Best image of the northern lights I have seen with the "OHIO" signal. Oh, so Sunday was a break from the rain and a beautiful day it was as I rode past the Hoover Reservoir. Lots of water craft out. I only got in 21 miles because Monday was going to be a glorious day so that afternoon..... ....I entered my son's creek and began cutting the trees and branches that have accumulated. I love using a chain saw! My only misstep was many years ago when the saw sliced through a pant leg but fortunately, my leg was to the side. Lots more to cut but enough pieces have accumulated that we'll get a good fire going and dispose of the wood before I cut more. On Monday, I put in a good, 55 mile ride, having a gentle tailwind going out and then a freshening head wind coming back. Good workout. Of course, two straight days of good weather just has to be followed with rain and so it did. I took my bike to Rick Miller's again for new brake hoods and enjoyed the drive to Utica. It appears the fields are about ready for the season's first cutting.
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My mother passed away last year at 103. As executor, my last act was disposing of her 2022 Buick Century, having only 54,000 miles.. I was surprised of the demand once I put it on Craig's List. Sure, the scammers came first (do you accept cryptocurrency and I'm a poor student at Denison U will you accept half price?) but it sold in one day for $4000. Amy keeps me updated on the comings and goings in southern AZ, including pics of Jack. Last week, this field was being disced and a week later, green shoots are emerging. Growing conditions were ideal during the week. Other fields yet to be plowed or maybe laying fallow for this season. That's all folks. Rode Tuesday before the rain, then it rained every day but preparing to go out Sunday morning. It's weird but since I'm in Ohio, I expect this weather so don't get too annoyed.
While mowing the trails, I pause, confronted by a thick patch of beautiful wildflowers. Nothing to do but keep mowing. Sunday morning, I went on a 50 mile ride to Utica. Fantastic roads including Reynolds and later, that steep portion, ugh. I made a loop out of the route so departed Utica via Homer Road and worked my way west and then south. Hardly any traffic and than, hustled to Newark so I could watch.... ....the finals of a soccer tournament in which Anthony was playing. They won, it was thrilling to be there as.... ....he had 3 goals! As an 8 year old in an under 11 league, that's pretty good. Tuesday arrived and with the evening forecast looking iffy, I did a 40 mile loop. Dang, it is so green. I definitely miss the mountain views of southern AZ but this isn't a bad alternative.
Near the intersection of Watkins and old 161, a home having signage that says "Pelican" has this odd arrangement of bottles in their front yard. My beloved "BH" bike needed a tune-up, perhaps its efficiency could be enhanced??? So I visited Rick Miller's shop and had a great time getting caught up. Among other things, he installed a new chain. When telling that to someone later, they asked if it was an "echain", lol. I wish. I typically arrive about 30 minutes prior to the ride so I can be the parking lot gadfly. Here rolls in Soka! Whoa, I was unaware of teammate Frank's alarming experience when they were in AZ for a training camp. Remarkable he survived the cardiac event. Larry P and his new bike. I stated it was orange and he claimed it's not. Paul Djupe made an appearance too for the first time this season. It's been great to see people I have not seen for 5 years but some notable absences too. Maybe more "old timers" will come out. Around 55 people came out which seemed low considering the near perfect weather. The Rivet group seems a mere shadow of its former greatness, in quantity if not quality. One Riveter, Ken Buddell, rode with the A group as this was his 3rd ride of the day, compiling 167 miles and 10k climbing following the completion of tonights ride....wow! Mike Weber looks back as we regroup after the Alward Road climb. A friend observed, I didn't lose my cycling fitness overnight and I'm not going to regain it overnight either. I think I have made minor, incremental gains but I'm still one of the last ones to join the regroups. It was an interesting route of 35 miles which included dismounting at a bridge to lift our bikes over a chain, walk a few feet and again, lift bike over chain and continue on. We continued on the counterclockwise route, reaching the long climb on Jersey Mill Road. I was ok...almost to the top...slid back a bit...clung to the tail of the group while reaching the regroup point. There, Amanda Orr on the left talking to Andres. Amanda lost 15 pounds and coupled with lots of miles on the bike, is riding very well. Finished the 35 miles with a 19.1 average.
All is right in our cycling world as Kristie, aka Cookie Lady has returned to the peloton having labored to make and offer us post ride treats. Morning rain gave way to scattered clouds by the time about 40 of us gathered for our "conversational paced" B ride. Sure, lol, sure, quite the conversation one can have when the group average is 20+mph. Not complaining at all as it is the good workout I need. Soooo, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that all the effort required by me to stay with the group for the first half of the ride, can't be sustained yet for 2+ hours. Therefore, as we entered Granville, I took a hard pass on the Jones Road climb and waited for the gang to emerge from that. They began filtering in and all took a break with me. Then we sped out of Granville, cutting through the middle school, onto Raccoon Valley Road for the entrance into.... ....Alexandria. I was good to this point in the return but was aware that the long slog up Jug Street was coming soon. I was somewhat less than brimming with confidence that I would hang and.... ....I was not to be disappointed in my expectation but of course, disappointed nonetheless. As we approached New Albany, the sun nearly blinding us, I realized I had a shot at posting an average speed above 20 and so I did, at 20.2 for my 36 miles. It's been a very long time since I topped that number and at a conversational pace too, ha, ha. Sure enough, Kristie threw open her trunk and we dove in. To be clear, these are not run of the mill snickerddoodles but bakery quality treats. Love these evening rides!
My enjoyable cleanup in the woods continues with still more dead ash trees to cut. Even given 6 months, I don't think I'll finish this project, this year. Partly of course cause I'm spending time with the 3 grandsons. I took for granted that I would win a chess match with Ben and almost lost. Then Anthony, above, beat me at badminton. I may have missed a shot or two on purpose but he was thrilled with the outcome. I checked out Highbanks Metro Park and that has a good system of trails. Then, my son asked me to look at the creek behind his house. He wants all this cleared, which doesn't look too difficult but looking the other way.... ....yikes! One of my stated reasons for coming back to Ohio was to help with projects and this is a biggie. Looks like fun so I said I'd take care of it. Beautiful sunrise on Sunday where I.... ...headed south for a 41 mile ride to Baltimore. The farmers were out in force on this day, the fields finally dry. Also out in force were winds, gusting over 35mph, from the south. It was a good workout, forcing me to pedal all 20 miles south. Maybe, just maybe I'll experience some minor, incremental gain in fitness. And so, on to the Tuesday group ride!
I got in a short ride on Wednesday, which included a stop to check out the progress of a bridge replacement project, west of Granville. Hard to say how much longer it will take and all the workers were on their lunch break. The crabapples, redbuds and other flowering trees have been spectacular this spring. And than, Thursday arrives and.... ....I run into old cycling buddy, Dirty Dan. Typical, he mocks me, good naturally of course, for getting dropped from last week's B group. I assured him it won't be the last but I'll round back into mediocre form eventually and be able to hang. Dan reminded me of a small camera I used to carry so I could take pics during our rides. With my iPhone, it's too awkward for me to pull out and use and besides, I'm always chasing to hang with the group so no time for pics anyway. The start temp was 60 degrees for this evenings romp toward Granville. A smaller group than last week's 65, maybe only 50-55. Don N once again gave an inspired pre ride speech. He should enter politics that guy, so gifted is he with talking! OK, so most of you probably visit my silly blog to see if you can see yourself in the group pics so with that out of the way, on to the action report..... The Rivets took off, then the A group, then the B's were split into two groups so I left with the first. I titled tonight's ride on Strava as "Riding in with the Broom Wagon" so you know where I'm going with this. I was in good shape until I wasn't! I think I fell back on Battee Road but regrouped, than I was hopeless on the Lobdell Rd climb but regrouped, than as I reached the group I stated, "I'm spewing hydraulic fluid" and someone actually looked for it, ha, ha. We got on Jug and I was ok to 310 but then fell back...my endurance sucks, although I wasn't the first to drop back so there! Improvement being made. I and 3 others were strung out but Don N dropped back to form our Broom Wagon and escorted us in as the sun was setting. Finished with 35 miles, 18.8 average and 1400' of climbing. Meantime.... ....check the forecast! Finally.
Hey gang! Sorry, had internet issues so late with this report. My day began, starting a small fire than soon a raging fire so I could drag more brush onto it and begone!!! Awful, briers and thorny bushes. I've managed to tug and yank on them without slashing my face so that's good. And then...on to the Thursday Cycling Club group ride. Beautiful evening as 65+ show up for a 32 mile ride to the east...well, always to the east cause to the west is Columbus. I've been pretty good about remembering names although I did refer to "Jonathon" as "Carlos" but that's been my only mistake...so far. We line up to hear.... ...Don give the pre ride instructions. Don does a good job, not quite as good as when I assumed the role but almost, lol. Don said some nonsense about everybody taking 1-2 pulls to which I replied, "Not all of us our that ambitious." Ha, ha and so I wasn't, securing my spot, drafting. The Rivet group was called to exit. Oh, I remember the days when I too....ok, not ever but I was the person responsible for coming up with the group name of "Rivet". There was a time when several would show up and just destroy the "A" group so I formed a new, faster group and it has lasted. They'll average around 24mph for most of the routes. After the Rivet and A groups departed, I slotted in with the first B group. All went well until about mile 18 when during a descent into Alexandria, I drifted back and then could not catch back on. The group paused at the lone Alexandria light but I didn't quite make it and than got in with Steve and some other guy and we waited at the top of Jersey Mill Road for the 2nd B group. Now that was fun as we breezed out 161 and entering New Albany, my average was 19.6 so that was satisfying. Need to add a bunch more miles each week, if only the weather would cooperate, coupled with being a weather weenie. OK, I'll be far more prompt with the reports, promise.
Granville has a new wine bar! I & 2 children enjoyed a glass of wine as I contemplated my first group ride in OH, in 5 years. You would think, a guy coming from southern AZ would be fit as a fiddle but alas no. For a variety of reasons, I struggled to reach 100 miles each week, usually well short. With absolutely no prodding from me, the ride organizer, Don N, allowed his emotions to get the best of him as he greeted me. Truthfully, it was as if I never left and I throughly enjoyed reconnecting with the gang. There were 43 of us for tonights journey through rural Ohio. Rather than have 3-4 groups, the Tuesday ride has a main "Conversational B" pace group and a C group. This evening, I'd have no conversation during the ride and as one guy tried to talk to me, all I could say was, "I'm too busy being exhausted"! My expectation for my performance wouldn't even register on a highly sensitive Richter scale. But, we headed out "Old 161" and I managed to hang in until we crested the high point, then descended into Alexandria. Hey, much better than I anticipated but then a left turn and the climb on Mounts but heck, I hung in there too. Than a right on Lobbdel and that screaming down hill, on to..... ....the kinda long Battee Road climb where.....I spit the bit. Steve Nelson hung with me so that was nice, even giving encouragement like, "You can't do this!" Nice. The group eventually regrouped at Loudon, just north of Granville. Looking back.... ....I wasn't last but.... ....also, there weren't a whole lot of cyclists still arriving. I dreaded what was to come, ugh, Stone Quarry Road. I didn't even try to keep up, despatched out the back before the climbs began. There I was, utterly alone in the wilderness between New Albany and Granville where it is rumored.... ...packs of wolves roam, looking for wounded antelopes like me but wait!!! What's that ahead???? Good guy Steve Nelson waiting to nurse me along...what a guy! With the hills behind us and some encouragement from others, I stayed with the group, finishing with 36 miles and an 18.6mph average. I was actually kind of encouraged. True, I had to turn myself inside out to stay with the group but given my sad state of fitness, there is no place to go but up, well, hopefully. I visited Easton Towne Center. Wow! Very impressed with the selection of restaurants and retail, including this train feature. With that, obviously the Tuesday ride is over and now, the famous Thursday ride on the horizon.
The visits to my silly blog have ticked up and I suspect that a is because the Tuesday group ride has come and gone and a few people are anxious to read about it. Meantime, it was new shoe day at the Denison Bio Reserve. It was great to run on soft dirt trails and leap, awkwardly like a wounded antelope, over streams and logs. Also nice not to worry about a rattlesnake, poised to strike behind the logs. A long dear tree, soon to fall over. The trees are massive. Some of the most mature examples of oaks, maples and.... beech. Got in 4.5 miles on this Sunday before.... ....watching a soccer game, so crowded I had to sit in the second row, lol. Then.... ....to Anthony's to play with him in the backyard. Then out to dinner with family. It's early being a snow bird but so far, all is going exactly as hoped and planned. And now, on to the group ride report.
That for which I returned to Ohio was a big part of my first day in Ohio. Anthony is thrilled I am staying longer than a week. He dearly wants to be a goalie but being 8 in an "Under 11" league means he's too small. But, he is undeterred and so I was required to kick ball after ball so he could practice. And than the woods. I will finally bring order to the 3 acres and cleared brush and briers for several hours. And the projects to relieve the work load of my son-in-law and son. On the second day, I began splitting these pieces of cherry. Alas, those in the front row are ginormous and I'll have to use the wood splitter. A follower of thee blog asked if I would start posting ride opportunities here as I once did and of course! The infamous ride reports as well!!!
The Catalinas received a bunch of snow after precipitation marred my final 2 days in Tucson. I enter NM and approach the Organ Mountains. Actually hiked there once. A rest stop had this unusual statue. I pass White Sands. I was following the system that came through AZ and the scenery was amazing. More snow capped peaks in NM. So far, I had threaded the needle and avoided the rain, which was good considering I had 2 bikes on the back of my SUV. Now this is annoying! Trucks occupying all three lanes. Day 3 and going through St. Louis with the Arch. I broke the drive into 4 days and so.... ....I enter Ohio! Good to be back. It did seem a little unfair that after enduring one of the most inclement winters in southern AZ, my first 7 days here would have vast quantities of moisture fall from the heavens. Oh well.
When I announced to friends I was about to become a grandfather, they said, "Ohhh, you won't want to return to AZ." I did and was glad to but then.....during a visit last spring, I had a great time with grandson Anthony but upon returning to AZ, the separation ate at me. A visit last fall, in which the other two grandsons, Chris & Ben had also transitioned from babies into boys, really impacted me after I returned to AZ. Having great memories of my grandfather coupled with the certainty that if I continued to live my life as I was, in 10 years, I'd be filled with deep regret. Something had to change. I had to become part of their lives. Having a super active guy like me as a grandfather would be great for them. But also, the outdoor active part of me, which is a huge part of me, was not being fulfilled. It's no ones fault but my own. I'd ride some mornings and then other than grocery runs, pulling weeds, routine maintenance....really blah. So..... ....we received two days of rain, a real bummer for my final two days in AZ. Than, 4 days in my SUV.... ....as I..... ....drove from AZ to Ohio, fulfilling my dream of becoming a snow bird. I'd always envied people who enjoyed the best of two climates and now, so too will I. I am over the moon with excitement about working in the 3 acres of woods, reintegrating into the very vibrant, central OH cycling scene, enjoying the grandsons, helping my son and son-in-law with their projects (as you read this, I've already begun splitting a huge pile of wood), spending time with my 3 children and yeah, probably by September, I'll be just as anxious to return to southern AZ.
I took a short ride around the east side, pausing here to see snow covered Mount Lemmon peeking through the notch between Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge. I got in a 40 mile route, again pausing for Mount Wrightson. Beautiful, warm morning before.... ....gathering the family and driving up Mount Lemmon to Ski Valley. Got to love having the ability to ride in the 70's and an hour later, in the snow. We stopped at the Iron Door restaurant for a glass of wine, chili and cornbread. We stopped at a few overlooks, including one providing views of another peak, this time Mount Graham. At Seven Cataracts vista, a couple took our pic. I got in another ride, my 3rd day in a row. This time with the Cactus Club where we contemplated crossing this wash. It looked rather easy but the sand caught most, who than had to dip a foot into the cold water. Stephanie and Anthony departed on Friday so Anthony could make a Saturday soccer game, the first of the season. Then, Olivia and I had dinner at Westin LaPaloma, sitting on the patio, watching the sun set on the mountains. Great Visit.
We drove about an hour to the southeast to visit Tombstone. A cold (52 degrees) and very windy visit. We walked the streets and frequently dove into shops to warm up. My daughters and grandson wanted to watch the "Gunfight at the OK Corral" so while they did that.... ...I visited "Big Nose Katy Saloon" and had lunch. A couple from WI sat next to me and stated their winter has been the mildest in 140 years. Rain arrived and created great views.... ....all around. We had a fun time playing putt-putt golf where.... ...Anthony did all he could to distract me.
My "BH" brand bike is still going strong, even if the rider is something less than that. I'd like to get a new bike but the bike shop tells me it's in great shape. I got in a 40 mile ride in Oro Valley and as always, am mesmerized by the western side of the Catalinas. This is different. A pack of 4 coyotes feasting on a dead (of course) javelina. The javelina was pretty large so I think it was hit by a car and the coyotes took advantage of it. The wash at Wentworth Road, not yet able to ride or walk across. Maybe in a day or two but, look at that forecast!! Going to be awhile I guess. Two daughters and grandson Anthony arrive for a week. We spent some time at a local soccer field so Anthony could demonstrate his skills. He's 8 and will play in an under 11 league. He's quite good and very fast. That evening.... ....we went to the Barnyard restaurant which has a broad outdoor area where children burn off steam as their parents sit at tables, eating and drinking. And next day, rain arrived. Check out how lush things look. By June, all this grass and other plants will be tinder for a fire. Hope that doesn't happen although I'm super happy I won't be here to witness. More on my plans coming very soon.
Jack typically stands on the shore to watch the ducks during our morning walk but for some reason, he waded in today. I have a bag full of golf clubs. One of the drivers I designed and developed on the left, my first driver mid right, my grandfather's driver, etc... Would be hard to party with any of these sentimental favorites. And yet another system sweeps out of southern CA, bringing wind, cool temps and rain. Every week, it's rinse and repeat with these systems. Was talking to a guy from WI and he said they are having their mildest winter in 140 years! I got in a short hike and waited a day and finally..... ....the skies cleared and warmth prevailed. I've ridden exactly 3 times since the start of January where I required nothing more than shorts and a jersey. Got to be a record low. We climbed to the parking lot at Colossal Cave during our 40 mile ride. I was with the group as we approached "Rocking K Market". I enjoy sitting on the patio so left the group and sat for a few minutes. I was struck by the long cloud to the west so took a pic. OK so the cooler than normal temps does give good reason to start a fire outside. Being outside is always better than being inside, no matter the activity.
Now that Redington Road has been repaved, it's fun to ride the rollers to the base of the climb. From there, it's 0.4 to the end of the pavement having an average grade of 7.5%. I ended the day with 18 miles, saving myself for a longer ride the next day. The runoff has again reached Tanque Verde Loop Road. The city was doing a fine job cleaning the sand when.... ....it left the pavement and promptly sank. The machine thrashed about wildly to improve its situation but was unable to do so, it stuck, like so many vehicles at this wash. Across the wash, someone had killed some time and erected a teepee. Been a long time but I headed for Painted Cave Road. It takes one over the Tucson Mountains but the road has no berm and very busy so I rarely come this way. I rest at a gas station and contemplate replacing my laced cycling shoes with SIDI or something similar. The laces are a pain and I miss the simplicity of the closure system of other shoes. I recross the mountains at Gates Pass. It's newly paved on both sides of the mountain. I've been climbing for about 12 miles and am glad when I reach the top and a nice down hill thereafter. Finish with 51 miles and. 2600' of climbing. I need to work in more steep climbing cause I'm headed to Ohio for an extended stay. More on that soon.
With two children and a grandson visiting soon, I wanted to refresh my memory on how to navigate up canyon to the 80' falls. I thought the 8 year old would enjoy this adventure. Lots of people were enjoying the sun and water as I descend off Redington Road. A healthy flow of water greets me. I actually thought to bring water shoes with me so slip them on and stuff my hiking shoes and socks in my pack. Every visit, I'm struck by how huge is the bolder on the left side. I have to cross the water several times to reach this point so glad I brought the alternative shoes. Check out the falls, upper left in image. At this point, I had to cross the water yet again but now, the water was waist deep and flowing strongly. I've never hiking wearing these water shoes and was unsure of the quality of the traction. Plus, my feet bottoms were getting round by the constant presence of pebbles and sand. I look wistfully at the opposite bank but decide, I probably should come back in a few days when the water flow diminishes. Disappointing but fun, nonetheless.
One more systems sweeps out of Southern California and deposits about 1/2" of rain on us as I visit Sabino Canyon for a hike. So grateful that I have hiking as an alternative to cycling on days I deem unfit for riding (although there are plenty of cyclists out during my drive). The clouds are just beginning to break up. I pass the dam on Sabino Canyon Creek as I push up canyon.... ....looking for a place to cross. All those boulders but none placed strategically close together to allow me to hop across. I decide not to remove my shoes and socks so reverse course... ...heading back to the parking lot. Finished with 4 miles. The next day.... ....I drive to a nearby wash to check if water is flowing and sure enough, it is. As I'm standing, chatting with a couple who live on this road..... ....a guy on a gravel bike pushes through but alas, once his tires reached the thicker sand, he had to dismount and walk the rest of the way.
The bike touring companies can be found, most days, in front of La Buzz, getting ready to send their guests up Mount Lemmon. On this day, I drove to Oro Valley and headed to Saddlebrook. Love the mountains! Skiers are still finding enough snow on the north facing slope of Ski Valley, to make their runs.
Some one got a haircut! I frequently include Woodland Road on my routes. Many horse farms and with the winter rains, the grass is green. I paused at this fence and these two came over to investigate. And than.... ....we received more rain along with mountain snow. Driving to Oro Valley, the setting sun created a beautiful view of the western Catalinas as we... ....sat on the patio of Harvest Restaurant for dinner.
A day off the bike but still wanted to do something active so I drove out Redington Road, passed the trail that takes one to Lower Tanque Verde Falls and parked close to another trail bound for the Upper Falls. The signage is pretty serious, including warnings for clothing optional. I descend into the canyon and face the usual very fun bouldering challenges as I go up canyon. There is still a nice flow of water so I may have some difficulty crossing where I need to cross. Whoa! Impressive cairn. And there you have it, a warning about what is ahead. The upper falls and a gorgeous location. There is a 20' climb up a wall on the right side that I managed to ascend and then, with head firmly looking forward.... ....walked through the nudist beach. OK, sure I shot a few, very quick, sideways glances. One woman had a "nice tan" the others, put your clothes back on. lol. The next day, I showed up for a 50 mile group ride of 25 people. As I sat in my SUV, applying sunscreen, I watched a cyclist emerge from a truck driven by her husband, wearing a mask. She kept the mask on as she busied herself preparing. Once ready to join the group for the pre-ride announcements, she removed the mask. Kept it off during the ride, during regroups, during a rest stop at a gas station, etc... Covid broke some people. It's sad to witness.
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