Latest Club News & Info

Saturday kept it’s promise - it was a hot one! But at least we had a stiff wind to keep us cool… until we had to ride into it. But 7 of us braved the conditions and rode on out

We did the toughest stuff - the rollers on River Rd, Route 65 and the hills along the river and of course, Tontogany Creek - early in the day so we could enjoy them. Then came the 7 mile slog along Poe Rd to Grand Rapids right into the 8-10 mph West wind. We managed to stay together and arrive in Grand Rapids just after 9:30 for a well deserved rest and refuel. Then it was the wind at our back all the way up Old 24. That was until we turned back into the wind heading up Neowash Rd. Instead of getting weaker as predicted, the winds for the 3 miles were worse than the before -12-14 mph. Riding up the overpass over 24 was like standing still. Coast down the hill? Hah! But we made it, and enjoyed some shady roads through Whitehouse and Oak Openings to arrive back at Keener at 16.5 for the 49.5. We were so tired that Hubert didn’t even try to round up his mileage. But we all felt we had accomplished something that day.

Come join Debbie next next week for her Summer Flower Viewing starting from Cyclwerks in Whitehouse, 8:00.

Speedtrap Ride Tuesday July 2^nd

          The Speedtrap Ride will roll out once again from Spoke Life Cycles/Elmore, tomorrow, Tuesday, July 2^nd, at 6:30 pm.

          Scott Lang will be back to lead the Ghost Pepper Riders over a 25-mile course. If you ride with his group, expect to average around 22 mph. Are you ready for the challenge?!

          Tony Mazurek will also be back to lead the Habanero Riders over the same course. He expects to average anywhere from 18 to 20 mph.

          I will lead the Jalapeno Riders on a slightly shorter 22-mile course. We expect to average 16 – 17 mph.

          Marnie Arndt will lead the Sweet Pepper Riders on a ride over a distance and at a speed comfortable for those in her group.

          The weather forecast is for high temperatures above 90 degrees and west winds at 10 to 15 mph. There is a 40% chance of a thunderstorm, but that’s a 60% chance of no thunderstorm. West winds should make the return-to-Elmore portion of the ride fun.

          As usual, several riders may gather at the Portage Inn in Elmore after the ride for food, drink, and good conversation.

          If you haven’t experienced the Speedtrap Ride, you’ve missed out on some quiet country roads with little traffic. Regular riders include many super nice people! You’ve missed out there, too! So, come on out to Elmore. Sign-in begins at 6:00 and we ride at 6:30 pm. I hope to see you then!

Chuck Nicewonder

Tomorrow is the Old 24 Breakaway Ride.  Come join in the fun as we head out to Old 24 once again.  Expect the average speed to be right around 20 mph.  We will be heading out from Cycle Werks in Whitehouse at 6:30 for a 28.5 mile loop out to Old 24 and heading north on County Road 3. 

See you on Old 24,

Jenifer

Nine riders sweated through the heat, sun, and wind on a mix of fast gravel and hot pavement roads. I didn't hear a single person complain, but I was probably suffering from slight sun stroke. We had a great group, good conversation, and met courteous drivers on the road. Thanks for coming out!

Some photos from the day: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MCTGpr2LFHkZWYJr5

This Windsday was probably the best of the season so far, we had a great turnout to take advantage of it. If you weren’t one of our 32 riders, you missed a good one. We had a beautiful blue sky, warm temperatures and good riders. For once the Windsday winds were blowing from the right direction – the West. They were a little tough on the groups heading out, but what a joy on the way back! My R&R group saw 21 mph on the return leg without even trying hard. It really was just about perfect. Edgar delivered a solid 22.6 for his Fast and Furious group, Jenifer’s Reasonably Fast group delivered a good 19.6, and my Reasonable & Reliable group had a nice 17.4 average. We also had 4 Relaxed group riders including 2 new riders. Their guest ride leader - Dave Burkett - was out adding some extra miles when I got in so I didn’t get a ride report from him. But all 4 riders had smiles on their faces, and reported a good ride.

2 things. 1) No ride next week – Sylvania Fireworks are planned for 6:00-12:00, and the parking areas for miles around fill up with cars. It’s not a safe night for a ride. Enjoy the fireworks instead.

2) I want to add a big thank you to the Windsday riders. You have helped out with both the Relaxed group and filled in for those times we’ve need coverage, like last week. This is a special group. If I ask for help, someone almost always will step up and fill in, no questions asked. Just a great group of people. I’m still looking for a regular ride leader for the Relaxed group (any volunteers?), but I’ve appreciated the team that has helped make it a reality. Windsday riders are really a special group. Come out, see what we’re about. But do it in two weeks :)

It’s time to experience some parts of our favorite of TAB rides. Cruise down River Road to Waterville? Check. Ride the hills on Route 65? Check. The rollers on Tontogany Creek Rd? You got ‘em. A spin on old 24 from Grand Rapids? Yep. How about checking out Oak Openings? We’ve got that too. And all in one 48.7 mile ride! The weather this Saturday looks good for now, with temps starting in the mid 70’s heading into the mid 80s, so bring two water bottles for sure and don’t forget the sunscreen. This is a no-breakfast ride, so bring along a snack. Water and rest rooms will be available at our Grand Rapids rest stop, and we can get water and rest at other places along the way if needed. We’ll start from Keener Park, 4630 Keener Rd, Monclova, OH 43542, leaving at 8:00. Expected average speed is 17-ish with average rolling speeds of 18, but we adjust for the group. GPS directions are available at the link below. Hope to see you there.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28684651

Summer Solstice Ride Tuesday June 25^th recap

          The Summer Solstice Ride attracted thirty-three cyclists to Luckey, Ohio, last evening for a great change-of-pace to the Speedtrap Ride.

          Doug and Kathy Metzger planned the route, and arranged for parking and the after-the-ride celebration at Luckey Junction. They did a fantastic job! Thank you, Doug and Kathy!

          I liked the route a lot! I hope we do it again!

          Doug led the Ghost Pepper Riders on the 24.5-mile course and reported a 20.4 mph riding average.

          Kathy led the Habaneros and  reported a 17.9 mph average.(Tony Mazurek is away, at Miami University with his daughter, I think)

          I led three other Jalapenos: Claude Watkins and Justin Hart and his father Bill. We all had a 14.7 mph average.

          The headwind going out west on the ride was not quite brutal, but almost! However,  the return trip heading east on Housekeeper Road, northeast on North River Road into Pemberville, and then north on Pemberville Road was pretty much cycling heaven! Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 80s also helped.

          At least sixteen riders celebrated after the ride at Luckey Junction in Luckey with food, drink, and good conversation!

          Pictured is first-time Speedtrap Rider Troy Poling! Welcome Troy!

In the group picture of cyclists who came to Luckey, enlarge the picture and notice Doug Metzger wearing the kitten jersey. Happy Birthday, Doug!

          Please join us next Tuesday, July 2^nd, back in Elmore, for the best Tuesday night ride out of Ottawa County! Come ride some quiet country roads and meet some great people, too! We meet at Spoke Life Cycles/Elmore and ride at 6:30 pm.

I hope to see you then!

P.S. On Tuesday, July 9^th, we ride the Speedtrap Ride route in reverse, with a cookout in front of the bike shop to follow. Dan Willis is the only one who will be required to ride his bicycle backwards!

Chuck Nicewonder

         

After a Windsday where all three ride leaders were MIA due to scheduled and unscheduled conflicts, all three of us will be back for a Windsday reunion tour! Edgar is itching to lead his Fast & Furious warriors to their past glories at a 21+ pace. Jen’s Reasonably Fast group will be rocking the roads with her high energy 19-20 pace. And Dan will be leading the mellow rhythms of the Reasonable & Reliable riders as we ride into the gentle (for Windsday at least) breezes at a cool 17 mph pace. Relaxed riders are welcome to come and contribute their favorite easy riding pace. Hope to see you all at Timberstone JHS, 9000 Sylvania Ave, leaving at 6:30.

Don’t forget - westbound Sylvania is still closed, so use Central or Brint to get to us!

I had three races in three weeks, but I am finally back in town. The next Gravel Series ride is this Saturday, starting from Pacesetter Park at 9am. Here is a link to the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28989351

We'll set off at a casual pace, typically 12-14mph average, regrouping as necessary. Our planned stop is around mile 23 in Blissfield, setting up a 17 mile return trip to Pacesetter. Hope to see you there!

Greetings to all,

             Once again, this coming Sunday, June 30th, Hugh Benning will be away. The Sunday 1:00 Getaway Ride will once again need a substitute ride leader.

            If you are a regular on that ride, PLEASE volunteer to lead just this one Sunday at 1:00 from Keener Park.

           I hope to hear from YOU!

Chuck Nicewonder