Mark's Cycling & Hiking Blog - Mark's Cycling & Hiking Blog

Sunday Ride Report--Endless Miles of Roads

4/29/2017

First things first, visit Cyclist Connection and sign in for the Canal Winchester Sunday morning ride. Appeared that the bike repair portion of the business was booming. Actually, the entire business is doing well.

We begin to gather to hear the pre ride announcements including....

...two of the great personalities of the peloton; Flyin Tuna and Kenda Janet. Janet was recently put in a tough work related spot and rather than move to NJ, abandoned the life of a high powered executive flying the world on corporate jets drinking champagne while glancing downward at the little people. Now she has launched.....

....her own business! How about that. Although just started, utilizing contacts from her prior high flying life, clients are already on board. Since this blog is visited by the powerful of central Ohio, I'm putting this out there for your consideration. Now, back to the....

....inaction. Today's ride leader, Brad Blair, gives us route information and with that, we are off into.....

....the beautiful countryside to the east and south of Canal Winchester. We visited Beck's Know, Christmas Rock and other notable climbs, always with a fierce head wind.

Many red jerseyed figures approach on Revenge Road. At mile 36 we.....

....stopped in the small town of Amanda for refueling. Larry P on the left, Amanda, Lisa, Jeff, Larry, Frans & Cindy. Finished with 54 miles and enjoyed the tail wind for most of the final 18 miles. Ugh, forecast not looking good for a few days.

No doubt there will be 1-2 options originating from New Albany posted later but given the Sunday forecast of winds building throughout the day from the south, the Cyclist Connection bike shop ride, 9:00am is the place to be for me. Route is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2531328#

Thursday New Albany Ride Report

4/27/2017

The Hastings arrive and are undeterred by reports from the field (cyclists arriving via bike and reporting on the wind) that the wind is buffeting the bikes.

Aaron C and Kyle Z are committed to riding. So too was I but seeing mature trees bent in half caused me to second guess.

The turnout was light although this was prior to the arrival of the late arriving crowd. I even saw a....

...whirlwind. Check out the airborne dust. Reminded me of the windy days in AZ.

Ride leader Rick Miller was a no show so I was pressed into service to make the usual pre-ride announcements. Does not appear that anyone is listening.

OK, I had not really started talking in that last image, otherwise at least one person would have pretended to listen. I sent out the A group.

Wow. A lot of people wearing the "Cycling Club" jerseys. A gaggle of them above. The Riveters finished with a 24mph average while the A group was at 20.6. Wonder how the wind blown outbound average compared to the wind brake inbound portion?

And so, another Thursday evening New Albany ride arrives and with it, a less than optimistic weather forecast but maybe all we will encounter are Hell winds out of the southwest rather than rain.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18100198
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18100331
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18100358

Tuesday at Canal Winchester

4/25/2017

Now there is an entertaining duo in a rare somber moment, Grand Poobah and Flyin Tuna.

The sign-in clipboard gets passed around to at least 60 cyclists. The two B groups are well populated as is the C group. The A group, not so much and could use an infusion of New Albany Yankees to show them how it is done. Maybe next week but for sure for the Summer Solstice ride.

I regret the fuzzy image but Kevin H, aka Pepe Lapew made a rare appearance with friend Ron. Pepe makes his own beer and was kind enough to donate one to me after the ride. I am supposed to let it sit for 2 weeks then refrigerate. When I arrived at my car, somehow, I dropped the bottle (plastic) so hope that does not harm the contents.

We group closely to hear what Ric Noland has to say. There were a couple of incidents on the road last week but this week, seems all went well. With that, each group was called out. Having ridden earlier in the day I went out with the B group and enjoyed talking to Brad and Ross.

The departure took us right by the patio. No one succumbed to the temptation of chucking the ride and immediately getting after the food and beverage.

Then we followed a bike path, hit a couple too many stop signs with long waits for heavy traffic to part. That's a problem going forward but maybe the departure direction can be changed because the arrival was fine. The B group followed the B+ group close enough that after awhile, I jumped from one to the other and enjoyed the spirited pace that was a 38 mile loop around Baltimore. Finished with a 19.1 avg but that was skewed a bit south by the opening 1-2 miles of slow pedaling. THEN......

....many of us spent an hour or so in Brewdog (impressive facility) drinking a beer, of course. Some also ordered food and I hear that too was good. It was great to see the Rossi tandem, Kevin, Andrew, Corvair, etc... for the first time in several months. Still many others to check off the list like the Kendas, a slew of Thursday nighters and many more.

Below the routes for tonight's Canal Winchester group ride, originating from Brewdog at 96 Gender Rd. It is time for me to make the pilgrimage into the deep south and check it out. Don't forget also tonight is the New Albany group ride, to which 40+ have been turning out. Probably should turn that into more than one group.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20579625
Super B: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20564782
Normal B: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20565005
C Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20565269

The Sunday Ride

4/24/2017

Right to left, Cindy B, Steve O, Frank S and Dirty Dan. Such a dirty, dirty, dirty Dan. Later, as we reached 668, I by accident was in front and asked, "right or left?". He replied "right" but went left and then as I was coasting down hill heard him shout, "left" Thus my fate was sealed to finish 2nd into Somerset. With friends like Dan, I really don't want any enemies.

Brad sporting a kit from Fastrack bike shop out of Santa Barbara, CA. Great destination when you are in the Santa Barbara area for cycling. Engineer Mitch in the background with a new pair of white cycling shoes.

Frank Seebode ordered a pair of wheels from a Chinese vendor. The front wheel is still going strong! We embarked on a 69 mile, 3800' route that had a nice tail wind on the inward 25. Everyone is in such great shape and it is only mid April. I have no way of measuring it but if one could, I'd bet the average speed of all central Ohio rides would be at an all time high this season. I spent a month in AZ and all it did for me is slot me into the average ranking.

Picking Up Trash Along Old 161

4/23/2017

Good turnout to pick trash on old 161 between New Albany and a point way, way east of there. Don N, Mike M watch something while Luke R signs the usual waiver sheet with Rick Miller.

I did not hop out of Rick's van for the first stop because that close to New Albany, there would be little trash. I waited for a point farther east and was rewarded with a target rich environment. The above bag of Doritos was full when I found it but, picking up all those food wrappers made me hungry so...

...I looked across the road and my partner was falling farther and farther back....just like cycling! I was a thorough and a fastidious trash picker but the picker across the street did not seem to understand how to get the job done. Maybe watching a tutorial video would have been a good idea.

You think the task a simple one but check this out!! Most people would walk right by this but my eagle eyes spotted the green bottle in the green grass. I really excelled at this job!

Ohhhh the promised land, Beech road and the end of our long journey. It was kind of a cold and very windy day so this was a nice option to a bike ride. Today's pick up partner was well back, shoes stuck in a mud bog so I crossed the road to help her finish the balance of the distance. Her bag had no more than 4-5 items so next year, whoever covers that section of the road will truly find a target rich environment.

Sunday Rides Aplenty

4/22/2017

We begin with The Cycling Club's 10:00am group ride, shoving off from behind the New Albany Starbucks and promoted as a "stout B pace" with a few regroups. This is a Gus Cook production. Then there is....
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16917424

From the high school in Carroll, noon start (60 degrees!), Steve Oxley has this route. I understand Dirty Dan will be there and Flyin Tuna. Probably others. Fairly hard pace for the hills.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/14979877

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits has their weekly Sunday ride, departing at 9:00am from the Cyclist Connection following the below route. I had planned to do this one but with the 9:00am start accompanied by a mid 40 degree start temp, I'll go for the noon start out of Carroll. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7600021

Thursday New Albany Report--I Did My Duty

4/20/2017

Glorious ride leader Kim Jung Un, aka Rick Miller, was unable to make tonight's ride so I slotted in to assume the enormous task. Arriving early, I noted everyone was staring at their smart phones, some even walking around with out shoes. The guy on the right is Mr. Optimistic. As the radar situation deteriorated, he kept insisting all was well.

Andrew anticipated rain and attached fenders to his bike.

And the heavy hitters began to arrive, Marty, Larry van Gogh and Paul Stock. Note the gathering gloom in the sky above.

Steve Hewitt, glorious ride leader of the C group, seated in van, was good to go although he too was checking radar. Rapidly the forecast deteriorated and rain was forecast at 82.3% for 6:00pm....not good.

Jon Morgan on the right, arrived from CA just hours prior to the ride and naturally, on his first day back, it was to rain. With 10 minutes to go I made the call this was now an unofficial ride and everyone was on their own. Almost immediately, it began to rain and most scattered to their cars yet....

....I noticed 6 guys were seeking shelter where normally we stand for the shade. What a hardy group and after the initial string of rain moved through....

....they moved out. I salute you! Nick on the left, Logan back left, I need to learn some names it seems. Anyway, I showed up, did my duty and that is the end of this story.

Hey all you Thursday members of the peloton. Above are tonight's routes and below are the links to the Rivet/A, B and C gps files. Weather should be dry but a tad windy. I am hopeful of doing a century ride in KY on Saturday so my meager levels of energy must be retained so will not be riding (no surprise here) with the Riveters, nor the A nor any group that makes me tired. Rick is out tonight so do not take advantage of my lax personality and be unruly in the parking lot.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18097267
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18097288
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18097331

On Tuesdays, The Most Important Thing is.....

4/18/2017

....arriving and confirming that the Cookie Lady has something in the trunk to satisfy the famished after our ride. Unfortunately, a flat tire caused her a late return so note to self: Ask Kristie to leave a spare key with me prior to the ride.

My buddy, Flyin Tuna, appears to be looking to see if anyone will join us and I was amazed with how many cyclists eventually came out for the New Albany ride, over 40.

Our leader, Gus Cook, Jeff S, Larry P, Glen and Aaron C, L to R.

And more arrived. Some looked very fit, obviously coming off a long winter of riding with Zwift every night.

Rick in yellow, then Scott, Ian, Eric, Benton riding a fat tire bike and Nick. Nick appears to be in mid season form. Nick admitted he reads the blog. Usually, people who admit that disappear so we'll see. And with that we.....

....burst into the beautiful countryside in a large, largely cohesive and organized group of 40+. Hey, check that out! My shadow of course. We rode out 161 at a comfortable pace yet still dropped a couple of people. Keep coming out you people! Only way to get better. We energetically attacked a couple of climbs yet always....

....regrouped, here at the end of Battee.. The guy on the right, yet another name I need to add to the database, saw I was wearing a Tucson themed jersey and told me he too was in Tucson for a week in March. Another small world moment. He got in some good mountain bike riding.

During that same pause, many of us looked to the west to see who else would join us. Larry & Tom in particular.

Coasting on Stone Quarry, we approached the left turn on Raccoon Run with that nasty climb. In no particular order, I was too tired, too old, riding my 3rd string bike, unmotivated to hit that hill and too old. So, I stayed on Stone Quarry and arrived at Northridge Road in time to catch our dwindling group (now about 15 of us) waiting for cars to pass prior to proceeding on our 37 mile route. Finished with a 19.9 average. Good group of people and always a fun bunch with whom to ride. For those of you who, without pausing, ran through the stop sign at Kitzmiller and Smith's Mill Roads, stop doing stupid stuff like that. Sure, you will make it but the people who instinctively follow may not. Then the guy who went left of center down Jersey Mill, really stupid. You're trying to improve your position in a B paced, regroup ride for what reason? We don't hand out awards for arriving in Alexandria in 5th place rather than 15th.

Update

4/17/2017

On my first day back in Ohio, I rode a few miles with Flyin Tuna but she was riding way too strong for me on my 3rd string bike so I bugged out after 1/2 a mile, more or less. Then I invested time in mowing, mulching, weeding, etc.. which explains the dirt under the finger nail. I visited Rick Miller to switch out pedals on that ancient US Postal Service Trek so I could ride it and then, Rick told me there was a special on Garmin Edge 1000 so.....get ready for it...I ordered one. The very reliable Garmin 500 lost a button on the top of Kitt Peak a few weeks ago and I could not find it and then a 2nd button came out so, while I am patient, I could not ignore these defects so I have retired the 500. Looking forward to seeing my many riding buddies at the Tuesday New Albany ride and next week, probably check out the Southern Rebs in Canal.
Also, unique visits to this silly blog are now consistently above 1000 each week. I say this not to brag but to marvel that there are that many people who would come here. Imagine if I had talent, the numbers would be HUGE!

The Final Day, Once Again

4/15/2017

I took my daughter, Olivia, out for our weekly dinner at this place. How about that!!!! An Italian restaurant sharing the name of an Italian bike manufacturer? Food was good.

I shipped my beloved "bh" bike to Ohio on Friday and in only slightly more comfortable conditions, I will fly to Ohio on Sunday. Meantime, I rode my yellow/black Trek but the fit is different enough that it is weird to ride. Anyway, rode up to Saddlebrook and rode....

..and rode some more.....

....and looked to the east at the fabulous mountains. I love the mountains. So much more hiking to do but that is saved for my next fall visit. I headed back to Oro Valley and....

....entered where home is with Bighorn Mountain looming in the background. Dang, I'll miss this place but I am so much looking forward to documenting the fun rides that make up our central Ohio experience. I will strive to make stars of you all, whether you want to or not, deserve it or not.

So Many Saturday Ride Options--FOUR

4/14/2017

When it rains it pours and when it does not rain, it is a drought, or so it seems with Saturday options. In no particular order, Steve Oxley, Dirty Dan & others are departing from Slate Run Historical Farm parking lot at 8:30am following: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20291032.
Then there is the COP, SPOT ride, departing from Cyclist Connection between the hours of 7:30-10:00pm. Routes are 35, 58 and 101 miles with a $5 member fee, $10 non member fee. I understand Kendas Janet & Paul will be there and perhaps Flyin Tuna.
Then, the return of the conquering hero of Encinitas, CA, Marty Sedluk will be in front of, or maybe behind, the New Albany Starbucks at 8:00am. Marty states the ride is a B pace with regroups if things get too heated. As I have said before, Marty is the rare ride leader who if he says it is a B pace, checks his ego and keeps it at the promoted pace. Luke R has been challenged to come up with a route of between 50-60 miles. Probably have something on that later.

Don Novel has organized a 2nd NA ride, this one starting at 9:00am from the same aforementioned start location. It too is a B pace but maybe a tad less sporty then the 8:00am ride. Route is:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20303091
Have fun, be safe and fair warning, my beloved "bh" bike is in transit to Ohio and soon I too will follow, in only slightly more comfortable conditions.

And So It Begins--The New Albany Thursday Rides!!!!!!

4/12/2017

Dawn, Thursday, April 13th, 2017. In mere hours, one of cycling's greatest spectacles shall begin...the Thursday New Albany Group Ride. Hooraaaayyyyy! While this cub reporter shall not be there to report and comment on the action, I will be there next Thursday. A thought that shall send shivers down the collective spine, no doubt!!!! Couple of things different this year.....

....but first, above is the route for the A, B and C cyclists. Each week, you can find the routes here: https://www.thecyclingclub.org/club-rides/thursday-evening-ride/
Pretty good resource, right? This year, there is no sign-up sheet. You show up, you ride, you have fun, etc... Rick Miller or his not very loyal side kick (me again) will scream at you prior to the ride with whatever we think you need to know for that night's ride. Sometimes we scream just to be heard but sometimes we shout cause we have something to say so pay attention.

The first group to leave the parking lot is the Riveters or Rivet Group or Fast People, etc... If you can't maintain an average pace of around 24mph for the entirety of the route. just stand in the shadows and wait for another group to depart. This group is populated by Cat 1, 2. 3 or retired pros. A couple of minutes later, the "A" group departs. They too are ruthless marauders but if I am in the group, rare as that is, I will urge them to pause at the top of a climb and allow a couple of stragglers to catch back on. Call it kind hearted rustlers or something like that. Then the B group roars out. Sometimes, if the B group is too large, we'll cut them into 2 Bers. They will pause a couple of times and maybe there will be times when conversation breaks out but not often. Then and only then, the C group pedals into the countryside, talking about reality TV shows and enjoying life. Well, there you have it, the Thursday New Albany ride.

I'll Be Coming Around the Mountain When I Come--Final Mt Lemmon Ride

4/12/2017

From our patio, I could see an orange glow in the distance, signaling a fire on top of the mountain. Now, a couple days later, I heard the fire was under control but at the base of the mountain, first saw the above sign. It quickly changed to all trails were closed but the road was open. Yeah.

I've always ridden the 26 mile route at a pace to burn calories and enjoy......

....the.....

...views. Today was to be different. I was going to ride as hard as I could for the 21 mile continuous climb and improve on what was an embarrassing PR on Strava. First thing that was different was I was passing people. Previously very rare. At the "7 Cataracts" parking area at mile 9, I paused to combine fluids from 3 to 2 bottles. I texted a friend and said if I had not set a new PR on the opening 9 miles, it was never going to happen. I resumed and...

...eventually topped out at the 21 mile summit above the Palisades Gift Shop, descended 2 miles, ascended 1 mile, rolled a bit and stopped in Summerhaven where I had lunch. Then I rode up to Ski Valley and saw the snow was almost gone. A man came up to me and said, "All you bikers riding up the road. You're all so skinny." I didn't know how to reply so just said "Yep". His point was valid, you don't see fat people on bikes up here.

A different view of Summerhaven. The "Aspen Fire" was way back in 2003 yet evidence of its devastation is everywhere. The coast down takes me about 45 minutes. That's a long time to just sit on the bike but it is a marvelous descent.

I saw these guys making snowballs and throwing them at each other so I stopped to take a pic. As I got going, one of them looked at me and I said, "Think it but don't do it." We all got a good laugh. Finished with 62 miles and 6450' of climbing and did improve on my previous best time so that was good.

On the way down, I was passed by the fire fighting crew, having finished putting out the fire. I had seen no evidence of the fire so it must have been higher up, near the observatory.

Canal Water Ride

4/9/2017

With a big thanks to Jeff S, who provided these images, we observe the usual behavior when cyclists encounter a "Road Closed" or "Bridge Out" sign...you ignore it and keep going. By the way, about 30 people came out for the ride and I understand, from my favorite mole, it was a good mix of fitness.

Mt Zion Road, not infrequently covered in water during rainy periods. The go, no go decision is made and the group proceeds....

At the high water mark, each pedal stroke brought the foot through very cold water. Fortunately, no one's tire hit a pot hole and the group made it through.

Sunday Ride Option

4/8/2017

Ric Noland of Canal Winchester's Cyclist Connection bike shop is leading a ride for A, b and C cyclists, starting at 9:00am with a route of: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20115244
New Albany has been strangely quiet. Probably if you show up at 9:00am you'll find a group with whom to ride. I will be back in a week and whip this town back into shape.

Creatures

4/8/2017

I had just started a ride, getting on a bike path to go points north when I saw a woman, stopped and looking over a railing that borders the path. This almost always means it is worth it to stop and take a look. Down a 12' embankment, too steep for me to scramble down in bike shoes, was a very large rattlesnake (outlined in red). I picked up a few pebbles to toss down (that usually agitates them and they start to rattle) but the woman was afraid it would get us...seriously. Someone would have to go down there, pick up the snake and fling it at us for us to be in any danger. Somehow, looking at the snake, she said, "See, that shows they really aren't out to harm us." Standing at that distance from the snake doesn't prove anything but she is correct. Then.....

....I was riding and there in the middle of the road was a Gila Monster. Very rare. I stopped and while removing my camera, it scampered into the roadside vegetation so all I got was the upper 2/3 of it.

Saturday Options

4/7/2017

For someone looking for a medium, B paced ride with fun people (Cindy B, Jeff S, Mitch O and maybe more) there is a 10:00am start out of Circleville from the YMCA, following the COP Rocky Roving Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9994426. Note markets/gas stations are not abundant so bring plenty of fluids and a snack.

COP has their 45th rendition of the "Woodstock" ride. I'm unsure of the route so can't post it but the start place is Westerville Central High School, 7118 Mount Royal Ave, Westerville, OH. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Very flat route with options of 35, 60 & 100 miles. Departure times range from 7:30-10:00am. Given the early morning temperature, I suspect the 8:30 -9:00am window will be a popular start time

As of 7:30pm, I have seen nothing for a New Albany start as an option but if it pops up, I'll let you know..

Kitt Peak Climb

4/5/2017

The destination, the observatory cluster at the top of Kitt Peak. A 12 mile climb that gains a bit over 4500'. FOB (friend of blog) Lori Nedescu had a time of 1:03 recently, one of the top times. Last year, I had a time of 1:59 (kind of sad I know) but that was early in my visit so let's see....

All these images were taken while I was coasting down as I did not stop during the ascent. The route does almost a complete 360 so the views are always changing, albeit slowly.

While Mount Lemmonh as an average grade of 5.5%, Kitt is 6%. The first 3 miles are 3-5% but after that...ouch. Seems like every time I look at the Garmin it says 6-9%. Yet, my legs felt unusually good and I enjoyed ticking of the miles every 8 minutes or so. I hit mile 6 at 45 minutes and actually did the final 6 in less then that, which is slightly steeper.

Getting closer.....

....and the famous Baboquivari Peak, that triangular feature in the distance, comes into view.

The road twists below and then....

...a good sign. Unfortunately, the final couple of miles is as hard as those that came before them. My left leg begins twitching with a cramp. It would suck to put in this effort and have that affliction but I stood, stretched and all was ok.

On the doorstep of the finish and I made it in 1:29. My legs still felt fairly good so I should have put in more effort. I think I will come back one more time, maybe a pound or two lighter.

I saw a woman sitting in the back of a hatch back so I asked if she would mind taking a picture. Before she did, I asked her to wait to make sure I pulled the shorts up and jersey down, saying I did not want to look fat. Then and only then did I realize she was like 300 pounds. I am so dense some times. She did not seem to notice and I talked to her for awhile, another Midwestern transplant.

Tuesday New Albany Ride

4/4/2017

A good turnout on a windy day for this evenings New Albany ride. Big thanks to Deniece for the image, which I lifted from her Strava post without permission but what the heck. At least 15 cyclists came out for the 37 mile, slightly modified route. The average was 19mph and I see there were 2-3 regroups so the intent of the ride was honored.
I know legions of you are wondering, "When will Mark return?" I will return in 2 weeks and will begin posting images and reports, each meant to honor the many and the few (whatever that means). I will seek to develop new stars if they are deserving of it or not, bring attention to those who wish otherwise, annoy many with my parking lot photo snapping, listen in on conversations so I can expose the exposable, etc....You can't wait, admit it. You miss me too, I know.

Coyote Mountain Hike--Part 2

4/3/2017

After steady climbing, some off route puzzlement, I reached a saddle and wow, what a scene.

Above, the mountain diminishes as it heads to the desert floor.

The trail continues going west so the views change incrementally.

Yeah, I was fascinated with it. The slabs of rock would be fun to climb and a dirt road could be seen approaching its base so the area may be a desirable destination on a mountain bike or jeep.

The trail went through this passage. I wondered if the rancher who created the route had picked at it to widen enough for a horse to get through.

At mile 3 I reached this ridge with Coyote Peak in the distance. I wanted to climb it too because from there you have a unique view of Kitt Peak and the observatory. Rain was forecast for the afternoon and clouds were sliding in so I....

...turned around and headed back while seeing.....

...the above cactus. Small, beautiful but not something to touch.

As I neared my car, more clouds had rolled in and it began to sprinkle. Not sure what rain would do to that sand and dirt road so I began to run, somewhat confident that the cool temperature was keeping the rattlers in the ground. Then...

...after getting in the car and beginning the drive, there were three cows in the way. I was perplexed as to how to move them, figuring I'd have to get out and herd them but then they all got up and walked away. The youngest seemed defiant but he too gave up the spot. Finished with 6 miles and 3000' of climbing.

Coyote Mountain Range--Part 1

4/2/2017

I was unsure if my car could make the 8 mile drive (after 30 of paved roads) over dirt/sand roads but it did. The final 3 miles was on soft sand but no problem In the distance, the Coyote Mountain range.

For whatever reason, there was an abundance of huge jackrabbits running around. They were the size of small deer.

Wow, very remote. Mine was the only car in the single car "parking lot" which was nothing more than a dead end in a dry wash. Lots of Ocotillo plants around as I begin the ascent toward a ridge that stops about a mile below Coyote Peak.

Check out the Saguaro on the left and of course the view. You know me, I try to buck up the mood of my Ohio friends whenever I can so about here I called a good friend and described what I was seeing. It gets me kind of emotional, seeing this and wishing I could share it with so many. Like always, the images just don't do it justice.

Higher I go and still so many Ocotillo. Their pink flowers are beautiful but so too are..

...many....

....other plants, of which there are thousands.

Above, the green line represents the drive in and the red line roughly represents my trek. Many decades ago, a rancher constructed a trail to the peak so his wife could ride her horse there. How nice. The trail is still here but disappears frequently and I am forced to consult the gpx track. Pretty rugged is the route.

And I continue to climb and love the fantastic view to the northeast but the prize will be later.

The route drops into a gorge and parallels the above wall. You know how much I enjoy this stuff.

Oh boy! Could this be it? The ridge? Well, actually no, not even close and Part 2 tomorrow. So glad to see a bunch of you got out to ride Sunday and some of you raced successfully too!

1000 Mile Month!

4/2/2017

I put this in here because it is so typical of the desert southwest. People riding horses. I'll pass restaurants or bars and see multiple horses tied up outside. I wonder if anyone has been pulled over for riding drunk on a horse? So cool and.....

...so too was Friday, the final day of the month. After days of temps in the 80's and 90's, today's high was 67 with strong winds. Note the grainy appearance of the above image due to dust swirling in the sky, borne by strong winds from the west. I needed 57 miles to reach 1000 cycling miles. I arrived for a group ride and a guy was warning us about "Valley Fever". Apparently, it originates in Avra Valley, which was on our route today. There are spores in the ground that become airborne during high winds. If they lodge in your lungs, you will have flu-like symptoms for a long time. Of course, I shrug this off (remember I do stupid stuff like hike in rattler country when rattlers are out, off trail hiking, not smart). We head out and....

....I struggle to keep up during the warm-up phase. My legs are dead. I spit the bit at mile 1, finishing with 3.5 miles. Ugh. Then, I receive an inspiring message from a friend and in the afternoon, head out on the bike again!!!! At mile 37, with light dimming, winds howling, cold (probably 65 degrees so that's cold stuff) I am headed south on a bike path (probably bad idea to road ride late on a Friday) when it hits me. OK, I have 984 cycling miles but I also have 34 hard hiking miles. By my math, that is 1018 activity miles so I am there. How bout that and head for the barn. For a guy who had under 200 cycling miles for both Jan and Feb, that's pretty good, right?

Sunday Ride

4/1/2017

10:00am from the parking lot behind Starbucks in New Albany. Don Novel is leading a "B" paced ride. Route is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19939339 I have some unexciting news to post about my pursuit of 1000 miles and ....I made it...sort of. After all that riding, I am headed out the door today for an epic hike in the Coyote Mountains. Hope to post more soon.