bikejournal.com journal

10/3/2012
(Wed)

51.34

24.50

03:48:38

13.47

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Grasshopping Hitchhiker Ride. I rode to Glacier Knoll to meet Phil at about 8:45am. On the way lots of kids waiting for school buses or walking to school. Many "Cool bike" or "I like your bike" comments and even one "Can I have it?" comments from the youngsters. Phil and I took off at the park and rolled along to Brice Rd to look for more buckeyes but to no avail. We did see large mushrooms growing on the west side of the tunnel. Then down the trail which was still quite wet from last night's rains and often coated with fallen leaves. Just before Cruiser Park we turned a corner to find 7-8 deer right across the trail ahead. We slowed as they walked off into the brush. As we approached Confluence Park Bob Frazier cruised up from behind and joined our ride. He spoke of his rides on the trail in the early morning darkness and how his new headlight often would light up the eyes of creatures along the way. We rode along to Oxbow loop where Bob turned back and we continued on to Bexley. There we stopped at CVS for a pit stop and to purchase drinks. Coming back outside a lady sitting on a bench right next to our parked bikes complimented us on our rides and asked a few questions. Then on through Bexley to Wolfe Park and back to Krogers on Main. We returned to Confluence Park where we spotted Chuck Frazier and he stopped to chat. He just hit 6000 miles for the year heading for his goal of 7000 which will be a new all time high for him. We said goodbye and headed over to Ebright where we caught the best tailwind of the day pushing us up the hill and back to the trail at Winchester Pike. Then back towards Glacier Knoll where I noticed a grasshopper had hopped onto my fairing and was hanging on enjoying the ride. He stayed on for about 5 miles and finally jumped off around Bowen and Long Rd. I rolled back through the neighborhoods and home having enjoyed the ride and beautiful fall colors of the day.

Today's route can be found right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/yl8bf

Weather Conditions: Low 60s and partly cloudy skies to start. Turning cloudy and upper 60s later with winds out of the SSW at 15mph.

10/4/2012
(Thu)

51.47

24.00

04:07:08

12.50

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Flu Shot Ride. We both needed to get our flu shots so we headed for CVS at 8:30am and pulled up and walked in to the store. Natalie gave us each our shots and we picked up our prescriptions. Then we headed over to the trail and rode along taking in the gorgeous oranges, reds and yellows that have now colored the route. We saw a red tailed hawk fly over and into a big oak tree near Shannon. We made it down to Bexley and decided to stop for lunch at Piada. We enjoyed eating outside and watching the folks walk by. Then over to Wolfe Park and back on the trail. We picked up a tailwind on the way back which helped as Mar's thigh muscles were tight and cramping the last 15 miles. Lots of "cool bike" compliments from the schoolkids on a field trip at the park. Then back home after a great time riding today.

Today's route can be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/NSb1T

Weather Conditions: Mid 50s to start with clear skies and light winds. Warming quickly into the low 70s later with mostly cloudy skies and winds out of the SSW at 10-15 mph.

10/6/2012
(Sat)

10.58

20.00

01:00:13

10.54

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Taste of Pickerington Ride. I needed a haircut so we rode to Great Cuts and got my ears lowered. Then over to Diley and Wright where we headed into Picktown for the food festival known as Taste of Pickerington. We sampled fare from Giant Eagle, Unos, Del Mar, and Tumbleweed. We saw Chris working the Del Mar tent and he took our picture and allowed us to park the tandem behind the tent. We talked to a lady from MKM Farms which is on Heimberger and sells their own meat. This is beef, chicken, and goat meat along with eggs and honey. Then we wandered over to the Pickerington Historical Society building which is in the old library. We enjoyed learning more about the area including the large number of 1 room schoolhouses from the late 1800s that still stand. One notable one is near Huntington Hills on Stemen and we have passed it many times and wondered about its past. Then back on the bike to return home.

The route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/w7G0B

Weather Conditions: Cool mid 40s to start but warming into the mid 50s later with clear skies and winds out of the WNW at about 10 mph.

10/9/2012
(Tue)

56.55

29.00

04:35:56

12.30

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Foggy Morning Ride. We took off about 9am on the coldest morning this fall. There was frost everywhere but the skies were sunny. We rolled down Palmer and when we turned off of 310 I saw first two then many bikes off in the distance turning onto Palmer from Smoke Rd going the other way. I figured this was the COPS group coming from Pataskala on their Tuesday morning ride. We then headed into Pataskala for a brief potty stop at CVS. Just as we approached Main St. we saw the fog clouds lit up by the sun. Crossing over we immediately went into the fog and the temperature fell significantly. We didn't come out of this until we got to CVS. Then on to Hebron and the canal where we saw 3 turtles and that's about it. We got to Baltimore and lunch at Subway where Chris gave me the free sub he owed us. Then on back home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/mYLl1

Weather Conditions: Cold start near 30 with sunny skies. Foggy for a while then clearing again and temps rising into the mid 50s. Winds increasing out of the S at 10mph.

10/12/2012
(Fri)

8.86

17.00

00:50:00

10.63

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Errands Ride. New cable installed this morning and working this afternoon so just a short ride today. We rode to the bank then over to Kroger to mail a letter. Then around back of the center to briefly explore the neighborhoods and over to Max and Ermas for lunch. Then into Summerfield and over to CVS to pick my prescription up and home.

Weather Conditions: Mild and sunny with temps in the low 60s.

10/13/2012
(Sat)

20.50

22.90

01:42:48

11.96

Off: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: MTR 2013 Planning Meeting Post Ride. We rode to Dayton this morning for a planning meeting at Pam and Chuck's house in Dayton. Then drove to Xenia and got on the trail to Yellow Springs. Turns out there is a street festival today and we met hoards of folks on the trail within a couple of miles of town. We checked out eating lunch at Peaches but it had a 90 minute wait. So we rode back to Xenia and had lunch a new bar and grill on 68 going into town. Then back to Xenia Station and our return home.

The route link is here:

http://goo.gl/maps/EUeKD

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy and temps in the low 60s. Winds out of the south at 10-15 mph.

10/21/2012
(Sun)

56.04

25.06

04:17:23

13.06

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride to the North Market. I believe this is the third year in a row that I biked downtown during the Columbus Marathon. Marilyn is set up at the North Market selling her jewelry so I take off about 8:45am and head to the trail. It was very cold this morning and I wore my fleece and jacket as well as ear warmers and gloves. As I got to Glacier Knoll I noticed Tom's van in the lot. I rolled onto the trail and found a few walkers early then I had the trail almost to myself. Still nice colors in the trees as I crossed under Winchester Pike and then along the creek where temporary fences have been erected protecting some construction. Then over US 33 and under Hamilton Rd. where I come upon Tom coming the other way. He is riding his trike which boasts both an American and Ohio flag on flex-sticks. We chat briefly about his recent trip to the Xenia trails then we go our respective ways. I continue on to Heron's Pond and shortly thereafter I notice a faired trike in my mirror. I slow to allow Pugpuller AKA Scott Chapman to pull along side. We have met online on Bikejournal.com and knew that each other lived in Picktown but had never bumped into each other until today. We share recumbent biking stories and he tells me he expects to buy a Goldrush in the near future. He is riding a black ICE trike with a Windchetah fairing. I invite him to join me on a ride downtown but he has time constraints and declines. I offer to do a quick tour of Berwick and Bexley before getting back to the trail and he accepts. We rolled thru the JCC and thru the neighborhoods. Up Roosevelt and over to Mound going right thru Capital U. Then over to Main St. where we say our goodbyes. Then I rolled on down the trail to Broad St. and then west toward downtown. This was part of the marathon route and the street is littered with discarded shirts, overpants, and gloves. Some are piled in the median and others along the curb lane and treelawns. Then I roll over to High St. and have to dismount to avoid car traffic jams due to the still continuing run along High and Front Streets. I walk and ride as I can until I make it to the North Market. There Marilyn is set up and enjoying the morning. I go inside for a barbecue sandwich and beans which I eat out front so I can watch the runners going by. Then back for a cinnamon roll for desert and I'm ready to get rolling back home. One minor mishap I forgot to mention. When Scott and I rolled over the bridge off the trail to the JCC I brushed the lower branches of a tree on my helmet right before getting back on the pavement. It wasn't until 10 minutes later when I glanced up into my Take-a-look mirror and noticed it wasn't there. I immediately realized what had happened but I didn't want to turn around then. On my way back I jumped off the trail and returned to the same spot. After a couple of minutes I spotted something shiny in the grass. Sure enough, there was my mirror none the worse for wear. I clipped it back on my helmet and away I went. I saw one more recumbent trike and a BikeE on the way back. A few more bikers than earlier on the trail but not too busy for a Sunday. Then back thru the neighborhoods and home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/k977j

Weather Conditions: Lower 30s and clear to start. Warming into the mid 50s and partly cloudy with winds out of the South at about 10 mph.

10/23/2012
(Tue)

50.27

25.00

03:53:18

12.93

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Porch Swing Ride. We had a rain shower about 4am so we had to wait for the roads to dry until about 10 am. As I prepared the bike to go I noticed the blazing red of the firebushes next door. Then it turned into a beautiful day as we rolled to the trail. We encountered very few folks on the paths and did get a bit wet as many spots on the trail were not yet dry. At Confluence park there were black beetles with orange markings flying and landing all over the restroom building. We continued on to Bexley were Marc responded to our text by asking if we could have lunch. We rolled into his driveway and texted him that we were there. He was caught up on the phone so we sat on his porch swing. We ended up swinging for about 30 minutes before he was able to come out. By then it was too late for him to lunch with us so we walked with him and Dagny around the block. Then over to COSI for lunch outside on this nice day. Then back on the trail and heading home finding a couple of school buses taking kids home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Rf3sT

Weather Conditions: Low 60s and partly cloudy warming into the mid 70s with winds out of the SSW at 10-15mph.

10/26/2012
(Fri)

51.65

23.00

04:10:46

12.36

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Beat the Rain Ride. We knew this would be the last nice day for a while and rain was predicted for early afternoon. We took off about 830am to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll. We saw the sun come up as we approached Diley and stopped to watch it rise behind the clouds. Then on to the park where Phil pulled in just in front of us. We rolled on down toward US 33 still trying to stay warm in the early morning chill. We turned on a bend in the path and came upon two deer who took off down the path ahead for a few yards before jumping into the bushes. Then on to Bexley as the clouds rolled in and it started to mist. We checked the radar and didn't see anything major coming soon so on we went through Capitol and then back on the trail at Alum Creek. The clouds thinned out a bit and it stopped misting as we returned the way we came. Mar and I stopped at UNOs for lunch then back through the neighborhoods to get home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/2H0sX

Weather Conditions: Chilly start in the lower 50s and clear. Becoming cloudy and misty with temps rising only slightly. Winds out of the SW early then switching around to NE on way back.

11/3/2012
(Sat)

43.03

24.56

03:10:18

13.57

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Herd of Deer Ride. Phil and I met at Glacier Knoll this morning and rolled out just before 9am. It was pretty chilly to start but we warmed up quickly as the sun quickly made an appearance. We crossed over Abby Trails and turned toward Gender. As we made the right turn to go under the bridge we came right up on a couple of deer standing between the trail and Blacklick Creek. They froze as we got very close then bolted across the creek. As they turned and ran 6 more deer suddenly popped up out of nowhere and made a crazy scene as they all splashed across the water to their safe haven on the other side. Phil and I were amazed by the noisy encounter. We continued on our way talking technology, astronomy and politics as we rode. We got off the trail at Ebright and Phil mentioned that he saw what he thought was a completed trail near Groveport on the Columbus Bicycle Map he picked up earlier at the park. He said it was off of Sims Rd. I remembered Sims actually comes off of Ebright so we turned left when we got there to check it out. We rode to near Dills Nursery and the right on Rager. Then we saw the railroad tracks and figured the trail was near. It was. Unfortunately, it was just an unimproved right of way blocked off by gates. We then continued on to Groveport Rd and into Groveport where we crossed back over Ebright and back onto the trail. Then on down the trail to Oxbow Loop and under 104. There we looked down Alum Creek and spotted numerous white birds in the river. We thought they were egrets until we rolled closer to find they were a gaggle of geese with their white bottoms up and heads down in the water feeding. We got a good laugh out of that. Then on to Bexley where we crossed Alum Creek again on the bridge near the JCC. We rode down to COSI and stopped for drinks and a snack. Then back on the road to Wolfe Park now noticing the amazing homes overlooking the park on the hills to the east. We jumped back on the trail and headed for home. We saw a few other bikes including an ICE trike as we reeled the miles back in.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/pOqwy

Weather Conditions: Chilly start with cloudy skies and temps in the upper 30s. Becoming sunny and warming into the mid 40s with light winds.

11/7/2012
(Wed)

41.10

27.50

03:21:21

12.25

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Chilly Breakfast Ride to Nutcracker. We stayed up late to watch the election returns but wanted to ride today. We decided to head to Pataskala and have breakfast. We left about 8:30am and rolled out to Palmer. There we saw a lady who had stopped her car to pick up the many political signs just off the road. We continued on to US 40 and over to Red Chip where we came through the woods to find a doe prancing and leaping over the road ahead then off into the field wagging her white tail as she ran into the woods. Then over to the Nutcracker for a pancake breakfast and a warm up. Then out to Watkins and over to Heimberger for a very long downhill and wind aided ride all the way to Phil's house. There we stopped to chat before heading south to Basil Western and over to Diley for the ride home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/J4fS4

Weather Conditions: Cold start in the mid 30s and cloudy with light winds. Warming into the low 40s with sunny skies after breakfast and winds out of the NE at 10 mph.

11/10/2012
(Sat)

52.04

22.50

04:13:24

12.32

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Bulls Butt Heads Ride. We met Phil and Janet on this warm and sunny November Saturday and rode to the new trail at Batelle Darby Park. We tried this ride earlier this year and our derailleur broke at the start aborting our ride. This time we drove to the park and arrived at 8:45am. We assembled our bikes and took off toward London. The leaves are mostly gone from the trees now and the corn and soybean fields are mostly harvested. We spotted two red tailed hawks flying low overhead not long into the ride. Then rolled on to London where the trail ends and a short tour of the Madison County seat ensued. We saw the amazing county court house and had to stop for a few minutes for a passing train on West High St. Then on back to the trail and a short stop at the senior center rest area. Then we shed some of our overwear as the temperatures began to climb. We rode along for a while until we approached a farm where we noticed something unusual in the field. Two bulls were fighting each other by butting heads and charging . We could hear them snorting and the cows in the paddocks close by were mooing away. We enjoyed the entertainment and then rolled on toward South Charleston. A few miles later we heard large numbers of cawing sounds coming from the trees up ahead. It turned out to be a murder of crows in numbers probably in the hundreds. It was eerie to see as many birds crossed over the trail and flew all around us. Then on to South Charlston where we stopped at the Purple Monkey restaurant for pizza and subs. After lunch we jumped back on the bikes and headed back. The wind that we fought coming west was now at our backs and we flew along for most of the way.

Todays route can be found right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/J1a5h

Weather Conditions: Near 50 to start and warming into the mid 60s with sunny skies and winds out of the SW at 15mph.

11/15/2012
(Thu)

0.00

00:00:00

0.00

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments:

Weather Conditions:

11/15/2012
(Thu)

42.09

20.00

03:16:56

12.82

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Hockhocking Trail Ride. A sunny day off beckoned and we wanted to try something different today. We hopped on US 33 and were surprised to find the Nelsonville bypass finished all the way to, um, Nelsonville. We parked at Rocky Boots factory and rode out along the parked train cars and over to Hocking College. Then a quick restroom stop at the Hospitality school and back on the trail. I wore my balaclava, heavy gloves , and toe warmers. We felt the significant temperature change when the hills to our left obscured the sun. We spotted a few pairs of bluebirds as well as cardinals, bluejays, and crows. We also saw a couple of red tailed hawks. The Hocking river next to us was very clear and reflected a mirror image of the opposite bank bathed in sunshine. We rolled on into Athens seeing just a couple of bikes and runners on the way. Part of the path in front of OU was repaved but much of the section along the golf course remains very bumpy. We headed on to the end of the trail and circled the medical center before heading back to Ruby Tuesday for lunch. Back on the trail after lunch I switched out to my ear warmers and lighter gloves as the temperatures rose a bit. We found the going pretty easy as this is a very flat trail despite the fact that it lies in a very hilly area. We could see the continuing construction of the US 33 bypass off to our right as we approached Nelsonville. Then back past the college and to the parking lot after a very nice ride.

Our route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/rwmx5

Weather Conditions: Mid 20s to start and warming into the low 40s at finish with sunny skies and light winds.

11/17/2012
(Sat)

50.72

25.00

04:00:31

12.65

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: The Marines Have Landed at Herons Pond Ride. We left the house at 9:30am and headed for the trail. Another beautiful November day but a cold start. We spotted a large red tailed hawk flying over a field on Long Rd on the way to the park. Then on the trail where there was still some ice on the bridges where the shadows kept the sun off the wood. We rolled along to Ebright and then on the road and back over to the trail. We passed a gentleman in a motorized wheelchair who was walking his dog. Then over to Confluence Park and on over Alum Creek. As we came into Herons Pond we noticed young folks all along the trail some carrying others on their shoulders in a fireman's carry. Their were orange pylons on the trail and some guys obviously supervising the operation. We noticed some had "Marines" on their jackets. We surmised a training exercise of some sort was going on. We smiled and they said hello as we passed. I told them it was much easier to carry their partners the way I was carrying mine. Then on toward Bexley as we saw one lone young deer right next to the trail just past 104. We had a chance to stop and see Marc as he was outside the house painting the railing on the front porch. Then on to COSI for lunch. Then back on the trail for the ride home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/aNAcP

Weather Conditions: Cold start in the mid 20s then warming into the mid 40s with sunny skies and light winds out of the east.

11/18/2012
(Sun)

38.47

20.50

03:01:03

12.75

Off: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride the B & O Trail. We planned a pre Thanksgiving trip to see Mom and decided to stop in Mansfield for a ride on the trail. We parked in the Dutch Heritage restaurant parking lot and headed out about 10am. We turned north on the trail and went under I 71 on what was obviously newly paved trail. They had paved north to the 10 mile marker and it turned out south all the way. Very little traffic on the path just a few early morning runners and walkers. Later we did see a few bikes including one couple on a tandem. We made our way north to Mansfield and the park where lots of geese were still snoozing in the lake. We circled the park and headed back south. We saw a number of bluebirds most in pairs in trees along the trail. As we approached Butler we saw a black dog by himself running on the trail coming at us. He ran up to us and we slowed. He gave us a look then continued on his way as if he were out for a morning jog. We continued on to Butler, turned around and headed back. At nearly the same spot at we saw the dog I now spotted a large deer right on the trail. He kick up his front legs and bounded onto the harvested cornfield. Then he ran into the distance at full speed. We continued on back to the starting point and finished up the ride.

Today's route will be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/PXWdt

Weather Conditions: Cool start in the mid 40s then warming in to the lower 50s with clear skies and light winds.

11/20/2012
(Tue)

52.22

24.00

04:01:50

12.96

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Pileated Twice Ride. We arranged to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll and we took off at 8:45am. I was excited to see Phil and tell the story of yesterday's sighting of a pileated woodpecker in Mayfield Hts. As we turned on to Long Rd we saw a large bird fly in front and just above us and land in a tree across the street with a chatter sound. He was silhouetted against the sun and we saw his amazing crest and a large poop fly away from him. It was a pileated woodpecker. We got to the park and told Phil of our amazing luck at seeing 2 in as many days. We rode out on the trail and cruised along until we got to the bridge over Alum Creek. There we saw a faired bike coming at us. It was Tom Frazier who stopped to chat with us. No sooner did we pull over then Phil yells "Pileated" and wouldn't you know we saw one fly over the field next to us and land in a tree not far away. We were all laughing at our luck and said goodbye to Tom and continued on our way. We eventually ran into Chuck Frazier who is working on 7200 miles this year. I am in awe of this achievement and am amazed at his stamina. Then on to Bexley and looping down to Wolfe Park before heading back to Confluence Park for a break. As we pull into the park I hear "Hey, can we talk to you about your tandem?" coming from behind us. When we stopped we met Bob and Tommy who were on an upright tandem and wanted to know more about our recumbent. We chatted for a while then headed on back to Glacier Knoll. There we said goodbye to Phil and rolled on to Max and Ermas for lunch before returning home.

Today's route should be right here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Gj9or

Weather Conditions: Mid 40s to start with mostly cloudy skies. Then becoming cloudy and temps rising into the low 50s with just a few drops of rain and light winds.

11/21/2012
(Wed)

51.66

25.31

03:56:29

13.11

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Found a Rear Strobe Light Ride. Mar stayed home to bake for Thanksgiving so I took off on my own at about 7:45 am and headed for the trail. Plenty of traffic on Long today and pulled into Glacier Knoll feeling happy that I was riding the trail today. I rolled down the trail under Gender Rd and onto the bridge over Blacklick Creek. There I saw what I thought was a cellphone lying on the decking of the bridge. I stopped to find it was a TechAss Strobe rear bike light just like we have on our Screamer. It had an aluminum bracket on it that had sheared off of whatever mounting arrangement it had been secured with. I was pretty sure it was from Bob Frazier's Goldrush and had hoped he was ahead on the trail so I could return it to him. I picked it up and continued on my way. I rode down to Bexley seeing few other folks on the trail though this was a beautiful day. I wove my way around to Wolfe Park and stopped under the bridge that carries 104 over Alum Creek to take a picture. Then I headed back to Confluence Park. Just after taking off from the park I saw a recumbent with a fairing in the distance. This turned out to be Chuck Frazier. We stopped to talk and I told him about the bike light I found. He thought it was probably Bob's so I gave it to him to return it to his brother. Then back home to sample some delicious chocolate cupcakes that Marilyn had baked.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/BqmpA

Weather Conditions: Upper 30s to start warming quickly into the upper 50s with clear skies and light winds.

11/26/2012
(Mon)

51.32

24.00

03:57:02

12.99

Off: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Squirrel Dangling from Branches Ride. We saw the temps were heading in to the 40s today so out we went. We left just after 9 am and headed for the trail. We changed up a bit and rode Wright Rd past Pickerington Ponds. The ponds were very low and one could see the retreat of the water from the original bank. We then hit Bowen and over to the park. We rolled on over to Ebright then back on the trail where we spotted the park worker riding the leaf blower tractor. The trail looked immaculate as we rode on down to Bexley. There we rode the neighborhoods over to Wolfe Park then back on the trail for the ride home. Just after Oxbow loop we saw a brown furry blob hanging on a branch almost over the trail. It turned out to be a squirrel on a precarious perch looking ridiculous. Then on to Herons Pond and back along the run up to US 33. There we saw a red tailed hawk swooping just overhead. We ran into Chuck Frazier and stopped to chat for a few minutes. Then back to Pickerington. We stopped at Pizza Hut for lunch before heading back home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/9a8mh

Weather Conditions: Upper 20s to start then warming into the low 40s with clear skies and no wind.

11/29/2012
(Thu)

51.46

24.56

03:48:46

13.50

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Deer Clogging up the Trail Ride. Very cold start as I headed to Glacier Knoll to meet Phil. Riding down Diley I noticed cars on both sides of the road stopping. This was because 6 deer were crossing leisurely and then jumping over the path into the fields on the right side. Then on to the park where Phil pulled in just after I did at about 9am. We pulled out both adorned with balaclava, gloves and multiple layers. My glasses steamed up every time we stopped and I was glad to have my new toe warmers on my socks. There was frost on the bridge over the creek just past Gender and on the other bridges in the shadows up to Shannon. We rolled on to Ebright and then on to the trail near Groveport. Phil opined that he still hadn't seen any deer when just past Bixby we spotted 4 or 5 in the woods just next to us. We continued on down toward Heron's Pond where we saw something swimming in the water. The pond was about 75% covered in thin ice but a beaver or muskrat was swimming on the surface then dove as we watched. We continued on toward Bexley spotting numerous groups of deer now totaling near 20 or so. We remarked that we had seen more deer than people on this cold day on the trail. We stopped on Main St. at Bruegger's Bagels for a warm drink and snack before heading into Wolfe Park then back on the trail. We ran into Chuck back at Heron's Pond and stopped to talk for a few minutes. Then we rolled back to Glacier Knoll as we cooked up a plan for a possible century ride on Saturday where we will ride the Screamer with me Captaining and Phil stoking. We'll see...

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/i8Nq0

Weather Conditions: Clear and cold to start with temps in the mid 20s and no wind. Warming into the low 40s with clear skies and winds out of the South at about 10 mph.

12/1/2012
(Sat)

58.15

25.83

04:22:03

13.31

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Hanging Doors and North Market Craft Show Ride. The 1st day in December promised to be warmer than normal so I wanted to take advantage by heading downtown. Marilyn was doing the North Market Craft Show so I headed out at 9 am and made for the trail. Traffic was fairly busy on this pre-holiday Saturday but not unmanageable. I rolled into Glacier Knoll and continued on to Ebright and then over to Three Creeks. At Confluence Park I stopped to call Marc to see if a short visit would be ok. He asked if I could stop by and help him with a project, and I happily agreed. I came upon a key ring and strap right before Oxbow Loop lying right next to the trail. I picked it up then put it back down figuring the best chance to reunite it with its owner would be if they came back to find it. Then on into Bexley and over to Marc's house. He told me a windy day had yanked the side aluminum door right off it's hinges and he needed my help in remounting it. We lined it up and drilled a few pilot holes then screwed it back on the jam. Then I said goodbye and headed on toward Wolfe Park where I jumped on Broad Street for the ride downtown. I got to the North Market and was going to lock the bike up to a pillar when one of the outside vendors admired the Goldrush. He offered to watch the bike for me while I went inside and I accepted. I found Mar upstairs busily selling her wares. I went to buy lunch for both of us and returned to eat and watch the crowd. Then back downstairs and out to get back on the road. I bought a couple of small sweet potatoes from the vendors who watched my bike and put them in my bag. I shot down High Street to Long and then east past the construction on I 71 all the way to Nelson. There I found a group of well dressed African-American men selling newspapers at corner of Nelson and Broad where I had stopped for the light. One guy asked me how far I'd ridden so far and I replied 35 miles. He whistled and shook his head. I turned the corner and turned into the park and back on the trail. I rolled along spotting one small deer right before 104 back in the woods. As I came up the hill to the access trail from Alum Creek I saw a couple of recumbents on the the bridge. I rolled over there and found Dave and Paul on their Goldrushes talking to a woman on an upright. She repeated to me that her husband had been hit by a car on his bike and was recuperating. She thought that a recumbent might help him when he returned to riding. She also mentioned that her brother was Gary Poling who is the pharmacist at the Kroger in Picktown. I rode back a with Paul and Dave until the soccer fields and then by myself the rest of the way.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/p7VQb

Weather Conditions: Cloudy and cool to start in the upper 30s. Becoming partly cloudy and warming to 60 with winds out of the South at 10 mph.

12/14/2012
(Fri)

80.65

21.00

06:20:16

12.73

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Phil and Gary December Century Attempt Ride. Phil and I had talked about trying a trail century ride for over a month but today was our last best shot this year. Phil picked me up at 5:30am and we loaded my Screamer in his van and headed for Cedarville. As we drove passed the BP station on Refugee I saw a bright streak in the sky to the west. A geminid meteor from today's shower, this was the only one we saw while driving to our ride. We got to the parking lot across the street from the motel just before 7am as the sky was beginning to brighten to the southeast. We unloaded the bike and donned the layers necessary to ward of the morning chill including my toe warmers. Then Phil assumed the stoker seat and I the captain as we headed east. The trail was now just visible as we headed for S. Charleston. We rode along watching in awe as the sky began to turn orange and red and the con trails of jets appeared on the horizon. A blaze of red then popped out and we rolled along watching the sun rise to our right. We needed to adjust Phil's seat as it was set for Marilyn but he wanted to warm up for a bit so we stopped at the IGA in S. Charleston for a pit stop and some chocolate milk for Phil. When we came out I pulled the slider block off and slid the seat back a couple of inches. This seemed to be about right for Phil so we headed out toward London. We passed the huge compost piles with the massive community of crows cawing in the morning chill. We also spotted a couple of red tailed and cooper's hawks on this section. We pulled into the Senior Center in London for a break the turned around and headed back west. I had warned Phil that we would hit the 25,000 mile mark on the Screamer on this ride but he was still quite startled when I put my hand up and back and asked him to pull off my thick glove. He obliged and I then was able to press the button on my bike computer to access the odometer. When I did I was exactly on the 25,000 reading and shouted back to Phil, "Hold on were stopping!" I slammed on the brakes and poor Phil thought we were about to crash into something. We got off the bike so Phil could take a picture of me and the odometer reading. Then back on our way rolling back to our starting point where Phil shed some jackets and we were back on the trail. Now on to Xenia. We had yet to see one person on the trail and were nearly at 50 miles before we saw our first bike on the trail. We pulled into Xenia and headed to Willie's for lunch. We had our sandwiches and talked about how far we could go. We decided to shoot for 75 miles which would take us about 8 miles down the trail toward Cincinnati before turning around. We rolled out that way and enjoyed watching for wildlife on this next section. We saw flickers, chickadees, downey woodpeckers, and finally a herd of deer. Now back to Xenia Station for a break as we hit the 70 mile mark. I pulled out the P&J sandwich I made last night and ate while resting on a bench at the station. We chatted with a guy we saw earlier on his bike who also was taking a break. He was from Beavercreek. We finished our break and jumped back on the trail for the ride back. Phil asked where we would be mileage wise when we got back to the van. I replied that we'd be about 77 miles. He said "Well, we can't have that, let's go on until we can turn around and have 80 miles. And so we did coming back to the van feeling tired but satisfied with our great mid December ride.

Today's rather straight route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/rofmx

Weather Conditions: Crystal clear skies and cold start mid 20s. Then warming nicely to near 50 degrees with winds out of the south at about 10 mph.