bikejournal.com journal

7/1/2012
(Sun)

50.96

31.50

03:50:25

13.27

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Trees Down All Over Town Ride. We met Phil and Janet at their house around 8 am and headed toward Millersport. All along the way from Picktown to Buckeye Lake signs of last Friday's 80 mph winds were evident. Siding ripped off houses, debris scattered everywhere and numerous trees and wires down. The worst we found were along Deep Cut where the road was closed. We peddled on through to find trees across the road and telephone posts broken off at the base leaning by their wires. We ate breakfast at Old Canal Restaurant where there was no power but they were serving with generator power. Trees were downed and laying into the canal. After breakfast we rode out to Lake Rd where a tree completely blocked the road. We had to cross over a house's driveway to get around. As we headed into Pleasantville Janet got a call and they had to return home due to a family emergency involving her dad. Mar and I continued on to Carroll Eastern and rode back home as the temps continued to climb. We were glad to get back to the AC but really enjoyed our exciting "Storm Team" ride today.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/K5XT

Weather Conditions: Mid 70s to start and upper 80s at end with partly cloudy skies and quite humid.

7/3/2012
(Tue)

13.88

25.50

01:04:37

12.89

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Too Hot Just Run Errands Ride. With temps approaching 100 later today we decided to just run a short trip to get things done this morning. We left just after 8am and headed to CVS to pick up my Rx. I chatted with Charisse and David about the power outages from the storms and then we slipped over to Subway for breakfast. Then around to PNC to make a deposit but the ATM was out of order so Mar went inside. Then we headed to Hiren's house to drop off the DVDs that we were supposed to give him when he and Ranna visited on Sunday. Marilyn got a tour of the house and I got some Chai tea and played with Nayan. We put Nayan on the tandem before we left so he could get a feel for the big bike. Then down 256 to Allen and back Stemen as the temps began to steam up.

This route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/0c67

Weather Conditions: Warm start with temps in the mid 70s and warming quickly to the mid 80s by 10:30am as we neared home. Mostly clear skies and moderate humidity.

7/5/2012
(Thu)

50.43

25.61

03:32:49

14.22

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Early Bird Ride. Noting the excessive heat warning I got up early and took off just after 6am. Streets were still somewhat wet from last night's rain but were drying up as the sun began to beat down. I rolled into Glacier Knoll and onto the trail. As I rode up to the bridge just after the Brice Rd tunnel I came up on a beautiful indigo bunting right in front of me on the trail evidently drinking from a puddle. He took of right in front of me giving me one of the best views of his species I've ever had. Then on to Groveport and over to Three Creeks. Not too many folks on the trail today. Just after the underpass on 104 I came upon a deer right next to the trail pointed away from me. I came up silently and she darted into the woods a few feet then turned to look back at me. Then 3 other deer just off to my left in the woods also checking me out. I rolled along into Bexley thinking I might stop at COSI for breakfast but the closer I got the darker the skies became. I decided I would race for home though my prospects looked bleak. The rain actually held of longer than I expected. I came upon Chuck coming at me just after US33. He seemed to think it would pass north of us so he continued on as did I. I got all the way to Diley when I began to feel a few drops as I crossed the railroad track. Then it rained more steadily all the rest of the way home. No lightning seen just a comfortable rain keeping me cool.

Weather Conditions: Sunny and low 70s to start and becoming cloudy and eventually light showers as I finished up with temps in the upper 70s.

7/19/2012
(Thu)

50.25

25.50

03:36:20

13.94

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Back on the Bike Ride. It felt like a long time between rides. Between work and my trip with Stephanie to Vegas and the steamy weather I really needed to get back on the bike. We hopped on the tandem at 6am to avoid the heat and possible showers. On Diley we spotted four deer off in the soybean field. Then on down Long with very little traffic at this early hour. We did encounter a Pickerington police car on Windmiller, then on Diley, then in the neighborhood before Long, then on Long at Bowen, then he turned around on Bowen and passed us again going the other way. It was like we were being followed... We jumped on the trail and soon saw headlights in our mirrors as the ranger was following us on the trail! We lost him over the bridge just past Gender but it had me looking for the black helicopters the rest of our ride. We worked our way down to Bexley and stopped for lunch at COSI. Then back on the trail at Main St. where we ran into a mother and her two grown sons on bikes waiting for the cross light at Livingston Ave. She looked to be young enough to be their sister as we all rode along together for a while. Then we continued along at a really good pace for the rest of the ride as our average shows. We saw Chuck in passing near Heron's pond but we were all moving too fast trying to avoid high temps and the coming rain to stop. Made it back before 10:30am and really enjoyed being back on the bike.

Weather Conditions: Low 70s to start and clear to start. Upper 70s and increasing clouds with high humidity and very light winds as ride progressed.

7/22/2012
(Sun)

49.98

35.86

03:01:34

16.52

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Granville Area Hill Ride. The Huntington team of which I'm a member held a tune up ride for Pelotonia which is now 3 weeks away. I arrived at the park early and found no one there. I drove back to town and got a cup of coffee at a cafe and the guys there said "Oh, that ride was yesterday!" I rode back to the park after my coffee and found folks there unloading bikes and getting ready to ride. A husband and wife team put this ride on and did a great job of organizing. There were 17 bikes including one recumbent-me. We took off at 8 am and rolled up into Granville and then north into the hills and farmland eventually stopping in Homer. I was able to stay with the lead group the whole way and we really kept up a fine pace. I would drop back a bit climbing the hills and then would roar past everyone coming down hills. I was again just behind the lead two riders coming out of Alexandria and heading for home down Raccoon Valley Rd as I climbed the last hill. I thought I could catch the leaders down the final hill and hold on for the finish when I dropped the chain on the inside as I crested the hill! I quickly jumped off the bike and replaced the chain on the chainring. Then back on the bike for the finish. I couldn't catch those guys but finished 3rd easily after an amazing and beautiful roll through the area.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/lzQC

Weather Conditions: Cool start in the upper 60s with partly cloudy skies and no wind. Warming into the low 80s later with light winds out of the northwest and clearing skies.

7/25/2012
(Wed)

50.32

25.88

03:34:21

14.09

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Oh Dear No Deer for Phil Ride. Met Phil at the park at about 6:30am after riding down Diley and spotting 8-10 deer in the soybean field before the railroad tracks. We rode on the trail down to Bexley and stopped at COSI for breakfast before heading back. Phil spotted a red tailed hawk on the powerline tower as he was lamenting his inability to find deer in the park. We never did see a single deer. To add to his frustration we stopped to talk to Tom Frazier on the trail who told us he just saw 4 fawns and numerous adults along his path. Though we crossed that same area 30 minutes later we never saw a single deer. We decided a fake target practice deer should be erected near Abby Trails just so Phil can feel better about it. Nice ride today. Here is the route:

http://goo.gl/maps/UB7Bs

Weather Conditions: Cool start low 60s and warming into the upper 70s with clear skies and low humidity. Light winds late out of the SE.

7/25/2012
(Wed)

13.43

22.41

01:06:40

12.09

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Neighborhood Ride with John and Hanna. John Schlitt contacted me earlier today to see if I would like to ride with he and Hanna. They came by about 6:30pm and we rode around the neighborhood. We had nice conversations about work, kids, and Pelotonia. It was pretty hot but fun.

Weather Conditions: Around 90 degrees but not too humid.

7/26/2012
(Thu)

7.81

17.75

00:40:53

11.46

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride to Bob Evans and Great Clips. The title says it all. Very warm.

Here's the way I got there:

http://goo.gl/maps/mVqDQ

Weather Conditions: Warm mid 80s with clear sunny skies.

7/28/2012
(Sat)

57.02

31.50

04:20:26

13.14

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Jumping Canal Fish Ride. We started early and jumped off around 6:30am to head for breakfast in Millersport. We rode down Harmon and out 204 for a change knowing that traffic should be light early on a Saturday morning. We followed Etna Rd to Broad and Mill St into Pataskala following the "Bike Route" signs through town. We headed out Blacks where we soon noticed a sign stating the road was closed in 1/2 mile. This turned out to be right before Watkins Rd where the pavement was completely torn out. We speculated that they are lowering the hill to improve visibility at the intersection. We walked the bike around the construction and continued on our way. We rode into Hebron and down Canal Rd where we spotted 4 heron and more jumping fish than we've ever seen. A family was fishing there and they yelled that they had been catching small fish. Then on into Millersport where we stopped for breakfast at Olde Canal Restaurant. Terri took care of us as usual and we ordered 2x2x2 as usual. There were a couple of bikers there when we pulled up and two more came as we were leaving. Then on into Baltimore where we continued to see lots of garage sales as we had all morning. Then on down Basil Western where we saw two kestrels jump off the phone lines and fly along with us for a while. We pulled into Meier for a pit stop then Mar saw a kingfisher flying around the pond at the end of the parking lot. Then up Diley and back home by 1130am.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/rORs3

Weather Conditions: Upper 60s to start and mid 70s to end. Cloudy early then partly cloudy skies later with light winds out of the WNW.

7/29/2012
(Sun)

50.17

25.50

03:44:00

13.44

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Balloon Chase Ride. We left our driveway about 7:30am and immediately spotted the Kellar Farms balloon off to the west about 2 miles away. We were heading in that general direction and found ourselves getting closer as we rode through the neighborhoods toward 256. As we hit the light at Kroger's we stopped and saw the balloon heading south past the watertower. We continued down Diley counting 2 deer in the soybean field then rolling down Long as we watched the balloon begin to descend. We hopped on the trail and found lots of folks riding on this very nice Sunday morning. We rode down to COSI for breakfast and then back. We stopped at CVS to pick up my prescription then back home.

Weather Conditions: Cool start low 60s then warming into the upper 70s. Clear early then partly cloudy late.

7/30/2012
(Mon)

47.39

25.88

03:25:00

13.87

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Screamer Chain Eats Wheel Ride. We set out for Phil and Janet's house at about 6:30 am and enjoyed a pleasant ride out Stemen to Doty then on past the usual 3 walking ladies on Bickel Church. As I downshifted to pull into Phil's driveway we heard a horrible crunching sound as the rear wheel locked up. After getting off the bike I saw that the chain had come off on the inside of the chainwheel and jammed hopelessly most of the way around the wheel. Phil immediately pointed out that a spoke had been broken in the mishap. We tried to no avail to pull the chain back out. At this point I knew we had to take the bike in to the shop. Phil and I wrestled the tandem into his Odyssey and drove us home. We then put it into our van for transport to the bike shop later. I then prepared the single bikes for riding and we took off to meet the Paulsens at Glacier Knoll for our plan B ride. We got there about 8:30am and we rode out Marilyn and Janet enjoying their continuous conversations as we rode the trail. We made it to Oxbow Loop and decided to head back. Phil and I took off just after Confluence Park to ride over to Ebright Rd and then rode hard to catch up with the ladies. We just did catch them as they were approaching Glacier Knoll. Then Mar and I headed to Old Bag of Nails for lunch where Phil and Janet drove to join us. After lunch we biked home. Then I took the Screamer to BicycleOne where Brett helped me evaluate the sad situation with the rear wheel. I left the bike there where it will take a few days to fix. The indicated mileage is 7 miles on the Screamer to Phil's place and 40.39 miles on the Goldrush.

Weather Conditions: Cool start low 60s warming to the mid 80s with partly cloudy skies and lower humidity.

8/1/2012
(Wed)

101.14

31.53

06:52:49

14.70

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Forrest Gump Century Ride. I arranged to meet Phil at his house this morning and took off around 6:30am. I got there and we took off east planning to ride out to Millersport for breakfast then out east and south for some hill training. We stopped at Olde Canal Restaurant and I had some eggs and pancakes and Phil got eggs and sausage. We then headed out Geiger to Cattail and worked our way over to Elder enjoying the nice views and good roads. Then over to Carroll Eastern and then Marquette. Phil asked if we could stop at Subway in Carroll so we rolled out on a newly paved Election House Rd and eventually down Plum into Carroll. We cooled off with a drink and chatted for a while before heading back on Pleasantville. There Phil said we could get me a few more miles by heading back east to Bader before returning on Basil Western. We did and I said goodbye to Phil at Stoudertown with him commenting that once again he saw no deer. We had figured that I now had enough miles in to get a metric century and that was my intention until I approached Long coming up Diley. Suddenly I was gripped with the notion of doing a full century by heading over to the trail and running about 20 miles out then 20 back. I fought myself at the light and found myself turning west on long hearing the voice in my head saying, "What are you doing?" I guess I decided that I'd come this far I might as well keep on going. And I did. On to the trail and feeling pretty good at 65 miles I continued along at a nice pace. As I approached Confluence Park through the woods I spotted a large doe right in front of me on the trail. She looked at me then strolled across to the woods and stopped to watch me go by. Poor Phil, missed another deer sighting. When I got to the park I called Marilyn and Phil to tell them what I was doing. Then on I went calculating how far I'd have to go to make my 100 miles. I figured I needed about 80 before turning around and that brought me to Main St. in Bexley. It was about 1 pm and I thought it would be a good idea to stop for lunch and a break at COSI. There I was able to use my COSI card to score a free lunch and a free cookie which seemed adequate reward for my long ride. Then back on the trail as I reeled in the miles back to Pickerington. I stopped at Glacier Knoll and drank more water as well as dumping plenty on my head. Then back out Long to the Diley trail and home at last feeling very satisfied with my impromptu century.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/ASEMv

Weather Conditions: Lower 70s to start warming to near 90 at finish with partly cloudy skies and moderate humidity.

8/6/2012
(Mon)

60.63

36.00

04:39:57

12.99

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Sunrise Shadow on the Corn Ride. We decided to reprise our ill-fated trip to the Paulsen's house from last week. Our Screamer has now been repaired from the chain jump to the inside of the wheel. All derailer side spokes have been replaced and Brett trued the wheel and adjusted the shifting. On Doty we noticed our shadow moving playfully on the corn as the sun came up. We arrived uneventfully and headed east with Phil and Janet on their tandem. We stopped to see the amazing alpacas just before Heimberger as their guard dogs started barking. Then off to Stemen and over to Millersport for breakfast outside on the patio at Olde Canal Restaurant. Then out Geiger and Cattail and eventually Elder on a similar route to my 100 miler with Phil last Wednesday. We turned on Pleasantville Rd and into the gas station in town for a break. Then back west as Phil finally spotted deer on Leonard just past 158. We saw a fawn there just crossing the road in front of us and then into the corn. We rode out Basil Western and said goodbye to the Paulsens on Stoudertown and we continued on to Meijer where Mar wanted to buy socks. Then we added a couple more miles by heading out Busey around Pickerington Ponds and over to Long before heading back to 256. Mar requested an iced coffee break so we rode over to Tim Horton's and sat in the soft chairs, watched the Olympics and sipped our beverages. Then back on the bike for the ride home where we spotted the "Taco Del Mar" car and Toruk inside waving at us madly. We waved back and headed home finishing up around the neighborhood to round out the mileage on this gorgeous day.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/axJhE

Weather Conditions: Mostly clear skies and low 60s to start. Partly cloudy with temps rising into the upper 70s with light winds and low humidity.

8/8/2012
(Wed)

51.52

25.50

03:56:44

13.06

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Big Ol' Snapping Turtle Ride. We took off about 7 am to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll. He was already getting his Lightning ready to ride as we arrived. Then off we went down the trail. About a mile before Shannon Rd we saw something large right in the middle of the trail up ahead which we first thought was a dead raccoon. As we got closer we saw it was a large snapping turtle just sunning right in the middle of the trail. There was a girl on a bike on the other side who very cautiously approached trying to figure out what this was. We took a couple of pictures then off we went. We rolled on into Bexley for breakfast at Bruggers then through the neighborhoods north of Main St. and over to Wolfe Park. There we hopped back on the trail dodging numerous cross country runners probably from St Charles across the street. Then back up the trail where we saw a large group of 10-15 women on bikes coming at us. Then we warily passed a group of pre-schoolers out walking over the bridge by Livingston Ave. Then on down the trail with a stop at Confluence Park where a young man stopped to ask me about Saturday's Pelotonia ride. He will be riding for the first time and his team is Grange. We ran into Chuck and ended up riding back to Glacier Knoll with him. We came up on a young buck on the trail which caused Phil to give a "yahoo!" Back at Glacier Knoll we said goodbye to Phil and Chuck then headed for home.

Today's route may be found right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/e8UA9

Weather Conditions: Low 70s to start with sunny skies and low humidity. Temps rising into the low 80s at finish with mostly sunny skies and light winds out of the SSW.

8/11/2012
(Sat)

101.59

35.47

07:00:49

14.48

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Pelotonia 2012. We got downtown around 5:30am and parked on 3rd St. so I could get the bike out of the van. I put it up on the kickstand and went into the van for the pump. Just as I turned back to the bike the wind came up and blew it over on the derailer side. I hopped on the bike and started to pedal only to hear the gears missing and pedals over rotating. Not a good start. I knew that all the bike shops were set up around Columbus Commons and just a block away was the Bikesource van. I rolled the bike in and told them what happened. They initially looked like I had brought in a flying saucer for repair when they saw my bike. I asked if it would help to take the tailsock off and they said yes. Then the mechanic took a look and said the derailer hanger was bent in and was hitting the spokes in the low gears. Within a few minutes the had bent the hanger back out and I was on my way. They were very nice, did and outstanding job and saved my Pelotonia ride. I rolled on over to the Commons and ate a bagel and banana and got some coffee. I saw Chris and Logan and Jay Sycks. We were all issued letters to tell us when to enter the starting chute. Chris and Logan were A and I was B so we decided to meet up in Pickerington. The start was slow and a bit frustrating as I couldn't get to the chute when they called the Bs due to the crowds of later letters blocking the exits. But I eventually worked my way on to Rich St. and took off about the same time as last year. I spotted Marilyn on the roof of the adjoining parking garage where she was able to shoot video of my start. We were off and down High St. with crowds lining the street. Bells, clapping and cheering all along the way made it fun to ride through town. I had worn my biking jacket since it was a cool morning and it felt comfy as the wind picked up with my speed. The biking crowd on the road was huge and friendly. I rode for a bit with a lady on a Sun recumbent and spotted a couple of trikes as well. The route was the same as last year leaving Columbus as we worked our way south and then east eventually to Groveport Rd. Around here is where I heard John Schlitt yell my name. We and his father-in-law rode together into Picktown. This year we turned on Bixby and on past 3 Creeks Park. The first rest stop was at Cruiser Park but it was so jammed with riders that I just kept on going. We headed along our usual riding route on Ebright then worked our way over to Pickerington Ponds and then on Wright to head into Pickerington. Hiren called me to ask me to call him when I hit Cruiser Park so he could head out and meet me in Picktown. Sure enough he and his dad were right on Center St. just past the railroad tracks to take my picture and say hi. I shed my jacket and asked him to take it then rolled on to the high school for my first break. I found Chris and Logan and we took off together heading north and finding police blocking each intersection to the anger and dismay of many drivers. At US 40 and Mink I could see cars in both directions far down the road and lots of honking. Then down Refugee and up Summit where I heard someone yelling "Gary". It was Frank Owusu jumping up and down and waving. He snapped my picture as I rolled along. Then up to 161 and over to New Albany for lunch. After lunch we headed out towards Granville and over to Alexandria turning on Racoon Valley Rd and the first real hills of the ride. As we rode north of Granville we found some hills but nothing overwhelming. We got to the split at Bennington Chapel where I continued but Chris and Logan decided to take the Reynolds Hill route for a more exciting climbing experience. I rolled on into Homer where I saw Andrea Cambern on her 100 route. After a few more P&B sandwiches I continued on for the finish. The last 15 miles really had the toughest hills and they continued on almost to the end. I never had to walk a hill and used granny gear only twice. At mile 96 it started to shower but it was warm enough then to feel good. Shortly after the road turned downhill for a wonderful mile or two all the way into Gambier. The last mile was on the Kokosing trail and a rousing finish a Kenyon College where I slapped five with the announcer as I crossed the finish line. Chris and Logan appeared 30 minutes later telling me that Logan had made the tough climb all the way but Chris had to walk the hill regretting his decision to leave me on the other route. Another great Pelotonia ride with lots of folks admiring my bike and wishing they were on it.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Bq2tE

Weather Conditions: Cool upper 50s to start warming into the lower 70s at the finish. Cloudy skies all day with lovely tail winds from the SW at 10-15 mph.

8/12/2012
(Sun)

50.23

25.00

04:02:17

12.44

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Because 100 miles yesterday just wasn't enough Ride. A beautiful day beckoned and felt fine after yesterday's Pelotonia Ride so we took off around 8:30am and headed for the trail. The roads were still a bit wet from last night's rain but were drying out quickly in the morning sun. We hopped on the trail and we soon came upon Tom Frazier who ask me about yesterday and was kind enough to make a donation. Then on over to Ebright to reprise yesterday's route only backwards. I told Mar that the bridge over US 33 was the biggest hill in the first half of the ride and Center St and Milnor was the steepest section. We rode on into the park where they were cleaning up after a running race had just finished. There Chuck Frazier pulled up and said hi. We rode out together down to the cut-off for the JCC where we broke off and Chuck continued down to Livingston Ave. A quick loop through Bexley then back on the trail and back to Glacier Knoll where I chatted with an Englishman on his bike who asked if this was the end of the trail. We talked about the trail going north and how nice a place it is to ride. Then onto Bowman and Long then Diley and a turn into the Drug Mart shopping center for lunch at New York Pizzaria. This was our first time there and we really like the pizza. Then back home to rest.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Bq2tE

Weather Conditions: Lower 60s and clear skies to start. Warming into the lower 70s with increasing clouds and light winds out of the SW.

8/13/2012
(Mon)

57.51

34.48

04:02:06

14.25

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Hawks and Hills Ride. I rode out to Phil's at about 7am and we headed to Millersport for breakfast. We spotted a red tailed hawk on a fence taking off right next to us and later a cooper's hawk. We seemed to come upon another red tailed every 10 miles or so jumping off a wire above and flying with us then off into a field. We rode south out of Millersport and headed past Carroll Eastern to explore a new route back west. We found Beatty which pretty much just runs up and down hills through cornfields and ends at 188. There we turned south and rode through some traffic to the Columbus Southern Power offices on Coonpath. Then west to Old Millersport and a long downhill before turning west again. We rolled just south of Baltimore and worked our way over to Basil Western for our typical finish. I forgot to turn on MyTracks today so here is the link to Phil's which is most of this rides info:

http://goo.gl/maps/c9vU5

Weather Conditions: Cool low 60s to start with cloudy skies and light winds. Warming to near 80 later with clearing skies and winds out of the SSE at 10 mph.

8/16/2012
(Thu)

56.14

24.00

04:19:19

12.99

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: A Deer at the Confluence Ride. We took off at about 6:45am to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll. He was readying his Lightning as we arrived. We hopped on the trail and headed to Three Creeks. As we approached Confluence Park Phil spotted a doe near the woods. We stopped for a restroom break and I grabbed my phone to take a shot. I stealthily walked as close as I could to her and took a shot. Then I stepped forward again and she looked up and snorted/bleeted loudly as steam shot out her snout in the cool morning air. Then she quickly darted into the woods. I looked back at Phil and he saw and heard all this, too. We laughed at what we'd seen then got back on the bikes and rolled on to Bexley and COSI for breakfast. All three of us sat outside and enjoyed our food. Then we rode out on College which was still closed to traffic but newly paved. We got to Livingston and then back on the trail at the JCC. As we got to Abby Trails I was thinking of adding a little mileage and asked Mar if she wanted to ride to the end of the additional trail at Refugee. She said she was doing fine and was going to ask if we could continue on into Reynoldsburg. So we said goodbye to Phil and rode off to the new section of trail and over to the Blacklick Park. Then through Slate Ridge and Palmer and back. A really nice ride today with great weather.

The route we rode may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/7g9eY

Weather Conditions: Clear and cool with temps in the low 60s to start. Warming into the upper 70s as finish with light winds and low humidity.

8/18/2012
(Sat)

20.10

25.36

01:30:22

13.35

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Commute to CVS. Animals large and small seen this morning. Hummingbird flying across Mink St., chipmunk on a post along Refugee, and a pair of deer peering out of the woods in Quarry Park in Reynoldsburg. On the way home and elderly lady runs the red light at Mink and US 40 as I turn right onto Mink. She is right beside me and nearly hits a car turning left going east on Main. Nice weather and fun ride home.

Weather Conditions: Cool upper 50s going in and upper 70s coming home with partly cloudy skies and light winds.

8/19/2012
(Sun)

20.27

25.88

01:25:25

14.24

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Commute to CVS. Sunday commute pretty uneventful. Did meet Mr Pickering at work who owns the Pickering farm on Mink and whose family were the founders of Pickerington. He is working on a museum in Pataskala on Main St. of SW Licking county.

Weather Conditions: Cool morning around 60 and mid 70s on way home with storms to the north but partly cloudy on my route. Light winds.

8/21/2012
(Tue)

33.46

25.10

02:07:33

15.74

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Almost Got Wet Ride. An early lunch with David Tefft made for an shortened and early ride on the trail. I pushed hard due to both time restraints and the obvious black clouds coming in from the SW. I made it to Herons Pond and looped around as the sky continued to darken. Racing back I could see the curtains of rain behind me. As I returned to my neighborhood the phone rang. It was Mar saying that it was pouring in Columbus and was I getting wet. Not a chance! I pulled into the garage and the rain ensued 5 minutes later.

Here's the route:

http://goo.gl/maps/UGvNA

Weather Conditions: Cool 60s with clear skies to start quickly becoming cloudy with rain chasing me home.

8/23/2012
(Thu)

55.97

31.50

04:08:06

13.54

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: House Demolition Ride. We both slept in so a later 9 am start saw us heading towards Pataskala. We headed out Blacks wondering if the construction we saw on our last ride here at Watkins Rd was complete. The "Road Closed" signs gave us our answer. We walked the bike through the torn up roadbed and then saw the house on the southwest corner was being demolished. We stopped to watch along with a number of neighbors and vehicles passing by on Watkins. After a couple of photos of the scene we took off and rolled east into Hebron and then over to Millersport. We were excited to stop in at Subway for lunch since we hadn't been there much this summer. We pulled up and saw Noelle and Wes inside waving madly at us. We were saddened to learn that their house was broken into while they were on vacation last week. Chris was glad to see us and we enjoyed our subs. Then out Basil Western and up Diley back home.

Today's route is found right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/PD7Yo

Weather Conditions: Warm but not humid with temp starting in the low 60s then rising into the low 80s with mostly clear skies and light winds.

8/27/2012
(Mon)

50.69

33.00

04:22:27

11.59

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Traverse City to Sutton's Bay. We're here in Traverse City, Michigan with the Paulsens to explore the area on our tandems. Starting from our hotel (Knights Inn), we took of around 8 am and jumped on the TART trail. Nicely paved, this runs right through town along the beautiful bay then heads up the Leelanau peninsula to Sutton's Bay. Mostly forested and gently climbing and decending, this rail trail is an amazing way to ride the area. We came upon a flock of wild turkeys which only slowly trotted off as we watched them. Many hawks flickers and a few mystery birds were seen. We got to SB and stopped at the visitor center to get some advice. We had discovered a flyer yesterday advertising Tandem Ciders a business run by a couple who created hard ciders and ride a tandem. We rode mostly uphill about 3 miles to find the old barn with a tandem bike mounted high over the entrance. They we met Dan and his infant daughter. He poured us glass after glass of his different creations and we ended up buying a bottle. Then we screamed back downhill to SB for a delicious but very slowly served lunch at Martha's. Then back on the trail to TC where we stopped at a bike shop Brick Wheels. Then over Bardon's for ice cream before riding back to the hotel.

Weather Conditions: Gorgeous day with clear skies and temps in the low 60s warming into the low 70s. Winds out of the NW at 10-15 mph.

8/28/2012
(Tue)

53.45

38.00

04:22:11

12.23

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Mission Peninsula Ride. Out the door and on our way just after 8am we head north on Peninsula Dr.which runs up the west coast of MP. Smooth road, beautiful views of Western Traverse Bay, and amazing homes. We wind our way north to Mission State Park where find the historic lighthouse on the point. I pay the $5 fee and get to climb the stairs to the top. Here I find a great view of the bays and peninsulas. I meet an older gentleman who tells me he swam here as a boy 60 years ago when the water level was much higher. Then on to the town of Mission where we find the original Mission building and the old General store where we sampled their aged cheddar cheese and ordered lunch. We met other bikers who claim this route is on Bicycle Magazine's list of top ten rides in the nation. We also met a guy driving a home built wooden truck based on a Chevy S10. Then back on the road to ride the Eastern side which provided many more gorgeous vistas. We got back to TC and we left the Paulsens to continue riding the TART trail and complete our tour to the east. Here we ride by the airport and find the rest of the planet models ending with Pluto at the end of the trail. We return back and stop at Dairy Queen before riding back to the hotel.

Today's route may be found here:

Weather Conditions: 60 Degrees to start warming into the middle 70s. Clear skies and winds out of the NNW at 10-15 mph.

8/29/2012
(Wed)

34.74

30.50

03:02:48

11.40

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride the Little Traverse Wheelway. We left Traverse City about 8am and drove along the coast to Petoskey, Michigan.There we found the Little Traverse Wheelway rail trail along the bay. We stopped and parked at East Park where we unloaded the tandems and headed onto the trail. We loved the grand views of the bay as we biked along. Outside of town we encountered many high curb cuts which became tiresome after a while. We rolled along side the county airport then up the other side of the bay where the trail ends. Then back the way we came taking time to appreciate the Victorian homes along US 31 in town. One dilapidated house was called the Tilton Inn. Then back past the park and up the other side of the bay. Here we came upon some rollers and a couple of steeper hills. We turned around short of Charlesvoix and came back to eat lunch at a deli along the trail. Then back to the vans to start our drive through the Upper Peninsula and eventually Madison.

Today's route may be found here:

Weather Conditions: Chilly start mid 50s then warming into the 70s with clear skies and light winds.

8/30/2012
(Thu)

24.54

28.50

02:17:53

10.68

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Hostel Shoppe Ride. We drove from Escanaba, Michigan to Steven's Point, Wisconsin this morning for our periodic pilgrimage to our favorite bike shop in the world. I brought two tires I bought 18 months ago via mail order which were the wrong size (My error). They never batted an eye and credited me the full amount which I used to buy the correct tires. We then headed to the hotel to check in and prepare to ride the bikes. Phil quickly noticed there was a problem with his tire as it had a bulge in it. We rode the 3 miles to the shop and they found the tire had delaminated. Phil bought a new tire from them and had it mounted. Meanwhile we both test road a Volae Club and found it to be a cool bike but not what we are looking for. Then we rode to the Green Circle trail and did a loop around town. The trail is beautiful but is crushed granite and soft in spots making for slow and sometimes treacherous going. We rolled back over to near the bike shop to find a place for dinner and decided on Denny's. After a somewhat mediocre meal we rode back to our hotel as the sun set.

Our route today may be found here:

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203443861421795560349.0004c884d620d91d436a5&msa=0&ll=44.569926,-89.536858&spn=0.038644,0.20565

Weather Conditions: Very warm near 90 with clear skies and low humidity. Gusty winds out of the SW at 15-20 mph.

8/31/2012
(Fri)

14.25

34.50

01:14:35

11.46

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: MTR 2012 Ice Cream Ride. Here in Middleton, Wisconsin for the Midwest Tandem Rally we register and greet our friends the Johnsons and Veerkamps. Then off to ride with the Paulsens. Route is flat to start then becomes very hilly with long steep climbs. We're glad we've been riding and training for this. Beautiful rural scenery and smells. An exhilarating downhill brings us back to town where we stop for gelato and a tour of the Mustard Museum. Then back up the final hill to the hotel.

Today's route should be right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/63CPa

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy and very hot with temps in the 90s.

9/1/2012
(Sat)

45.04

40.00

03:37:01

12.45

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: MTR 2012 Saturday Ride. Mass start at 9 am we took off with 400 other tandem teams and head north. Very pretty day and lots more climbing. Every crested hill brings us new vistas of the green and rolling terrain. We rode most of the second half with Deb and Dennis and saw the Paulsens returning from the short route to lunch. They were flying down the hill we were climbing and shouted "It's a long way up from here!" It actually was but more gradual than steep. The ride was just the right length as we were beginning to tire from the numerous ups and downs.

This route is right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/ayDfv

Weather Conditions: Nice weather. 70-80 degrees with winds out of the NE at 15mph. Partly to mostly cloudy skies.

9/2/2012
(Sun)

53.34

33.50

04:11:56

12.70

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: MTR 2012 Sunday Ride. The medium route today required an unusual remote start so we packed up the bike and drove to Cross Plains. There we met with John and Kathi to ride together for the first time at the rally. The weather was cool and sunny to start as we rode the relatively flat course before lunch. We talked about the Johnson's upcoming tour of the Mississippi River valley which starts on Thursday. We had lunch in Sauk City then rode out climbing and descending including a ride around Chrystal Lake where we stopped to let Marilyn do a little wading in her bare feet. Then more climbing as the sun beat down and the temperatures climbed. We ran out of water with about 7 miles to go since there were no rest stops after lunch. We cruised back into Cross Plains and turned immediately into the Culvers Ice Cream which was jammed with other tandemists. We got water and Coke and I had a Strawberry shortcake ice cream. Newly refreshed, we finished out the last couple miles and headed drove back to the hotel.

Today's route is found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/wGs8l

Weather Conditions: Cool start but warming into the upper 80s with sunny skies and increasing humidity. Winds out of the NE at 10-15 mph.

9/6/2012
(Thu)

51.36

24.50

03:56:25

13.03

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Egrets-We've Had a Few Ride. We got out about 8 am and now find kids on the corners waiting for their school buses. We still get a few "cool bike!" remarks as we ride by. We aim for the trail today and soon find Tom riding with Paul who rides a polished aluminum Goldrush just like mine. We chat for a few minutes then on we go down Ebright where we spot a red tailed hawk on a wire just 20 feet away. Instead of flying off as we approach he rotates his head and follows us with his eyes as we pass by. Then back on the trail and down to Bexley. We ride thru Capital University where the students are back and then back on the trail to Picktown for lunch at Max and Ermas.

Today's route should be right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Gk67M

Weather Conditions: Cool start around 70 then quickly warming into the lower 80s. Clear skies and light winds.

9/10/2012
(Mon)

60.45

30.00

04:36:29

13.12

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Free Subway Deal Ride. We took off about 8:45am and headed for Pataskala on this near perfect morning. We got behind a school bus or two and then rolled on. We saw little traffic today and felt like we had the roads to ourselves. We hit Pataskala and continued down Blacks. The construction at Watkins is now complete and it appears as though they have removed the hill and flattened the intersection. We found more construction a few hundred yards on as we were surprised by a red light temporarily erected to control one lane traffic going by construction at the bottom of the hill. We waited our turn and then rolled down and pedaled up the other side waving to the folks waiting in their cars at the other side. Then down Beaver Run into Hebron and over to the Fish Hatchery. We rode along the canal and saw 4 heron and many turtles clinging to logs and sunning themselves. Then into Millersport and over to Baltimore where we spotted a red headed woodpecker with a nice grub in his mouth flying off a telephone pole. Then into town and Subway where Chris made us an offer on a new Subway card. If you put $25 on the card they give you a free 6" sub. He was trying to get us the deal on today's purchase and screwed it up. We all laughed and he will give us the free sub next time we're in. Then on to Basil Western and cruising back home with a couple of late loops to get us to our 60 miles.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Em9R1

Weather Conditions: Clear and cool early with temps in the mid 50s and no wind. Turning partly cloudy later with upper 60s at finish and winds out of the NE at 10mph.

9/13/2012
(Thu)

50.23

24.00

03:56:47

12.73

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Traffic Jam into Columbus Ride. We left the house about 8am to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll. While riding down Diley we heard a horn honk at us and saw a van go by. When we got to the park we saw the same van and it belonged to Bob Frazier. He was on his Goldrush and talking to Phil when we pulled up. We all took off down the trail and by the time we got near Shannon we ran into our new friend Paul coming at us riding with an upright. He quickly stopped and turned around to ride with us. He said he was riding with Tom when this upright bike passed him. He wasn't about to allow that to happen so he turned on the speed on his Goldrush and rode with the guy for a while. Sure enough, we now see Tom coming at us as we all wave hello. As we approached Winchester Pike we noticed that traffic was almost stopped and was backed up as far as we could see. We left Paul and Bob to continue on the trail as we got off on to Ebright. As we climbed the bridge over US 33 we again saw a huge jam and stopped traffic. We decided it was an accident as the first possibility of the President being in town was not the case. We then rolled along down the trail to Bexley and enjoyed our day riding along the trail all the way back to Brice Road where we stopped to pick up a couple of buckeyes which have all but been cleaned up. Then on back to Picktown and lunch with Phil at Old Bag of Nails. Today's route is to be found here:
http://goo.gl/maps/CSV3P

Weather Conditions: Upper 60s to start with clear skies then warming into the mid 80s with skies becoming partly cloudy. Winds light early then 5-10 mph out of the south

9/16/2012
(Sun)

55.10

25.36

04:04:45

13.51

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: North Market Ride. Marilyn had her show at the North Market today so I rode downtown to see her. I took off about 8:30am and rolled to the trail. As I approached Shannon Rd. I noticed two big signs on the side of the trail. They said "10 mile turnaround". They were there for the run that I now know started at Confluence Park. I began to see one or two runners then many more. I passed water stations where the folks offered me cups of water. It was slow going all the way to the park where I found cars parked on the fields for the event. After passing the park things returned to normal. I rolled on to Bexley where I stopped at COSI for an apple parfait and to kill a little time. Then on to Broad St and over to the North Market. I parked next to Mar's booth and went inside to buy lunch. Then back on the road and trail. When I was approaching US 33 I noticed a trike up ahead. I got closer and recognized Jim Jimenez who was riding his new yellow Terratrike. We chatted about his new purchase and how he really enjoys riding it. We rode together until Glacier Knoll where I took a quick ride on his trike. Then I said goodbye and headed home.

Today's route can be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/QRWhH

Weather Conditions: Cool start in the low 50s then warming quickly into the mid 70s with clear skies and light winds out of the NE.

9/17/2012
(Mon)

30.34

24.50

02:24:38

12.59

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Breakfast at the Nutcracker Ride. I had to work this afternoon so we rode to Pataskala via the Red Chip Bicycle Highway. This is what we now call Etna Road. After breakfast we rode out to Watkins on Blacks where the hill has now been removed during construction of the new intersection. Then back on Palmer.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/aMvHo

Weather Conditions: Cool morning in the low 50s warming into the low 60s with mostly clear skies.

9/20/2012
(Thu)

50.05

25.61

03:34:16

14.02

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Deer and Heron Posing for Pictures Ride. I met Phil at Glacier Knoll at 8am after an exhilarating and freezing ride from the house. We took off and enjoyed great conversations mostly political in nature as the sun came up and began to warm us up. We stopped at Brice Rd to pick up some more buckeyes right before the tunnel. Then on past Shannon and over to US 33. There Phil spotted a heron perched on a tree limb just watching traffic go by. We continued on down past Oxbow Loop and under 104. Then I saw a deer right next to the trail. She stood and watched us ride by her only a few feet away. Then we saw 4-5 more in the field to our left shining brightly in the morning sun and again mostly staying put as we stopped to watch them. Then on to Bexley where we stopped to chat with Marc for a few minutes. Then we rolled on back bumping into Chuck coming at us in the big field next to the park. We began to feel the wind pick up from the SW and this helped us cruise along as we jumped out on Ebright and headed back. I said goodbye to Phil at the park and rolled on home bumping into Dave Anderson heading out in his pickup truck. After talking for a few minutes I headed back home.

Today's ride route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/7gVJ5

Weather Conditions: Chilly mid 40s to start warming into the upper 50s at finish with clear skies and winds late out of the SW at 10-15 mph.

9/29/2012
(Sat)

57.30

30.85

04:03:58

14.09

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride to CVS Pataskala and Beyond. I'm working at this store on Friday and wanted to get a look at the new WeCare system so I planned a ride to the store. I thought I'd get about 30 miles in but after arriving in Pataskala I found the day to be too nice to cut the ride short. So...off I went down Blacks and Beaver Run where I stopped at 158 to take another picture of the cornfield which is now amber colored and ready to harvest. Then into Hebron where hundreds of kids were playing baseball and football at the TJ Evans Park. Then on down Canal where I found 3 heron and lots of turtles sunning themselves on logs. Traffic was a bit busier than our usual weekday rides but mostly obliging and friendly. Into Millersport and over to Baltimore for lunch at Subway which was also busier than usual. Chris was off this Saturday and they needed more help. Then a great ride down Basil Western chasing a biker I saw going up the hill as I left Subway. He was a good mile ahead of me to start and I closed about half that distance but he continued down Carroll Northern as I turned west on Basil Western. I single engine plane with an aqua colored tail circled overhead a couple of times as I approached Allen. Lots of color on the trees as I pedal by the woods these days. A ride up Diley and back through the neighborhoods completed the day's ride.

Today's ride may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/K6fD3

Weather Conditions: Cool start low 50s then warming into the low 60s with partly cloudy skies and light winds.