Interesting scene in the New Albany parking lot this morning.  Despite bone chilling cold of 23D at the start, everyone who said they would be there were there except the women (Amanda, Cindy, Ginger, Peggy & Jeff) who predictably bailed.  Curiously, also not there was Jamie Roberts who had boasted he would show and pull the entire route.  There were multiple vicious shots taken at "no show" Jamie but I defended him as best I could, although it was not an easy assignment.

Kevin Kramer, Craig, Mitch, Greg Hall and I left into flurries and a strong wind that just several hours earlier was swirling over Hudson Bay before plunging into central Ohio.  Our destination was Utica but upon reaching the intersection of Northridge and Sportsman Club, a debate ensued.  I wanted to proceed on the hilly route to Utica but the others were having doubts.  I pleaded and coerced as best I could but in the end all I could persuade them to do was continue on SC to Louden St  from where we would then head back.  Since we were so close to Granville we decided to head in and had a great break at the River Road Coffee Shop.  All had hot chocolate and enjoyed telling Steve Oxley stories. 

We reluctantly left the warmth of the coffe shop and headed back towards New Albany, kind of riding a cross wind that had shifted from NE to straight out of the north. We finished with 43 miles and the comfort in knowing we had what it takes to comfront all conditions where others are afraid.

Note to self: Never schedule a winter ride from an unplowed parking lot.  Arrived at Wildwood to find 13 cyclists and a glare of ice.  Fortunately, no one fell while navigating the mini berg.  Rick Holt was the last to arrive but on time.  Rick discovered he had forgotten his helmet and the ever helpful Cindy Berard gave him an extra.  Noted by all is the fact that never in the history of human endeavor has a helnit so small been placed on a head so large.  The only way that helmet would have been useful during a crash is if Rick went in head-first, perpendicular to the ground. One tasteless person did say that Rick looked better under the helmet then the usual wearer.

We encountered a few patches of ice as we rode south on Canyon, across Refugee to York and then a straight shot south to Baltimore, giving us 27 miles by Baltimore.  The wind was strong out of the SW as it geared itself for eventually a constant 20mph with stronger gusts.  When we arrived at the Marathon on 158 many of us were looking rather haggard from fighting the wind but looking forward to the ride north.  Along the route Dennis had gone off the side of the road but a high snow bank kept him upright and he rode straight out of trouble. In Baltimore, Jamie, looking alot like a Union soldier who had spent too many years at Andersonville (think guant, shallow cheeks on a withering frame) revealed he has now lost 83 pounds and is down to 190.  If you ever wondered what it would be like to take your current leg strength and remove 50-100 pounds from your body ride with Jamie sometime.  It makes a difference and his leg strength is getting stronger.  In Baltimore, Rick also revealed the ladies helmet's straps were beginning to cut into his skin.  Craig Butler had a good story too.  While training for a marathon one month ago he stepped into a pothole and tore ligaments, tendons, veins, skin, hair, etc...  Yet here he was, riding almost at his normal form.

The tailwind driven ride back was a blast and Cindy spent alot of time at the front.  One person complained it was hard to draft behind her but a tasteless fellow said what she lacked in height she more than made up in width.  Jeff and Mitch continue to ride their double-walled steel Shermans and one can only wonder how strong they will be when they finally mount the carbon fiber. Roy kept us constantly entertained and having spent last weekend in TN doing a brevet, rode strong all day.  It was a lot of fun with a good group and good to get out while wearing something less than the typical pile of clothing.  We finished with 47 miles, too many for some, just right for others.