Early at OFC, Rick Miller arrived with Farmer Mike, Gus & Peggy and 3-4 others.  Poobah was there snooping around for freebies out of Rick's van. 

The high school band was practicing in the field next to our parking lot, preparing for an afternoon football game.

So many ride options spread the cycling folks from Lancaster (CFC), Sugar Grove (OFC), Circleville (KFC), Malabar Farms Park (re-do of "The Frank") and Alley Park (Beth Hale & friends ride).  I heard 25+ showed up for the re-do of "The Frank", a surprising number for that 11,000' climbing monster.  Here in Sugar Grove, I slotted in with Gus, Woody, Todd M, Peggy, Larry P, Mitch Tallen and others.  Probably 65-70 were out for the OFC ride.

As the sun rose above the tree line, we headed out for the first of today's climb, Savage Road and then Chickencoop.  Our band split, predictably, early and I was soon riding alone.  Out on Marietta Road, I got in with Greg Dubois and Joe G, who entertained me with details about their recently completed cycling vacation to Italy.  Soon, they exhausted their inventory of information and on a descent, Greg bombed it, Joe hung back and blocked me and then rode away on the next ascent.  Those vacationers who pick up tricky cycling techniques from the European racing scene.  I continued on, reaching New Lexington and running in to.....

....David Smith, one of the SAG drivers who fortunately experienced a boring day other then ordering a cyclist into the van as he was seen pushing his bike up Walker Hill outside Marietta.  I did not know Dave had that authority so am glad he missed me as I was probably a candidate for pick-up on several occasions.  Heading out of New Lex, I hung a right at Tunnel Hill Road and cut off 7 miles, re-catching the route at #555. I know what you are thinking but I was riding Saturday only and wanted to keep the miles at around 100.  At 555, I avoided a turn toward Malta and kept on 555, eventually reaching the market where we break during Andrew's Roving Ride. 

Turning right on to 78, one soon reaches what may be the best view on the route, before moving on to Glouster where I stopped again.  A guy in a NE Kenda kit caught me there, also on a single day mission, telling me as he rode away, I would likely catch him soon.  Strange words indeed, directed towards me.  However, I did catch him as he seemed to be struggling this day.  Eventually the route ended back in Sugar Grove with 98 miles, 8500' of climbing in 6:14 ride time, not total time.  I kind of enjoyed the markets and gas stations too much.

I'm getting this out way too late, just got busy around here earlier.  First, Rick Miller has a spot or two open for the van ride from New Albany to Sugar Grove, providing SAG service to Marietta and then a drive back to New Albany, for $120 which includes the fee in to OFC.  I hear Farmer Mile, Gus & Peggy and a couple others are already in but as I said, a spot or two still open.  You can email Rick at  [email protected] for more info, even this late.

Kevin Hollingshead, organizer of KFC, a ride from Circleville to Galipolis and back over two days sent me the below.  There is no fee for this ride and it appears Kevin, Steve O, Mark C, Andrew, Flyin Tuna, Jeff S, John Day and Brent are doing Saturday with the Rossi tandem heading part way down on Sunday to hook up with the oncoming group.  Kevin says all are welcome and:

I have updated the GPS files and Jeff and I marked the route down to Jackson but ran out of time (bigger undertaking than I thought it was going to be), however, the cue sheets attached are valid and if you have a GPS you can upload the files from the attached links.
  
I feel very comfortable with the route and was worried about some of the route between Chillicothe and Jackson and Jeff and I were able to iron that out today. With the forecast for weather you will love the route, for those looking for a hilly challenge the second day has more climbing and bigger accents. Nevertheless I don't think anyone coming will be disappointed. 

The only change we have made is the start of the ride, we were not able to confirm with the school to park cars over night, so we will be departing from the Circleville YMCA. We will plan to be on the road at 8:00am both days. I have attached GPS links, Hotel information, YMCA address and cue sheets. If you have any questions you can call my cell at: (740)-601-6494. 

GPS file day one
: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3433759
GPS file day two
:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3346148
Circleville YMCA 440
Nicholas Dr, Circleville, OH 43113 : https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=Pickaway+County+YMCA&fb=1&gl=us&hq=ymca&hnear=0x88477783eaeafdab:0xbc6d10ec145d89b7,Circleville,+OH&cid=0,0,12073339527019760414&ei=BORFUu7vE8HyyAHIm4GwBA&sqi=2&ved=0CJYBEPwSMAs
Super 8
Gallipolis, Ohio 321 Upper River Rd, Gallipolis, OH 45631
:  https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=Super+8+Gallipolis+Pt+Pleasant+Area&fb=1&gl=us&hq=super+8&hnear=0x884626da9eccf48b:0x66c8f19912732488,Gallipolis,+OH&cid=0,0,15540843367569390823&ei=u-RFUpmNG8rQyAHUkIHgCA&sqi=2&ved=0COgBEPwSMAo

 

Two distinct groups gathered in a parking lot that suddenly finds itself bathed in shade prior to the start of the ride.  The angle of the sun has dropped enough that now the school building blocks it.  Wish that were the case in July.  Above, Christian, Dave C, Poobah, Hendra, Lori, don't remember his name and Eugene gather around Katherine's car.  Poobah, looking at the route, rolled over to Katherine and warned her not to attack the down hill on York.  Funny.  I think Lori said she ran 20 miles earlier today.

Dave Chesrown and the back-up bike.  If you have to ride a back-up bike, not a bad option.  No word yet if the warranty will cover the Cervelo broken on Sunday's ride. 

Panzerwagen Hendra with a very serious and focused look on his face in the middle.  Hard to believe but last week, he was dropped through Stone Quarry and so came out tonight to dole out some punishment.  There was also talk about setting a new group ride average speed.  Only 20-22 people showed up, with Dave, Marty, Jon, Terry G, Hendra, John Day, Mick, Gus and a couple others rolling out with the A group, bound for the 35 mile route.

A small but strong B group rolled out soon thereafter.  Someone calculated the B group would have to average 21mpg to make it around the 28 mile route prior to the 7:19pm sunset.  Above, Peggy falls in behind Dirty Dan, who is behind Andrew who is behind new guy Marty who is behind Poobah who is always behind someone.  Also joining us was Mark V, Bruce, Lori, Eugene, Katherine, Christian and a couple others. 

Arriving at 310, we caught up with Gus and Mick, who had been shelled by Hendra's onslaught out old 161.  Note the long shadows already and so early into our ride.  We eventually made the right on to York where I suggested we regroup after the two climbs.  No sense leaving anyone out there alone if they had already made it this far with the group.  Turning right on Hollow, we were immediately blinded by the sun, low on the horizon and then soon thankful it dropped below the tree line.  We arrived back on 161 and the return at sunset, rolling into the parking lot with exactly a 21mph average and behind the A group.....

.....who stayed on the B route and finished with a 24mph average.  Don't think that is a record but very close.  Note Terry G has returned to cycling, healed from his injuries of earlier in the year.  I also finally asked John Day if while he played for OSU did he receive envelopes stuffed with cash but he claims no.  I guess he should have gone with an SEC school. 

The final Thursday New Albany route can be found by going to Shannon's web site.  With a sunset of 7:19pm, choose your route carefully.
http://hfpracingnews.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/final-new-albany-cop-ride-thursday-september-26-2013/

A rolling and final route through the countryside south of Canal Winchester.  May be a gathering afterwards to celebrate the end of a season too short, hosted by tonigh

So, being a good person, when Flyin Tuna said she wanted to do the KCBC ride on Sunday, I did what I could to find someone willing to ride around with her.  It was heavy lifting but in the end, Dirty Dan, Kenda Janet & Paul, Kevin H and Jeff S joined in.  Then, Saturday evening, Marty S sent me a text with the news there was a ride out of Granville the following morning.  Hmmmmm, drive an hour+ to Gambier or 5 minutes to the River Road Coffee House?  That's an easy one so joined Marty, Dave C., John & Kim Sada, Todd Mullins, Maya, Michael and Lori for a ride to Bladensburg.  But first, we headed south to hook up with Tym and Lisa Tyler.  So....

....there we were, riding along when I hear a metallic "bing", see a piece shoot out from the group, suddenly Tym swerves to the right in front of me, I swerve farther right to avoid and staring at the ditch, see Tym correct and give me a little piece of asphalt which I quickly occupy.  Whew.......

....unfortunately, a bracket or something broke off the seat post of Lisa's bike, rendering it unridable other than to turn around and return home, only a couple of miles away.  Lisa endured the good natured joking about weight and stress on the seat post.  We shoved off and headed toward Flint Ridge Road, climbing that nasty hill.  Note there is extensive paving under way on that road, very welcome.  We get on to Gratiot and climb that nasty hill and I happened to mention to Marty that maybe the steepest climb in the county is right around the corner, Crawmer Road.  I just wanted him to file it away for future reference but he led us eventually to the bottom of it.  Kim claimed a 30% grade but my Garmin topped out at 24%.  Probably 21-22% is about right.  Anyway, a wee bit farther ahead.....

......Dave hit the climb with such force and energy that the equipment could not take it.    I think the chainstay split but the result was the derailleur broke from the frame, along of course with the chain thus, rendering the bike unridable.  What are thee odds of two catastrophic failures in one ride, out of only 11 people?  Hope the warranty takes care of this.  Dave shouldered his bike and began the long walk back to Granville, with the understanding that Marty would return as soon as possible for a pick-up.  Therefore, we took a direct route back but I bugged out on Texas Road, to get in a few extra miles.  Meantime, John Sada hung back with Dave, knocked on a local's door and persuaded the person to drive Dave to Granville.  The Levi Leipheimer Gran Fondo is coming up in a couple of weeks so looks like Dave will have to go with a back-up bike.

If a rain ride today out of Gambier was not in the cards for you, you are in luck.  A group of us are starting the KCBC route at 8:30am on Sunday, same start point in Gambier as today's route.  Six are committed so far and anyone is welcome to join in.  I think most of us are doing the 100 mile route.  I believe this link will take you to the route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3340168.  Let me know if you plan to come.  To entice you, you should know that Kenda Janet and Paul are among the stars that are coming out.

The post ride scene, with sun setting, clouds advancing, mist arriving, we were all happy to have gotten back to the parking lot, with Katherine, in tow.  Unfortunately, my other images did not pan out and I had some good ones.  Too bad, since 99% of you come here to see if I caught your good side.  The story went like this, only 21 people came out but so too did Shannon K, the real ride leader.  His truck broke down prior to shoving off for an event in WV so as it was getting repaired, he slotted in with a small A group.  Meantime, a small B group that included John Sada & Anthony, Poobah, Katherine, Kristian, new guy Marty, Andrew Hall, Mark Rossi, Mark V (first time out since his crash) and a couple of others.  To make a long story short, Katherine attacked on a downhill segment of Northridge, aggravated that we were not pushing the pace enough.  The fellas responded by attacking on the uphill segment and surprisingly, Katherine dropped off the pace.  As I rode to the front to ask them to ease up and allow her back on, I noted each of the fellas had a large grin on their face.  Anyway, we finished with 30 miles and a 20.8 avg.  John Sada had a mechanical at about the farthest point out so with diminishing daylight and the need to get back before the sun sets, we figured he'd be ok, calling in SAG support as needed.  Sorry for the abbreviated report and lack of images.

Once again, Shannon is abandoning his adoring fans and leaving them under the care of the careless.  Yes, I will be there once again to fill shoes too large to ever be filled.  A fawn stepping into the shoes of Sasquatch.  See you this evening.
http://hfpracingnews.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/new-albany-cop-ride-thursday-september-19-2013/

Yep, September 28, 2013, a day that will live in central Ohio cycling infamy.  OK, way too dramatic but it has been interesting to watch as events have unfolded leading up to the weekend that once was the exclusive domain of COP's Columbus Fall Challenge but is now a crowded space of CFC, Ohio-Bike's OFC, the KFC and The Frankie...all shoving off on the morning of Saturday, the 28th.

CFC will depart from Lancaster, going to Athens.  As the crow flies, that's only 43 miles so if it's the same Lancaster-Athens route from a few years ago, count on it being a zig-zag route crossing #33 numerous times.  Or, since a link to the route has not yet been released, probably COP is developing a new route, which is a good thing for those of us with short cutting tendencies. Some people have had trouble finding a room in Athens because of an alumni association gathering but COP claims rooms are available. 

OFC will depart from Sugar Grove, going to Marietta using the traditional CFC route from the past couple of years. Hotel rooms in Marietta are available. As an aside, Rick Miller is offering to meet you at the Kroger's parking lot on New Albany road in NA, drive you and your bike to Sugar Grove, provide personalized SAG service on the way to Marietta so you can shed/add clothing as needed and return you to New Albany on Saturday night.  The cost of $120 includes OFC ride fee and all transportation to/from New Albany.  You can email Rick at [email protected].

The KFC is a 2-day route to/from Galipolis, being organized by none other then the Polish Pony, aka Pepe LaPew, aka Kevin Hollingshead.  It too will have SAG service.  This is an under the radar effort that will likely have 10-15 participants.  If you know Kevin, you can contact him for additional details.

The Frankie is a group of cyclists who will ride the notorious "The Frank" route, starting out of Malabar Farms Park as a one day effort. 

Lots of people have been asking, "What have you heard about where people are riding" for the 28th.  There are still a lot of fence sitters out there  I get the sense the OFC is where people are trending as it appears to be the more organized event.  More than that I do not know but if anyone wants to jump in with information, that is always welcome. 

I did not drive to Canal.  Sitting in a car for a total of 1.5 hours seems pointless for a 28 mile ride but Andrew Clayton filed this report:

The poor ride leader was sick, having started symptoms last Thursday, and not feeling like riding.  However, duty called, and he showed up early as usual, keeping distance as best as possible.  Riders started trickling in and it looked like it might be a light night, but as it drew closer to 6:00 pm, they came in more frequently.  With the night looking to be nice, and the next to last Tuesday night ride, folks wanted to get a nice ride in.  30 riders signed up and took the plunge.  Due to the tight time frames for the shorter route, the C group took off early to get done before sunset.  At 6:00 pm sharp, a small group of 7 A riders took off for another lung-scorching, leg-searing, jet speed journey through the countryside.  2 minutes later, the B group busted through the gate, unable to constrain themselves any longer.  The ride leader went back to his vehicle and took off to see if he could intercept them and get some nice pictures of cyclists having fun.  The result was so-so, with some shots coming out ok and others not so good as the camera battery went dead.  It is certainly more fun to be bicycling than to be driving and it looked like folks were having a good time speeding along.  The 7 A riders appeared to stay together for the whole ride, while the initial B group may have splintered a little.  The C group made it in before sunset.  And so ends this ride leader's last Tuesday night ride for the year 2013.  Next week will be our last Tuesday Night ride at Canal Winchester for 2013 with Amanda O taking the lead.  Also, we are planning to eat at Kingys after the ride.  So, hope to see lots of folks out there for the last one!

Early gatherers gather in the shade.  Below, the A group takes off....hey, is that Poobah at the back....

Below, Andrew caught the C group riding on Sitterly.

From Andrew Clayton, tonight's ride leader:
Ride with GPS links -
28.6 miles - 989' climbing - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2492774
25.1 miles - 886' climbing - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2492795

Sure, Giada is a great cook and hosts a very popular cooking program but she now has competition.

Marty Sedluk has launched his own cooking program via his Facebook page and it has gone viral.  Word is the executives at Food Network are scrambling the jets to fly in to New Albany and negotiate a series.

The post ride interview with Chris Horner.  What a class act: http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/vuelta-ciclista-a-espana/horner-tal-vez-se-vuelva-ver-nunca-mas-algo-como-esto/2018995/

Maybe the greatest race I have watched.  If you have a chance, the stage will be re-aired at 8:00pm tonight and definitely watch the final half hour as Horner, Nibali, Rodriguez,and Valverde battle it out through dense clouds and mist on ramps at 23%.  So steep, a motorcycle stalled, leaving no TV coverage of Nibali and Horner for a few anxious moments.  Another motorcycle with camera moves through the mist with visability at around 30'.   Weaving through the scattered riders, one is left to wonder if Horner had hung on to probably yet another attack by Nibali and when the camera establishes contact, it is Horner in the lead.  Approaching 2 cyclists left from an earlier breakaway, Horner cuts to the inside of them as they approach a corner and effectively cuts off Nibali.  Great drama, great entertainment and worth a watch.  Barring disaster on the final day, Horner has won the Vuelta.  Above image taken off VeloNews.

Anyone watching the La Vuelta?  Chris Horner, 41 years old and known as "The Flying Smile" gained 6 seconds on the race leader and shot into the red jersey with two stages to go, including a brutal climbing stage on Saturday that concludes with an ascent of Alto de l’Angliru.

Farmer Mike, recovering from a broken hand, came out on his mountain bike.  Upon hearing the results of the x-ray, confirming the break, he didn't want to bother making a trip in to have a cast placed so fashioned his own out of a milk carton and tape.  I know, 95% of you think I'm making that up but it's true.  He's had broken bones before and understands the basics of the routine so did it himself.  Poobah interviewing him on the right.

Ron Budzig in the background, Dave Chesrown in the foreground.  Dave, in a very humble way, described Sunday's Dry Run ride during which he, Marty and Garth pulled away from John Sada and finished around 40 minutes ahead.  Marty put in a 40 mile pull into and out of Johnstown which settled matters, despite the effort of Steve Fields to keep John S in the game.  Sounds like a lot of fun.  Panzerwagen Hendra on the right and Mick on the left.

What you see is what was there, another light turnout for a Thursday New Albany ride.  If the hoards of cyclists that came out in June and July kept you from attending, all is now quiet on the the Eastern front.  No more then 25 were out tonight.

The Man of Integrity, Marty.  It all started when a woman approached me and asked if I knew a Chris Grisvard.  Immediately, I thought, "Oh boy.  Jilted lover coming out to publically humiliate Chris.   Great story for the blog."  Alas, no, she had found Chris' wallet in the parking lot.  It was a very thick wallet.  The fixed income types like Retro George and Poobah eyed the wallet greedily.  They wanted to open it and divvy the contents but Marty grabbed the wallet from me and said no.  I wanted to examine the contents for evidence, maybe find a receipt from Lions Den or McDonalds so I could use it creatively but Marty again said no.  Marty left the disappointed crowd and tracked down Chris and returned the wallet.  What a guy.

So, with the usual pre-ride activities coming to a close, the A group was sent out on a 41 mile route that was certainly at the limit of what the strongest could do in the allotted time so naturally, I hung back with the B group.  We left the parking lot, worked our way through the lights and hit old #161.  John aka Jr. Muscle Dude, went to the front and hammered, thus violating the warm-up rule, that distance out to Kitzmiller Road is to be ridden at a relaxed pace.  We let him go after half the group was shelled prior to Kitzmiller with only Joe Niccan, above in Savage Hill jersey, hanging on.  We caught up at the Beech Road light and continued on at a pretty good pace, picking up Steve Fields and some COTT cyclists.  Steve was on his mountain bike, the same machine used at the Leadville 100.  We also added Katherine and Christian to our group so maybe 12-ish by the time we arrived at the 310 light.  Coming through the light, I noticed my back tire was flat so thus my evening was done.

Fixing the flat, I got on to Jersey Mill with the intent to catch the group coming back through Alexandria.  Once there, I saw one of our group coming through, new guy Steve and jumped in with him.  Turns out he too had a flat and left the group and was working his way back to New Albany.  We rode back via Jug into a eye wrenching glare the likes of which I don't know I've ever experienced for such a long distance.  Staring directly into a setting sun, I was thankful for the occasional shade but made it back with a paltry 23 miles.  Mark Rossi rolled in soon after, having finished the 31 mile route with Joe B, Poobah and Corvair with a 21.5 avg while another group of Dirty Dan, John Day and others added a couple of miles that included the Thresher climb through Granville.  With the sun below the horizon, Marty, Jon M, Dave and Hendra rolled in.  Not sure about the others who departed with but did not finish with the lead A group.

Here we go, the Thursday New Albany A route.  Kind of ambitious at 41 miles so think clearly about what you are going to do.  I'd hate to be way out there on Jones Road and be riding alone all the way back to NA.
http://hfpracingnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/new-albany-cop-september-12-2013.pdf

Andrew C sent me these images with a brief ride report.  Thanks Andrew.  Left to right it's Mark & Karen R, Bruce, Eric the Photographer, Randy Brown & his socks, Mark C.

Decided I would try to start with the A group.  Got toasted in the first 5 miles and then popped on the Amanda Northern hill.  Rode with a young guy who also got popped on the hill until we got caught by the B group.  They blew by us at 25 mph and we managed to get on the back.  They took us for a brutal ride that exceeded 25 mph a few times with a tailwind on Goodman road.  At one point, I thought I might get dropped by the B group as well.  But I managed to hang on and finished a tired and whipped puppy.  I guess I should retire to the C group where you can see scenery.

It's about a 6 hour drive to Thurmont, MD, the start point for the Gettysburg Century, which is about 15 miles south of Gettysburg, PA where we stayed.  Descending a narrow, shade enshrouded #77 towards Thurmont, I wondered if this would be the 7 mile starting climb for Saturday's ride.  Packet pick-up was at 6:00pm so Beth and I continued on to Gettysburg via #15.  The speed limit is 55, I settled in at 65, was having my doors blown off by passing cars so quickly got into the flow of things at a nice 75-80mph while wondering where the patrol cars were.  After checking in at the hotel, we headed back to Thurmont via #15, again at 75-80mph.  Had an appetizer at the Cozy Restaurant where pre-registration took place, picked up a very well designed long sleeve T-shirt and assorted stuff, stopped at the Shamrock Restaurant (very good) and had Maryland crab cakes of course.

I had my ear to the ground and based on many conversations, the century riders depart around 7:30 so a call to Dirty Dan confirmed the start time.  Departing the hotel the following morning, Dan called at 7:00am to say he was doing loops in the parking lot but would hang around for our official 7:30am start.  We jumped on our bikes and headed out, via #77 on a 7 mile climb through a forest with a boulder strewn river on the right.  Absolutely beautiful scene.  My legs felt good and we motored by dozens with Dan pulling away several times (by the way, Camp David is to the right a ridge or two over but obviously no official sign of it).  We reached the top, having gained 1100' of elevation.  The event organizers release the 1600 cyclists between 7:00-10:30am while the shorter routes join and rejoin the 100 route in several places.  Therefore, you never leave the unskilled behind for good, encountering their odd moves into the latter stages of the ride. 

The first food stop was around mile 30 and above, Dan, having rested, napped, bathroom breaked and eaten a full meal, finally sees me making the climb to the rest stop and took the above image.  I noted there was 3400' of climbing already.  I stopped briefly and we headed out.  I think Dan's strategy was to take long breaks while waiting for me, then hustle me out of the food stops so I'd be even more beaten down then usual.  However, I wondered if Dan had the endurance for 100 miles of adopting "the rabbit" strategy since he's working and traveling quite a lot and not putting in the miles.

We arrived at the 52 mile food stop.  Well, "we" is not an accurate term, Dan arrived, volunteered to help make PB&J sandwiches, helped out with crowd control and then waited some more for me to arrive, which I finally did with 5400' of climbing.  Since the route was to have 7700" I felt great that A) most of the climbing was over and B) I was at exactly 3 hours total time so there would be no "Mountain Mama 2nd Half Swoon".  We shoved off and I encouraged Dan not to wait for me.  Besides, he's a lousy domestique because he drafts for a few seconds and then speeds off, never to be seen.  At mile 62, there is a nasty 3 mile climb that gains 1000' and upon reaching the summit with 6600' out of the way, I was in a very good mood, thinking it was all down hill from here, except of course it was not. 

We had passed Antietam Cemetery, gone through Sharpsburg and it was very neat to ride on roads having names I remembered from history lessons attended long, long ago, like Tannytown, Emmitsburg, Cashtown, etc...  Then we approached Gettysburg National Park and that was way cool.  We had been told to ride single file but that was not realistic as all cyclists were naturally routed through here and the pace, egads.  Plus there was a Segway tour of 10-12 to get around, walkers, pleasure cyclists out just to ride the Gettysburg roads, etc...  We coasted by.......

....Little Round Top (this image taken later).  The rocky area center is Devil's Den, the woods to the left is where the Confederate troops streamed out to take the hill just as Union troops arrived to defend, right of Devil's Den is the "Valley of Death".  The museum is a good visit too and was told by a guide that what is on display is only 1% of the collection that is in vaults below the museum. 

Back to the ride, I found new energy coming out of G-burg and at some point, discovered Dan had slid back a bit and just then, a 3-some came by and I jumped on.  I rode them like a pony and at one intersection, pulled alongside one of them, punched him in the arm and thanked him for pulling for 10+ miles.  The last 5 miles was agony as I spit the bit on the 3-some, the up and down and head wind was taking a toll but I arrived at the finish, with a ride time of 6:01, total time of 6:30, 103 miles and 9000' of climbing.  As an aside, there was no sheriff/police support on the ride which I thought odd but probably explains why people drive 80 in a 55mph zone.  There are quite a few highway crossings that are dicey with lots of traffic and all but 1-2 the event volunteers were at the food stops, which were well stocked.  As another aside, if you plan to attend next year register early as they cap the ride at 1600 and look in and around Gettysburg for a place to stay.  Gettysburg, the town not the park, was packed on Friday and Saturday night and there are lots of cafes, restaurants (try Dobbins House), bars, etc.. with an interesting mix of historical locations.

Early on what probably was one of the top 2-3 evenings of the year for a bike ride, Retro George labors over his bike, preparing to lay waste to the C group.

Grand Poobah announced, yet again, that he is quitting the job as the B group ride leader.  Once a very strong Cat 5 who once finished in the top 25 in a race and was once runner-up, to the runner-up to the runner-up to the runner-up at a "Tour of Wapakenta" ride, Poobah has seen enough from the uneducated masses who think they are A's but ride like they are C's in the B group ride.  Tonight, a new guy with an "Ariel" jersey violated one of the sacrosanct rules of group riding and Poobah, unretiring for a moment, let the guy know what he did, loudly.

Dave Chesrown signs in but apparently had a flat, fell behind both the A and B group, rode very briefly with the B group and then who knows what happened.

And then the pot stirring began.  I was presiding over the sign in, reminding everyone of  how lucky they were that Shannon was not there when suddenly, and without warning, I was approached by someone who clued me in to an impending bit of drama.  Naturally, my ears stuck up like Spock's and eagerly did I await the info.  This person, who normally is a reliable source of info and sometimes provides me with ride reports and "head's up" about where the A group will attack, told me, "John Sada says he is going to beat everyone at the Sunday Westerville Bike Club's "Dry Run" ride".  Naturally, this perked everyone's interest who was within earshot and my source, for whom I would spend jail time rather than reveal, said, "John has returned from the Yellowstone tour and says he is going to kick everyone's ass."  This ignited speculation about the size of his entourage, who would ride for him, etc......

I saw John off to the side and, as typical of an ace reporter, attempted to verify this info.  John handled it very well, no, he disputed my source's claim, further he was coming to ride the "Dry Run" like an enjoyable tour and enjoy the route and scenery.  Hmmmmm, I wondered if I was being played like a violin by my usually reliable source.  I don't know what to think and so, hope to receive a ride report from someone who participates in the "Dry Run" to let my readers know what is going on.

Also, I heard about an incident that occurred on Tuesday's ride.  The claim is that some 400 lb. guy in a truck passed the peloton, came to a stop, jumped out of the truck, punched one of the cyclists and while doing so, Tym Tyler took the keys out of the guy's truck and they waited for the sheriff to arrive.  More then that I do not know but did anyone hear of this?

Well. I rode out with the B group and had a nice time usually drafting around our 34 mile route, finishing with a 20.4mpg average. The new guy leapt from a stop sign with approaching vehicles and when finally we reeled him in, Poobah gave him a well deserved tongue lashing. That's about the extent of the drama on this little ride.  Meantime, the A group finished the A route with a 23mph average, led by Panzerwagen Hendra, Marty, Jon, Chris G and others.

Well, it's off to PA tomorrow for the Civil War Century.  Dirty Dan, Beth Hale and me with Flyin Tuna as a late scratch due to mother issues.  If anyone wants her pass, let her or me know.

Here is the route for tonight's New Albany ride or, click on this link which takes you to Shannon's site for a closer look.  Shannon is off setting up an event so I will be there with maps and sign-up sheets, while providing entertainment on the side.  I learned how to juggle and will have a chainsaw, knife and burning torch in motion, with a can for tips.
http://hfpracingnews.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/new-albany-cop-ride-thursday-september-5-2013/

Good turnout for the Monday Labor Day ride out of Granville with John Martin's group, comprised of COTT members and others, including Marty, Dave C, Steve Fields, Team Sada, Sean Gilligan, Lori, Tym & Lisa Tyler, Peggy Cook, Meredith, Lon Herrman, Corvair...18-19 total.  We were headed to Bladensburg with roughly half the group starting via the bike path and half taking a hilly, non bike path route, all meeting at the Gulf station in Hanover, before heading north.

Soon after leaving the bike path behind, I was surprised that Peggy, Kim and a couple others had taken the bike path.  I also felt guilty that I had urged Corvair to join the hilly route bunch because the hilly route bunch was comprised of nothing but beasts.  I told her I'd hang with her to make sure she got to Hanover.  We motored out Welsh Hills Road, then Price and as we prepared to turn right where the old Health Department building is (or at the end of the 900 acre old Kraner farm), I looked back and saw Corvair a ways back and motioned with my arm that we were turning.  I left the group at the next turn and waited and waited and no Corvair.  I think she stayed straight on Price, ended up motoring around Newark before getting on a bike path and eventually finished with 50 miles and after 3 straight days of riding, probably what she needed anyway.  I eventually rolled through Hanover after both groups had merged and departed but caught the COTT group out on #79, left them on a mile gravel section where some of the COTTs had issues with the gravel and soloed in via Jug Run Road. 

We shoved off from Bladensburg, rode together until the climb across #586 where the group evolved into a very long line of cyclists.  Coasting down the other side on Rainrock Road, I passed on an inviting drafting opportunity created when Marty had hung back and was bringing through some stragglers. The road was freshly chip-n-sealed with loose gravel but more importantly, two straight days of hilly rides was beginning to take its toll.  Anyway, finished with 68 miles and 4000"+ of climbing.

Now on to my 3rd straight day of riding, I arrived for the Tuesday Canal ride and the cool temps brought out the long sleeve jerseys and arm warmers.

In total, we had fewer then 30 cyclists and the A group, geesh, what you see there is it, 3 guys with Rex on the left hanging back with the B's.  Ricky G greeted me in the parking lot with a serious look on his face and approaching me said (see story below for context), "I have one word for you."...."Mooo".  That's what I like, guys with a sense of humor.  Now I know I can pick on him a lot more often.  Turns out, Ricky has lost around 75 pounds in total and upon reaching his goal weight, will have lost almost 100.

The mystery of what is going into the lot next to our parking lot behind Shades Restaurant has been solved.  A good B group departed the parking lot on a 33 mile route heading east.  John Day experienced "happy legs" on the way out so we were deprived a warm-up but that culled the herd a little and then we settled in for a nice ride in to Baltimore.  I had ridden as hard as I wanted for as long as I wanted so I bugged out at in B-more at mile 13 and had an easy ride back to Canal, finishing with 25 miles.  Legs feel good today and am ready for the Civil War Century ride this Saturday.  Should be a very enjoyable ride that includes several miles through Gettysburg National Military Park, Antietam battlefield and others.  7000' of climbing (ugh) with a 7 mile climb out of the gate (ugh).  Sounds like Beth Hale, Flyin Tuna and Dirty Dan are making the drive too.

Here it is, with Corvair as tonight's ride leader, the routes

Steve O and Ricky G, prior to the Sunday ride out of Cyclist Connection.  Ricky, on the right, has his weight down to 175, a borderline miraculous recovery from a life of fattiness.  Why just a year ago he looked like this:

Which is slim compared to how he looked about 5 years ago:

But now, at 175 on his way to 160, Ricky will become a climbing machine.  One in a long line of folks who ride around me on the hills.

Seemed like a good turnout for Sunday's ride.  I scampered down off the ladder from painting for 2 days to join the fun and fun it was for the ride south to Laurelville.  Well, except I, Brent, new guy Alex, new guy Bob, Tom from Cincy and a couple others turned right at Buena Vista, up Middlefork and on back to the parking lot for 68 miles, bypassing L-ville.  4000+' of climbing.  But wait, that's not all, I hopped in to the Granville ride on Monday and that report is coming.

August 30, a Friday, at approximately 8:00pm, on the hallowed grounds of Broadview Golf Course in the quaint village of Pataskala, golf history was made.  Yes, on the same grounds as where some of the greats have walked like Nicklaus (Jim not Jack), Woods (Tim not Tiger), Palmer (Andy not Arnold) and Watson (Tony not Tom), yours truly, dragging his wife around, won the mixed couples, alternate shot league title.  Returning from a 3 year break from the game, the Wilson duo stormed through the summer league, overcoming long odds and on this final evening, even winning closest to the pin on #7 (me), long drive on #9 (her) and a skin (low score on a hole) to pocket $42 and a collection of free 18 hole passes.  This is why I suck at cycling.  It is due to the long hours of practice until my hands are bloody, rather than sitting on a bike seat.  There was some cycling, to report later today.