Saturday Ride Report

Geez.  The Duncan's Run Patch ride has become very popular.  Last year, arriving at about the same time I parked in the middle of the field.  This year I am in the final row.  Not sure where the overflow parking went but organizers said they had 350 paid attendees.

In the miles my car shared the road with cyclists during my drive in, I passed many dozens who had already begun their departure. Word had gotten out that a group of us would depart at 8:00am.  Above, left to right, is Jon, Deniece, Kim and David.  Hmmmm, wearing identical glasses the last 3.  Having forgotten my glasses in AZ, I bought a new pair from Veloscience, S-Phyres. Kind of sharp if I do say so myself.  If only they made me go faster.

More of us gather, eventually totaling 25.  Above, Mike W. Milt, Andy, Kristie, Kirby, etc...  The Kendas were to join us but they were a little late getting organized and I could not hold back the train so off we went.

Jay P and Steve Nelson were up front early but so too was Meredith who took 3 monstrous pulls.  By mile 5ish, I too had taken 2 really quick pulls and as a glided to my rightful place in the rear, I noticed several who had been conspicuous by their absence.....Marty of all people.  He made up for it later when it was needed the most.

We immediately began to over take the many who had started early.  We were required to shout attention that we were passing on the left, calling out traffic to the front and to the rear and things got a little chaotic for me so at mile 25......

....racked by a guilty conscience for abandoning my Kenda buddies, I stopped and waited, well waited some more.  People with baskets on their bikes were passing, 300 pound cyclists began to pass and I lost count of how many times I was asked if I was ok.  At last I hooked up with them and we pressed ahead into a rather strong head wind but what a beautiful day for a ride.

At mile 47, we stopped at the Branstool Fruit Farm in Utica and were soon joined by Ted Miesky, Dave & Cathy Levy and others in their group.  The store was open for us but closed to the general public.  I asked why and was told you have to have product to sell in order to be open!  Who knew?  The peaches will be ready soon.

We now headed west and the tail wind was welcome.  Corn seems to be doing well and check out that blue sky!  Finished with 78 miles and an 18.2 average.  Those who hung with the group finished with an average in the upper 19's.

The Duncan's Run Patch Ride at John Beltz Retreat • 4834 Harlem Road Galena, OH  43021, starting at 8:00am.  While there are a variety of routes, this is the one most will do: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27986149  I understand Marty, Don Novel & gang, Kenda Janet & many others (me) will be there.
More information can be found here and note there is a $25 cost to attend: https://www.active.com/galena-oh/cycling/races/duncan-s-run-bicycle-patch-ride-2018

 The famous RockyRoad Ride following this route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27899832 with a start at Pickaway County YMCA at 8:00am.  Information: This is a rural ride featuring farm country in Pickaway and Ross Counties, and the unglaciated forests of Tar Hollow. Then of course, ascending Rocky Road in Great Seal State Park. Tar Hollow has a country store in the park for snacks and drinks about 22 miles into the ride, but there are no other places to stop until Kingston at mile 60 for the 70 mile option (mile 40 for the 50 route - this is the only stop for the 50!) so plan to carry extra food and drink.  ​