Hikin & Bikin

A good day for options.  Jump on the bike at 27D or jump in the car and drive to Old Man’s Cave for a 12 mile hike….I choose the hike.  So too did the hike organizer, Pastor Mark, Donna, Flyin Tuna and Kevin K.  Kevin had been undecided but after seeing only Steve O and Dennis for the ride (two stallions or at least faster than plow horses) he decided he had a better shot at hanging with the hikers.

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The mid-way point for the outbound portion, at Cedar Falls

  As it turned out, the 12 mile hike was not quite as advertised.  From Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls it was only slightly over 2 miles and after pausing to admire the beauty and a photo, we continued on to Ash Cave where, upon reaching the rim, had only 4.5 miles.  At that point, I elected to trail run back and left the group.  Total miles were 9 (1174’ of climbing)but that was plenty and the area is always beautiful.  Mark enticed us with stories of off trail routes that lead to fantastic places he has not yet shown us, but will on a future hike.  

Back to the ride, Steve and Dennis were joined by a late arriving Rick H and also Bob A.  It was noted as the group passed the car wash thermometer that the temperature flashed 23 and then 24 so there was a warming trend.  For some reason, The Rushville Coffee House ride morphed into the Stoutesville Market ride again.  The foursome stayed together for the most part and elected to stick with a 45 mile route.  

On Sunday, with morning temps around 18, I opted to try the Gahanna Heat of the Day Ride.  I thought perhaps since the morning had been so cold several would show for this ride but there were only 5 of us and the pace was true to the description of a C/D ride.  The group even stopped at UDF at mile 20 and it took all my willpower not to order ice cream.  We cut the route a little short since one member of the group had become cold. Finished with 29 miles.

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