Latest Club News & Info

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

Summer Solstice Ride leaving from Luckey, Ohio on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30pm. Join us on some different roads. Here's a link to the digital route and I'm hoping to have some cue sheets printed also. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30266614

Plenty of parking downtown and we will be gathering for a ride debriefing at the Luckey Junction following the ride. https://goo.gl/maps/H87v4atiji1Ce8Dg8

If you are coming from the West please check your directions due to ST RTE 582 being closed. Those coming from the East just ignore the road closed/detour signs.

Hoping we can have all the usual groups, but will do our best to accommodate everyone.

-Doug Metzger

Please join the Summer Solstice Ride leaving from Luckey, Ohio tomorrow.  I will still be riding our usual Old 24 Ride from Cycle Werks in Whitehouse for those of you that can't make the drive to Luckey.

Speedtrap Ride Tuesday June 18^th recap

          The Speedtrap Ride is a joint venture of TAB and the Flatlanders Bicycle Club. This past Tuesday, June 18^th, thirty-five cyclists came to Elmore to enjoy a very pleasant Speedtrap Ride.

          Scott Lang led the Ghost Pepper Riders and reported a riding average of 22.4 mph

          Tony Mazurek led the Habanero Riders and reported an average of 20.0 mph

          I led five other Jalapeno Riders on a slightly shorter course. My bryton indicated an average of 16.2 mph, although it said 17.0 at the half-way point. Congratulations to John Galdeen, who has apparently graduated from the Sweet Pepper group to the Jalapenos, and with no clips, too! Way to go John!

          Marnie Arndt led the Sweet Pepper Riders. The group rode 20 miles at 14.3 mph. Becky Kayden and JoAnne Cousino  broke off and rode 17 miles at 11.9 mph.

          Pictured are first-time Speedtrap Riders Candy Langoria(His first ride was last week), Dave Pakulski, David Volk(Tom’s son), and Todd Korczynski and current TAB President Ron Schieb. Welcome to the Speedtrap Ride!

          Next Tuesday, June 25^th, the Summer Solstice Ride will take place. All riders will start in Luckey, Ohio. Doug Metzger is putting the finishing touches on the route, parking, and our accommodations for socializing with food, drink, and good conversation after the ride. More information to follow as it becomes available. Thank you, Doug, for all your efforts!

          I hope to see you then!

Chuck Nicewonder