bikejournal.com journal

1/6/2012
(Fri)

40.13

24.00

03:19:21

12.08

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: I Can't Believe This is January Ride. I talked with Phil earlier in the week about today's forecast and we planned a ride. We met Phil and Chuck at Glacier Knoll at 10am stopping at the bank and mailbox first. We were amazed at the mild temps and bright low sun as we rode out and pulled into the park. Phil was on his soon-to-be-for-sale Lightning and Chuck on his trusty Goldrush. We headed out on the trail and within a mile we saw a recumbent coming toward us near Abby Trails. Amazingly enough it was Chuck's brother Bob getting in his ride before rushing home to do his grandfatherly childcare duties. We asked advice on the subject due to our impending grandparenthood and then let him get on with his ride. We cruised along with Chuck pacing us in the lead at an aggressive speed. We found men working and surveying along the trail right before the new bridge over 33. It turns out they are working on planned improvements to the trail in this section which has tight turns and is plagued by water problems. Then on over the big bridge and onto the Three Creeks Trail where we were greeted by 2 deer right on the trail. I could hear the hooves of one of them clicking on the pavement as she scooted away. Then on along a mostly deserted path to the mostly frozen Herons Pond where we stopped for some picture taking. We continued along seeing a number of red tailed hawks. Phil and Chuck said a sharp shinned hawk flew just past them as they rode behind us. We hit Oxbow loop and returned the way we came with the wind coming up and pushing at our back. We arrived back at Glacier Knoll and said our goodbyes then headed over to Ole Bag O Nails for a nice lunch. Mar started to complain about her legs hurting as we entered the restaurant. "Oh my poor legs, my poor old legs, my aching--Oh look, lobster bisque!" Suddenly she was distracted by the daily special on the board and her ailments were a thing of the past. After a nice lunch we headed back through the neighborhoods and returned home. Today's route may be found here:

http://bit.ly/w48lqa

Weather Conditions: Unbelievable for January. Near 40 degrees to start and mid 50s at finish. Sunny skies with winds out of the SSW at 15 mph.

1/31/2012
(Tue)

33.62

24.18

02:28:53

13.55

Off: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Incredibly warm day and Mar couldn't ride so I took off about 10 am and headed for the trail. As I rolled into Glacier Knoll and onto the trail my phone rang. It was Marc and Jessica telling me that the grandchild we are expecting in June is going to be a boy!! I was filled with excitement the rest of the ride as I enjoyed the great day and great news. I encountered lots of ponding on the path which was a result of lots of recent rain. At the bottome of the bridge over Big Walnut there was a 5 inch pond overlaying the entire path which I slowly biked through. I rolled around Heron's Pond and headed back helped by a nice tail wind.

Weather Conditions: Warm and windy with partly cloudy skies. Temps in the mid 50s.

2/1/2012
(Wed)

16.33

19.30

01:28:17

11.10

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Like February 1st in Atlanta. Another unseasonably warm day allow for Mar and I to take off on the Screamer. We picked it up last week from Bicycle One where we had it in for yearly maintenance. New chains, cassette, cabling, disk brake pads all to get us ready for 2012. We took off about 12:30pm and shot down the Diley trail to Meijer. There we turned around and returned to Pickerington and over to Uno's for lunch. Then back home feeling like we had taken advantage of another amazing warm day this winter.

Weather Conditions: Warmer yet with partly cloudy skies and temps around 60 degrees. Winds out of the West at 10 mph.

2/18/2012
(Sat)

27.24

25.00

02:13:18

12.26

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Red Chip Road Ride. A nice February day beckoned us to ride to Pataskala for lunch. We took off about 10:30am and warmed up quickly after a chilly start rolling downhill through the neighborhood. Then out Palmer to Smoke where we were chased by a black lab. Mar was just readying the water bottle defense when he gave up the chase. We continued into Pataskala and were surprised to see "Share the Road" and "Bike Route" signs, along with Sharrows newly painted on Township Road. Very nice. We pulled into the Nutcracker and had warm lunch. Then back along Mill Rd where we stopped to snap a picture of a State of Ohio property that I noticed the last time I rode this route. Then a great section along the new Etna Rd which now sports a sign designating it "Red Chip Road". We saw a Cooper's Hawk at the intersection with Refugee Rd. Then 8 or 10 Alpaca in the pen swiveled their necks to watch us ride by as we approached Mink. Then back to Palmer and a swift return home.

Our route may be found on Google Maps right here:

http://bit.ly/A3kDya

Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny and cool with temps in the low 40s. Winds out of the WNW at 10 mph.

2/27/2012
(Mon)

35.80

22.50

02:58:22

12.04

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Two Geese on a Roof Ride. We set out just after 9am to meet Phil and Janet at Glacier Knoll. As we turned through the neighborhoods just before Long Rd. Marilyn spotted two geese perched on the peak of a house roof. They just stood there as though they were pigeons but looked totally ridiculous. We laughed thinking about how their landing must have looked. P&J were ready to ride as we hit the park and we rolled on to the trail. We went to the Refugee Rd branch of the trail to see if any more construction had taken place. It had not but we did see two young mothers with children playing on the trail's end. Then on back towards Shannon where we spotted a faired recumbent coming up on us from behind. Lo and behold it was Chuck who just coincidentally was riding the trail on this beautiful February day, too. We rode along together catching up on each other's news when Chuck told us that the bridge over the wetlands along Bixby was closed for re planking. We found the bridge to be impassable so we backtracked a bit and rode on Bixby to the park entrance. There we stopped for a bit as Chuck continued on his way. We then headed on to Heron's Pond which we circled before heading back.

The route for today can be found on Google Maps right here:

http://bit.ly/xVhU08

Weather Conditions: Amazing February weather! Mid 40s to start and near 50 at end with sunny skies and winds out of the WSW at 10-15mph.

3/7/2012
(Wed)

38.12

25.50

03:00:36

12.66

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: In Like a Lion Ride. This early March day provided warm temps and howling wind. We met Phil at Glacier Knoll at 11 am. as he was unloading his Lightning. We took off and almost immediately came upon Chet on his home built recumbent. Then back on into the wind riding and chatting until we came upon Chuck heading back home. Then we headed to Heron's Pond where I spotted a red-bellied woodpecker on the feeder. We rode down to Oxbow Loop and headed back with the wind mostly behind us. Mar saw a kingfisher along Blacklick Creek as we rolled back home. We wanted to stop for lunch on the way home so Phil met us at Old Bag O' Nails. We had a nice lunch and then headed home.

Weather Conditions: Very warm and very windy. Mostly sunny skies and winds out of the SSW at 15-20 mph.

3/14/2012
(Wed)

50.77

30.00

04:11:33

12.11

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Cacophony of Croaking and Crocuses. This was one of those amazing spring like days that make you want to get outside and own it. We took off at 9am with the air still quite chilly and headed to Palmer. We were excited to ride the Pat-Hebron-Millersport-Baltimore loop for the first time this year. We were shocked to find Refugee Rd newly paved in front of the T J Evans park in Hebron. It's about time! Traffic remained very light all day as we rode along drinking in the sunshine and warm temps. We soon began to hear the peeping and croaking of the frogs at every wet woodland area we passed. As we got to the canal in Hebron the noise became almost deafening as we rode along the reeds. We were greeted with bouquets of daffodils and crocuses all along our route and began to spot some trees beginning to leaf out. I wanted to pause on Deep Cut to take a picture of the canal and flowers we saw. Then on to Baltimore and Subway for lunch where we were happy to see Chris again. He continues to have the best oatmeal raisin cookies around. Then back along 256-Allen-Stemen and home.

Our route today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/jkk73

Weather Conditions: Cool start lower 40s. Then warming into the low 60s with mostly clear skies and winds late out of the WSW at 10 mph,

3/18/2012
(Sun)

18.98

24.00

01:32:17

12.34

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Snakes and Alligator-We must be in the South. We drove in yesterday to stay with John and Kathi her in Ocean Beach, Alabama. We are on the Gulf of Mexico and joined by 8 other couples on tandems and mostly from Minnesota and Wisconsin. John and I drove to the Naval Air Museum on the Pensacola Naval Base this morning while the women went shopping in nearby Fairhope. Then we all met up for an afternoon ride on the Backcountry Trails. We rode along these beautifully paved paths through sand dunes, pine forests, marshes and campgrounds. We came upon a 3 foot alligator right next to the trail and found a brown snake and a copperhead on the ride. Mar was not thrilled to see any of these. The weather was near perfect and we really enjoyed the late afternoon route.

Our route today may be found on Google Maps right here:

http://g.co/maps/pw23m

Weather Conditions: Low 70s with light winds and partly cloudy skies.

3/19/2012
(Mon)

30.20

35.00

02:35:09

11.68

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: 60th Birthday Alabama Ride. 8 tandems took off about 9am this morning to ride over the bridge to Cobalt for our breakfast buffet. After breakfast we rode the boardwalk over to the beach to see the gulf. Then back over the bridge to the Backcountry Trails again for looping routes along the trails and roads in this and the state park. We saw the same alligator as yesterday but today we spotted her babies which were about 18 inches long. After our final loop we headed to Yogurt Plus for a delicious bowl of ice cream like yogurt. I had the strawberry and vanilla flavor with lots of berries on top. Then a quick stop at Walmart next door for some orange juice and then back to the condo.

Our route today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/rxgz8

Weather Conditions: Gorgeous. Mid 70s and mostly sunny with light winds out of the SE.

3/20/2012
(Tue)

33.76

23.00

02:38:43

12.76

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Pier to Wharf to Beach Ride. We jumped off at 10am and headed north then east riding into nice neighborhoods including one where Bret Favre has a home. Then on to the Orange Beach Park for a walk along the pier into the bay. Then west along the Intercoastal Waterway to lunch at Tacky Jack's. Then back south to Gulf State Park and over to the pier out into the Gulf. The wind was whipping and the ranger was just pulling down the yellow flag and raising the red flag indicating dangerous conditions. The waves were crashing on shore and it was fun to watch. Then we finished up riding with Ron and Nancy from Wisconsin back thru the park and to the condo.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/tf8tp

Weather Conditions: Warm upper 70s and partly cloudy. Winds out of the SE at 15-20 mph.

3/21/2012
(Wed)

30.95

35.86

02:36:24

11.87

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride to Florida State Parks. Mar and I left at 8am to ride to Cobalt for the breakfast buffet. We waited for the group at the bottom of the bridge only to find out they went by 20 minutes before. We took off into the considerable wind and rode until we met up with them at the entrance to Johnson State Park. Then we all proceeded to Grande Lagoon State Park where we spotted osprey on their nests and walked a few boardwalks along the lagoon. Then back over the bridge to Oyster Bay restaurant for lunch where the service was slow but food was good. Then back home with the strong tailwind. We flew back at high speed taking a fraction of the time we took going the other way.

Our route for today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/t35ub

Weather Conditions: Low 70s mostly to partly cloudy with strong winds at 15-20 mph out of the ESE.

3/22/2012
(Thu)

37.73

20.00

03:13:15

11.71

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Orange Beach Breakfast and Neighborhood Ride. Our planned ride to Dauphine Island was cancelled today due to the ferry being down. We also have storms moving in from the west so we decided to use the few good weather hours this morning for a ride to breakfast at Duck's Cafe on Canal Rd. Kathi, Mar and I headed out about 7:30am and found the brightly colored building just off a golf course. We were seated right away and were treated to a great breakfast with super nice service. The waitress asked about our bikes and it turns out she saw us riding this morning while she was driving to work. Then on to the trail through the sports complex to meet with Allen, Michelle, Deb and Dennis. We rode around the trails seeing both the adult and baby alligators again today. Then Deb suggested we tour the neighborhoods across from the park entrance and we did. There we met up with John and Joan who showed us what they claimed was Brett Favre's house. The road ended at a marina where we spotted dolphins frolicking in the water. Then back to the trail to finish off some miles before the rains hit. We stopped along the campgrounds at the nature center which we toured. There we saw little baby alligators, lots of snakes, turtles and frogs on display. The ranger tried to get us to stay at the campgrounds for our next trip. Then back to route 161 and Perdido Rd past WalMart to the Surf Style souvenir shop for tee shirts and magnets. Then back to the condos beating the rain.

Weather Conditions: mid 70s and mostly cloudy with winds out of the SE at 15-20 mph.

3/23/2012
(Fri)

15.60

18.10

01:15:31

12.39

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Dolphins and Fox on our Sunrise Ride. We got up and took off for breakfast at Tacky Jack's at 7am. We were greeted with a beautiful sunrise over the bayou as we rode past. Then through the neighborhoods to Tacky Jack's where we ate breakfast our on the deck overlooking Cotton Bayou. While eating my pancake I looked up and saw a pair of dolphins swimming back towards the condos. Lots of pelicans, cormorants, and herons were seen as well. After breakfast we headed toward the marina. As we approached it we saw a reddish orange canine like animal crossing in front of us. It was a fox! He went into the brush and I saw a bit of him there again when we came back the same way a few minutes later. We new we were racing an approaching storm but we figured we still had enough time to head into the Backcountry Trail for a quick few more miles. We went out Rosedune trail and over to Perdido Rd and then raced back with the skies darkening as we watched. We got back to the condo and put the bike in the van as we heard a loud thunderclap. Home just in time!

Our route today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/cpsry

Weather Conditions: Low 70s and cloudy with light winds out of the South.

3/25/2012
(Sun)

39.14

44.00

03:11:24

12.27

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride the Natchez Parkway in Nashville. We arrived in Nashville last night on our return trip from Alabama. We really wanted to leave enough time to check out the Natchez Trace Parkway so we ate at the famous Loveless Cafe for dinner last night which is right at the northern terminus of the road. This morning we got up early and drove back to the Parkway from our hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. We parked in the Loveless parking lot where we chatted with a few other bikers getting ready to ride at about 8:30am. We jumped on Highway 100 where we found the on ramp to the start of the Trace Parkway and we were on our way. We climbed for about a mile and a half then down to the amazing two arched bridge spanning highway 96. Then we rolled along this two lane road through mostly remote and forested areas. The roadsides were lined with flowering dogwoods and redbud trees along with flowering clover on this gorgeous spring day. We spotted 10-15 wild turkey and heard woodpeckers, cardinals, and many other birds in the trees. We found ourselves climbing often and then screaming downhill at speeds up to 44 mph. That downhill blew my helmet to the back of my head and Mar had to push it back on. There were a couple of historic sites we stopped at including an ridge where the actual original trace or trail crosses the parkway. We hit our turn around point at the Tennessee Divide historic overlook where half the rivers flow south and the other half north from this spot. We were treated to astounding views of valleys and hillsides. We had very little traffic and no trucks are allowed on the parkway. We really saw more bicycles than cars on our trip. Most folks were friendly and waved at us as we passed. We returned to the Loveless Cafe parking lot just after noon where we cleaned up and jumped in the van for our 7 hour return trip to Columbus.

Our Google Maps route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/cpa5k

Weather Conditions: Upper 50s and partly cloudy to start. Warming to the low 60s with light winds out of the north.

3/29/2012
(Thu)

35.25

27.59

02:35:54

13.57

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Rode my Goldrush to meet Phil at his house at about 9am. We headed east to Millersport enjoying the nice weather and spring flowers. Everything has bloomed 3-4 weeks ahead of usual. Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Bradford Pears all in full bloom. We stopped at the gas station in Millersport for a snack break and Phil had us check out a meat shop he heard of just around the corner called Bower and Sons Meats. They gave us a price list and asked us to come back. Then back along Stemen and home.

Weather Conditions: Cool upper 40's with clear skies. Light winds.

4/2/2012
(Mon)

51.32

24.50

04:02:52

12.68

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Bluebells Are Blooming Ride. We took off about 8:30am and dropped off a couple of pieces of mail (including Adam's wedding RSVP)in the box by Krogers. Then on to the trail where we spotted our first rabbit of the season and tons of robins and flickers. Gorgeous blooming dogwoods, crabapple, cherry, and redbuds all along the way. I saw a garter snake on Heron's Pond loop and a couple of redtailed hawks also. We encountered 4 recumbent trikes riding together going under Brice Rd. and caught up to an older gentleman riding a faired BikeE. He told us he had 68,000 miles on it! We rode over to Old Bag O' Nails for lunch then back through the neighborhoods for a few extra rounding miles.

The route for today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/9e38p

Weather Conditions: Cloudy and cold to start with temps in the low 40s and winds out of the NE at 10-15 mph. Then clearing skies and temps rising into the low 50s.

4/7/2012
(Sat)

50.17

32.28

03:36:47

13.89

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Fungi Found in Forest Ride. Mar was preparing for our Passover Seder tonight and said I could help by getting out of her way. Accepting her suggestion I called Phil and we decided to ride east on this cool but beautiful April day. I rode out at about 9am and headed down Milnor where I only saw one vehicle-a FedEx truck. I got to Phil's and we took off down Heimberger enjoying the bright sunshine and cool temps. We chatted about MyTracks the app for our android phones that I use to create the Google Maps for this blog. Phil has been trying it out but had never posted his results to Google. I talked about the new Evo coming in June and Phil talked about deciding not to buy a tablet any time soon. Other subjects included flying cars and live webcams showing bird nests around America. We had very little wind on our way out to Lake Rd and passed an idle wind turbine on Bickel Church right before Millersport Rd. We headed south toward Pleasantville and marveled at some of the nice views on this amazingly clear day. We shot over to Carroll Eastern and worked our way back passing a couple of other bikers just past Stringtown Rd. We saw an 18 inch piece of rebar here on the road. Incredibly we spotted another nearly identical piece on the road on Coakley near Basil Western. We saw a wild turkey and a large doe on the road coming back. I parted ways with Phil at Stoudertown and headed back. On Carroll Northern I spotted 4 turkey buzzards perched on an old barn warming their wings in the sun. I headed over to Diley and came back on the trail. Today's ride may be found Here: http://g.co/maps/ymef5

Weather Conditions: Clear skies and cold start in the upper 30s. Warming into the upper 40s and winds picking up out of the NE late.

4/8/2012
(Sun)

50.35

24.50

03:59:40

12.61

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Passover Lunch Ride. We took off about 9:30am and rode on over to the trail. Cloudy cool weather gave way to sunshine as we got to Glacier Noll. We biked over to Refugee Rd to see how the construction of the new trail was coming. We parked the tandem at the end of the trail and walked the path that eventually goes under the railroad bride. There, just on the other side of the bridge under Refugee Rd was the graded and marked bike trail looking very close to being paved. We turned around and walked back to the bike to continue our ride. We rode on down to Berwick and stopped to visit Lori and Mom who is visiting for the holiday. Then over to Marc and Jessica's in Bexley to see the baby's room and their new changing table and crib from Joanna. We took off to begin the return trip and stopped at Confluence Park to enjoy a Passover lunch which Mar had packed. Salami sandwiches on delicious Passover rolls which Mar baked last night. Then we rolled back home enjoying a tailwind which picked up as we went. Today's route may be found here: http://g.co/maps/u9ssw

Weather Conditions: Upper 40s and cloudy to start then partly cloudy and warm temps in the mid 50s. Winds out of the WNW at 15-20 mph.

4/11/2012
(Wed)

20.11

26.00

01:39:04

12.18

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Chilly Ride to State Farm. Cloudy, windy and cold this morning but we wanted to get a ride in. We took off just after 10am and headed down Diley and over to Canal Winchester. We stopped in to see Janet at State Farm and chatted for a few minutes. We began discussions about riding the trail down to Cincinnati this summer and have started talking with Phil about this. We then rode down to WalMart before turning around an heading home.

Our route is to be found here:

http://g.co/maps/53p99

Weather Conditions: Cold and Cloudy with winds out of the WNW at 15mph and temps in the upper 30s.

4/12/2012
(Thu)

58.86

32.00

04:32:02

12.98

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Matzoh Meal Biscuits in Johnson Park Ride. We took off just after 8:30am and met up with Phil on his Goldrush at Palmer and Smoke. As we rode into Pataskala we all began to notice a horrible acrid smell in the air. This odor was evident all the way to Hebron and at times made our eyes water. Along the canal near the fish hatchery we all spotted a branch with leaves moving along the water. As we got closer we saw a muskrat swimming with this prize. As soon as he saw us he let go and dove quickly out of sight. Lots of large turtles sunning themselves on logs today. We saw some planting be done in the fields and a few tractors riding on the road. We stopped in Baltimore at Johnson Park where Phil used to coach softball teams. We had packed our Passover lunch of salami sandwiches on matzoh meal rolls that Mar had baked last night. Very tasty! Then a return trip home along 158 and Leonard which was new to us.

This route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/vu83j

Weather Conditions: Cold start in the low 30s with sunning skies and light winds. Warming into the low 50s with mostly sunny skies later. Winds then picking up out of the NW at 5-10 mph.

4/15/2012
(Sun)

20.20

22.89

01:29:54

13.48

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: First Commute to CVS as a Floater. I've been working at my old store at Taylor and Main and had the chance to ride my bike to work today. So off I went at about 8:15am and headed out through the neighborhoods to 204 and then to Wagram. Traffic seemed especially heavy this morning but I encountered no problems. I spotted a FedEx plane heading for a landing at Rickenbacher on Mink. There was a bike behind me and followed me onto Refugee but I dropped him quickly. Amy cleared a nice spot in the back room for me and it was fun getting back into the weekend commuting routine at work. A bit of a wind heading back home but no big deal.

Weather Conditions: Warm near 60 and partly cloudy heading in and warmer near 80 with partly cloudy skies and winds out of the SSW at 10-15 coming home.

4/18/2012
(Wed)

51.07

26.00

03:48:56

13.38

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Camcorder Delivery Run. We took off at 9am and headed for the trail. We were really flying today aided a bit by a tailwind early but Mar seemed to be really strong. We were carrying my camcorder strapped on to the rear bike bag and were to deliver it to Marc. He will be using it on his trip to Poland coming up at the end of the week. We rolled along a sparsely traveled trail today in beautiful weather. Lots of flickers and a few squirrels along the way. We ran into Tom Frazier on his trike near Bixby. He had been ill but was very glad to be back on the trail riding. We saw many turtles bunched on some logs at Heron's Pond. Into Bexley we stopped at Marc's and dropped off the camera then proceeded through Capital's campus hearing many "Cool bike" like talk from the students we passed. Then down Main St. and back on the trail heading back. We biked over to Max and Erma's for "Free Cookie Wednesday" and had a great lunch of burgers, fries, and salads. Then back through the neighborhoods where we spotted John Schlitt working in his garage. We stopped to chat and Danielle came out as well. John and I decided to try and ride next Wednesday. Then back home after a wonderful ride. Today's route may be found here: http://g.co/maps/mkyah

Weather Conditions: Cloudy and cool to start with temps in the low 40s. Warming and clearing later with temps climbing into the low 50s and winds out of the east at 5-10 mph.

4/19/2012
(Thu)

57.80

31.00

04:26:09

13.03

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: New Record Rear Flat Fix. While Mar was getting ready I cleaned the bike, lubed the chain with White Lightning, greased the kickstand, and readjusted the front wheel so the disk breaks wouldn't chirp so much. We Rolled out at 9am on this near perfect day heading out Palmer to Pataskala. A quick stop at the Nutcracker then on to CVS for batteries for our rear light and bike computer. Then on to Hebron and along the canal where we counted dozens of turtles of all sizes and a heron on a limb. He took off as we approached and majestically flew off over the trees. Then over to Lakeside where I took a shot of an unusual wind turbine on a house by the lake. Then up through Millersport and over towards Baltimore where we ran into Chuck coming at us on Canal just past 37. We chatted for a few minutes then headed into town for lunch at Subway. We had lunch then went outside to get ready to leave and Chris came out to talk for a while. Then up the alley and over to Basil Western. As we made the turn in front of an oncoming car we began to fishtail and I somehow made the turn then stopped to check out our rear wheel. The tire was nearly flat which made the turn feel as though it were on ice!. We pulled up under a tree and we removed the wheel and tire. We heard a chattering above our heads and looked up to see a little downy woodpecker just 4 feet above checking us out. I pulled the tube and replaced it, pumped with the Road Morph then topped it off with a canister of CO2. Then Mar lifted the rear of the bike as I replaced it and hooked up the chain. All in all Mar timed me at 20 minutes which is a new record for us. Back on the bike we rolled back to Canal and Meijer then up the trail and home. A superb ride even with the flat tire.

Our route today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/xr826

Weather Conditions: Near 50 to start and mid 70s at finish with mostly clear skies and light winds out of the south.

4/22/2012
(Sun)

35.26

30.50

02:46:30

12.71

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: To the Nutcracker for Sunday Breakfast. I dropped Stephanie off at the airport this morning.She was here for Jessica's baby shower this weekend. We took off just before 9am and decided to ride to Pataskala for breakfast at the Nutcracker. The weather was cold and cloudy as we rode out Palmer to Smoke. There we spotted a yard sale and stopped after seeing a Burley child bike trailer in the driveway. We pulled in to the driveway and Mar asked the lady how much. She said $20 and we said sold. It has some mildew or mold on the side panels which we will try to eliminate or buy replacements. The frame looks good. Mar bought some other stuff such as scrapbooking stamps and Longerberger baskets. Then off to breakfast. We enjoyed blueberry pancakes and eggs for a ridiculously cheap $13 and change. Then off to Reynoldsburg along Refugee where we saw the recently sheared Alpaca. The wind began to pick up at our backs and we flew down Firstgate and Ridenour all the way to Lancaster Rd. Then over to the trail and back through the park to Tussing where we wove our way over to the Marcus shopping center and then home.

Today's route may be found here"

http://g.co/maps/2q2wn

Weather Conditions: Cold lower 40s and cloudy skies with light winds early increasing to 10-15 mph out of the ENE later.

4/24/2012
(Tue)

37.81

24.50

02:41:42

14.03

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Turtles on Heron's Pond Ride. We took off about 9:15am and headed for the trail. While still in the neighborhood we were treated to a low flyover of a cooper's hawk just before the pond. Then on to the trail as the wind blew in our faces. We rolled along in the sunshine seeing no one at Glacier Knoll except the ranger mowing. We pedaled on into 3 Creeks and Heron's Pond where we spotted a mass of turtles on a limb floating in the pond. Then on to Oxbow Loop where 3 deer were grazing at the opening to the woods. We headed back with the wind now at our back and really picked up speed. We saw Chuck on the bridge over Big Walnut and stopped to chat. Then on back to Glacier Knoll. As we turned on Bowen Marilyn spotted a bunch of turkey buzzards flying excitingly overhead. There was one bird that was bigger than the rest and had a white head. Yep, this was a bald eagle having some sort of spat with the buzzards. We stopped for a few minutes to observe until he flew west and out of sight. Then we rolled down Long and over to Pizza Hut for lunch and then home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/dsx3a

Weather Conditions: Cool and windy with bright sunny skies temps in the lower 40s to start and upper 40s to end. Winds out of the west at 15-20 mph.

4/25/2012
(Wed)

56.16

27.50

04:04:58

13.76

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: John Schlitt training ride. We met John at about 8:30 this morning at his house and rolled out to Glacier Knoll. On Long Rd we saw a herd of deer on a hill overlooking the road. They saw us and took off running as we watched in amazement. We met Phil at the park and we continued on to the trail. John had to be back by around 11am so we made it to Oxbow loop and then headed back. We made good time as we pulled back into Pickerington. Phil packed up and said he would meet us at Subway in Baltimore where we had decided to continue our ride. We rode with John on Wright to Diley where we said goodbye to him. Then on into Picktown and 256 into Baltimore. We got to Subway at noon and got lunch as we waited for Phil who showed up after a few minutes. When we went back outside we saw a bicyclist pull up next to our bike. He was doing a loop to Millersport and Pataskala and asked the best way to get there. We just so happened to know this route well having done it a few hundred times. We gave him some advice and went on our way. We climbed out of Baltimore on Basil Northern to Stemen and then home having had a great ride.

Our route today may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/3mgdg

Weather Conditions: Cool start mid 40s and sunny skies with light winds out of the SSW. Turning mostly cloudy later with winds picking up out of the South at 15mph.

4/30/2012
(Mon)

43.11

27.07

03:07:15

13.81

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Ride with P&J to Baltimore. I took off about 8:30am and headed for Phil's house. Then Phil and Janet on their tandem rode with me east to Lake Rd then back Canal to Baltimore and Subway. Then along Basil Western where I noticed the new "Share the Road" signs Phil had told me about near Carroll Northern. Then back up Diley and home to get ready for work.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/gbp33

Weather Conditions: Cool start low 50s then quickly warming into the 60s with mostly clear skies and winds out of the South at about 10 mph.

5/9/2012
(Wed)

50.63

0.00

00:00:00

0.00

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments:

Weather Conditions:

5/9/2012
(Wed)

50.63

24.37

03:36:27

14.03

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Discover New Bridge over Blacklick Ride. Marilyn is in Italy with Steph so I took off alone just before 8am to meet Phil at Glacier Knoll. I got there before he did so I walked up to the observation deck and put the telescope on the osprey platform. There I spotted the mother osprey and one white chick in the nest. Then I saw Phil pulling in so I walked back and we headed out on the trail. We saw lots of birds today including bluebirds, warblers, goldfinch, baltimore oriole, egrets, herons, and a downy woodpecker. We also laughed as a frog jumped across the trail his long hind legs flopping as he flew into the grass. We rode to the end of the trail at Refugee Rd and saw that there was construction where the Long Rd bridge use to stand. Apparently, they are building a new bike bridge across Blacklick Creek as the bridge anchors were being worked on and a "Bridge Department" truck was parked there. We turned around and rode on down the trail seeing Tom Frazier and Chuck Frazier separately riding toward us. Then on to Bexley and a quick stop to see Marc. Then over through Capital University where we stopped briefly at the fountains. Then on back to the trail for a nice ride back to Glacier Knoll where I said goodbye to Phil and headed on home.

The route for today's ride may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/8j5zd

Weather Conditions: Cool start mostly cloudy and upper 50s with calm winds. Warming to mid 60s with partly cloudy skies and winds picking up from the west at 15mph.

5/14/2012
(Mon)

56.12

33.28

03:41:04

15.23

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Slap Five It's My Fastest Ride. Marilyn in Venice, Phil babysitting so I was all by myself today. Took off at 9 am as the streets were drying from yesterdays all day rain. Seemed sluggish for the first few miles but then I picked up the pace and really started to fly. I attacked the hills after Pataskala and pulled over at Beaver Run and Outville to take a picture of the cornfield I'll be following this year. Just as I snapped the picture my bike fell over into said cornfield having been blown by the wind. No harm done I hopped back aboard and continued on to Hebron. After a brief stop at the fish hatchery I cruised along the canal and over to Millersport Road where I picked up a tail wind from the north that felt like the afterburners kicking in. 18 mph up the hill then 20-25mph all the way down to Canal. One of the best ride sections in memory. Then over towards Baltimore where I spotted a guy running on my side of the road coming right along side. At first he threw his right hand out as if to give me a wave "down low" but then he extended his hand out clearly wanting me to "slap five"! So I did with big smiles on both our faces as I went by. Then on to Subway and lunch. Chris asked about Mar and her trip and he told me about his home smoker. A guy sat down next to me and starting asking about my bike and my riding. We chatted for a while then it was time to head home. I really pushed myself to see if I could maintain at least a 15 mph average. I had 15.4 heading into the uphill turn on Diley and managed to hold it to 15.2 which is near the top average ever for me. A great ride and quite a workout today.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/vtxc2

Weather Conditions:

5/16/2012
(Wed)

51.10

23.91

03:41:54

13.82

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Turtle Egg Ride. Phil called to say Chuck and Bob were riding the trail so I met him at Glacier Knoll at about 8:30am. We rolled out on the trail and enjoyed chatting about some of the birds Phil has seen up at Lake Erie and in his back yard. Saw indigo bunting and came upon a flicker before he could take off. We rode down Ebright and over to the Groveport stub. Along the right side of the trail Phil spotted a large snapping turtle. As we approached we saw that she was in the process of digging a hole to lay her eggs. We observed for a few minutes and I took some pics. Then on down the trail to Bexley and then to the JCC where I stopped to sign up for AK Softball. Then walking the bikes on the bridge over Big Walnut we we looking at the huge debris piled up against the base of the bridge. That's when Phil saw the 2 foot black snake sunning himself on a 2 by 4. We jumped back on the trail and headed back as my allergies really started getting the best of me. The cottonwood seeds covered parts of the trail and every time we looked up against the dark background of the woods we saw the air thick with floating stuff. Even Phil started hacking and he doesn't usually have allergies. We stopped briefly at Confluence Park where Chuck pulled up having looked for us all morning. The three of us continued on together picking up a tail wind on the way back. We made it back to Glacier Knoll where I said goodbye to Chuck and Phil and headed home using that increasing breeze to my advantage.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/evdw9

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm with temps starting in the low 60s and rising to near 70. Winds light early then increasing to 10-15 mph.

5/17/2012
(Thu)

53.19

29.88

03:38:32

14.60

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Lost Rail Car Ride. I met Phil at Doty and Stemen about 8:30am and we headed east on a bright sunny day. We headed up Basil then York to Palmer over to Swamp. There Phil pointed out an old rail car in serious disrepair on a farm. I wondered about its history as we rolled north into the increasingly strong wind. We worked our way over to Refugee and into Hebron and at stop at the fish hatchery. As we were leaving I looked down and found an arrow lying in the parking lot. Phil has told me about the archery range there but this was a good distance from there. We joked about the poem "I shot an arrow in the air, It fell to ground I know not where..." Lots of blue heron on the canal and a few large turtles sunning themselves. Then up to Millersport and over to Baltimore for lunch at Subway. We didn't dally too long as I had to get home to get to the airport to pick Marilyn up from her Italian trip by 1:35pm. Today's route may be found here: http://g.co/maps/jd4uf

Weather Conditions: Sunny and cool start upper 40s with light winds. Then winds picking up to 15mph out of the NE.

5/20/2012
(Sun)

54.18

25.36

03:42:45

14.59

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: North Market Ride. Mar had a jewelry show at the North Market today so I decided to ride down to see her. A very nice spring morning as I rode down Long to low peace sign salutes from oncoming motorcycles. Saw a coopers hawk fly overhead then land in a tree as I rode near Gender. Then cruising down toward US 33 I ran into Tom Frazier then further down toward Watkins Rd I ran into brother Chuck. I stopped to chat with each and then rolled on passing many walkers, runners, and bikers on this Sunday morning. I went over the bridge into Wolfe Park and over onto Broad St. Then west toward downtown. I love riding in town on Sunday mornings when the traffic is light and it seems as though I have the streets to myself. I pulled into the North Market just after 11am and parked next to Marilyn's booth. I went inside to get her an iced coffee and got myself a chicken salad sandwich at the deli. I talked to a guy wearing a Pelotonia jersey who had come from Glacier Knoll on his bike. He is from Lancaster and raved about our trail system here. Then time to head back so over to High St where I saw the remains of barriers from yesterday's Race for the Cure run. Then up Broad St again an over to the trail. Less traffic this way and I even spotted a deer in the woods just before the 104 underpass. The temps were now warming up and I stopped at Glacier Knoll for some water then on back home just stopping briefly to talk to the Robinsons who were out working on their yard.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/zqdm9

Weather Conditions: Warm low 60s to start and near 80 at finish. Partly cloudy skies with light winds out of the SSE

5/21/2012
(Mon)

35.25

30.50

02:39:34

13.25

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Breakfast at Old Canal. We hadn't ridden the tandem for a few weeks so it felt good to get back on. Marilyn had a lot to do today so we left just after 7am and headed to Millersport. It was nice to ride along Palmer like we used to do when we first started riding. We zoomed over to 204 from Cherry and rode on in to Millersport. Not much traffic and mostly downhill. We saw Terri when we got inside the restaurant and she smiled and told us to head on out to the deck and make ourselves comfy. We did and enjoyed a nice 2x2x2 breakfast with our blueberry pancakes. Then back Deep Cut and a quick ride back on Stemen.

Our route can be found here:

http://g.co/maps/hfk9a

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy and upper 60s to start and low 70s at finish with mostly clear skies. Winds calm.

5/22/2012
(Tue)

32.17

28.00

02:28:02

13.04

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Old Covered Bridge Bike Route. We decided to get a short ride in before leaving on vacation today so we met Phil and Janet at their house and rolled south to US 33 where we crossed over and headed to Lockville. Then on towards Canal Winchester on what Phil calls the old "Covered Bridges Bike Route". We continued into Canal and then over to the bike trail where they were working on planting flowers to beautify the trail. Then over to Gender and Chase bank for Phil. Then down to Starbucks for coffee and scones before getting back on the trail to Cyclist Connection. I bought two 26" tubes and Mar found a new frame bag for our phones as our old one is getting pretty worn. Then on back to Diley where we said goodbye to P&J and headed home to pack and get on the road.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/avyhm

Weather Conditions: Cool and cloudy with temps in the low 60s and light winds out of the West.

5/23/2012
(Wed)

60.87

19.10

05:41:39

10.69

Off: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Allegheny River Trail-Franklin to Emlenton, Pa. We arrived here in Franklin, Pa. last night and are staying at the very nice Comfort Inn. Last night we at the McGinnis Pub which was in the basement of a grand old mansion here on Liberty St. This morning we ate the hotel breakfast and took off about 8 am. We rode the side streets for the 1.5 mile trip to the trail head which is just over the bridge on the other end of town. The morning was cloudy and a bit foggy but visibility was not bad. We headed south and rolled along on a near perfect surface of newly paved asphalt for a few miles. Then older asphalt which was still mostly smooth the rest of the way. The trail runs along the Allegheny River and we were treated to lovely vistas of forest, hillside, and river views. Three inch long millipedes appeared every so often crossing the trail which looked like sticks moving across the trail. Numerous chick-monks scurried in front of us as well as rabbit and groundhogs. We spotted a number of mule deer along the hillsides and on the trail. Lots of flickers, geese, ducks, and one heron flying low over the river were seen. Many trailside information signs dotted the trail giving the stories of the oil drilling legacy of this area. Now all that is mostly gone and nature has reclaimed the land. About 5 miles in we approached Belmar where the trail crosses the Sandy Creek Trail. Here a large bridge trestle crosses the river and carries the Sandy Creek Trail to the other side. We continue on for few more miles where the trail pavement ends and we had to walk almost a mile on a gravel road around an area where the trail has been blocked by land owners. On this road we passed many small houses and met Penny and Nickel, two friendly dogs and their owner who stopped us to chat for a few minutes. Then finally back on to the paved trail and a few more miles where we encountered our first tunnel of the day. This is the Kennerdell Tunnel. An old railroad tunnel 3800 feet long. We had our LED bike light which we hoped would light up our way but turned out to be insufficient. I suggested Marilyn use her EVO's flashlight app to supplement our lighting and this worked well. The pavement in the tunnel is flat and smooth and has reflectors on the edges and down the middle. This is what we used to navigate. We walked into the quickly darkening tunnel and soon were unable to see the other end. This was quite spooky at first but eventually as we continued to walk on through we got used to the darkness. After a while we began to see a glow in front of us and this was the other end. It turns out there is a turn at the end of the tunnel which precluded us from seeing the other end until we were close to it. It was quite a relief to ride out into the warm sunlight at the other end and continue o n out way. A few more miles down the path we hit the Rockland Tunnel which is 2800 feet long and also had a kink at the end. We were now pretty used to walking these cool, damp, tunnels and eventually we got back on the bike and worked our way into Emlenton. Here we stopped for lunch at the new restaurant (really the only restaurant) in town. An elderly lady came out of the front door and asked us if we had ridden the trail. She asked us in and we parked and went inside. She sat down at the next table and took our order after chatting for a few minutes about our ride. After a nice lunch we headed out and back on the trail for the return trip. We loved reeling in the miles back to Franklin along the tree lined trail. Back through tunnels and walking the connecting road we remarked about what a fine adventure this had been. We finished up back in town by hitting the local ice cream place the locals here call McDonalds.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/34r2p

Weather Conditions: Cool, cloudy and foggy start with temps in the upper 60s. Clearing mid ride to partly cloudy and temp in the mid 70s. Winds light and variable.

5/24/2012
(Thu)

39.31

20.50

03:11:58

12.29

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Sandy Creek Trail Ride. We packed up the van and headed to the trail head in Franklin. We took off at 8:30am and headed north to Oil City. This is called the Samuel Justus trail and runs along the Allegheny River where many oil derricks and refineries once stood. There were still a number of small oil pumps to be found right along the trail some still pumping oil as we passed. A large estate of Senator Silby called River Ridge Farm was a teaching farm and many of the buildings and artifacts still remain right next to the trail. We continued along the five miles to Oil City where we found the scenic campus of Clarion University at Venango.Then a quick turn around and we were headed back to Franklin and then continued on the same section as yesterday until we got to Belmar where we connected with the Sandy Creek Trail. This was quite a connection as it required us to roll the tandem up a steep bike ramp climbing about 50 feet or so. With the judicious use of brakes and much pushing and shoving we made it to the level of the trail. The reason for the climb is that the trail crosses the river here and is up at the bridge level. We took a quick run over the bridge taking in the spectacular views of both sides of the river. This bridge was built in 1907 for the railroad. Then we turned back east for a run along this old railroad bed which runs high along the hills of the Allegheny mountains. There was a bit of an upgrade as we rode over 8 bridges and through one tunnel. The bridges gave us beautiful views of the rolling creek below and also of trout fisherman trying their luck in the early morning sun. The Deep Valley tunnel is shorter than yesterday's tunnels and one can see the other end from the entrance. We saw a 12 inch snapping turtle right at the tunnel entrance. We proceeded through and enjoyed the ride. Then on to the end of the trail seeing a couple of deer on the trail ahead. They both took off when they saw us and bounded high in the air before heading into the woods on the hillside above. Then the turn around and a very fast return on the downhill run. We spotted a 14 inch black snake sunning on the trail. Right near the trailhead we stopped in to a bike shop and looked around. The shop's rear faced the trail and had a mural showing each town along the trail. Then back to the parking lot and packing up to head for Canada.

Today's route may be found here:

http://g.co/maps/vr2f8

Weather Conditions: Warm and partly cloudy temps in the upper 60s. Winds out of the SE at 10-15mph.

5/25/2012
(Fri)

30.27

28.00

02:22:40

12.73

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: CTR Friday Ice Cream Ride. We arrived in Perth, Ontario this afternoon and pulled in to the Best Western. We ran inside to see if our room was ready early which it wasn't. I went to the restroom and when I came out I noticed the tandem holding room was just across the hall. Being the curious sort, I peeked inside to see if anyone was parked there yet. What I saw made my jaw drop to the floor! Right in the middle of the room was Plum Crazy the Johnson's Screamer. I couldn't believe my eyes and I quickly called Marilyn over to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Sure enough John and Kathi had pulled a fast one on us by saying they couldn't make this rally (as usual) this time because of a graduation. That was true but Kathi talked John into driving for nearly 20 hours from Wisconsin to surprise us and celebrate their 40th anniversary. We spotted them on the streets of Perth and it was hugs and smiles all around. We headed for lunch to catch up then got on the bikes to ride the ice cream route. We took off about 2pm and rolled out of town into the countryside fighting a determined headwind to start. We saw a miniature animal farm where we stopped to see the lamas, alpacas, cows, and horses. Then eventually a turn which brought the wind to our back and we flew on for quite a few miles with hardly any effort. We stopped at Balderson's for handmade ice cream and it was delicious. Then on back to the hotel alternately fighting a headwind and sidewind all the way back.

Today's route can be found here:

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

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy and warm with temps in the upper 70s and winds out of the SW at 15-20 mph.

5/26/2012
(Sat)

53.69

28.50

04:06:49

13.05

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Day 2 CTR 2012. We were ready to go early but the mass start wasn't until 9am so we just hung around after breakfast talking to folks and killing time. Then at 8:30am Marilyn went to the bike storage room to pull out the tandem. From around the corner I could hear her say "Gary, we have a flat". Sure enough, the rear tire was down on the ground. We took it outside around back and while Mar prepared the camcorder for the mass start, I was pulling the rear wheel and fixing the flat. John helped me by holding up the rear of the bike while I replaced the newly tubed tire. I rolled the bike to the front lot and ran inside the hotel to clean up. By the time I got back outside everyone was just about ready to roll. I shot the mass start and then we took off with the Johnsons who were waiting for us. We ran out of the city and quickly into the country on this picture perfect day. I read where Columbus was heading for record heat in the 90s today but here in Perth we are talking upper 60s and 70s. Good talk and nice roads as the kilometers klicked away. We did have to ride about 3 miles on gravel which wasn't real fun but we all got over it and rolled into Victoria Park for our lunch stop. Here in town there is a train museum which has a number of engines and cars on display. Some of the group even got to ride a railroad hand pump car down the tracks. Then lunch along the Rideau Canal. Emily the Vandeveldes daughter and Chris their son put together a wonderful cookout lunch of chicken, potatoes, asparagus, gespacho and cookies. We ate under a tree and everyone enjoyed the experience. Then on the return leg as we chatted about life and how lucky we are to be able to experience a day like today. A final stop in Rideau Ferry for ice cream and a drink at Rideau Ferry General Store. Then back to Perth and the hotel for some rest before tonight's dinner.

The route for today may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/Iel9

Weather Conditions: Mostly clear skies with temps early in the mid 60s rising into the low 70s late. Light winds.

5/27/2012
(Sun)

50.46

37.50

03:48:06

13.27

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Day 3 CTR 2012. After shooting the mass start we headed out with the Johnsons at our side. Lots of country riding today but with a twist. Twisting hills climbing sharply that is. We had some screaming downhills including a long curve where we were greeted by a long line of Harleys riding the opposite way. They tooted horns as we passed them flying downhill at over 35mph. Then into lunch a the town park in Lanark, Ontario. Again Emily and Chris prepared a sumptuous lunch of cold cuts, quinoa, cucumber salad, shortbread and chocolate chip cookies. We ate in the shade of a large tree in picture perfect weather. Then off for the return trip where we rolled through the countryside to Balderson. This time we stopped at the Amish Cheese shop where we had more ice cream for half the price of Friday's scoops from across the street. I discovered a robins nest in a tree right where we were all outside eating. There were two blue eggs in the nest and the robin flew right above our heads and sat in the nest for us. Then on the home leg making good time and enjoying riding with our good friends.

Weather Conditions: Near 60 to start and low 70s at finish with partly cloudy skies and light winds.

5/30/2012
(Wed)

51.32

24.85

03:40:03

13.99

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Wildlife Up Close and Personal Ride. I called Phil and we met at Glacier Knoll at 9am to ride the trail. I got there and saw an older biker pull into the parking lot from the trail just at Phil was coming in with his van. The guy saw Phil pull out his Goldrush and said, "what is this a recumbent convention?" He then told us that he was cranking along on the trail doing about 16 mph when some guy on a recumbent dropped him like he was standing still. He met up with him later and said his name was Bob and he sometimes rode with his brothers Tom and Chuck. Phil and I just laughed at another chapter in the Frazier brothers story. We took off and enjoyed riding along in the first cool day here in a while. When we got down to Bexley we rode through Capital campus and when we got back to Main Street I saw a Bexley bicycle cop sitting on his bike at the corner. We pulled up and chatted for a while. Turns out he is from Canal Winchester and shops at Cyclist's Connection. He asked about our bikes and where we ride. He talked about the trail system and how he often rides 3 Creeks. Then on back to the trail as we rolled along the return route. We started seeing deer in the woods just before 204. Then another small one further along. Just past Confluence Park in the wooded area we came upon a 2 foot long snake sunning on the trail. We stopped to take pictures as another bike came by and ran over just the tip of the snakes tail. The snake didn't move so we continued getting closer and snapping more pics. Eventually, he just slithered off the trail and into the grass. Then over to the Blacklick Trail where we saw a Coopers Hawk flying low just over our heads and circling the field just off to our right. We continued on to Abby Trails where we spotted a large doe in the distance on the right side of the trail. As we approached she just froze. Finally, she jumps back over the trail and into the woods right in front of us. We biked over to the creek to check up on the progress of the bridge construction in Portman Park. We found the area cordoned off but the bike bridge in place and being worked on. Then back to Glacier Knoll where I said goodbye to Phil and headed home. Today's route may be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/fsNP

Weather Conditions: Upper 60s and clear skies to start with no wind. Then mostly clear skies and temps in the lower 70s with winds picking up to 10 mph out of the WSW.

5/31/2012
(Thu)

48.96

31.00

03:42:47

13.19

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Raccoons Everywhere Ride. We rode out about 8am and decided to ride to Pataskala for breakfast. We encountered a garbage truck on Palmer just before Lynns and played leapfrog with him all the way to Smoke and Main St. Then on to the Nutcracker for pancakes and eggs. We rolled out onto Blacks and saw a small creature crossing the road up ahead. It turned out to be a baby raccoon slowly making its way to the other side. He looked kind of thin and sickly and we hoped he would be ok. Then on out to Hebron and then the canal where we saw two dead raccoons on the road then another baby raccoon down in the canal. As we continued down the canal we saw 7-8 heron, a kingfisher and a pair of indigo bunting who buzzed us then flew off into the woods. We rode into Millersport noticing the corn coming up sparsely in many places mostly due to the dry weather. Then up Deep Cut and over to Bickel Church and back Stemen.

The route for today may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/EACZ

Weather Conditions: Mid 60s to lower 70s and clear skies. Light winds early picking up to 10mph from the NE.

6/5/2012
(Tue)

50.22

24.14

03:49:17

13.14

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: A Pair of Singles Ride. With our Screamer's derailleur in the shop with another broken return spring we opted to ride our singles today. I cleaned up and prepared Mar's Tour Easy and loaded it into the van. She then drove to Glacier Knoll to meet Phil and Janet and I rode the Goldrush there. I say John Schlitt leaving for work and stopped to chat for a minute. He was having new windows put in on the house. We said we'd try to ride some evening this week. On the way I was passed by Bob Frazier in his van. He rode along side and told me he was meeting Chuck at the park to ride. Getting to the park I saw Mar, P&J, and Bob getting their bikes ready to ride. P&J were on their tandem. We took off on the trail and almost immediately noticed a superb example of animal scat on the trail. This was coiled in a lovely spiral almost 4 inches tall and had a nice little flip at its tapered end. Looking something like a Dairy Queen chocolate soft serve swirl it captured our attention and gave us a laugh. We rode on down to Bexley where we stopped to check in on Lori. Then over to Capital where the construction on College Ave is in full swing and blocking our way. We had to ride the sidewalks to Main and then over to the trail. On the way back the clouds really began to darken and we got a few sprinkles as we rode back to the park. Marilyn was really enjoying her bike today and said we should do this more often-but not all the time. Then back to Picktown and lunch at OBON. There we said goodbye as I left on my bike and the other three drove home.

http://goo.gl/maps/TtEZ

Weather Conditions: Cool and partly cloudy at start with temps in the low 60s. Then mostly cloudy with light sprinkles on and off with temps holding steady in the lower 60s. Winds out of the NNE at 5-10mph

6/6/2012
(Wed)

42.22

19.92

03:10:49

13.28

Off: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Hockhocking Trail on Singles. I had the day off so Marilyn suggested we take the bikes to a trail. I thought we should do the Nelsonville to Athens path so off we went. We parked in the Rocky Boots employee parking lot right by the trains. The bikes came out and we were on our way on a beautiful day. We wound our way out of the lot over the tracks then onto the trail. It begins by running past a graveyard of old locomotive cars both passenger and boxcars. We also saw doubledecker passenger cars and cabooses and a track snow plow. Then on past Hocking College where we the rest stops for Pelotonia have been for the last two years. Then rolling down the trail with lots of amazing greenery and a flowery fragrance in the air. Along the way we saw 3-4 bluebirds and many chipmonks. We worked our way down to Ohio University where we saw lots of walkers and the pavement became very rough. Then to the end of the trail at the medical center where we turned around and headed back to Ruby Tuesdays for lunch. Then back on the trail where we spotted a life flight helicopter landed just in front of the hospital. A patient was being rolled out on a gurney to be loaded onboard. Then the return trip passing the motocross course across the river that we heard coming down. Students were getting out of class as we rolled by the college and many were walking or riding their bikes on the trail. While at lunch an email indicated that my replacement derailleur was in at BicycleOne. I decided to go after our ride and have them install it. I also am taking Mar's front wheel in for a loud ticking sound when she rides. Probably a bearing.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/4jCX

Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with temps in the low 70s. Winds out of the North at 10 mph.

6/8/2012
(Fri)

15.57

20.49

01:23:29

11.19

Off: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Evening Ride with John Schlitt and Hannah. John called me after work today and asked if I'd like to ride tonight. We met at Glacier Knoll and he was assembling the trailer as I arrived. We packed up Hannah and off we went on this lovely summer evening. We saw a soft shelled turtle near the bridge just after Winchester Pike and lots of baby bunnies. Hannah was smiling and enjoying the ride until she fell asleep about half an hour into the ride. John and I chatted about work both OSU and CVS and how his church is moving to Refugee Rd. Also about Danielle's school and their upcoming baby. Lots of folks walking and riding the trail tonight. An indigo bunting was spotted coming back and Hannah woke up in time to experience the last 20 minutes of the ride. We said goodbye and Hannah blew a kiss my way.

Weather Conditions: Warm lower 80s with bright setting sunshine and light winds.

6/13/2012
(Wed)

58.88

31.50

04:31:30

13.01

Road: Hills

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: New Derailleur Ride. A beautiful morning gave us the perfect opportunity to try out our new replacement derailleur. A few on bike adjustments as I rode helped to smooth out the shifting. We rolled out just after 8am and saw 4 small birds harassing a redtail hawk near I70 on Palmer. We really enjoyed riding along on a picture perfect morning taking in the growing corn and soybean fields, sun and cool breezes. In Hebron I pointed out to Mar that the famous "Purple House" which at one time housed an electronics store was torn down. We noticed that parts of the canal have started to dry up as we approached the fish hatchery. There we stopped to guess the temperature (Marilyn won for her guess of 69 degrees)which was 67 degrees. Then along the canal watching the fish jump, turtles sun on logs, and eventually, 4 heron including one who jumped up and flew right in front of us. Then on into Millersport where we were passed by a single upright who greeted nicely and scooted along down Millersport Rd. We stopped in town to mail a letter at the post office and said "Hi" to Terri who was sitting out front of the Olde Canal Restaurant. Then on into Baltimore and lunch at Subway before heading back along Basil Western and Diley.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/8xWe

Weather Conditions: Clear skies and temps in the upper 60s with winds out of the NNE at about 10 mph. Very low humidity.

6/14/2012
(Thu)

28.75

29.00

02:30:50

11.44

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Starting Out Flat Ride. I had lunch with David Tefft at noon today so we decided to ride for a couple of hours. A tour of the new trail along Tussing and Hines Roads was what we planned and we took off around 8 am. We zoomed down the first mile as always and just as we turned on Thoroughbred Way Mar said she heard a funny sound behind her. The funny sound was air escaping from the rear tire. I figured it would be easier to fix at home and I was thinking about changing out the rear tire anyway so we walked back uphill to our driveway. There I pulled the wheel and found a cut in the Comet with a little stone or glass in it. This tire already had quite a few cuts so I swapped it out for the Kenda Quest that David Vandevelde sold me a couple of years ago. I put in the tube and mounted it back on the bike. We set off again just before 9 am and ran out Palmer to Mink and up to Refugee. Then out Firstgate to Ridenhour and down Gilmore and through the neighborhoods to Main St. There we turned into the park and over to the trail. We road to the park entrance on Livingston and into Blacklick Park. Then on the park road for a couple of miles to the trail. Then under I 70 and Tussing where we picked up the brand new pavement on the south side of the road. Here we passed walkers and bikers who were already making good use of the trail. Then over to Hines and south until the trail crossed the road and heads into the woods. There we found the new bridge over Blacklick Creek with a "Road Closed" sign hanging from a cable across the entrance. We picked this cable up and ducked underneath. Then we hopped aboard and continued along beautiful new asphalt right along the creek and through the woods. Eventually, we came upon some workers who smiled as we went by. Then a front end loader came riding at us from down the trail. Needless to say, we got off the bike and over to the side as he approached. Mar thought he would tell us to get off the trail but he just smiled and said "Just one more week folks, and we'll have it finished for you!" We waved and thanked him and continued on a little further where the trail ended under the Refugee Rd. bridge. Then we walked under the railroad bridge and rode the dirt trail back to the paved end of the trail in Portman Park. There we saw the bridge over the creek has been completed. We then hightailed it over to Glacier Knoll and back home just in time for me to get ready for my lunch with David.

Weather Conditions: Mid 60s to lower 70s with clear skies and light winds out of the east. Low humidity.

6/18/2012
(Mon)

51.18

25.00

03:57:47

12.91

Off: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Over the New Bridge on the Blacklick Creek Ride. This was a difficult day to get on the bike since it would be the first since we lost our grandchild on Thursday. We decided to ride to Marc and Jessica's house to spend some time with them. We took off about 8:30am and headed for the trail. We wanted to see where the new bridge over Blacklick Creek led so we rode over it and it had nice views of the creek and woods. It just goes into where old Long Rd was but allows access to that side of the creek. Then on down the trail to Bexley as we encountered a very light drizzle and heard some thunder. By the time we got to Petzinger Rd the streets and trail were soaked. We never saw the rain but just missed it as it poured down on Bexley. We got to M & J's and spent some time at the house talking. Then over to COSI for lunch. We headed back just after noon as the temperature and humidity climbed. We appreciated the breeze and noticed how smooth the wooden planks on all the bridges had become since the rain. The boards had dried out so much recently that they would rattle your teeth as they were ridden. We briefly saw a deer near Bixby and saw a redtail hawk and turkey buzzard fighting over something off to the side of the trail. After a brief break at Glacier Knoll we jumped back on the bike and headed home.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/T1kX

Weather Conditions: Warm mid 70s to start and low 80s at finish with high humidity. Winds out of the SW at 10 mph.

6/20/2012
(Wed)

51.82

25.50

03:49:54

13.52

Road: Flat

Rans Screamer
Rd Bent Tandem

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Pheasant on the Trail Ride. With a very hot forecast we thought we'd best get an early start so we were off before 8am to Glacier Knoll. Phil called to say he would be a bit late so we rolled on down the trail and down Ebright then turned back up toward US 33 at the park until we found Phil and to our surprise Chuck as well. We continued on down to Bexley where Chuck turned around and we continued our loop through Capital University and then back on the trail. We took a quick break at Alum Creek then on back at a quick pace trying to avoid the heat. As we were approaching Glacier Knoll I saw a large brown bird scoot across the trail in front of us then take off skimming the tops of the growth in the the field to our left. Phil identified this as a pheasant and we were excited to have seen it. Then we said our goodbyes and rolled on to Max and Erma's for lunch. Near the end of our meal Mar's phone rang. It was Marc who had cut his fingers while trimming his hedges. We rushed out and completed our ride so we could meet him at the urgent care facility at Tussing and 256. Luckily after a few stitches it looks like he will be fine.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/x8eq

Weather Conditions: Very warm low 70s to start then upper 80s at finish. Moderate humidity and mostly clear skies. Light winds.

6/23/2012
(Sat)

19.60

26.32

01:22:40

14.23

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Commute to CVS. Nice cool morning as I took off about 7:15am. Heading down Refugee Rd I waved at a recumbent trike and an upright road bike as they came at me. Saw 2 young raccoons climbing a small tree in a yard on Taylor Woods. Computer pickup came away from wheel magnet shortly after leaving work and had to stop to realign. Might have lost a half mile or so. Nice fast ride back hitting 25 mph a few times especially running from traffic on 204.

Weather Conditions: Cool morning in mid 60s and warm return in mid 80s. Partly cloudy and light winds.

6/24/2012
(Sun)

23.95

24.61

01:39:22

14.46

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Sunday Commute to CVS. Decided to ride the new trail around to Reynoldsburg so left just after 8am and headed out Diley to Long and Glacier Knoll. Then over to the end of the trail at Refugee and off road through the field on a dirt path and under the railroad bridge over to the trail. Then in the woods over the new bridge and on to Hines. On Tussing and under bridges to Blacklick Park. Lots of walkers on the trail then over to the road and up to Livingston then Main. Then through the neighborhoods back to Main and CVS where Diane snapped my picture in front of the store. After work continued fast pace of the ride all the way home.

Weather Conditions: Warm low 70s on way in and mid 80s on way home with partly cloudy skies and light winds.

6/27/2012
(Wed)

57.40

33.60

04:21:53

13.15

Road: Hills

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Meadowlark Ride. Started off on the tandem but after one mile Mar wasn't feeling well. We turned around and headed back. We were to meet Phil at Smoke and Palmer so I switched to my Goldrush and took off about 8:30am heading right up Milnor and 204 in rush hour. I got a call from Phil saying he would proceed along Palmer to Tollgate which is where I met him. We then rode to US 40 and straight across in hopes of accessing Etna Parkway from there but had to walk a bit on a gravel road to get there. We saw some birds in the field off to our left which Phil identified as meadowlarks. I hadn't seen them before (or at least not for a long time) and it turned out that we saw some again later on and I spotted two more myself on Basil Western after leaving Phil. We continued on into Pataskala and over to the cornfield at 158 and Palmer where Phil took my picture. Then on in to Hebron and along the canal where we spotted a heron, soft shelled turtle and some jumping fish. Then into Millersport and over to Baltimore where we stopped where the old Rosewood Cafe used to be. It was closed with a sign saying "Opening Soon". We heard a voice asking, "May I help you?" There was a woman in a truck parked in front telling us that she was the owner and hoped to have her soup and sandwich shop opened by this weekend. We rolled on to Bernie's Bar and Grill and got wings which we ate at tables using huge saw blades as tabletops. Then on down Basil Western as we finished up this beautiful ride on a day that was hot but had amazingly low humidity making it very comfortable.

Today's route may be found here:

http://goo.gl/maps/rzfl

Weather Conditions: Near 60 to start and low 80s at finish with low humidity and winds out of the WSW at 5-10 mph. Mostly clear skies.

6/28/2012
(Thu)

50.15

27.59

03:26:46

14.55

Road: Flat

Easy Racers Gold Rush Replica
LWB Bent

'BentRider Recumbent Club

Comments: Sunrise ride. Forecast today was for 100 degrees so Phil and I decided to jump off early and met at Glacier Knoll at 7am. While waiting for him I noticed a sign for a contest from the Nature Conservancy to win a hybrid car by submitting a self taken photo. I took one of myself and the bike in front of the picnic area. Phil showed up and we headed out with the temps still almost chilly. We chose to ride the trail over 33 first then come back on Ebright since it was still rush hour. We saw cowbirds, catbirds and maybe a kingbird. All the ponds have dried up to little puddles with the occasional heron or egret standing by. We got to Bexley and stopped into COSI for breakfast outside. Then back as we began to pick up a tailwind. We saw Tom and Chuck Frazier on the trail at separate times today. Tom was early and Chuck was quite late. Everyone wanted to move along due to the impending heat. I said goodbye to Phil at the park and headed home seeing Ed and Betsy Robinson walking through the neighborhood. It was warm but the early start paid off as it was never too uncomfortable today.

Weather Conditions: Upper 60s to start and upper 80s at finish with mostly clear skies and winds out of the SW late at 5-10 mph.

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.

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.