A Rally Ride, a Rainy Race, and more short stories

Where has summer gone? I had so many goals for the year. Unfortunately, summer is halfway over and I am not halfway to meeting my goals.

With the Young’s Dairy Charity Ride fast approaching and our week long trip across Ohio just over a week away, I was getting more than a little worried. That’s when Velo Junkie and I decided enough was enough. We had had enough of house renovations and teenage driving lessons; enough of the daily grind and boring meetings; enough of everything that was keeping us from the great outdoors.

On June 26^th we joined a group of riders for the final rally ride sponsored by Young’s Dairy. Our first, their fourth. A 60-mile ride starting in Yellow Springs, Oh.

On July 2, the Saturday before Independence Day, Velo and I opted for a training ride with our friend, Rick, aka Pedal Pusher. He will be joining us for our Ohio-to-Erie trail ride and is sorely lacking sufficient training as well.

On July 4^th Velo and I joined a 5k at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Free bourbon tastings for all.

July 9^th took us to Blank Slate Brewery for a pint. Velo wanted to try out his new Kleen Kanteen growler.

So let’s take a closer look at each one of these events through the eyes of the Reluctant Cyclist.

Rally Ride

The rally ride, the whole 60 miles of it, was an exercise in endurance. From the early morning awakening, to the 70-mile drive, to the steamy, 60-mile ride. The day began muggy and humid with the promise of 95-degree heat before we finished. I decided to bring one of our Camelbaks and fill it with ice, but I was lamenting the fact that I couldn’t find the smaller one and how I thought it would be preferential. Velo, in all his wonderfulness, found the smaller unit and tossed it in the car. Close to our destination we stopped at a convenience store to fill the bladder. No mouthpiece! Water was streaming out as fast as we were putting it in. I would have to survive without the cooling effects of ice melting on my back.

We arrived late so we were the last ones to take off. It wasn’t long before the sun was high in the sky and I felt as though my scalp were shrinking. My genetic makeup is weird in that I don’t perspire very much. Which is a good thing in stressful situations where you should never let them see you sweat. Not so desirable when you start to overheat. I need to carry water to pour over my head to lower my body temperature, and without the Camelbak, I was mildly water deficient.

The second rest stop was a little more than 30 miles into the ride. At that point we could have stayed on the bike trail and reached lunch in 10 miles, or we could have followed the mapped route for a 20-mile spin on the road to lunch. I still felt pretty good and wanted to prepare for the official ride, which offers an 83-mile option, so we picked the road route. Can you say “STUPID”? Ugh. I wanted to be done. We still had 10 miles after lunch and I was waning fast. My back and neck felt as though they had been bound in shrink wrap, my knees had the consistency of wet noodles, and my concentration had been tested beyond all reasonableness. We had to stop a few times for a stretch but fresh ice cream from the dairy was calling. Always have an end-game, a reason for reaching the finish line. Today is was ice cream.

We’ll still have to see about that 83-miles. I may opt for the shorter route.

River Ride with Pedal

Our friend Rick (Pedal) was itching to get some miles under his belt and happened to be free at the start of the holiday weekend. We all needed some workouts prior to our week-long journey together so we elected for a 30-miler out and back along the Ohio River. Again, it was rather dewy and hot. No surprise, July in Ohio is likely to be on the moist side with the mercury approaching the limit. I tend to be the limiting factor when Velo and Pedal get together, so I had to express a gentle reminder on the outset that I refused to spin full-throttle the whole way. Threat noted, Velo stayed with me even when Pedal was feeling good and rolling on, which explains the lack of photos for this section of the blog.

I was riding my Salsa because it is the bike a will need to ride for the weeklong tour. The Salsa, though very utilitarian, is like pedaling a dump truck when compared to the effort required for the lightweight frame of my Gunnar.

Our destination was United Dairy Farmers in Sayler Park, along US 50 East, for a milkshake. I tried really hard to say no to the cold, sweet, creamy goodness but the little devil on my shoulder said “Go ahead. You deserve a milkshake”. So a shake it was before our return trip over Hillside Ave., a rolling, residential street one block north of the river.

Buffalo Race

I had other plans for July Fourth. I used to run a lot more than ride. Buffalo Trace Distillery was hosting their fifteenth 4^th of July 5k. I didn’t have to mention bourbon twice for Velo to agree to the race. After a rough morning of trying to figure out who was going to manage the teenager in our absence, we headed to the hotel on Saturday for a good night’s sleep before the race. Frankfort, KY is not too far, but far enough that we didn’t want to have to drive it the morning of the race with a gun-time of 8:00 a.m.

After a light breakfast from the hotel we gathered our luggage and started for the car when we were stopped by two young Kenyan’s waiting at the door for a taxi. They appeared to be very fast and they needed a ride to the race. Through broken English they confirmed they were very fast indeed and that they hoped to win the $3,000 purse for the race. Later that day the race results proved them right. They took first and second place in just over 13 minutes. Congratulations my friends. Nice job.

The air on the morning of the race could have been cut with a knife. It had rained just enough to create a cloud hanging about waist-high. I, as opposed to our speedy friends, was glad to finish in 38 minutes. All excuses aside, I never excelled at running and had pretty much abandoned the sport in recent years.

The end-game for the race was quite different than the two recent rides, yet just as rewarding. Since the race took place at the oldest bourbon distillery in Kentucky we would be amiss to leave without a taste of the fruits of the still.

White Dog was the clear, virgin whisky that hadn’t seen the inside of a barrel yet. I think it removed a layer of flesh from the back of my throat on the way down. Buffalo Trace Bourbon was a blend, and a very good one at that. Eagle’s Rare was single batch and aged at least ten years in oak barrels. Apparently the distillers wanted to create something that didn’t need to rest nearly as long as bourbon so they came up with Wheatley Vodka. I recommend it if you are a vodka person, but I seldom consume the stuff. Our last taste was Buffalo Trace Cream. This was excellent by itself, but mixed with their Dr. McGillicuddy’s Root Beer…I think I just found my new favorite dessert. A bourbon laced root beer float.

Tried and True, Blank Slate

After a very busy holiday weekend and then a short but busy work week, another Saturday came along. Since all the responsibilities had been neglected for the holiday the previous weekend, we had a few tasks to attend to. After working on the old house for several hours in the humid heat  and then restocking the groceries for the upcoming week, we were determined to get a ride in. Velo wanted to try out his new Kleen Kanteen growler so we took a short jaunt over to Blank Slate Brewery, Velo’s favorite tap room.

My Gunnar was in the shop getting a tune up for the upcoming charity ride so I chose my vintage Mercian for the ride. I hadn’t had him out in quite some time. I was extremely pleased to find the old lad still had pep. It was a glorious ride and I concluded I really needed to get him out of the stable more often.

Next ride…..

            Young’s Dairy Charity Ride

To find out what happens next week follow the Reluctant Cyclist by Email:

#Buffalotrace #youngsjerseydairy #merciancycles #blankslatebrewery 

Dad’s Day 2016 - a Bike, a Beer, a Burger, and a Cupcake

No matter how many times you travel the same route there is always something new. Especially in a city that is experiencing a major transformation. We followed a path we have ridden so many times I believe there may be grooves in the pavement from our bike tires. Today, about 3 miles in, we come across a festival on the riverfront, in Smale Park to be exact. There, smiling at us, about 12 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter, a giant, red, Air Heads balloon. We detoured to get closer, only to run into a “NO BICYCLES” sign. Booooo!  

Oh well. That wasn't the main purpose for the ride anyhow. I wanted to test my climbing legs. I have some pretty serious tours in the near future and have been sidelined from riding for many unavoidable events. Traveling for work. Prepping for presentations. Managing a house remodel. Teenage driving lessons. And on and on and on.

So this weekend VeloJunkie and I needed to get in at least one long hill. It was Father’s Day weekend, and although Velo, affectionately known as Jim around our house, does not have the same DNA as my kids, he is the best example of a dad ever. His favorite thing to do is ride his bike so I wanted to ride with him as far as he wanted to go in celebration of Dad’s Day. 

Anybody can be a father. It takes a special kind of person to be a Dad!

One of the best hills in Cincinnati for cyclists is Delta Ave. It connects Columbia-Tusculum to Hyde Park via Mt. Lookout. It starts at Riverside and ends at Erie. Riverside, being on the south end and true to its name, hugs the Ohio River. It is very common to get behind boats being towed, as there are many docks along the way. Riverside also boasts a fair share of motorcycles, dog walkers, and other cyclists on any given sunny, summer day.

Before embarking on our climb I made Velo take a moment with me to hydrate at the bottom of the hill. I’ve been known to get a little wobbly in long climbs. (And grumpy. And reluctant.)

Just about half way up there is a traffic circle to announce Mt. Lookout. The name says it all. It is a great place to look out over the river. However, it is not at the top of the hill. The upward momentum doesn’t end until you reach Erie Ave. But once you crest the summit, the coast on the other side generates speeds surpassing 30 mph. Until we reach Murray bike path. Excessive speed on the bike path is, let’s say, moderately frowned upon.  

Enjoy this short video of our ride.

The path dead ends into Mariemont, a planned village around two historic districts. It is a collection of Norman and Georgian style buildings surrounding the village square, which is an example of English Tudor architecture.

Dily Deli, setting right in the middle of the square, was the perfect setting for lunch. After sharing a burger I snuck away to the Sweeterie to buy a giant, peanut butter cupcake for Velo’s special day. Of course he shared it with me, being the perfect gentleman he is. (Ahem)  

Content now with fat and sugar pulsing through our veins we left the tree-lined streets of Mariemont for the industrialized community of Fairfax,  home to Kellogg's manufacturing, Cincinnati Paperboard, and Pruss Construction.

The opposite side of Fairfax, via the Armleder Connector, is the historic community of Columbia-Tusculum. We had just completed a loop, one we have done many times, and were headed westward toward home with only one more stop. 

Velo’s favorite tap room, Blank Slate, was in sight. Home of fantastic malt and hop creations such as Shroominous, Fork in the Road, Rising Up, and my fave, Pinango. The pineapple-mango infused ale hit the spot on such a warm summer day. 

So tell me, who could ask for a better Dad’s Day than a bike, a beer, a burger, and a cupcake?

To find out what happens next week follow the Reluctant Cyclist by Email:

#airheads #velojunkie #fathersday2016 #blankslatebrewery #deltaavenueclimb #dilydeli #sweeterie

Sometimes Life Gets in the Way

Several weeks ago VeloJunkie and I managed to get the exterior of our vintage cottage painted, new doors installed, walls removed, and a new roof put on the old house we are renovating. We worked into the evenings, putting in more than 12 hour days. But we miss our bikes.

The first weekend in June was hot and sunny and I spent it sitting at the community yard sale trying to rehome all of the leftovers from the old house. What didn’t sell was donated. I made a total of $40, which was donated to Alzheimer’s Association. I was really wanting to ride.

 Last week I was sitting in my hotel room in Boston, missing my bike. Velo had to attend a conference on the other side of the country in Las Vegas. We were both missing our bikes. Since I couldn’t ride, I walked every evening only to be startled by a pair of wild turkeys lurking in the parking lot. And to think, Ben Franklin wanted these guys to be the national bird. 

This week I’m sitting in my hotel room in Atlanta, missing my bike. VeloJunkie and I were supposed to drive here together, bring our bikes, and ride some of the bikeways around the city. No such luck. Velo’s employer had other plans. So I am watching the Tiny Homes on HGTV and getting all kinds of ideas for our cottage. I will be mostly confined to the hotel and convention center with no chance to ride.

Sometimes life gets in the way..

Which is why you have to jump on every opportunity when it presents itself. And right now weekends are all we have, and only some of them. The brutal part is that we are participating in the 160 mile Young’s Dairy Charity ride in July and have not had much time for training. (Any words of encouragement will be warmly received and appreciated)

I was really glad that all of the amiable elements of weather convened for the second weekend in June. 50 West Cycling has been organizing expeditions out of their new place on the east side and I wanted to join one of their casual rides. This was the perfect opportunity. We arrived to find it was a ride led by Cincinnati Cycle Club, of which we are already card carrying members, so that was awesome. And, we already knew the ride leader, Cindy. I think we ended up with a group of about 12 riders of all different riding goals and abilities.

The ride was advertised as a casual, 11-12 mph, 25 mile ride. Which is exactly what it was, however I think a couple of folks missed the small print. With a no-drop policy, the going was a little slow at times, but the pace allowed for meeting new people and amicable comradery.  The neighborhood we toured was home to a lot of frame houses very similar to our cottage.  It was really cool comparing and contrasting all the different paint schemes and add-on ideas. The last part of the ride got a bit windy but it was good to be out on the bike.

I can’t wait till we get the house complete enough to move into. Then maybe I can think of something besides remodeling and find more time to ride…or anything else, for that matter. If anyone is interested in following the progress of the house you can see it at http://hofmannhaus.blogspot.com/

The third weekend in June, after working on the electric in the new (old) place, Velo and I ventured out on our own ride. It was Father’s Day weekend so I suggested a ride that I knew he would love. We rode to Mariemont for lunch at Dily Deli and I treated him to a larger-than-life peanut butter cupcake. 

I didn’t have to ask twice if he wanted to ride to his favorite tap room, Blank Slate. When we pulled into the parking lot, there were more bikes parked there than cars. Amazing! The bar was lined up with cyclists. Velo and I took our seats at the end and ordered up two pints of liquid sunshine.

For those of you who like to promote independent films, Allyson West, one of the taproom employees, is hosting a fundraiser at Blank Slate on July 3 to promote her film, “Texican”. For details, click HERE

So, was it the effects of the beer or the lack of riding? I don’t know but on our way home I almost dumped the bike over in an intersection because I didn’t unclip in time. Almost. I managed to get my balance but not before I knocked my computer off the bike into the next lane. I was able to recover, albeit with a bruised ego, and successfully make it home before melting in the hot sun. I guess it happens to the best of us at times.

 

After surviving a 35 mile ride in 88 degrees I got home and replaced my cleats for a pair of flip flops, only to sprain a toe trying to kill a cockroach. UGH. 

Reluctant Cyclist – 0; Cockroach - 1

This next weekend, the last one in June, Velo and I are planning to participate in the final Young’s Dairy training ride before the event in July. Let’s just hope life doesn’t get in the way.

To find out what happens next week follow the Reluctant Cyclist by Email:

#Blankslatebrewing  #dilydeli  #fiftywestcycling  #cincinnaticycleclub