By 5:30, there were 5-6 in the parking lot with our two ride leaders, Jeff & Jeff.  I began questioning the idea of me buying a thank you card for another guy so I emailed Flyin Tuna to ask if she would do it instead.  Unfortunately, she said she was getting her hair restyled because she doesn't like the look of it after removing her cycling helmet.  Yes, helmet hair can be a problem.  So, no card for Jeff but I am going to get him something more suitable, a 6-pack of beer.

I felt very sorry for Dennis tonight.  He had his head on a swivel checking out the arrival of each car and cyclist, beginning at about 5:30. Dennis has long hoped to once, just once, be the top dog exiting the parking lot.  When it appeared only the weak were going to ride, creating great expectations for Dennis, his hopes were dashed with the arrival of Dave Chesrown and then by Terry and Marty.  Oh well, maybe next year. 

SuperDave broke his shifter at the bottom of Hill Road out of Roscoe Village last week.  I'm sure he's not the only one who looked up at that hill and began pressing the shifter well beyond it's limit, looking for a gear that did not exist.  Anyway, his back-up is this mountain bike.  Denver Dan was there too and Dennis, debating what his winter training plans are going to be, says he may challenge Muscle Dude for the title after a winter of upper body weight training.  I can only hope for this outcome to add weight and slow him down.

With the late arrivals, we had maybe 25 people so Jeff called out an A and B group together and most left the parking lot.  There were Terry, Marty and Dave C as the real A's, follow by the pretenders like me, Dennis, Jeff S, couple of Trek Eshelon guys, Mick, David, Dan...probably 15 in total.  As soon as we turned onto old 161, Terry drilled the pace and we worked hard to stay on, turning left at Kitzmiller and still working hard to hang in there, then a right on Jug and you guessed it...pretty much gassed but still hanging on.  A left on Clover Valley and a right on Green Chapel had thinned the herd a little with Terry, Dave and Marty rotating off the front and me hoping a stop sign would slow the progress, which it did just often enough.    We hung a right at Duncan Plains and glancing at the computer, saw our average was 24 something.....this is craziness!  Then we reached Miller where "The Three" gapped us and we plodded along as fast was we could up and over the numerous ramps, with Marty having taken pity on us and dropped back to help pull us....what a guy!  We reached Clover Valley, regrouped with The Three, Dennis, Trek Echelon Steve, Jeff and had picked up Mick who had taken a short cut and another guy who had been motor paced back to us by a car.  On Clover Valley, first Dennis and then Steve went around Marty who was just soft pedaling to keep us in the game.  Each time this only forced Marty to pick up the pace and pass them, amping up the pace even more.  We turned right on Jug and approached Beech, the designated turn on the map.  I and someone else yelled left turn but Terry kept going straight, followed by everyone else.  Having slowed to turn, I got gapped and well, forget about it.  The average at that point was 23.4 so in the remaining 3 solo miles my average plunged to 22.3, the others finished at 23.2 for 22 miles.   

Wow, that forecast for Saturday is not lookin good for you CFCers.  Average temp is still low 70's but why you can't catch that, who knows.  60% chance of rain, windy, blustery conditions with temps in the low-mid 40's.  Watch the descents with the wet leaves and pavement.  A group of us plan to start at 9:00am from Cyclist Connection, weather permitting.  so far, it looks like Dennis, Jeremy, Kevin H and friend of Dennis will be there for a off-season paced ride.  Everyone welcome.

I've decided not to ride CFC for the same pitiful reason I never do, it conflicts with the Buckeye game.  Watching it recorded isn't the same.  Maybe on Sunday I'll ride partially down and give encouragement to those in need.  Maybe on my fresh legs I'll challenge Steve O to a hill sprint but it would have to be very late in the ride, like mile 99. Yep, I like the idea of coming across the struggling and saying, "It;s only a little farther" when really it isn't, or, "You're lookin good" when they are not.  Maybe I'll bring a cow bell and set up around the middle of the major climbs and clang it to be annoying.  However, in case I do not show up, are there any alternative rides on Saturday or Sunday?  I know Jeremy is wondering the same.  Anyone out there not riding CFC who want to ride Saturday around 9:00am?  

This evening is the final Thursday New Albany ride.  Jeff Schluep otherwise known as Schluepenator or Little Diesel, has been there every Thursday except for two or three, with great maps, kind of ordinary routes and a cheery disposition.  I'm going to buy a thank you card today and have it there for all to sign before giving it to Jeff.  You may wonder why I am making this public as it should be a surprise but in case I forget to buy the card or just decide not to do it, I want Jeff to know I was at least thinking of doing it.  

Ouch, just looked at weather radar to see if we would be good to ride tonight and saw rain has entered the picture for Saturday morning but at least the forecast low temp has risen to 41....oohhhhh now 37 for Sunday morning.  All you people throwing that sore leg over the bike at 8:00am with a sub-40 temperature.  It hurts me just to think about it.  Todd, you especially should be careful!

One of the year's saddest days arrived, the final Tuesday Canal ride....but wait, maybe not and more on that later.  Good turnout of 38, including Younger Phenom Nick making a cameo appearance. Once high school started, Nick plunged into cross country (or is it track) racing and the meets and training has kept him off the bike.  He finished 11th at this weekend's county meet while his team finished first.  He has gained 2 pounds but has a long way to go before I can start drafting behind him.  In the meantime I still have plenty of wide bodies like Little Diesel, Dennis and Flyin Tuna.

Nice turnout of B/C types including Butch, Peggster,  Sarge, Rick, Gary, Richard, etc...  Peggster is planning to organize a 5:30 B/C ride out of Canal for next year, riding at a non aggressive pace.  We'll see how that pans out.  Quite a bit of discussion at the post ride meal at Kingy's about how the Tuesday (previously Wednesday) Canal group ride has evolved from one of separate A, B and C groups that started and mostly stayed together rather than starting and splintering.  Back in the day, the Wednesday Canal ride had plenty of guys who were racing (Chris Fisher, Paul Stock, Todd Lee, etc..) so maybe they used the ride as a warm-up rather than trying to spank all of us?  On the other hand, as long as traffic laws are obeyed and no one pulling chickensh*t stuff, why shouldn't everyone ride as hard as they can and if people get dropped, they have maps.  How does one become faster and more fit if he/she is not pushed to and then through their limits, if that is their goal?  Anyway, sounds like their will be a more passive alternative for those who want a socially paced ride next year.  Next year there will still be an A and B group departing at 6:00pm, riding as we currently do, assuming we have ride leaders. 

Mitch had a friend who had a satellite dish but wanted it to be more creatively displayed (some may think it an eyesore also) so Engineer Mitch, using all the means at his disposal, created something worthy of a mad scientist.  David looks on in awe.

So, a group of 14 A's headed out on a 26 mile, flattish route, after Mitch gave the final ride instructions of the year.  One person and only one person announced how grateful he was for our efforts.  There was restrained applause in support.  Thnaks guys.  I was obligated to go out with the A group after excoriating them the last couple of weeks over getting cuaght by the B group (probably the most embarassing moment of the year for some) and then allowing me to hang on during last week's ride after they came through and announcing they were no better then the New Albany B group.  I was prepared to take my lumps and give them the opportunity to do so.   So, Steve O led us out with Mark C, Grand Poobah, unsteady dude who pulls while in aero bars, Dennis, Ryan R (who berated me for 10 minutes about how unworthy I am as a winner of the Bath County metric century ride and not much I could say as argument there), John Swope, Jeff S, Nick, Jeremy, etc...  We set a nonaggressive pace out the modest hill on Waterloo, turned left at Slough but upon turning right on Sitterley, someone pushed the pace and the line got strung out but most of us hung in there to the stop sign at Lithopolis Road.  The pace picked up again and at some point, Todd went to the front and hammered for the duration his cardio level permits, maybe 45 seconds and then looked back directly at me but I was still good, drafting comfortably behind Jeff S.    We made a right on Marcy and a left at Cedar Hill and the sky was looking very dark to the west.  I began whining about taking a different route to avoid what appeared to be imminent rain but was ignored.  I think I've been put on the "Do not listen to list" a long time ago, which is understandable.  We hung a right on Royalton and Poobah hit it hard again and again I clung to the line and he appeared rather disappointed to see me still there.  Then we turned right on Winchester and there were a few attacks that got covered and upon reaching and crossing the 674 crossing, most of us were still there although the loud one, Ryan R had drifted off the back on the hill leading up to the intersection.  This gave me great joy after having endured his pre-ride mocking.  We motored on it to Canal, with Todd taking the stop sign warning sign sprint with a 22mph avg.  OK, there is talk of continuing the Tuesday ride at 5:00pm and already there is a group of 6-7 who have been going out for a warm-up ride at that time.  I'll confirm things and keep you posted if interested.

The Harvest Moon Century and Metric Century was a first time event and I suppose some growing pains were to be expected but not having maps???  Anyway, arriving in Warm Springs, VA with no information on packet pick-up on the event's web site or elsewhere forced me to stop at random places to see if anyone knew anything.  At Gucci's Italian restaurant, someone suggested the Wellness Center.  I struck pay dirt!  They said packet pick-up was at the "Dairy" a few miles down the road so off we went, eventually getting the packet which included a very nice, burnt orange long sleeve T shirt, gel packs, etc...  not bad overall.  Later I discovered the packet did not include a map and the route was different from what had been on the web site.  Also discovered I forgot my water bottles but a trip to the newly opened Dollar General brought me to a couple of ugly green ones.  

You don't drive 6 hours to ride anything but the century but after arriving at the high school for the start I began to have doubts. Not knowing the area and not having a map was a problem.  Did have a cue sheet but if you get off the route good luck getting back on in this very rural area.  I also left my pump at the hotel and SAG service was one old geezer who looked like he was going to find an anonymous location and get some sleep time.  Lastly, there were only 35 people, 20 for the century ride so if something did happen, I probably could not count on a bunch of people riding by to help out.  Then it began raining a couple of minutes before the start and the forecast was for 60% chance of rain so, at the start, one had to choose between 100 miles and 60 miles and I chose the 60 route.......I know what you are thinking.   

The first 7 miles was all down hill and I slotted in with 4 other guys, one of whom had a long, flowing beard but this is the heart of the old Confederacy so not unexpected.  Think of General Stonewall Jackson in lycra and you get the correct image.  We hit the first short hill and Stonewall and buddy got out in front of us but not too far and we regrouped.  Then came a longer hill and the two got out again but soon tired and I caught and passed and had a small gap but was reined in.  All along we had exchanged normal banter and we were having a good time.  One guy stood for a long time while climbing a hill and I asked if he had hemorrhoids, getting some good guffaws from the others. One guy rode his front tire into the rear tire of Stonewall and I thought he would go down but because the roads were wet, so too the tires and that must have kept him up.  Stonewall said, "I know you want to stay close but that's ridiculous."  

Then came a 2 mile climb with 3-4 ramps at 12-13% and here I put in a really good gap, arrived at the 26 miles rest stop, grabbed an apple slice and fig newton and took off, just as the others arrived with shouts of, "Don't be anti-social" and "We're supposed to regroup!"  I just laughed and kept going, figuring the rate they descend as a group they'd catch me anyway.  Thus began one of the most enjoyable down hills I've experienced along I think Dry Creek road.  For many miles I followed a 1 1/2 lane road, nicely paved, along a roaring stream cascading over rocks into multiple pools, surrounded by dense forest with a canopy that sun rarely penetrated so the hill side was covered with ferns.  With the cloudy sky and blocked sun otherwise, it was kind of an eerie scene.  I kept expecting the other 4 to catch but once I turned left on a new road, climbing began in earnest and I began thinking I might stay away.

I hit the 46 mile rest stop and got off the bike for a couple of minutes to enjoy a PB & J sandwich and leapt back on the bike.  OK, I admit it, despite the low turnout (not much I can do about that), short cutting to the metric century, later finding out a flat tire stopped my pursuers, etc... I was kind of excited about finishing first.  Soon, I turned onto #39 and saw a large sign that said, "Warning, Cyclists next 5 Miles".  I was aware there was a monster final climb on the route and this must be it, and so the long grind began.  About half way up I passed a guy from Brazil (forgot about him from earlier) and kept plodding on as the road steepened and stayed at 12-13% for a long time.  Reaching the top I was greeted with the above view, quite spectacular huh?  But more importantly I was greeted with the Warm Springs town sign and was encouraged to know it was almost over, finally being so after a steep climb up the entrance to the school. 

I crossed the finish line and was embarrassed they made such a big deal about finishing first.  Someone from the local chamber of commerce was there and took my image, asked me for some quotes (I said I owed it all to the Thursday New Albany group ride) and said to hang around as they had pizza coming.  I had to go though and rode back to the Gristmill Inn with 60 miles, 5100' of climbing and a finish time of 3:42 (they didn't record the time I crossed the line, instead when they thought to check the clock, duh, so the official time is 3:48).  I know, pretty sad time but good enough for this crowd.

So, arrived in Warm Springs, VA on Friday as planned and checked in to the Inn at Gristmill Square, where I had stayed in August prior to the Mountain Mama century.  This time, I wanted my lucky wife to see the area and on Friday we hit the Sam Snead Tavern at the Homestead for appetizers and a drink....ok, my wife had water and I had wine.  If you're a golf fan, it's a cool spot with lots of memorabilia from Snead's ear when he dominated the sport with Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.  Later, we ate at the Inn and afterwards, watched a gathering of bluegrass/soft rock fans enjoy some local artists perform in the courtyard of the Inn.

Yep, those are my shoes and watching a few women jump up and begin dancing.  By now, after 4-5 glasses of wine, I don't remember much other than it was fun to sit there and watch them dance and the locals play a guitar, violin and banjo.  Don't get no better than this....ok.....it can but if in Warm Springs, this is as good as it gets.  Finally had to retire to get ready for the big ride on Saturday with a forecast of 60% rain, groan......  Awoke to cloudy skies, clouds swirling in the moutains, lots of green blobs on radar.  More to come tomorrow.  I'm kind of stalling because I was told the results would get posted and image on the web site of a certain Ohioian who pulled the stunning upset.

As is the norm, the parking lot was virtually empty and then, around 15 minutes until 6:00pm, after I had already told Dennis it looked like he was top dog tonight, after I told Katherine she was top dog, after I told 3-4 others the same....the real top dogs rode in.  John Morgan, Dave Chesrown, Chris G, Randy B, Gus, and those I had told were the top dogs, were crestfallen with the late arrivals.

  Here, poor Katherine had someone swerve into her last Thursday at the stop sign at 310.  She fell on her wrist (note the black wrap) and is waiting on a doctor's analysis.  Nevertheless, she bravely showed up and rode strongly with the B group.

The A group, although small, was quality and when Jeff S, here on the right, called them out it scared off the usual imposters like me into diving into a very strong B group.  By the way, next Thursday is the last official Thursday ride so tell Jeff you appreciate his efforts this year as ride leader, a largely thankless job.  I thought about getting him a card and forging signatures but I forgot to do it.  Maybe next week.

So, after 8-9 A's went out a huge group of B's, including Dennis, Axel, Jeff S, Christian, Katherine, David, couple of Trek guys, John who let slip he reads the stupid blog), Peggy, SupeDave, Mark V, Denver Dan...around 18-20 of us.  We headed out old 161 but turned left on Kitmiller while, get THIS!!!! waiting for half the group that got stuck at the light, left on Clover Valley, right on Green Valley, right on Duncan Plains and soon arrived at the #37 crossing.  The group had been thinned a bit by now and maybe we were down to 12??  Out Castle, right on Sadie Miller, right on Northridge into Alexandria, then out Jersey Mill where we again paused to allow some regrouping.  All this was very weird to me after what I have witnessed with the A group but curiously, it was always Jeff S who asked us to wait and I suspect he was finding the New Albany B pace to be harder then the Canal Mudhens "A" pace.   

We approached the Kitzmiller overpass, Randy Brown took off, I sprinted around him adn looking back, had a nice gap and kept going to claim the sign sprint.  I asked Dennis if anyone tried to catch me and he said, "No, all I saw was several guys with fear in their eyes"  Yuk, Yuk.  He also credited me with the king of the overpass poWe finally arrived back at the parking lot with 30 miles, a 21.9 average....what, the B group average was 21.9 on a somewhat hilly route while the Toledo Mudhen's A group was well below that on the Tuesday ride?  Oh, we added Randy Brown to our group about half way through after the A pace exhausted him but he was in the Tuesday A group all the way around.  Not sure what the A group's average speed was, probably 26+or so.   

Mark V forwarded the below, from Frank Seebode who organizes CFC.  The youtube link is to a 15 minute video from the 2010 CFC ride and has good scenery.
36th Columbus Fall Challenge Oct. 1 & 2

Ohio’s toughest fully supported tour

CFC Sat Route is 109 miles with 8800 feet of climbing  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/673125

CFC Sun Route is 100 miles with 7300 of climbing http://ridewithgps.com/trips/112716 

The following was shot in 2010 on the last half of Saturday and first half of Sunday.  We will be on most of those roads again this year.  I was told this was shot with an i-phone.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToW2TegLSs

You can register on-line till Wed. before the ride.

http://www.outdoor-pursuits.org/     Go to bottom right of the home page.

Paper applications till about then. 

http://www.outdoor-pursuits.org/uploadeddocs/file/CFC%202011%20Reg%20Form%2020110620.pdf

Twenty-five day of ride applications accepted.

My spies are everywhere and I discovered Jon Sada is organizing a sort of CFC practice ride on Thursday, riding to Marietta with friends.  I don't know how Rick Miller, who has been challenged by Jon, can win given all this preparation by Jon.  Time will tell I guess.

Nice evening for a bike ride and too bad the sun is setting so early that I could only come up with a 30 mile route.  Anticipating a light turnout, I only made 25 copies of maps and thus was chastised by the senior ride leader, Mitch, saying he always prints 40.  Maybe if I had access to free printing at work I too would be so profligate.  Anyway, about 34 people showed up but the superstars have fled for greener pastures so the parking lot was the usual mix of minor league talent, led by Eve, Steve O, Peggster, Grand Poobah, Butch, Mark C (walking out of the frame while guzzling a Monster), Dennis, Jeremy, etc...

The sun was direct enough, coupled with low 70 temps that the shady area was sought for maybe the last time this year as next week is the final Tuesday Canal ride.  I'm bummed by that prospect but welcome it too as my motivation for riding has plunged, due partly I guess to having not gone through a burn-out phase during the early summer as I usually do.  It's catching up to me now.  But, next Tuesday is significant as it is a celebration of Mitch's hard work as THE Canal Tuesday ride leader and to a much lesser extent of my own efforts.  All the gifts and glory should go to Mitch as there will be a party at Kingys after next Tuesday's ride.  Mitch will decide what he does not want and I'll get the leftovers, which is only right.  OK, seriously, leading the rides is not heavy lifting and I don't understand why there are not more volunteers to do so.  I'm in for next year as probably is Mitch but it would be good if 1-2 others pitched in, especially those who are normally critical of our routes (as is a certain resident of Carroll, OH).  Let one of us know if you want to select a route once a month, make map copies, have the pre ride sign-up party at your car and then mail sign-up sheets to COP, it's pretty simple and if I can do it anyone can.  I'm sure Jeff S would welcome some help on Thursday's too.

The final stage of the sign up process with Todd Lee, aka Grand Poobah, jumping to draw attention to himself.  Later, I witnessed Todd taking both the Lithopolis and Canal W sign sprints.

A small group of A riders, maybe 6-7, left the parking lot and someone was heard to say, "That's a pretty weak A group" so I won't mention who was in the group so as not to embarrass them. With what was left in the parking lot, someone said, "There's at least 6 guys here who should be in the A group".  So, I called out the B group and 20+ rolled out led by Dennis, Ryan R, Kevin H,  Nathan, David, anonymous tri dude, anonymous Pelotonia jersey dude, new young dude in plain green jersey, Amanda, Mark V, Mark R & more.  We headed out and worked our way over to Pickerington and then up the hill on Brandt, right on Kauffman, hitting the rollers through there, over to Mt Zion headed to Crumely where I, tired of the pace, made up an excuse to wait for Amanda.  After circling a few times and seeing no one, I headed up Royalton, getting back on the route with a right on Betz.  

Once I got on Alspach, here came the A group, comprised of Steve, Mark C, Todd, Jeff S, John S, Tri Andrew, Randy Brown, pretty much everyone who earlier left the parking lot.  I jumped in with them and we flew.....well that is a bit much.....rode fast.....well something other than riding at a real A pace.  I swiveled my head back several  times to see if the B group was catching up, as they did last Tuesday.  We made a right on Cedar Hill and then once in Lithopolis, got back into Canal, just ahead of the B group.   I finished with 27 miles, everyone else at 30.  My average was 19.6, the B group was 20.6 but I did not hear the A group's average speed, probably 20.5.  

KCBC is this Saturday but I'll have to miss it, riding a hilly century ride in VA, something for which I am unprepared but what the heck, get to spend the weekend in Warm Springs, VA.

Ryan R brought two items recovered after the Tour of Hocking Hills.  One is a men's,  sleeveless wind jacket, shown here by Amanda and the other item is a pair of Performance sunglasses, also being modeled by Amanda.  If you are the owner of either of these items, let me know and I'll arrange to get them to you.  Both are currently in the trunk of my car so they will begin stinking within a few days.

A couple of times each year I update what is going on with the blog for those who are new to it.  I look at the hits this stupid blog receives and marvel over the interest.  For example, for the last 12 days, there were less than 300 hits on only 3 of the days and the low was 226, the high was 415.  The record is still 502.  Of course, there are repeat visitors that inflate the numbers so for unique visitors during that period there were over 200 each day with a high of 365 and several other days at 300+  The record for unique hits is somewhere north of 400 but I forget the exact quantity.  It is rare when the page hits fall less than 200, usually on a Friday or Sunday.  

The Granville Bike thing is something I thought of after befriending the manager of a bike rental place in California.  I thought Granville was a bit of a tourist destination, my son could benefit from some business experience so I set up an LLC, bought a few bikes, set up the web site and my son began taking bikes to visitors in the Granville area, interacting with them, collecting cash and maintaining records.  Unfortunately, he's at school now and I have to handle the odd request, which I find kind of fun.  Not sure if I'll keep the bike rental thing going but the blog will live on.  

Why a blog?  A few years ago, I crashed in FL, broke a collarbone and was forced to miss the group rides for a few weeks.  One of our group kept me updated with ride reports and I found it invaluable as I was laid up and bored.  At some point after my return to cycling, I started typing up ride reports and circulating it among a 40+ email list that most people seemed to enjoy and some encouraged me to start a blog.  I'm not a great writer but I have had experience with writing, having authored an article or two that appeared in national golf magazines and I authored or co-authored 4 books on golf, none of which ever sold more than a couple of copies but at least it's on my resume.   

I don't know who you are outside of a few people who have acknowledged they read the blog when they are really bored.  I receive site visit information that summarizes the count but nothing more than that.  I can always upgrade the service to see who is visiting but it's not important enough to me to bother.  I also know there are some international visitors because they have shot me an email but not much else is known about who you are.  Even in the comment section, if you don't identify yourself then I have no idea who you are.  Of all the comments received, only 2 were taken down because they crossed a line in attacking someone but so far I have never deleted a comment about me.  I figure if I can dish it out then I have to be willing to take it, as long as it is good natured, as are my shots at you, well almost always.  

You may wonder what happens in the off season.  The blog keeps going of course.  It is one of the sources for information on weekend activities, usually off trail hiking, trail running or cross country skiing, when we are not scheduling a bike ride. We usually ride if the start temp is about 28 and not too windy and no snow/ice on the road.  Just thinking about that makes me shudder. Craig Butler, Jeff S, Grand Poobah, Steve O, Mark C, Flyin Tuna, heck even some of the Kendaites can be counted on to ride during the winter. 

Oh, the biggest event of the year is in December when I conduct the annual "Should the Blog Continue for Another Year" poll.  I set the response bar very low and there is usually a rush of affirmatives toward the end of the day that forces me to keep going.  So, keep an eye out for that poll as I may make the minimum quantity of "yeses" higher this year.  Would I really quit the blog if I don't receive enough votes to keep it going?  Yes, although there is always a chance it would make a come back.  Thanks for checking in.

I had to bring in the 4th string ride reporter so don't expect too much.  I was in Dayton for my wife's half marathon.  Pretty cool with flyovers by a variety of planes, she received a goody bag of a T-shirt, cap, patch, wrist band, medal for  finishing and spending quality time with me......don't get no better than that.  There were 13,000 runners doing either the full, half marathon or 10k run. Anyway, Flyin Tuna stepped in to provide the below report.  Please note she has been working hard on her spelling, vocab and grammar and it shows.  Probably at a 4th-5th grade level now so progress being made.  Also below is Amanda's report.   I was slow to put up Amanda's report and she did not take the delay lightly.  Lastly, far below is a summary of what happened Sunday.

Since Cub Reporter Nathan and intern Amanda were not in attendance, you will have to endure my one syllable description of today’s ride.  Sorry.  If you missed the Tour of the Hocking, you missed one of the best rides of the year.  Make sure it doesn’t happen next year.  Approximately 140 riders showed up; and within 20 feet of the parking lot, the first crash occurred.  A car turned in front of a rider and the rider ended up with his shoulder in the windshield of the car, shattering it (the windshield, not sure about the shoulder).  He appeared to be OK, but in shock and the Leaders of the tour will check on him later tonight.  Our group left around 8:00 with Steve, Jeff, Jeremy, Mark V., Mark C., Mark R., John, David, Kevin, Andrew, Jimmy, myself, and quite a few others.  Mitch left at 9:00 after Leader duties and met up with us before Laurelville.  The route was different this year and we spent more time in Tar Hollow, one of my favorite places.  One of the new roads into Tar Hollow was Poe’s Run, one of the hardest hills of the ride, but very scenic.  Ryan and group’s food stop was located in Tar Hollow, so we stopped by twice and enjoyed the great FREE food and drinks.  Without the support of this stop, we probably could not have ridden this route, the strange little store at the bottom of Tar Hollow has finally closed and there was nowhere else to refuel at in the area, so thanks to Ryan and his Church group for their support!  Most of us did the 100 route; Dennis where were you?  Kevin was banking on you to come and do the 75 mile route with him, but you pulled a Houdini and did not show?   Our group eventually split up into 3 subgroups, I have no evidence about who beat whom up the hills and who spit on who (although I did hear that Steve spit on someone twice) and since this blog is only about creditable evidence I won’t be able to substantiate that.  It was a pleasant day; without the normal verbal abuse, wonder why?  Oh yeah, the reason I’m writing this report.  Mark was gone.   Thanks, Mitch, Peggie and Butch (and anyone else that supported the ride).  Well done.
And from Amanda:
I was working late for the 3rd day in a row and so I when the alarm went off at
6am, I turned it off...I knew Frans was riding at 8:30, so I planned to ride
then. I still didn't manage to get my butt out the door til around 7:50am, so by

the time I got to Circleville high school, most everyone had gone. Frans, Maya,
Mike and a few others met me at the parking lot for the 75 mile route. See,
Frans knew I was full of crap when I told him I'd be there at 8am! Janet took
off at around 8:15. I also heard there was an accident in the parking lot before

I got there. There was a girl who couldn't see that great because of the sun in
her eyes, and didn't see the cyclists leaving the parking lot. She hit two of
them, and I am not sure how they are doing. Peggie is keeping tabs I hear. No
news as of yet other than that the driver was cited.

I rolled out on a very chilly morning around 8:45. Most of us were wearing arm
and knee warmers, jackets and the like. Maya and I struggled to catch up to
Frans, who was trying to catch a gang of Olympus riders. I eventually gave up
and then he decided to wait for a few others. Total we had 7 in our group. Later
the Roll:ers passed us and I talked to Frank for a bit. He asked about my
randonneuring efforts and then sped off.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day for
a ride, with clear blue skies and lots of hills - including Poe road. It was as
bad as Chicken Coop but a lot longer. Also, Ryan put on a wonderful spread for
the Free Food Stop with chips, brownies, cookies, fruit, and pb & J sandwiches.
His wife was there with their daughter, and I learned she used to work with me
at Alliance Data Systems. We also passed Eve and Tim a few times. But, there
were no sign sprints, plenty of loafing, and oh, there was a head wind most of
the time! I ended up with 74 miles and a 16.5 average, not too bad for the
climbing we did.

There were 15 who showed up for John Marten's Sunday ride.  After missing Saturday's ride I sorely needed a long ride but strangely we had only a 40 mile route and I was not motivated to go longer on my own.  I'm about ready to pack it in for the year I guess.  Anyway, Tim and Lisa T, Kim Sada, Farmer Mike and Joe, a tri dude from Gahanna, got out in front of the other tri types and enjoyed a modest paced ride down to Millersport.  Even Lisa, the Relentless One, took it easy except when I went to the front to pull, then she buzzed around me and took over once or twice.  I think I have set some kind of record in the area of "exasperated cyclists too impatient for the slow ass to get off the front".  We headed back north after a brief stop at a gas station in Millersport and had a spirited run up Canyon Road and back into Granville with 40 miles, 1400' of climbing and a 19mph avg.

Although I am in Dayton, one of my trusted minions will provide a ride report and as an added bonus, Ryan Roe will send me a "Food Stop Report" too.  Stay tuned for the full story.

OK, it was a shock to the system to arrive at the New Albany parking lot and step out of the car into sub-60 degree temp but the winds were light and the sky was a brilliant blue so what's not to like?  Well, it appeared there was a lot not to like judging by the quantity of cyclists who pulled in but as is the norm, the numbers grew and probably by 6:00pm there were around 40 of us. 

Going out with a smallish A group was Billy C, Tym and Lisa T, Chris G, Rich Lewis, Jon Sada, Randy Brown, Mick and a few others.  Some in the group were up to their same tired tricks, this time breaking from the group at the stop light in New Albany and leaving the rest behind at the light.  Apparently this torqued off a few but I was not there to witness it as I had hung back with a fairly strong group of 15, B riders comprised of Dennis, SuperDave, Axel, Jeff S, Katherine & Christian, Mark R, Mark V, David, Denver Dan, etc...

BREAKING NEWS: Jon Sada threw the gauntlet down and demanded that I make public that he has challenged Rick Miller to a race at CFC.  While those two have their own side bet, Jon told me he is giving 3:1 odds.  If you put $100 on Rick to win, and Rick wins, Jon will pay you $300. If Jon wins, you lose your $100.  I'm not making this up.  However, you must call Jon to make your wager and leave me out of it.  Unlike a horse race where you never really know how the horse is feeling, I put a call into Rick to alert him that he may be carrying the hopes of many and to find out what kind of shape he is in.  You have to do your own due diligence should you wish to place a wager but I liked what I heard from Rick and have heard he has been training quietly in the mountains north of Utica to prepare.  

Each week, sunset gallops closer and closer and so tonight we had only 33 miles to cover.  Not much to say other than after arriving in Alexandria, a left on Mounts and then a left on Hardscrabble had reduced our group to 6 people, Dennis, Axel, Jeff S, David, Mick (who had fallen back from the A group) and me.  But wait, we gobbled up Lisa to bring into the group the relentless one and soon she was dishing out punishment. We turned south on Castel, crossed over to Duncan Plains where we picked up Jon, then a left on Caswell and a right on Miller.  We lost Lisa and Jon who turned to ride back to Granville and our pace slackened significantly.  We arrived in the parking lot with 33 miles, a 21mph average and 950 feet of climbing.  

While I will miss the Hocking Hills Tour, I have heard the market at the bottom of Tar Hollow has closed but Nathan is organizing a free food stop somewhere and perhaps he will post details here.

Well, I had to miss the Tuesday Canal ride but my good buddy Nathan pitched in to provide the below report.  Alas, I am also going to miss this Saturday's ride because I will be in Dayton supporting the little woman as she runs a half marathon.  OPPORTUNITY:----Volunteer to ride Saturday's ride and provide a summary of the ride.  If you are out there and think to yourself, Hell, I could write as good as Nathan, then shoot me an email and I'll give you the chance for glory.  Seriously, over the last 6 days, over 250 people checked in with this stupid blog each day and on several days over 300 checked in.  Surely someone else will want to see their name in lights, right????

Canal Winchester - September 14, 2011 - The Tuesday COP ride out of Canal spawned nice temps and moderate wind this week as 27ish showed up for the test of grit and will. Present were many of the usual candidates; Myself (Nate) along with Green Caboose, Pepe Le Pew, The OX, Little Diesel, Pastor Mark, Grand Poobah, Style Queen, Jeremy (needs nickname), Leader Mitch, Tri-bar guy whose name I can't remember despite riding with him frequently, Mr. Rossi as a single, Ryan (also needs nickname) and a few others.

Early arrivals to the parking lot looked a bit gloomy, thinking that the wind would be a major factor, but after a gander at the map a few grins appeared. Mitch provided us with a route that sent us out Amanda Northern where the “select” would be early. Eyes measured the parking lot, trying to decide who had eaten their Wheaties today and early battle plans were laid.

Mitch gave his usual rousing ride brief ensuring that everyone knows he likes vodka, tequila or something else I can't remember (sambuka????). The A's were then called to the line and about 5ish responded. Now it gets important here so pay attention. I don't recall all who were there but I do remember Pastor Mark, The OX, and Poobah (maybe Ryan too?) were among the heavy hitters.
...and then the B's were called to duty and a largish group responded including Pepe Le Pew, Mitch, Dennis, Tri-bar guy, Myself, Amanda and most of the others.

Immediately upon hitting the road the pace was brisk and I wondered what evil lay up the sleeve of the early leaders. I hung back watching as Dennis (style queen), Mitch, and Kevein (pepe) rotated on and off the front quickening the pace even more as we made the right onto Waterloo Eastern Road. Knowing that an early select lay before us I did as Dennis taught me and stayed off the front and in the draft. Before long, a glance up revealed the A's not far off and being pulled in.

The turn onto Amanda northern uncovered today's wiliest rider as Mitch sprinted to the front and took an aggressive lead at the beginning of the couple miles of the Amanda Northern pain-fest that exploded the B group like dynamite leaving bodies behind en-mass. By the end of that slog only a few remained and the As were still within reach.

We turned onto Royalton, where we were thankfully spared the horrific 6 climb section and with regular lead switches and a careful echelon in place the a group remained in sight.

All the way through the ride it seemed to be a slow motion tug of war as the A's were pulled in and away. I envisioned Pastor Mark of there whipping them up in his normal fashion and found out later that Grand Poobah was trying to organize a rotation to reduce the impact of the cross-wind. (This produced a litany of jokes afterward that there isn't space to cover here. Ask about it Thursday or next Tuesday)

The turn Northbound onto Goodman, then Lancaster Rd to Elder is where the Magic of the night happened though. Unfortunately Tri-Bar dude and I blew off the back right at the Goodman turn as Pepe took to the front and laid down the hammer, so I'll have to tell this part as told to me and just make up the parts I don't know as is appropriate for this blog.

With the A's in sight all evening, the turn onto Goodman produced some sort of anger in Pepe that spurred him to new and unthinkable speeds. The ultimate result was that before long, the trio of Pepe, Mitch and Style Queen Dennis (*I name them so that they may receive their proper congratulations and honorifics when you see them next) caught the A group and as is proper, mocked them for the remainder of the way to Canal.

The parking lot was riotous with tales of woe and glory as I rode in with Tri-Bar dude a minute or so in trail. Averages were being compared and as expected, the B's average was higher and mightier than that of the A's. Fights broke out, Names were called, accusations of foul play were thrown down and I think I even saw someone spit some of their post-ride recovery drink out their nose.

All was shortly forgiven though, as the group headed into shades for a beer and a burger to make sure that no weight loss was actually achieved. One can not really describe the post-ride scene in the parking lot with something so mundane as words, but you should ask anyway and watch them try. 

Today I received the call I have been sweating over for weeks.  Rick Miller, bike mechanic extraordinaire, is putting together a van/bus transit for those who want to ride only the first day of CFC and then be driven back to Columbus on Saturday evening.  Already committed to the return van trip are Marty, Dave C and others but it is an invitation only event.  So, today, Rick called me and asked if I wanted to join the fun. Now, was I the first he called....most definitely not. Was I the last he called....why yes, probably I was.  However, there are still a couple of seats available and to express my gratitude, I told Rick I would promote the opportunity to the thousands of loyal blog readers.  

For a measly $40, the van will be available at the first rest stop so you can partially disrobe if you want.  Next, it will be available at the lunch stop.  Then, after you arrive in Marietta, it will be there to take you and your bike back to Columbus.  Of course, there will be a quick meal stop either in Marietta or somewhere close during the return.  For more details, contact Rick at rick@ricksbicycleservice.com,  To be honest, this is open to anyone so don't let my comment about the exclusivity of the service throw you.  If you can make it to Marietta then Rick's van will be there for you.  ALSO----SPECIAL ALERT:  Jon Sada has challenged Rick to race the CFC route.  Not sure what the winner or loser will receive but it adds some spice to the event.

Appeared to be a huge turnout for the Covered Bridge tour, beginning at Cyclist Connection on Saturday.  Unsure of elevation gain but probably the 100 mile route had 5-6000'.  Our group rolled out, numbering around 20 with Dennis, Larry P, Steve O, Mark & Karen R, Flyin Tuna, Jeremy, Jimmy, Kenda's Janet and Paul, Amanda, Engineer Mitch, Tri-Andrew, John Swope, etc...  I really needed a long ride but could not shrug off the need to watch the Buckeyes so upon reaching the village of Amanda, I took the short route while everyone else took the long one.  I finished with 50 miles but suffered from no guilt as I motored back home, hoping Sunday's weather would be ok to make up the difference....

.....and Sunday dawned bright and sunny.  Turnout for the Westerville Dry Run was also very strong and there was an excited mood in the parking lot as the prior days had seen a few posts on Doug M's Facebook page calling out the Olympus boys.  Note Marty did not initiate the challenge and it appeared most of the posts were from people not actually planning to ride but in any event, the gauntlet had been thrown down and probably 5-6 Olympus Dudes were there along with Marty, Dave C, Garth Prosser, Rich Lewis, Jon Sada and a couple others.  

I had planned to slot in with the Kendaites and Nathan and as soon as we exited the parking lot, I observed Kenda Dave drop into his aero bars.  Janet, Paul and I each commented upon how rare it was to see a guy drop into the aero bars during the warm-up phase in a residential neighborhood but Dave is a Kendaite so.....  After a few turns, we noticed Marty's group was within our limited sprinting ability and so we caught on and enjoyed a upperwardly moderately paced ride all the way to Johnstown at mile 15.  During the ride, Marty and Dave drifted back to introduce themselves to Kenda Janet, recognizing her as the star of the blog.  Janet was thrilled by the recognition and probably any thought of actually wearing something different is now out the window.  

We left Johnstown with David added to our group but soon the 70/100 cutoff arrived and we bid David farewell as we headed on to Utica, enjoying the climbs on Marion and Reynolds.  Food stop #2 arrived at the apple orchard, around mile 33.  Meantime, the pro peloton had stayed on the 100 mile route  with the pace picking up down Hardscrabble and then out of Granville, Rich and Garth did a lot of pulling.  Marty led much of the way out Chatham then Garth took over and Rich attacked from the left with Rob Rhodes making a hard effort to catch but fell short.  These four reached the intersection at Chestnut Hills Road together and then some regrouping took place as they proceeded to the foot of Marion Road.  Here, an Olympus guy took off but ran out of gas, then Garth took the lead and soon it was only he, Rich, Rob and Dace C that could stay on Garth's wheel. While driving to the base of the Reynolds climb, Rob dropped off and during the climb, Garth reached the top first, followed by Rich with Marty and Dave close by.  

Meantime, I took the 100 mile option out of Utica and rode alone into Martinsburg, then on to Gambier, enjoying a tough climb to the top of the campus, coasting down the other side where a right turn revealed another difficult climb on 229.  Upon reaching the top, I was soft pedaling when Rich, Garth, Marty and Dave passed me but no one else came by, later learning that several of the Olympus dudes had turned right on Martinsburg and the remaining O-Dude, Steve Fields fell off the pace prior to Gambier.  By the time I hit Mt Vernon, I was low on fluids and hungry so stopped at the above market, thinking a 41 mile gap between food stops was a bit much for a full service tour.  Anyway, headed out of Mt Vernon on to Centerburg where food stop #3 was found and then on to Westerville, getting wet in there somewhere, finishing with 95 miles and 4500' of climbing.  Sounds like Marty's team won the Olympus challenge.

It was dry in Granville as I drove towards New Albany.  I drove into a rain shower and out, drove through another, passed Farmer Mike on 161 and arrived in the parking lot.  There, a group of Jeff S, Dennis, Flyin T, David and I gathered for a general discussion about the elements as Mike rolled in and confirmed he was soaked.  Mark V made a run through the parking lot but did not stop, a couple others did as well but with the A & F ride snatching a few of the regulars coupled with the light rain, it did not look as if there would be an organized ride.  Jeff finally called off the organized element of our ride and most of us left around 5:45 so not sure if anyone actually got out at 6:00.   

Wow, that Ryan Roe's ride report produced some interesting comments and I like that.  His style of bragging about his own accomplishments while denigrating everyone else is a winner so I am promoting him to Head Cub Report and demoting Nathan to Special Assistant to the HCR.  Amanda remains the Ink Stained Wretch and will fill in when I wear out the fingers of the other two.  Flyin Tuna remains as a remote back-up Boiler Room Operator mostly because reading long, run-on sentences composed entirely of single syllable words can be tough on you. For example, from her last report: "See Bob ride, ride Bob ride and hit the hill hard but do not drop me and make sure you wait for me if you do and buy me food at the food stop for me."  OK, when desperate I can use something like that but hopefully whenever I am absent from a ride Ryan, Nate or Amanda can fill in.  

Looks like the Covered Bridge ride is everyone's choice for Saturday and then the Westerville Dry Run ride for Sunday. 

It's as if some in our midst are competing in a game of "Who Can Dress the Wierdest".  Below, Ryan makes the best comment, suggesting Steve O beat up a soccer player to grab the socks.

Grand Poobah signs in on an evening that attracted only 22 people.  I decided not to ride during the drive down but others far braver than I did although I almost had Nathan talked in to not riding.

Jeremy has this size large wind jacket, which has never been worn.  Probably it is really a size XL but Jeremy will sell it to whomever makes the best offer or if you don't want to pay anything then that is OK too he says.  I'm not kidding.  He'll bring it to the Covered Bridge ride and will transfer it then to an interested party.  Anyway, below, Ryan Roe created the report for the

With the temperature dropping into the high 60's and winds blowing in excess of 10 mph, many cyclists were deterred from coming out for the Tuesday night ride. Even those with sign-in responsibilities refused to change out of their jeans and t-shirt, but at least it was a cycling-related t-shirt and the individual did make the drive to fulfill his responsibilities, so well done, I guess. 

I rolled out with the B's, so I can't give an account as to what happened with the A's. I think they rode 38 miles and averaged around 20mph. It seems that Steve O forgot his socks and stopped at a nearby soccer field and stole a pair from one of the teenage girls who left her gym bag on the sidelines while she practiced.

Anyway, as the B's rolled out, we had a group of 7-10 and Kevin H quickly went to the front and started riding an A pace. Nathan managed to hang on all the way to Waterloo when he decided he had enough and turned his bike around in a tantrum and headed back to the parking lot (strange thing #1). When Kevin wore out from the A pace, Dennis took over and drilled it up the slight hill on Waterloo all the way to Slough. In fact, he opened a bit of a gap on the group, and when we finally caught back on at the stop sign, he made some remark about how he thought he rolled out with the B's but guessed by our slow speed that maybe he mistakingly rolled out with the C's. Hmm, Dennis complaining that the pace was too slow?? That was strange happening #2. I was first up and over the hill on Slough and maintained a bit of a gap (strange thing #3) on Slough over to Benson. We scooped up an A-dropped Todd L on Slough and we continued on to Winchester and then left on Lamb, Right on Lithopolis, and left on Rockmill Rd. I think it was on Lamb Rd when we realized that Kevin H had disappeared (strange thing #4) along with several others of our group. Also of note, I think it was on Kaufman Rd, when Todd took a rare pull up a hill. As he pulled, his head was spinning frantically as he judged how hard of an effort he needed to put forth to avoid being passed on the hill. In doing so, he forgot to watch the road in front of him and dropped off the edge of the road onto the gravel shoulder. But thanks to his bike handling skills and his vast experience of riding in the gutter, he avoided a crash.

So by the time we crested the hill at the intersection of Rockmill Rd and Royalton Rd, there were only the elite of the B's remaining - Mitch O, Dennis, and me. We continued on the downhill section of Rockmill and then hung a left on Crumley when we noticed that somehow, Jeremy had managed to catch back on (strange thing #5). Jeremy was on the rivet and was trying to keep the vomit down as we headed east and then north into the cold, misty wind. We made a left on Mt Zion and then a left on Royalton. I opened a gap over the first few series of hills but Dennis and Mitch caught back on as we crested the last hill, Jeremy was nowhere in site, probably puking in a ditch somewhere. From Royalton & Rockmill intersection, MVP Mitch pretty much took over and fought the headwinds for us as we headed back to Canal. Dennis and I would occasionally attempt to relieve Mitch, but it would only last a minute or two before Mitch would come roaring around to the front again.

We ended with 34 miles and what we were sure would be an impressive average, only to discover it was a measly mid-18's average. With the wind, the mist, the hills, and the cooler temps, that just didn't seem fair.

The Millersport Corn Festival ride brought out the usual suspects including Frans, who seems to be quite the ladies man judging by this scene.  I wanted to catch the Buckeyes so invested in only the 35 mile route, shoving off with Jeff S, Jimmy, John W and Flyin Tuna, at 9:00am.  A much larger group had departed at 8:00 and considering the temp, a good idea.  I was back at my car before 11:00 and it was already in the high 80's and I spent a split second feeling sorry for those on the longer route.

So, having not put in much for Saturday's ride I showed at John Marten's Granville ride at 8:30am, which was an 80 mile route through Mt Vernon, Gambier, Howard, Millwood, Bladensburg, Newark & in.  Good group that split early with me hooking up with Marty, Dave C, Jon Sada, Tym Tyler, Mountain Bike Bob and Steve.  We kept a pace slightly lower than the Thursday New Albany ride out the flat to rolling route along Burg, Dry Creek, Louden, etc.. all the way to 36 where Marty busted out a strong pull into Mt. Vernon, at mile 30.  The sustained effort gassed me and when we turned onto a bike path to take us to Howard, I dropped out and cruised the 8 miles to Howard, rejoining the group in front of a bank of pop machines.  

Unfortunately, the machines would not accept a $20 or a $5 so I was out of luck, but our next stop was at Millwood, only a few miles down the road.  We jumped on to Millwood Road but upon reaching 62, rather than turn left into Millwood we went straight onto Hazel Dell , which turned south and soon hit a ramp, then another ramp then a very steepish ramp then I began spewing hydraulic fluid and dropped back, partly because I saw there were more ramps ahead too.  Upon reaching the top of the next ramp I saw Jon and Bob had dropped back too but too far ahead to bridge.  Anyway, this stretch of road, once the ramps are behind is a great ride on good roads all the way in to Bladensburg.  There I found Jon and Bob but the others had kept going.  Jon and Bob left a few minutes ahead of me and in the ensuing minutes prior to my departure, I began hearing thunder and the sky was looking ominous to the northeast.  

I headed south on Henpeck and it began pouring so I sought shelter under a tree.  A couple of women on a front porch invited me up so I spent a few minutes there until the rain paused and I took off.  Shortly after crossing 586 it began pouring again and very intensely so.  Found a centuries old maple tree that kept the rain off for awhile but eventually the tree lost its covering effect and spent the time listening to the sound of thunder shift slowly from the east to the west while a cold wind began blowing.  A call home confirmed it was raining there too so I thought, "Great, I'm going to follow this all the way to Granville" so.....I called in the rescue force and pleaded with my wife to come and get me. While I waited, the rain slackened so I headed out again where upon reaching Hickman, the pavement was dry and in fact, I could have ridden the balance of the route rain free.  Oh well, the rescue team showed up at Hickman and I packed it in with only 60 miles.

Regarding Tuesday's Canal ride, my arch nemesis, Ryan Roe, has sent me a good ride report and I will post with images later today.

Paul Stock with a helmet cam.  From now on, this selfless guy will lug the cam and a 5 pound battery around to capture evildoers of the peloton in action, crashes and guys urinating against the elementary school building.  As evidence, watch this very good piece taken from Tuesday's Canal ride with graphics!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmB7ucRsB_Y .AOLWebSuite .AOLPicturesFullSizeLink { height: 1px; width: 1px; overflow: hidden; } .AOLWebSuite a {color:blue; text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer} .AOLWebSuite a.hsSig {cursor: default}

Billy Campbell.  When he arrived, Dennis asked him if he was the one who sprinted out of the emergency vehicle passing last week.  He came up with a good excuse, saying he was not there. 

White was a popular color last night, here fashionably shown by Lisa, Marty and Jon Morgan.  I can think of a few people who could use a visit by cyclings version of "What Not to Wear", like Nathan, Mark V, Dennis, etc... but the above trio are fashion plates, always dressing smartly. 

Now here's a funny scene, amongst the high end A riders sits Toe Clip himself, Canal Steve trying to ingratiate himself with this group, leaving our clique under the shade tree and creating some ill will.  Traitor.

Kind of a light turnout with even the usual late rush bringing the total to 55 for a 37 mile route.  Good A turnout of Pete, Chris G, Marty, Dave C, Jon M, Canal Steve O, Rick, Dennis, Tym & Lisa T, Billy C, Claude, Paul Stock, Stefano, Blair, John, John Sada, etc..probably 20, leaving the parking lot and heading out 161, where I noticed we have worn a grove in the asphalt from the frequent departures via this road.    Dave C went to the front and drilled it early on, replaced by others who repeated the same and so surge after surge raked our group and with a fairly strong wind coming out of the south, if you were unable to draft to the left, egads.  I was hanging in there midway out 161 but riding right on the yellow line to the left of Dennis when I saw a car approaching and simultaneously, felt a hand on my side.  This is it I thought.  I've angered too many and the peloton has a way of policing itself.  I glanced back to see who was the executioner and it was Gus!  It's always the unlikeliest who do the group's dirtiest deeds.  My wheel had crossed Dennis so there was no way of moving right...it was only a matter of time now with the car.  

Actually, Gus was only alerting me to his presence as he had gotten to my left and needed to close in a bit.  Anyway, Billy C got a gap on the entire group but eased up and we finally reached 310 with a 24.6 avg, Dennis and I having hung on.  There, the light never changes and a few of us crossed the intersection and soft pedaled to Jersey Mill.  Here I made a big mistake.  As soon as I turned right on Jersey Mill I knew I'd have trouble catching the group's tail and sure enough, they wooshed by me and I couldn't catch on so soloed down to Alexandria and arrived with a 24.9 avg and then out Raccoon Valley where Steve, Lisa, Stephano, Blair and some other guy caught me and I latched on to this good group.  I took a short pull in there somewhere and as I drifted back the "other guy" said, "Nice Pull" but it did not sound sincere so I asked Lisa, "Is he mocking me?" and she said, "I don't know....could be."   

We turned left at Louden and I think gapped Stephano and Blair and "other guy" on the opening ramp or soon thereafter and were down to Lisa, Steve and me but me barely so.  Having finally reached the final ramp on Louden I breathed a sign of relief, looking forward to coasting for awhile but Lisa plowed forward pedaling on the downhill...she is relentless.  We passed Claude and turned left on Stone Quarry where I survived to Northridge and then onto Concorde, left at Castle, crossing over to Duncan Plains and finally reaching 310.  Lisa led us straight where I opined that I thought we were to have hung a left and then a right on Miller.  I extended the debate as long as possible as it kept the speed down but soon we settled on making a left at Caswell and then right on Miller.  There we lost the driving force of our group as she headed back to Granville with Tym but our group had picked up John.  Our speed slowed a bit as Steve could not pull us on his own all the way and so we limped back into New Albany, having been swept up by a trailing B group in the last mile or two, arriving with 38 miles, 1000' of climbing and a 21.6 avg.   

Now, upon arriving at the parking lot, I observed Dennis hanging with the lead group, an indication he finished with them.  I demanded to see the video evidence and Paul has provided it here, via a short clip from his video cam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NguvytBwW_k   although Dennis admitted he got shelled on Stone Quarry but still an admirable achievement to have lasted that long.  Rumor was the front group was especially anxious to drop John Sada, having just returned from a week of riding in Colorado but not sure if that was achieved or not.  Someone help me out here....