Out of the 40+ who were at the start, probably 10 got in their cars and took off either to Bob Evans (Roll folks) for a 1 hour delay or just went home. Listening to Flyin Tuna, our ride leader, caution us about various matters. Actually, after all those rides hosted for decades, in which she produced very crummy quality maps, this time she produced a brilliant map. Large, very readable with queue sheets, I was impressed, as was everyone else. Shocked might be a better description. However, I began to think about this. The difference was so great, almost "unbelievable" it made me a little suspicious. It would be analogous to a Cat 5 racer going off to Italy for a month or two for "vacation" and coming back as a Cat 1. It would be like a D average student moving in to the seat next to a A+ student and suddenly achieving good grades. Engineer Mitch O, a well known mastermind map maker, was at the ride and it suddenly occurred to me that Mitch had made the maps for Cindy! There could be no other explanation for the huge, gargantuan disparity between the new map and the hundreds of crummy ones that had come before it. Anyway, we were glad to have good maps and shoved off. Hard to believe, but about a mile or two from the start, we escaped the rain and the rest of the ride was dry. As we went farther south, we even saw some sun, along with brisk winds. Great route full of hills via Fairmont, Mt Hope, 757, in to Somerset. After a stop to refuel, we shoved off but I hung back with Kenda Janet and Paul and Kevin Kramer. It's always a good idea to spend some time with Kenda Janet, she of the fun personality and knowledge of what is going on in the peloton. Her knowledge is so vast about our group that it makes me wonder if part of her job at Verizon is monitoring our calls as part of some kind of surveillance software. We grimly tackled the hills on Palomino, Pen, Flag Dale and Marietta before cruising into Bremen. Here, a couple of new people watch a horse and buggy pass. I think the guy on the right is Ron, from Dublin. Seemed like good guys and it's always good for newbies to slot in with us. Here, the circle of trust was formed and despite their understandable lack of it in me, didn't mind when I slotted in. So, from Bremen, about 15 of us headed out on the loop that produced a total distance of 80 miles including the two new guys, Mitch, Mark C, Andrew, Flyin Tuna, Nathan, Dean, Kevin H, Retro George, Tri Andrew, Jeff S & others. Eventually, we reached Thornport where we took our 3rd break. Tuna asked me to take her picture so I did, of her stalking toward me to grab my camera out of my hands. I was able to put it away before it got in her clutches. Wow, amazing what a 100 mile, 10,000' ride the week before does to ones endurance. I was still feeling good at the end of this 80 mile ride and enjoyed the pace that kept most of us together. Well, looking at creating a route for Tuesday that includes the great Becks Knob climb, one I don't think we've been on for a long time.
|
Categories
All
Archives
November 2023
|