Saturday Ride Report--The Great Pumpkin

The Fall HOOT ride brought out a large contingent from the Cycling Club but not many others.  Milt is tightening his shoes while Chris I and Michael L await the official go time of 8am.

Eva on the right is recovering from a torn meniscus while Janet, dressed for comfort, hurriedly dressed after this shot so she too could make the aforementioned go time.

Kirby leads a group toward the front of the school entrance where others join and when we begin we have....

….25 headed out in a compatible group. Gus Cook marveled at the broad mix of current and former headliners who attended.

Way in front, on the left, in the bright orange jersey is the "Great Pumpkin", so named by Gus.  I first called him a "Jack-o-Lantern" but I like the GP name better.  I regret not getting a closer image as we cruise through glorious sunshine and a relatively flat route other than the middle portion.

We paused at a market in Millersport and collect any who had dropped off the pace.  Then....

….we got back on the route.  At some point, we got really strung out which caused alliances to be formed between the remnants of our once great group.  I eventually got in with the Rossi tandem, Larry & Lisa, Mitch and Dean.

Here comes the Rossi tandem and eventually, we finished with 64 miles and me with a 17.8 average.  Good day to be on the bike.

Here are two options for Saturday, not to mention that if you go to the New Albany Starbucks at 7:30 and hang out, you will likely find a group with whom to ride prior to the clock ticking 8am.  First, COP has the "Fall HOOT" ride. A group will depart at 8am, a variety of paces.  I think Marty will be there, the Kendas, Fairfield County Boys, etc.. Come out and represent the Northern Yankee team.  $5 for members of COP, $10 for non members.
Bloom Carroll High School 
5240 Plum Rd, Carroll, OH 43112
Take US 33 East from Columbus to the Winchester Rd NW exit, turn left at the light at top of the ramp.  Turn right onto High St and take into town of Carroll.  High St will turn into Plum Rd as you pass the Subway and the school is on the left shortly after.
Start is between 7:30 am - 9:00 am.
The short route (34 miles) is relatively flat with ~2000' of climb on the mid (65 miles) route and >4000' climb on the century (102 miles) route. 
I think these are the routes but can't guarantee it.  COP has a silly policy of sending the gps file on Friday night to those who have registered.  For those of us who pay on the day of the ride, we are out of luck.  
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26048313
​https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26048155
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Then there is this option.  They say the ride is free but I understand there is a $15 fee to enter the Festival.
Join us for this gorgeous 55-mile road ride on Saturday, Sept. 15. The ride starts and ends at the 2018 Ohio Pawpaw Festival, taking you from Albany on a circle tour around Zaleski State Forest. Enjoy challenging climbs, ridgetop views and sweet downhills, all along the Raccoon Creek Watershed. A rest stop awaits you at the halfway point. There is also a shorter 20-mile loop option.

On-site rider registration will be at the festival from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - get started on the ride any time during those hours. The rest stop will be set up until 2 p.m.

The self-guided, self-paced ride is free for your enjoyment, sponsored by Athens Bicycle and featuring some of owner Peter Kotses' favorite roads. The ride includes a course map, marked turns on the roads and the aid station. Afterward, riders can choose to enjoy the festival (admission fees apply). Visit the Pawpaw Festival website for full details on the festival. https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com
Lake Snowden
5900 US HIGHWAY 50, Albany, Ohio 45710