A small change to our normal routine.  We are splitting the B group into two groups.  The B group is getting rather large and the range in fitness is rather large too.  We have tried this previously and practically everyone goes out with the first B group but do a self evaluation, gauge how much you really want to suffer before you choose.  Both B groups will still regroup where appropriate and we will leave it to each group to decide where those regroup points will be, as usual.  Now for the A group.  There will be 2-3 desiginated regroup points announced prior to the ride.  A couple of mean looking A cyclists will be asked to be the enforcers of the regroups.  I am thinking of Paul Djupe and Paul Stock as everyone else appears too gentle (ha, ha, just kidding). If you object to the concept of regrouping during a group ride, there is always the Rivet group for you. Now about those Riveters who are dropping back into the A group.  I receive more complaints about this then any other issue.  If you are taking a pull and you notice the person to your right or left is no longer there...maybe that is a clue you are riding too fast for the group?  Or, how about this, someone asks you to ease up a bit and you do for a few pedal strokes but then pour on the coal???
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19779755
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19779892
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19779934

The Pilot on the left.  He will be absent for Thursday's ride but promised a call from the cockpit of his 777 to give us a weather update as he makes his way to Tokyo.  Mike M on the right with a new bike on order.  Get this!  Another "BH" will join the peloton.  They are becoming as common as broken asphalt now.

For a one group kind of ride, the turnout was large with 30 of us gathering, including Scott Billman.  Scott is still recovering from his crash of 3 weeks ago but says the pain has gone from excruciating to merely raging.  Larry Graham on the left making his first appearance, Ryan on the right.

6:00pm arrives and so we head out with a fairly strong wind from the northwest.  The pace was pretty sturdy I thought and so we arrived in.....

....Granville with a 23.6 average.  I hung a left on Pearl St, declining the 7 mile loop that included Jones Road and then waited for the group at the end of Welsh Hills.  Theresa, a new Tuesday cyclist who had struggled a little to hang on, waited there too, for about 25 minutes as the group had a flat to fix.  Nothing like hanging on a street corner for 25 minutes to find out a lot about a person.  The group arrived, we headed out together but then Peggy had a mechanical.  I yelled for the group to hold up, some heard, the same ignored so only Steve Nelson and me circled back to assist.  Turns out the battery for her Di2 had lost some power so the shifting was limited.  We made it back albeit the average took a hit, finishing with 19.5.

Drama, just on the other side of the truck.  So much so that Kenda Janet had to walk to this side and take a seat.  A cyclist, seeking shade, backed his car out to the left of the Kenda SUV to reposition between the truck and the Kenda vehicle.  What should have been a quick and simple maneuver took quite a while of engine gunning and exhaust spewing into Kenda Paul's space. Some words were said, temper's flared and then the unknown cyclist said, "My car is more expensive than your car!"  Wow, take that! 

Large group of Westerville cyclists arrived for the 62 mile route, including Dennis on the right, outfit perfectly matching his bike.  He got away with our group of around 10 and hung in there for the duration.

We gather to hear the pre-ride announcements.  Meantime, Steve Nelson and Jay P are in front of Starbucks attracting a good group too, who wanted a ride that would prove to be a little more spirited.

Off we go and as previously said, we got away with 10, including Larry & Lisa, Kenda Janet & Paul, Jeff S, Ted M, Dennis, Joe, etc...

After going north and east for awhile, we get on to Chattam Road and head toward Dry Creek road and.....

....the Lazy River campground, my first visit to the place.  Well stocked market too.  Above, Lisa A compliments cyclists a few years younger then us.  At mile 46, we enter Granville for a 2nd stop but Larry is a bit antzy to leave and later that evening, while celebrating Lisa's birthday we discover why as.....

...after the ride, they are finally married!  How about that?!?

This is one option for Saturday with multiple distance options, the longest only 70.  You could always add miles and include more hills of course.
https://www.tourdecause.org/

The Westerville bike club has a ride at 8:00am from the usual spot in New Albany, going through Granville during a 62 mile route.  The route they will follow is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28031639. All are welcome.  There may be another ride from New Albany and if so, I will post it later.

The visitors to the Farmer's Market took up a bunch of parking spaces so it caused some to miss out on their traditional spots.  It was bewildering for a few who don't like change.

How about that!  Two weeks after crashing on the sketchy descent of Welsh Hills, Scott Billman was back out albeit in some pain.  The recovery continues.

Sokha crashed, in the parking lot!  His foot slipped out of a pedal and down he went.

Brothers from another mother, Andrew C and Decent Dan. You don't see orange jerseys very often.

The shady spot was a busy place as the good weather brought out a huge group, I counted at least 70.  The Rivet group is kind of small, Marty is in Montana, Doug and French Climbing Machine in France, others lacking their usual fitness so slumming with the A group, etc...

So, at 6pm, out the Riveters went to begin their speedy journey around the 50 mile route, finishing with a 23.7 mph average.  Yikes. No wonder the A group has become the destination for so many as.....

....we had 25-26 roll out including Terry Griffith(?) and Gus Cook, just back from riding around France.  I hung in there until mile 20 when the A group went left and I went straight on Canyon Road.  My average to that point, with the head wind, was 21.8.

Reaching the top of Canyon, I stopped and waited but soon, the lead elements of the B group arrived, having also gone straight at Canyon Road and there in the distance, is the A group coming off the additional loop.  Left to right, Steve N, Jay P, Chris I and Kevin.  I stashed my camera and caught up....

....at the bottom of the road.  Above, Jon, Alex, Mike M riding his gravel bike and Axel. Looking closely, you can see a group headed west on Blacks Road.  That is the A group.  Rumblings, rumblings about the conduct of that group.  Rivets pushing the pace beyond a typical A pace, lack of regroups, some people frazzled by the increased pace and making things dangerous. Come on people, keep it fun for everyone!

The large B group, of which I was now a part and glad to be so, pause at the #37 crossing.  We head up the debilitating climb of Blacks road, make a right on York, cross #16 and discover....

....Peggy Cook is not with us so here, Kristie texts and calls but after a couple of minutes, Peggy appears, not yet recovered from riding up the Alpe.  Rather than everyone wait, a group gets going and we finish our 47 mile route.  With my blending of the A and B group, I finish with a 20.6 average.  The A group finished with a 21.5 average.  Saturday ride option coming soon.

A shocker!!!  Weather looks fantastic for our Thursday evening Cycling Club ride.  See you at some point prior to the 6:00pm roll-out.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19222885
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19222950
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19222970

Aaron C is one of the first to arrive and committed to ride.  He thinks the mass bearing down on us from the northwest will move through and we can ride.

Jeff S is noncommittal as he has the side door open but otherwise, playing it safe while monitoring radar. 

Seldom seen Keith Berend rolls in so now we number 4.

Then Sokha arrives, promptly places his mat on the ground to keep his socks clean and prepares.

Then.....the guy who flies 747's back and forth between here and Tokyo every week, Steve Nelson, aka "The Pilot" arrives.  This aviation whiz has access to weather forecasting systems about which we ordinary folk can only speculate.  He is adamant, it is going to storm the likes of which we have never seen. Well, that did it for me and I decide not to ride.

Larry P merely laughs.  Well ok, let's see who was correct as....

....the group rolls out.  They were.  Damn it!!!

Geez.  The Duncan's Run Patch ride has become very popular.  Last year, arriving at about the same time I parked in the middle of the field.  This year I am in the final row.  Not sure where the overflow parking went but organizers said they had 350 paid attendees.

In the miles my car shared the road with cyclists during my drive in, I passed many dozens who had already begun their departure. Word had gotten out that a group of us would depart at 8:00am.  Above, left to right, is Jon, Deniece, Kim and David.  Hmmmm, wearing identical glasses the last 3.  Having forgotten my glasses in AZ, I bought a new pair from Veloscience, S-Phyres. Kind of sharp if I do say so myself.  If only they made me go faster.

More of us gather, eventually totaling 25.  Above, Mike W. Milt, Andy, Kristie, Kirby, etc...  The Kendas were to join us but they were a little late getting organized and I could not hold back the train so off we went.

Jay P and Steve Nelson were up front early but so too was Meredith who took 3 monstrous pulls.  By mile 5ish, I too had taken 2 really quick pulls and as a glided to my rightful place in the rear, I noticed several who had been conspicuous by their absence.....Marty of all people.  He made up for it later when it was needed the most.

We immediately began to over take the many who had started early.  We were required to shout attention that we were passing on the left, calling out traffic to the front and to the rear and things got a little chaotic for me so at mile 25......

....racked by a guilty conscience for abandoning my Kenda buddies, I stopped and waited, well waited some more.  People with baskets on their bikes were passing, 300 pound cyclists began to pass and I lost count of how many times I was asked if I was ok.  At last I hooked up with them and we pressed ahead into a rather strong head wind but what a beautiful day for a ride.

At mile 47, we stopped at the Branstool Fruit Farm in Utica and were soon joined by Ted Miesky, Dave & Cathy Levy and others in their group.  The store was open for us but closed to the general public.  I asked why and was told you have to have product to sell in order to be open!  Who knew?  The peaches will be ready soon.

We now headed west and the tail wind was welcome.  Corn seems to be doing well and check out that blue sky!  Finished with 78 miles and an 18.2 average.  Those who hung with the group finished with an average in the upper 19's.

The Duncan's Run Patch Ride at John Beltz Retreat • 4834 Harlem Road Galena, OH  43021, starting at 8:00am.  While there are a variety of routes, this is the one most will do: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27986149  I understand Marty, Don Novel & gang, Kenda Janet & many others (me) will be there.
More information can be found here and note there is a $25 cost to attend: https://www.active.com/galena-oh/cycling/races/duncan-s-run-bicycle-patch-ride-2018

 The famous RockyRoad Ride following this route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27899832 with a start at Pickaway County YMCA at 8:00am.  Information: This is a rural ride featuring farm country in Pickaway and Ross Counties, and the unglaciated forests of Tar Hollow. Then of course, ascending Rocky Road in Great Seal State Park. Tar Hollow has a country store in the park for snacks and drinks about 22 miles into the ride, but there are no other places to stop until Kingston at mile 60 for the 70 mile option (mile 40 for the 50 route - this is the only stop for the 50!) so plan to carry extra food and drink.  ​

Ron prepares and later, decided to go out with the A group where he soloed off the front a couple of times.  I think the Riveters have a pact where each week, one of them drops to the A group to push us beyond our max:)

Decent Dan on the right with Mark V.  Dan participated in the "Vermont Gran Fondo" last Saturday.  The route included what is believed to be the steepest, one mile paved road in the US.  

Adam O, striking an unusual pose, checks weather radar but we were good to go and go we went and stayed as dry as one could given the humidity.  No rain! Oh and Scott Billman crashed last week and several wanted to know how he is doing.  Went to ER to have a rock removed that was lodged under his skin.  A pinched sciatic nerve in his back is causing a lot of pain, along with a bruise on his hip.  Worse yet, he had to watch us exit the parking lot from his condo across from Starbucks, wishing he was able to join.

Not much use for the lone shady spot for tonight's gathering.  To the south, a cell was passing and fortunately, stayed to the south. Paul D in the center, alerted me that a state of lawlessness had begun to creep into the peloton.  Bringing order is way above my pay grade but I will alert the authorities and see what can be done.

Kristie with treats was there and so too more people then I thought would come given the threatening radar and humidity.  Someone asked if I was ready to learn how to sweat again.  Gawd, it was like wearing a heavy blanket.  

I beckoned the Riveters, who were in their own clique to come over and they did.  I did not think to count but probably 40-50 cyclists as last minute checks of radar indicated it was dissipating as threatening looking stuff rolled in from the west.  Off the Riveters went and then I went out with the A group along with.....

Ryan in white/red, Danny A, Decent Dan, Paul Djupe, Paul Stock, Hector, Kristian, Andrew K, Andrew Clayton, Mick, etc... and.....a stranger, on the left, about whom people were talking, post ride.  Turns out she is from Granville, I thinking living in IL, Allison Schroeder.  Lori Nedescu knows her and approves.

I hung with the A group to Stone Quarry but wanted to spend time with the B group and avoid getting dropped later in the long route.  I stopped, along with Mike Weber and waited but not for long as they came streaming down the hill. Kristie, Jon W, John, Don N, Chris I

Jay P, who rarely sweats was even sweating or perspiring.  The A group had made a left here at Louden but we went right.  Descending into Granville on a road that ought to be converted into gravel so bad is its condition, the Rivets passed us. They then slowed so drafting Jay and Ron, we caught them and then I bolted around, screaming, "On your left".  Ha, ha.  Passing the Rivets, a classic moment but later, one in our group said they ought to be called the "Duct Tapers".  Allowing a guy of my fitness level to pass does kind of diminish the eliteness of the squad.  All in good fun!

Reaching 661, many of our group was missing so we turned around and discovered that Tim had a flat.  The delay was long enough that rather than take the Jones Road extension, we entered the University and did the Ebaugh Road climb, also bypassing the street fair.  Returned to New Albany with a 20mph average and 43 miles.  The Rivets (Adam, Patrick, Justin, Goeric, Chase, Pete C & others) finished with a 23.1 average.  However, they had to do some back tracking in Granville to rescue a friend so their real average would have been higher.

What better way to ride in the soup, if you must ride in the soup, then to ride with your friends from New Albany, following these routes!  Hope to see you out there.  I have 2 weeks worth of screaming, inventing things about which to scream.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19699702
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19699804
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19699842

I made a last minute decision to join a group hike and so for the 3rd time on this visit, went high to escape the heat.  During the drive, I counted 102 cyclists sharing the road, a surprising quantity given so many are gone until they begin to filter back around November.  Above, there are many piles of debris, to be burned, thus denying a future fire from using it as fuel.

Eleven of us begin our hike from Marshall Gulch.  It rises steeply from the start so no warm-up period.  Amanda on the left with Thomas.  After 1.5 miles, we reach the Marshall Gulch saddle where two of our group turn around.  The balance.....

.....continue the hike, now descending for 2 miles via the Wilderness of Rocks trail which we had picked up at the saddle.  Once the trail levels out, I invited the gang to....

.....go a short distance off trail to this overlook.

Our destination was the Mount Lemmon Pools.  None of us knew exactly where it was but I saw some foot prints near by and poked around in the brush to see if they led to the pools, no luck. We resumed our.....

.....trek.  The name "Wilderness of Rocks" is well named.  Meantime, I continued to....

....occasionally go off trail (see above red lines represent my off trail wandering) but finally find the correct route!  My hiking mates stayed patient throughout and maintained good humor.  At last....

....the pools!  Beautiful location and worth the effort to reach.  There was even a beach.  I climbed.....

....up a level and discovered another set of pools with tadpoles swiming around.  In one place, the water depth was around 10'.

Across the pond, my fellow hikers relax and refuel in the shade.  Four other hikers arrive with dogs, all of which were well behaved although frantic at times as they.....

....were unable to navigate a steep slope to where we enjoyed the water.

The polished surface of the boulders was beautiful.  The wait dragged on a little too long for me so giving in to my impatient side, I headed back.

Lot of pines growing to fill the void left by the Aspen Fire.  Finished with 10.1 miles and 2100' of climbing.  Fun time with a good group of people and I think we will hike together again.  Well gang, I arrive back in Ohio on Tuesday so your break from me is over.  However, this area is magical to me and can't wait to return in October.

What a beautiful bike.  I have heard of this brand, "BH" but understand it is for elite climbers so a good fit for Peggy C. Yeah, Di2 shifting. Waiting on new set of wheels so in the meantime, a current set will work. It was built by Rick Miller and delivered the day before Peggy & Gus head to France.   Great timing.  

While an alternative ride out of New Albany from Philip Heit Center may pop up, I would not count on it.  Quite a bit of interest in doing the Ridge Runner, details at: http://www.outdoor-pursuits.org/Ridge_Runner_Ramble  A group setting a B/B+ pace is departing at 8:00am, following most of this route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27926670 if you want to check out the route.  This is a fee event, click the link above for details.

I drove beyond the village of Summerhaven, past Ski Valley and up to the fence of the Observatory.  I shoved off with 3 liters of fluids and a snack at around 9:30 with a temperature of 61.  I started on the Meadow Trail which has little meadow but perhaps it did when the trail was named?  Following this for .8 of a mile threw me onto.....

.....Mount Lemmon trail. The views are......

.....incredible.  I sometimes just stand, jaw agape, watching.  OK, full disclosure, knowing the route dropped into the valley, I was already anxious about what was surely a steep climb out of that.

A thick grove of ferns where once pine trees grew.  In the distance is Cathedral Rock, another awesome hike.  The trail dropped steadily as I headed for the "Wilderness of Rocks" trail.

While I had not yet reached the aforementioned trail, I think this signals the beginning of the rock wilderness.

Yep, I was in it now!

Thousands of pine trees have become established and are now infringing on the trail in some places.

Note the trail on the right of the image. I am now on the "Wilderness of Rocks" trail and enjoying the rolling nature of it.

Water!  This drains into the Lemmon Pools.  I have visited that neat spot once but walked by the place where one must go off trail, without noticing.  Oh well.

In the valley, the vegetation that borders the drainage is thick and offers a nice alternative to desert hiking. As I neared the "Mount Lemmon Lookout" trail which would give me the return to the trail head, I paused to refuel.  The mountain top loomed above me.  Although I have never been on the trail I was about to hike, I assumed it would be steep and so....

....it was.  Almost 2 miles having an average grade of 15%.

I assumed there would be a Strava segment for the climb so I hit it pretty hard and only paused to take a couple of images.  That rock feature is cool and signaled I was closing on the top. Soon, my stomach began cramping.  Never happened previously and I should have stopped but slowed my pace and once reaching the top and reuniting with the "Mount Lemmon" trail.....

....I sat down, drank a lot of fluids and quickly felt a lot better. Good but difficult hike, in cool temperatures while finishing with 9.5 miles and 2500' of climbing.

Up at 5:00am and the light is already rising from the east.  On the bike by a little after 6:00am and I head to Saddlebrook, a retirement community to my north.  Above, one of my favorite views as I look to the south.  It is very cool to ride north and have the mountains tower over me to my right.

The air has some dust in it so it partially obscures the long range view. I roll into a gas station and.....

....while sitting and relaxing for a couple of minutes, many golf carts whizz by, a popular mode of transportation by the retirees.  I head back and take.....

....another last look and head home.  Only 31 miles. On the ride back, I composed a silly poem; "Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Out the Door, Makes on Wise". It's true, this time of year, I don't see much activity, especially cyclists, after 9-10am.

My legs were sore from the previously storied hike and ride.  I hadn't yet visited the top of Mount Lemmon so I drove to Summerhaven, parked and did an easy.....

....climb, with temps in the low 60's and a high for the day in the low 70's, first to Ski Valley and then.....

.....the Observatory.

Still lots of evidence of the 2003 Aspen Fire.

I took the obligatory image of bike in front of observatory and then, coasted down....

...to the Sawmill Restaurant for breakfast.  Only 8 miles of riding but 1400' of climbing.

5:45am and cyclists begin to gather for one of the top group rides in the Tucson area, the Bicycle Ranch shop ride.  I hear the pavement has gotten so bad south of here, the famous "Shootout" ride is bleeding participants to this ride. Still, I was surprised when we rolled out with.....

....around 60.  The first 6 miles is mostly down hill with a few lights to pass through so with a long line, if the light turns mid group, it gets dicey.  The group was split once but came back together.  Steve, the manager of the shop was in the group so he keeps things organized.

The temperature was around 70 at the start and once the sun rose above the mountains, we began to bake but not too bad.  After we made a right turn on Silverbell, the pace picked up and I barely hung on until we made a right on Twin Peaks where the group slowed as we rolled through a couple of lights. Then began the 7 mile climb up Twin Peaks to Dove Mountain resort.  I got shelled somewhere in there as while the grade is only an average of 2%, the pace is excruciating.  A new record was set today by someone and I put in all new PR's along the way. I managed to stay somewhat close and was able to roll.....

....into the only stop on the route and was afforded a decent chance to recover.  The woman above clipped a tire, crossed in front of 2 cyclists, hit the curb and slammed onto the sidewalk.  Ouch!  My sub group passed but soon she was back on the bike and passed our group.  Very strong.  Going inside....

....I encountered the longest line waiting to fill their bottles with ice.  Heading back out with the group, I was ok until the Rancho Vistoso climb, another long one and popped off.  I hooked up with a couple of guys and we fought a nasty head wind for much of the remainder of the route, finishing with 53 miles and a 19.3 average.  Been a long time since I have ridden that hard.

Saturday, 8:00am, usual start location for a B/B+ ride with a few regroups.  I will not be there and some of the usual suspects are in MD but if weather is ok, take a leap of faith that others will be in New Albany for this ride.

My plan to hike Humphrey's Peak, the highest point in AZ fell through when I discovered it and the area around it are closed due to fire risk, since late May.  I can see closing for camping but for day hikers?  Anyway, I searched, "Hardest hike in Sedona" a place I had visited but never hiked.  Ureka!  Up popped "Wilson Mountain".  I checked with a local who previously had hiked and it was confirmed it was a worthy challenge.  I also checked with Eva S who used to live close to Sedona and she too gave it a thumb's up. I left my home at 3:30am and 3 hours later, driving through Oak Creek Canyon and then through Sedona.

Route 89A, a couple miles north of Sedona, goes past Encinoso picnic area from where the hike starts.  The high would be 101, hence my interest in starting early. Had Humphrey's been open a little farther north in Flagstaff and at a much higher elevation, the temperature would have been much cooler.  I had plenty of fluids, including a frozen Gatorade which tastes great later as it turns to slush.

The trail ascends steeply through a forest of mostly pine.  My destination is above but I have to go 2.5 miles way left then 2.5 miles way right.

The first 2 miles is fairly steep with an average grade of 15% while gaining 1500' of elevation.  Soon, the views open up to the northeast.  Beautiful.

After that opening 2 mile climb, I reach what is described as the First Bench. The next obstacle is above after a nice walk through a meadow that is in need of rain.

Good sign posts.  If you are into Strava, I think this is the end of a segment and later I would discover.....

....I set a record for the climb.  Surprised me as I hadn't gone at a fitness pace but there are only 74 attempts so not a deep field. It helps that I don't need to stop and take breaks, just maintain a steady pace.  Anyway.....

.....I begin the 2nd major climb and it too is kind of steep.  In the distance is San Francisco Peaks with Humphrey's being the tallest.  Disappointing I could not do it on this trip although I have climbed it once before.

A fire moved through here a few years ago and the evidence of it is still plentiful.  At the top of this second climb......

.....​ I saw the above sign post.   I hung a right to go to the North Canyon Overlook.  From this point on the trail actual descends a little so the hiking is easy although kind of boring for about a mile until.....

....no mistaking what I see ahead and after a few more steps am greeted with.....

....this.  Awesome!  I take a seat, eat a Cliff Bar and enjoy the view for about 20 minutes. Yeah, one of those life is good moments. I got up, found another viewing spot farther south and.....

....it changed the perspective a little.  Note 89A winding through the canyon bottom. I packed up everything and began the trek back.  Quickly, looking to my left, I saw what appeared to be another viewing opportunity and so going off trail, reached a cliff and saw.....

....this.  Another awesome view.

That roughly 1 mile walk back to the sign post, as I said, is kind of boring with few good views.  Just wandering through the remains of a pine forest with a lot of new growth.  I wonder what keeps some of the dead trees standing as so many have come down.

Hey!  If you plan to do the hike, this is important.  At the first sign post after the 1st climb, follow the trail about 50 yards towards Midgely Bridge.  You won't be disappointed!  Wow.  In the distance is Sedona.

I resume my hike, back to the parking lot, finishing with exactly 10 miles and 2600' of climbing.  I took the north trail but there is also a south trail, starting from the aforementioned bridge, I think.  I read the north trail has more shade.  The trail is kind of rocky and clearly not smooth, if that matters to you.  You may find a hiking pole useful for the return as it is slippery in spots from the loose pebbles.

Monday, Ohio, the view from home.  90 degrees, 80% humidity, windy then....

....Tuesday, Arizona, the view from home. 100 degrees, 15% humidity, calm winds.  Ya know, a guy could learn to like this, especially a guy who loves climbing in those mountains.  But, I will return to Ohio in as little as a week, no longer than 2 weeks.  Just wanted to get a good feel for summer out here and boy, am I gonna get it!

The old BH, stored in a closet and ready to spring into action.  Then I began looking for riding opportunities and.....

.....noooooooo, 5:45am start?  Noooooooo. But yeah, I will probably do that cause you don't want to start much later than that for a meaningful ride.

Time to reflect on some of my finest work as an amateur photoshopper as I brought emotions to a boil prior to past, Canal Winchester Summer Solstice rides.  Oh, there is another, tomorrow from Brewdog, 5:30pm for the Bers and 6:00pm for the Riveters and A typers. 

Above, Stonewall Jackson informs General Ric Nolan that General Pickett's charge has failed, as did the efforts of the southern Canal Rebs to defend their turf.

Alas, the northern Yankees from New Albany will be without Luke Russell and Lori Nedescu, the former curing cancer and the latter a pro cyclist.  Yet, plenty of fire power remains.

Beware the weapons packed by those desperate southerners.  

Here is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27825723  Good luck with competing against the marauders of the north.  Not sure how many will make the trip south.  It's just not what it used to be.

Around 30 of us gather in Sugar Grove for Steve Hewitt's tour of 54 miles but what a 54 miles it was!  

Kenda Janet with her new, custom made, cycling glasses.  Karen Rossi looks on to her left.

John on the left with Geoff and Mark V.

Hey, a Lady Gnar Shredder made it too.

Gosh, even a couple of tri types came out for the hilly ride.  Little use of the aero bars on this route!

And we are off, here at the foot of the climb on Pump Station Road.  Using supreme effort and all that I could muster for the day.....

....I reached the top to out sprint others who could care less so I could take this picture. On we went, up and down but mostly up.  The route included a climb up......

.....Mt Olive.  Steep and I observed Eva doing something never witnessed before but I am way too much the gentleman to mention it here.  It did involve the bike and shoes but the shoes were not necessarily attached to the pedals at the time.  More than that I can not say.

Two groups formed on the road and ours climbed a mountain to reach this KOA camp ground at around mile 30.  Nice place.

We lingered to eat and drink and then headed.....

....back onto the road and nice views.  Finished with 53 miles, 3400' of climbing and an average of 15.4.  Yeah, I know but the descents were kind of sketchy and we were just having fun.

First person I see is the Young Phenom.

Head to the course and run into several Thursday riders including.....

....Ryan as he watches and gets ready for his first crit.

I stop by to say hi to the Audi gang and then get serious and head to the festival area with booths, food and beer.....

...oh and hook up with the Kendas who are out walking Sofia and the new puppy, Zara.  

While they shopped at the Kenda booth, they trusted me with the puppy.  Gosh, a puppy is a chick magnet and Paul and me came up with the business plan of "Rent a Puppy".  A single guy will not be for long with one of our pups.

A festive scene indeed.  Also hooked up with Larry and Lisa and....

....followed Larry who was on a mission of finding food.  Kind of made a bad choice of taco in a bag.

Saw many other cycling buddies including Kevin H and then on my way out....

....talked to George and got caught up with him.  He will return to the peloton next year.  Just working a lot now.  Ken B in red rode well along with many of our Thursday friends.

COP has this ride for Saturday at which many of us plan to attend. 8:30am start.
Starting Point: Berne Union High School, 506 N Main St, Sugar Grove, OH 43155
Directions: From I-270, take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster (use U.S. 33 By-pass). Go about 34 miles to left turn at the light onto Sugar Grove Road SE/CR-65 which becomes S. Main Street. Street bears to the left. School is on the right at the end of town.
Link to Ride Starting Location: https://www.google.com/…/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847f33b…
Maps will be provided. No fee. Distance is approximately 53 miles. Based on a suggestion from Beth Ward Halewe stopped in at the KOA campground on SR664 (right before the left turn onto Savings Hollow Rd). They welcome riders and have water, drinks and snacks. Additional food, water and the Washboard Festival is available in Logan.
Ride Description: Southern Fairfield County into Hocking County - 
Pump Station, Starner Rd, Cantwell Cliffs, Savings Hollow, Goat Run Honey Fork, Calico Ridge, Nickel Plate and Walnut-Dowler.
First climb is Pump Station - great Pelotonia training ride!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27725673