Rambling Along the Ridges

Given all the cycling alternatives, it was a good turnout for the Ridge Runner Ramble.  One of the alternatives was a Pelotonia route ride organized by John Morgan for Rick Paul and friends.  Here, I lifted an image from the Columbus Dispatch site that shows Rick and hey, that's Muscle Dude (Craig) riding alongside.

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Here is a shocking development, for the first time ever and I mean EVER!!!!!  Kenda Janet & Paul were ready prior to the 8:00am start time.  In another first, Kenda Dave was not wearing his Kenda gear so not sure what that means and I was reluctant to inquire as who knows where that line of questioning may go.  I've heard all is not well among the Kendaites with lots of back biting and team unrest.  Someone said Dave is mad because he was called a Jacobite by a Kendaite.

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Mark V in red and recovered from Mountain Mama.  He said after riding with Flyin Tuna for most of the Mama route now he too is setting a goal of thrashing her next year.  She has that effect on people and I told Mark I would share my training secrets with him so he'll be good to go next August.

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Maybe 15 of us rode out including Steve O, mostly recovered from that nasty stomach virus but he was taking no chances as the outline of an adult diaper was seen under his cycling shorts.  Also there at the start was Kenda's Stefano, Paul, Janet and Dave (I think I can still call him a Kendaite), Steve, Jeff S, Tuna, Mark V, Kevin H, Dennis, Friend of Dennis, SuperDave, Engineer Mitch, another Jeff, Tim (bushy mustache and returning to cycling after 20 year sabbatical away from it) and Brian from Freemont. 

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The only rain cell in central Ohio perched itself over us and drifted northeast as we did so it rained lightly for the first 30 miles.  Mark V and Jeff bugged out of the route at the top of Chattam and I was sorely tempted but hung in there to Utica that included a spirited climb up Reynolds.  Those of us desirous of something less than 100 miles watched those wanting at least 85 head out of Utica.

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Prior to the departure, there was a lot of chatter about who would ride what but SuperDave, also known as BrainiacDave or Cerebral Dave came up with a modest short cut to the 85 mile route so half way out Blacksnake, well beyond the churning chocolate wheel at the water treatment plant, Dennis, Dave, Dennis' friend and I went right at Peatmoss and then I persuaded them to cut a little more off and we arrived in Granville and after watching the many locals strolling the streets, we headed on to New Albany with 74 miles, 3200' of climbing.  Because I have accomplished my primary cycling goal of the year, I am tapering back so 74 miles is good for now.

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