Weekend Riding

The sun rises as I head west to New Albany.  Kind of growing weary of starts from New Albany and the usual exit via the old 161 but Luke was nice to open a ride opportunity for everyone who wanted a place from which to start.

In front of Starbucks, the joggers and cyclists begin to gather.  Scott B on the right.  The real action was....

.....where you would expect to find cyclists and a pimp wearing his read socks and shoes, in the parking lot.

It was promised to be a Rivet paced ride for those who wanted that and a conversational "B" pace for those who wanted something less.  No surprise, most of us wanted something less.  In total about 24 came out, 5-6 in the front group, the balance behind.  I had the very unpleasant surprise of discovering my rear brake pad was rubbing my wheel.  How long had that been occurring....possibly since the late 90's???  That would explain a lot.  Dang, the bike felt, no surprise, much easier to pedal so I began to wonder, who among my "friends" could have sabotaged my bike?  The list being so long, I gave up trying to guess.  Anyway, we arrived in Utica at around mile 44 to.....

...refuel.  You know me, I'd never post an embarrassing image unless someone drops banana peels on my car so....

...it is a different view while sitting and observing.....

....the eating habits of others.  Before too long we jumped on the bikes and headed up.....

....Reynolds Road.  Toward the top, the power petered out on my Di2 so I lost use of the front derailleur and lost contact with the group.  Times like this you find out who are your friends and on that ledger, I am a bit light.  If there is such a thing as reincarnation I will try harder the next time around!  Then Sunday dawned, similar to Saturday and off I went to....

....New Albany again.  How about that, not 2 Kendas but 3 as Kenda Mar Gex  joined Janet and Paul. as Philippe attempts to avoid.

Mike on the left with Don to his left and then Milt.  Good route and good people but after Saturday's ride of 75 miles, I thought I'd hang back just a little with the Kenda threesome and Flyin Tuna. 

Marty's arrival time is cutting it too close to departure time so he rarely is able to finish any of Starbucks finest.

We listen aptly as Don announces various things prior to.....

....shoving off as New Albany is undergoing significant construction which includes condos, retail and more single family housing.

We caught up with the group once at the end of Battee where a flat had caused the group to pause and then again at the top of Chattham where a cable caused a couple of guys to turn around.  Then our little group cruised into Granville where....

...we paused to eat expensive bagels at Steamrollers.  Nice group of people working there and we enjoyed the atmosphere.  Plus they have an electric bike in front so what's not to like about the place?  Finished with 51 miles.