 Riding past Hoover Reservoir, wow.  The bed of the reservoir is now growing grass.  Now it looks like a river.  Back to work! I'm almost finished splitting the cherry and no more accidents. Waiting for my fingernail to fall off from my "incident".  I was sitting by the splitter when I saw this deer, staring at me and stomping its hoof. I yelled and it ran.  Morning traffic on 161. I'm glad I don't, and never did, have to put up with traffic like this to get to work.  The only thing I don't like about riding with the WBC is they tend to take really long breaks. After awhile, I try to induce movement among them by putting my things back on and looking like I'm ready to go, lol.
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 I mean...what are the odds???? I brought AZ weather to Ohio. I've noticed on weather radar that most storms enter western Ohio and soon, dissipate or break up, denying us needed rain. The plants are looking very sad and the trees have begun to drop their leaves prematurely. Curious, I typed, "Ohio drought" and....  ....yep, the first drought of its kind since the late 90's! The healthy soybean and corn fields are looking kinda sad too.  I'm making progress splitting wood at my daughter's as I noticed I was being watched by a deer.  Three layers, 6' high and growing in length.  I hopped in with Al Hanes' group ride on a Friday as we went to Granville from Westerville. Good turnout.
 I continue to enjoy the morning, group rides. Most weeks, I get in 120-130 miles, riding 3 days a week.  Upon returning to the parking lot, I found a variety of small cars parked nearby. The morning rides put me home by 12:30pm so plenty of time to be outdoor active but in this case....  ...I met daughters Olivia and Stephanie for a late afternoon wine tasting. I visited the Fesss Parker winery last year and having signed for the wine club, am shipped 2 bottles every 6 months.  The wine tasting was followed by work in Steps's back yard. They had accumulated 3 large piles of branches so Anthony and I fed a fire until all was eliminated...other than Anthony, of course.  At last, I began splitting 4 rows of mostly cherry but with some ash and osage mixed in too.  My two bosses, Stephanie and Anthony came out to check on me. It's rare for Anthony to walk away. Usually he and I play soccer, badminton, golf and other games around the yard. Then, disaster struck! I placed a log in the splitter. As I pulled my right hand away from the back of the log, my glove caught as I activated the wedge. Dang!!! When it stopped hurting, it felt really good, a couple of days later.  Rather than show the ugly side, I'll only show the other, purple side. It became more gruesome looking thereafter. It will heal eventually and will certainly lose a nail but it doesn't impede me much so onwards and upwards!
 I joined the Monday morning group ride out of New Albany, headed to Granville. I bugged out just before entering Granville so I could check out the new roundabout at the end of New Burg. Progress! Were it not for the workers prohibiting entry during their working hours, it is good to go after hours for cyclists.  And so, as we took a too long break, in rode Farmer Mike. He good naturally cursed me because since I bestowed that nickname on him, that's how everybody references him, lol.  I was gifted this pair of Ohio State cycling shoes...GO BUCKS!!!  I picked up grandson Anthony and headed to the Bio Reserve for a hike. The unmoved areas have extraordinary growth. Well above 7' are the weeds.  We headed for a 1.5 mile loop which included a creek where....  ....I convinced him to walk across a log, over the creek.  Beautiful and as I have stated many times, in those woods are some of the most mature oaks, beech and maple trees I have ever seen.  Closing on the end of our hike, we passed this scummy looking pond. Fun time with "The Kid" as I call him.
 See, the problem with only participating in group rides is, I can't pause to take any pics. That's the only downside I can think of. Mike A took this one of our merry band as we proceeded east on Concorde Road. My smile would quickly evaporate as we were soon doing the hills on Stone Quarry.  I was at my son's house when a family of turkeys trotted through his neighbors yard. I rarely see turkeys around here and when I do, they're always single so this was unusual for me.  The drive to many off the group rides takes me over Hoover Reservoir and there is always a lot of activity, especially when the day is windy.  The corn and....  ...soybean fields are certainly healthy looking as we departed Johnstown during a group ride. The route was to be 50 miles but I saw an opportunity to lop off about 4 miles so it gave me the rare opportunity to ride solo and take a couple of pics.  Someone informed me my SUV was kind of dirty so I visited my first "Moo Moo" car wash. Seemed like a good deal!
 I was bidden to remove 4 piles of material where once, very large cherry stumps had been present. Always on call, lol, it took me a couple of visits to dig it, place in a wheelbarrow and deposit the stuff in my daughter's woods.  Nice looking cloud formation as I was driving home from a group ride. Really enjoying these morning ride, rather than the hotter, evening rides.  I met friends Paul & Janet at Brio in Polaris and had a great time getting caught up. They attended a wedding in Italy and had just returned.  One morning, I hooked up with the Monday, Westerville Club group and as we rode east on Concord Rd, we saw a woman, riding a horse and when she saw us, turned around and went off pavement. One of our group, Mike A took this good pic.  My woods work continues to make progress, hacking, cutting, dragging, digging and burning. Having a lot of fun doing this.
 I attended a class in college that covered poetry. My favorite was Frost's, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening". I think of that often when passing deep, woods. Here, returning from a group ride to Centerburg.  Hoover Reservoir again as I drive home from a 46 mile, group ride. I'm really enjoying the morning rides, to escape the hotter, evening rides. Plus, there are quite a few enjoyable guys with whom to ride. Several are "escapees" from the New Albany Tuesday & Thursday evening rides. I finished with an 18.1 average and that's kinda ok, for me.  Well, ok, got in with another group but then Jimmy L and Tony, both on E assisted bikes, got the better of me at mile 21 so I spit the bit. I know a couple of guys who don't enjoy when the e-bikers use the tech to push at speeds beyond what they otherwise could, but it doesn't bother me. Plus, I may enter the e-bike realm at some point.  Another odd road name. Previously I posted about "Old Maids Road" and here is another. Nothing perfect about this road but nothing imperfect either.  The corn!!! Tassels now showing although this is "field" corn rather than what you buy.  How bout that? Ran into Kinda Janet & Paul at McNamara Park as I readied for a ride. Have not seen my friends in too long so we chatted (they just returned from Italy) and promised to meet for dinner (which we subsequently did). Fun people.  Lot of sail boats this afternoon as I return from another group ride.
 Sorry for the delay in posting. It's been an enjoyable time, as always, in the great state of Ohio. I cross Hoover Reservoir on my way to McNamara Park where I join a morning group. ride. At roughly the half way point....  ....we stop at a market where we all chuckled about how letters were arranged on the back of this Toyota.  I continue to help the children, this time removing a stump. Have to carefully remove the surrounding dirt cause of the chain on the saw touches dirt, it dulls it instantly. A few cuts and than pounding at it with a maul and....  ...gone! I enjoy this work and am glad I can take care of these things.  Almost all of my rides now are group oriented but on a solo ride, I included Old Maids Lane on my itinerary. Would be interesting to know the history behind the name but yes, probably had something to do with older, single women.  What a contrast of colors as the hey waits to be baled. OK, that's it but I'll post more frequently, I promise!
 Yet another prominent road closed, this time Stone Quarry. I checked the bridge on Moots Run and it is still a long way from completion. Of course too is the roundabout being installed on New Burg, also going into Granville.  I drove to Lancaster, parked at Alley Park and followed a 51 mile route that included climbs up Revenge, Tarkiln, Snortin Ridge, Jack Run, 374, Stump Hollow and Beck roads Whoa, been a long time since I did climbs of this steepness and length. I was very apprehensive as I started.....  ....with Tarkiln the first climb. I nearing the top, saw a ramp, immediately thought, "I can't do that!", unclipped and pushed, lol. It was personally embarrassing and I have no idea why I'm sharing that here. Beck was next and ok, made it, then Snortin Ridge, ok, made that, eventually reaching Jack Run where, half way up, I had to unclip. I somehow managed to not fall over while unclipping and putting my plant foot down while moving 1mph. Anyway, enjoyed the ride and scenery.  My son asked me to fill in for his partner again. I was playing well, 2+ through 5 holes. My golf muscles have atrophied of course and while hitting a ball from the rough, I strained a muscle in my arm. Thereafter, it was painful to swing so I had to quit on hole #8. The good news is a day or two later I was fine.  We played at "The Links at Echo Springs" golf course. Nice layout and views.  Back to the woods to continue the clearing project. I had someone offer to bring in a tractor and bush hog the woods but I want to be selective about what I remove. I'm having too much fun in here anyway.  This day was quite humid and so after working for 30 minutes, my shirt mostly soaked, I'd have to sit for 20 minutes to cool off. The briars get their revenge occasionally but they are losing, badly.
 The heat and humidity has deterred me from doing many of the evening rides so glad I have the option of getting out in the morning, while enjoying the OH scenery, including these amber waves of grain!  My son asked me to sub in for his partner who bailed on a Thursday evening so I agreed. I left my golf set in AZ so Brettt agreed to provide me with the necessities.  What a funny guy but this is the glove he loaned me. I played ok, not capable of good play having mostly abandoned the game many years ago. For me, at some point, I had an epiphany. After 4-5 hours of golf, I'd had no real exercise so that was that and focused much more on hiking and cycling.  The woods work continues. Love clearing the briars and honeysuckle bushes so turning this impenetrable wall into....  ...something much better.  Meantime, in AZ, Amy sent me this pic of a Colorado River Toad. They are enormous and if a dog licks one, it can become very sick. Also....  ....this was spotted on the pavement. I really like that I can plunge my hands into any bush or branch and not have to worry about rattlers, scorpions or Colorado River Toads. lol.
 I was late arriving so had no choice but to depart at 6pm but despite rushing to ready myself, had to take a pic of the above bike.  I realize that people had been departing since 5pm but still, so few people were there for a 6pm departure and most chose the short, 37 mile route. Dustin in red/black kit on the left, who I have not seen for many years. Randy L on the right in purple/white kit. I have to acknowledge that the 90 degree temp and high humidity probably dampened attendance but the scene was so muted compared to prior Solstice rides.  Ten of us left in an A/B group. That I survived the climb from Canal to Lithopolis was a surprise so that was good. It was a good group, all working together, taking turns at the front. The stronger cyclists kept their egos in check and we stayed together until the climb up Cedar Hill where we regrouped.  Beautiful scene. One of us had to get off his bike and rest in the shade. Standing there, no wind, we all sweated profusely so it was a relief to get going. We arrived in Amanda for a short break. Walking into the market and experiencing the contrast in temp and humidity was so welcome. I was feeling ok but thought it would probably be a good idea to take it easier on the return so mostly soloed back, finishing with the 37 miles and a 17.1 average. Very few people were in the parking lot but again, given the conditions, why would there be?
 And so....here it is, the famous Summer Solstice route out of Brewdog in Canal Winchester. Official start time is 6pm but given the distance and climbing, lot of people start at 5:45pm. I'm not as plugged in to the Reb camp as I once was so am unaware of start times that have ranged back as early as 5pm. Soooo, having an obligation to my vast audience, yes, I plan to attend and later, comment on the silly things that occur.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47159774?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3lKyCVdR9TOP4O76FL3oqzfHHjF4i9zIpMj3Sug1E0rQ8DHI3tslBmPb0_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw  ....in a town close, close away, there was and is, Canal Winchester. Two distinct groups of cyclists dominated their respective villages. The New Albanyites and the Canal Winchesters. The Canal boys were generally known as.....  ....the Rebs, led by not Robert E. Lee but Ric Noland, owner of the "Cyclist Connection". Ric's fiery personality inspired the cycling Rebs despite the fact....  ....Canal Winchester is a gritty, industrial town, much like Appalachian towns of the 1950's. Once the coal mines closed, most cyclists lost their jobs so having nothing to do but ride, they became fairly proficient with their bikes. Meantime, the New Albany Yankees, they too were jobless but not because they could not find a job, their inherited wealth, passed on over many generations, allowed them too to ride, a lot.  Being the pot stirrer that I am, back in the 2016 era, I helped create a rivalry. Which group in fact was the strongest???? I warned my fellow New Albanyers that were they to make that arduous drive to Reb territory, they better be ready for a culture shock.  I negotiated with Ric Noland to agree that weapons would be left at the houses of the Rebs so my northern friends would feel personally safe. Of course....  ,,,returning from the ride one could expect his car to look like the above so I encouraged carpooling in dump trucks or armored vehicles. Oh, the personalities that went south....  ....Luke Russell, otherwise known as the "Big Diesel" came along with Marty, Jon M....oh an endless list of star cyclists. The ride, about 51 miles with an ascent of the nasty Savage Road....  ....ended with a resounding win for the Yankees. So, all kidding aside, next Tuesday, is Canal's version of their Summer Solstice ride. The surviving Yankees and the new ones, should journey down and participate. I'll post the route soon.
 Gale Road is being repaved from St. Rt. 16 to Granview Rd. Many cyclists use this road as access to Granville, turning left on Granview off Gale. What is surprising is the pavement is already good with no potholes, just sealed cracks. Oh well, hooray for us.
 The year's first cutting of hay is occurring as I take a short spin around the hood.  I arrive in Canal Winchester to participate in the group ride. Hey! There's Paul Stock. I enjoyed catching up with him while about 50 of us.....  ....assembled in front of Brewdog. Unlike my visits to the New Albany group rides, I didn't recognize very many people. Kevin H, aka "Polish Pony" was there, Eric the former Dispatch photographer oh and Claude. Claude used to always ride with a banana in his jersey pocket and then disappeared from the group, maybe 10 years ago. He recently found himself getting fat so decided to ride again.  Oh, Ric Noland, owner of Cyclist Connection was there, giving the pre-ride announcements which included, the Summer Solstice ride will be on the 18th. If you've not previously ridden that route and ride, you owe it to yourself to do so. I'll find the route and post it as it includes going up Revenge Road.  It was kind of strange when Ric announced the "Long A" riders could leave and no one budged. Then "Mid A's" could go...no one. "Long B's" and a decent sized group departed. I went with the "Mid B's" and that turned out to be a mistake. Should have gone with the first group. The pace was slower than I expected but hey! My first group ride where I didn't get dropped. My average was only 17mph.  Ahhhh, life, working in the woods. Having fun, making progress on my project. I've been at it long enough now to realize I won't finish this year but that's ok. To reward myself for all my hard work.....  ....I headed to Brio, which is only about 10 minutes from me. I enjoy calamari but understand I should not eat it too often due to the fat content.
 While I miss, very much, the mountains of southern AZ, a decent stand-in our the many cloud formations that kinda remind me of the mountains.  On a beautiful Saturday morning I went out for a solo ride, passing many fields that were about to be cut and bailed.  An evening soccer game where we had the misfortune of watching while the sun was sitting opposite of us. Brutal viewing conditions and we had to remain on this side of the field as the other is reserved for the coaches and teams.  The saying, "knee high by the 4th of July" but of course, if corn is only that high in early July, it's not growing well. The corn is knee high now and growing rapidly.  I showed up for the title of this post and was surprised to see many former cycling mates there too! Jeff S, Jimmy L, Axel, Miek W & others. Ours was a good pace but having committed to do the Tuesday Canal group ride, I bugged out of the group at mile 12, to take it a little easier. I finished with 42 miles and will for sure make this ride part of my routine.
 I got out for the evening ride and hey! There is Craig R, aka, "Muscle Dude" out too. I had ridden earlier in the day....  .....which included passing over brand new pavement on Jug Street. However, my legs were not that sharp and abandoned the group about 10 miles in, soloing back to the parking lot.  Visited a grandson and we played soccer, basketball, golf and then, I was exhausted.  I enjoy helping my children with their yard projects so volunteered to weed around their back patio. That only took about an hour so....  ....headed to the woods to work. I saw some movement in the dead tree on the left and there was a family of raccoons having taken up residence in the hollow interior. Most days now are pleasant as the battle between the volatile spring and summer has finally been decided.
 I use my visits to the woods, to work, as a recovery day. I've noticed that now that I've been increasing my ride distances, standing all day in the woods, isn't allowing my legs to recover. I bought a cheap camp chair so I can sit more often, lol.  I got in a good, 61 mile ride that included the climb on Canyon Road, south of Granville. I also....  ....visited Moots Road just west of Granville to check the progress of the bridge replacement. It doesn't appear any progress has been made since my last visit. Too bad as this is one of our major ways of entering Granville. However...  .....a temporary bridge has been placed across the river so workers can pass. I appears that cyclists could cross too.  The obligatory pic of the bike leaning against a bucket. What a great bike, BH, has been. I'd like to acquire a new one but I'm emotionally attached to this one until it gives me a reason to retire it. It already has Di2 shifting so a new bike would not be an upgrade.  I'm making it a point to visit some of the Columbus Metro Parks so hiked around the Park of Roses. Beautiful!  Having ridden on a wide variety of roads, passing lots of people mowing their rapidly growing grass, I noticed something. No one and I mean no one is using the traditional riding lawn movers. Instead....everyone is using a 0 Turn Radius mower. Having previously used one, I understand why. They fly around the yard!   I got out for a 20 mile ride so I could visit the Intel plant. Wow, a lot of activity, many trucks and adjoining parcels seeing activity too. Part of Intel? Don't know. The other thing I noticed is the quantity of trees being planted, especially along Mink Road. Hundreds.  This being Thursday, after my short morning ride, I headed to the evening group ride where the usual suspects like (R-L) Scott B, Ken B, Nick, Brian & unknown guy in blue jersey.  Amanda getting her bike ready after having placed 2nd, in her age division) last weekend in a gravel race. Another of our regular visitors, Peggy C also podiumed. I brought a gravel bike from AZ but now I'm thinking I should sell it. The variety of paved roads is so great here.  Ride organizer, Don N sporting white socks and shoes!  The rivets get called out, than the A group and than the B group, as usual.  I did not intend to do the full route, considering I rode earlier in the day but it was kinda heartening that for once, I did not struggle to keep up prior to departing. Maybe making some progress???  Amazing cloud formations as I headed back to the barn.
 Best image of the northern lights I have seen with the "OHIO" signal.  Oh, so Sunday was a break from the rain and a beautiful day it was as I rode past the Hoover Reservoir.  Lots of water craft out. I only got in 21 miles because Monday was going to be a glorious day so that afternoon.....  ....I entered my son's creek and began cutting the trees and branches that have accumulated. I love using a chain saw! My only misstep was many years ago when the saw sliced through a pant leg but fortunately, my leg was to the side.  Lots more to cut but enough pieces have accumulated that we'll get a good fire going and dispose of the wood before I cut more.  On Monday, I put in a good, 55 mile ride, having a gentle tailwind going out and then a freshening head wind coming back. Good workout. Of course, two straight days of good weather just has to be followed with rain and so it did. I took my bike to Rick Miller's again for new brake hoods and enjoyed the drive to Utica. It appears the fields are about ready for the season's first cutting.
 My mother passed away last year at 103. As executor, my last act was disposing of her 2022 Buick Century, having only 54,000 miles.. I was surprised of the demand once I put it on Craig's List. Sure, the scammers came first (do you accept cryptocurrency and I'm a poor student at Denison U will you accept half price?) but it sold in one day for $4000.  Amy keeps me updated on the comings and goings in southern AZ, including pics of Jack.  Last week, this field was being disced and a week later, green shoots are emerging. Growing conditions were ideal during the week.  Other fields yet to be plowed or maybe laying fallow for this season. That's all folks. Rode Tuesday before the rain, then it rained every day but preparing to go out Sunday morning. It's weird but since I'm in Ohio, I expect this weather so don't get too annoyed.
 While mowing the trails, I pause, confronted by a thick patch of beautiful wildflowers. Nothing to do but keep mowing.  Sunday morning, I went on a 50 mile ride to Utica. Fantastic roads including Reynolds and later, that steep portion, ugh.  I made a loop out of the route so departed Utica via Homer Road and worked my way west and then south. Hardly any traffic and than, hustled to Newark so I could watch....  ....the finals of a soccer tournament in which Anthony was playing. They won, it was thrilling to be there as....  ....he had 3 goals! As an 8 year old in an under 11 league, that's pretty good.  Tuesday arrived and with the evening forecast looking iffy, I did a 40 mile loop. Dang, it is so green. I definitely miss the mountain views of southern AZ but this isn't a bad alternative.
 Near the intersection of Watkins and old 161, a home having signage that says "Pelican" has this odd arrangement of bottles in their front yard.  My beloved "BH" bike needed a tune-up, perhaps its efficiency could be enhanced??? So I visited Rick Miller's shop and had a great time getting caught up. Among other things, he installed a new chain. When telling that to someone later, they asked if it was an "echain", lol. I wish.  I typically arrive about 30 minutes prior to the ride so I can be the parking lot gadfly. Here rolls in Soka! Whoa, I was unaware of teammate Frank's alarming experience when they were in AZ for a training camp. Remarkable he survived the cardiac event.  Larry P and his new bike. I stated it was orange and he claimed it's not.  Paul Djupe made an appearance too for the first time this season. It's been great to see people I have not seen for 5 years but some notable absences too. Maybe more "old timers" will come out.  Around 55 people came out which seemed low considering the near perfect weather.  The Rivet group seems a mere shadow of its former greatness, in quantity if not quality. One Riveter, Ken Buddell, rode with the A group as this was his 3rd ride of the day, compiling 167 miles and 10k climbing following the completion of tonights ride....wow!  Mike Weber looks back as we regroup after the Alward Road climb. A friend observed, I didn't lose my cycling fitness overnight and I'm not going to regain it overnight either. I think I have made minor, incremental gains but I'm still one of the last ones to join the regroups.  It was an interesting route of 35 miles which included dismounting at a bridge to lift our bikes over a chain, walk a few feet and again, lift bike over chain and continue on. We continued on the counterclockwise route, reaching the long climb on Jersey Mill Road.  I was ok...almost to the top...slid back a bit...clung to the tail of the group while reaching the regroup point. There, Amanda Orr on the left talking to Andres. Amanda lost 15 pounds and coupled with lots of miles on the bike, is riding very well. Finished the 35 miles with a 19.1 average.
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