September 20th, 2019

Out the door as a glimmer of light backdrops the Catalinas.  Yes, I am once again being stupid and driving to Ohio, 29 hours of sitting in a car.  Hard to explain but I like having the freedom of a last minute decision to depart and the need to take my bike to my friend Rick so he can fix what 2 shops in Oro Valley failed to do. 

Heading east on I-10 I pass this interesting rock formation.

Soon I pass an area from where dust storms develop but plenty of recent rain will deter the formation of wind driven storms.

Now in NM, I see rain shadows but my route skirts the rain.

I stop to refuel and see this neat scene as well as see.....

….this huge piece of art. Midway through day 3 of driving I arrive.....

….in New Albany, OH and jump in with the Thursday, Cycling Club group ride.  This is the final evening ride of the season and only 26 cyclists come out, compared to 70-90 on mid season rides.  The area has a very healthy cycling community and hundreds of miles of lonely country roads that stich small towns.  Hilly to the southeast, east and northeast, flat to the west it is an ideal cycling area with thousands of short but steep climbs.  So different from slogging up the many 10+ mile climbs in AZ.  If OH had AZ weather, I'd never leave but it doesn't so.....

Scott Billman and another new machine.  Wait, does he shave his legs?????

Chris I also has a new bike and note the custom lettering on the frame.  I've gotten behind on keeping track of all the new bikes.

Cycling buddy, Larry P in the foreground next to John and Jon.  Two groups will roll out beginning with the Rivet/A as a split squad followed by.....

…..an A and B combined group.  Only 27 miles for our ride but still enjoyable.  Andrew Clayton on the left, anxious to head south to FL and a winter stay.  I've cycled down there often and it just never appealed to me but it is much closer to Ohio. Flat, boring but close proximity to Ohio makes a lot of sense.  One thing I decided, I am shipping my other "BH" bike to Ohio so I can ride it when I visit Ohio rather than drive with my newer version.  Drive 10 hours, jump on the bike for a group ride makes for a long day.