Mark's Cycling & Hiking Blog
  • Home
  • Mark's Cycling Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Boulder Canyon Posts
  • Cycling Event Meet-Ups
  • Home
  • Mark's Cycling Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Boulder Canyon Posts
  • Cycling Event Meet-Ups

Blow Out and the Ride to Granville

12/31/2010

5 Comments

 
Picture
Apparently, judging by the turnout today, there were a lot of people who wanted to burn calories prior to an overactive evening of eating, if not drinking.  19 of us rolled out of the parking lot and others were left behind waiting on others to arrive, including a late arriving Kenda Stefano.  At the start, several who had said they would ride were not there including Da Boss (wickedly sick said his email), Recumbent Dude, Ginger & others.  However, there were plenty to pick up the slack including Steve O, Mark C (riding a Gary Fisher mountain bike with XXX Lite carbon wheels), John, Mark V, Rick G, Cindy B, Kendas Janet, Paul & Dave, Dentist Brad, Mike Rea (I think he is the real deal judging by how remorselessly he wore us down), Jeff S, another John (new guy and friend of Ginger), friend of John, Jeremy, tandem Rossi's, Ryan R & Blair B.  Oh yeah, my zipper front on the jacket was broken and failed to cover all of well rounded tummy and my good friend Flyin Tuna alerted everyone to the fact. I assure you, the broken zipper is a function of overuse and not pressure from a rising stomach!  Here, Kenda Janet shows off the new Kenda jersey for 2011.

Picture
As I passed out maps, it began to lightly rain and in a millisecond, Janet began making noise about not riding in the rain and just as quickly it stopped.  So, we rolled out at a relaxed pace, making a right on Babbit, working our way over to the ultra-bumpy Cable and then to the Col du Alward where Steve O.....attacked!!!!  Mark C was quick to his wheel and I to his and I got around them to the first summit on the multi-summitted Alward.  I expected the weight of their mountain bike and cross bike would wear on them but they just kept going without breathing heavily.  I put in another good spurt and turned and....there was the entire freaking peloton.  How disheartening, even Flyin Tuna was right there.  Reached the turn at the top and there had been some minor slippage of the peloton and at that point, Steve O and Mike R showed the off season was no excuse not to turn up the screws and off we went on Hollow, right at York, across #16, left on Deeds, left on Gale and then right on Granview.  We passed my house but I am reluctant to allow some to know where it is (Steve O) for fear of stalking.

Picture
  We finally arrived at the River Road Coffee House in Granville with 25 miles and some sun had broken out too. The coffee, crumb cakes and (for me) chicken salad sandwich were great.  Road grime was obvious on all of our faces but I noticed for some, black gritty spots made them look better.Unfortunately, we had to ride back. Here, Steve O explains how his 8000 road miles had made him the storngest cyclist in Ohio, with a few caveats.  I desperately wanted to go the long route but the crushing burden of responsibility forced me to escort the Rossi's, Mark V and Kenda J back on the most direct route to New Albany.  So, we separated with our small group taking the direct route of the new bypasses finally hooking up with old #161 while everyone else took a somewhat hilly route back.

Picture
Not wanting to miss out on a final accomplishment for 2010, I bided my time riding on 161 while Mark Rossi spun himself into exhaustion. Then, on the climb up to Kitzmiller, I ATTACKED!!!!  After drafting for 15 miles it really was not much of a contest. I captured the summit finish and the sign sprint, capping a nearly perfecto year.  In the meantime, the others completed the 54 mile route and I guess had a good time.  Our group had 42 miles and that was enough.  As I drove home I saw quite a few other cyclists and get this, my front tire exploded while in my car. My ears are still ringing and can't figure out what caused it. Oh yes, Kenda Janet cemented her reputation as the worst pre and post ride cyclist, sporting this raccoon skined coat. 

Well, it's 11:42 and I lost all my cash playing Texas Hold-em with the boys from Cambridge (wife's side of the family) and I am into my second bottle of wine (New Zealand Sauv Blancs).  As I look back on the year I have concluded I am a very lucky guy.  I have some great cycling buddies...well...ok....I have a couple of cycling buddies and I have a heck of a time riding with all of you...well most of you... If this blog continues for 2011 depends on your vote, which I hav eput off for next week when you are all back to work.  Watch for the "Keep the Cycling Bog Alive" challenge next year.  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

5 Comments
Kevin H.
12/31/2010 01:35:40 pm

Happy New Year Mark.....i'll be back

Reply
Cindy
12/31/2010 11:26:01 pm

Happy New Year to all; yes, even you Mark!

Reply
Dave
1/2/2011 01:03:48 am

Feliz Ano Nuevo ! Mark, keep ridin and ritin :)

Reply
working mama
1/3/2011 05:27:16 am

Happy New Year Mark, and glad you all got to ride. I had to stare out Kroger's windows while working the entire day. Looking forward to riding with you all again when it warms up!!

Reply
da boss
1/3/2011 07:53:27 pm

Mark, your prayers have been answered.... all for a mere 300 bucks....


http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/01/03/dont-call-it-a-tow-rope-its-the-bicyclebungee/

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Mark is a long-time cyclist, hiker, golfer and plays some table tennis...ok, it's ping pong.

    Categories

    All
    April
    California Riding
    Grand Canyon Backpacking
    March
    The Characters

    Archives

    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.