A bag was needed to hold it all

Good turnout for COP's Roving Ride to Laurelville, which included Larry P on the left, Dirty Dan, Steve O and unknown cyclist.  Big thanks to Tim Faigley for organizing yet another great route.  This one of 84 miles and 4500' of climbing. Most of you probably think I created the Blue Jay route and use Flyin Tuna as a stooge for the sign-in but no, Tim created the ride and hosted it for a few years before the stooge and me picked up the ball and ran with it.

Eric the Dispatch photographer was there with Beth in the background and Flyin Tuna to the right.  Hard to believe that July 5th would present such a great combination of low humidity and mild temperatures.

I guess around 40 rolled out including Philipe in the orange jersey and Brent in the black/red jersey.  The pace was moderate and a large group of us stayed together, including Paul Stock, Steve, Mitch O, Larry P and Lisa A,  Eric, Dirty, Flyin Tuna, Ted Meisky, and some new guys.We took a rolling route to Lancaster and then climbed out of there via the long #793 climb before descending on Blue Valley and stopping at the gas station on #33 at mile 32.

Now, how often have you been asked by a market's check-out clerk if you would like a bag for your drink and snack?  Many times right and you always decline because you can manage 2-3 items for the short walk outside.  Larry P was attempting to round every one up for the departure when Mark C walks out with a bag to hold all the stuff he purchased.  So heavy was it, I think the clerk double bagged it.  The guy sure can put it away though.

Meantime, the natives were getting anxious and shooting glances Mark's way, trying to will him to eat faster.  The Kenda's rolled in and someone yelled. "Geez, we've been here so long even the Kendas caught us."  Funny stuff and I think the break set a new record, at least in my experience and that's saying a lot.  We finally shoved off, going up Opossum Hollow, right on Buena Vista, left on Jack Run, the climb up 180, right on Thompson Ridge and then finally the descent to Laurelville.  Prior to leaving the market on #33, Paul ran in to his aunt and uncle in a small world moment (see below).

Some of us grabbed a sub at the gas station then departed in a small group of 6, heading north on a flatish route back to Canal.  Good times, great weather and a great route.