Blog Post

Busy Saturday, August 22

By Allan Edmonds
Bryan Park Pool Parking Lot was more crowded than usual this Saturday at 8 a.m. We had our usual large group of Saturday riders, more than enough for the two separate rides that set out to a certain amount of kerfluffle. But we also had a big city-sponsored garage sale filling up the lot across Woodlawn, with buyer vehicles parking in “our” lot.
Stan goes over plans for the Clay City Ride.

Stan Ellis, leader par excellence of the Clay City almost-a-century ride, got things organized, distributing maps, deciding the main stops, including food stops, etc. About 8:10 we all set out, with eleven of us heading east on South Downs toward Nashville, doing a small, common, variant of the club’s Nashville Ride (Old Hilly Hundred route), but taking Owl Creek (naturally enough) down to Helmsburg Road. The other larger group headed out 7th Street toward Spencer.
When the OWLS group was crossing College Mall Road we encountered Rudy Savich heading west, late, toward the park. That put him at least a ten minute deficit to the main group.
Ron dropped back to work on a squeaky brake. Although we learned later that he continued the ride, he never caught up and eventually decided to take a more leisurely break in Nashville.
Some of Lanham Ridge was quite rough. I was holding on for dear life. It was only later at the turn onto Owl Creek that noticed I had lost my trusty old CatEye computer which I had had for the last nine or ten years, with not even a battery change. The mount broke last year and since then I had been using a different mount in which the computer fit rather loosely. Oh well. These things happen. Its odometer showed something over 15,000 miles.
It seemed like it might rain, so we were anxious to get to the Shell Station in Nashville before it started. But we never got more than a little spittle…not really a sprinkle, even. Even so the temperature remained in the low 60’s for the whole ride, and more than one rider went with the temptation for coffee over Gatorade or soda. Ken bought a bag of doughnut holes at the shop next door and shared them around.

We then headed out for Bear Wallow, the first time ever for some of our group, and the first time in the south-to-north direction this year for any of us. At the top of the long steady climb we briefly regrouped and took a photo of some of our group in front of the wallow.
We returned following the standard route to Bean Blossom, then in on 45, with a detour on South Shore Drive. We covered the 52 miles in a little over 4 hours, including stops.
As for the Clay City crowd … [to be continued when I hear more]

Chris Tietz brought up many of these issues earlie…

Chris Tietz brought up many of these issues earlier in the season, after witnessing a couple of preventable bike-on-bike collisions. Perhaps he can add his perspective, here.

I think all riders should be prepared to stop at all stop signs. While I appreciate when motorists yield their right of way to the group, these crossings work best for everyone when the cyclists are tightly packed. Somehow, we should figure out when it makes more sense to do multiple group crossings, with the riders and motorists yielding (and exercising) their respective stop sign rights as they should.

–Keith V.

I have to say I agree with these comments. A lot …

I have to say I agree with these comments. A lot of the safety issues I have found relate to riding as a group. When I am solo, I have a particular approach to stop signs/lights which is very effective for me. I assertively yield to any car which might conceivably have the right-of-way over me, and then I go (usually without completely stopping). In other words, I wait my turn. I feel, however, if I took this approach when I am part of a pack, I would pose a hazard to those piling up behind me (especially if I communicated that a driver should proceed while someone whizzed by me). Plus, we would tend to stretch out ridiculously at intersections. A lot of other interactions are also complicated by being in a group. For example, last weekend's encounter between CE and a dog. The dog was in the center of the pack, and CE was in the center of the pack, and there was really no way for CE to take evasive action without taking out those around him.

I don't know any solutions to these issues, they're just things that jump out at me, coming from my background of riding solo most of the time. I will say I am impressed by the way BBC members will call out street obstacles (like potholes). On the Hilly Hundred, for example, this sort of communication can be quite spotty.

Adopt-A-Road, Sunday, August 16

Sunday afternoon, August 16, was our club’s quarterly service activity of road clean-up along our adopted mile of Old Highway 37, south of town from where it crosses State Road 37, down to Ketcham Road. Here’s a map showing “our road”:

(Click for a larger version.)
For a bigger map with more context see this map at MapMyRide.com.
Some fifteen club members showed up to scour the road sides for trash and recyclables. It took a little over an hour of hot work, with most sections of the road getting double scrutiny.
Here’s the sign at the south end of our stretch:

(Click for a larger version.)
Yellow bags are for trash. Blue for recyclables. You get to keep all money found.
Red vests and gloves were provided. Everyone had to view an on-line video and sign a waiver before participating. Hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent were all appropriate.
Mark noticed this snake, which was surprisingly willing to stay and watch us watching him:

(Click for a larger version.)
Afterwards we gathered briefly for cool drinks and snacks before departing.
Here are some 10 of the 15 volunteers who helped out:

(Click for a larger version.)
There was a nice mix of new folks and experienced hands. Next time a call goes out for volunteers maybe you would also like to help out. A special thanks to club president Jennifer Miers for doing the work to develop and organize this service project!

ELLSTIGOSPEWHI, Saturday, August 15

Jim Schroeder led the club on a 57 mile adventure through Ellettsville, Stinesville, Gosport, Spencer, and Whitehall. (Have you figured out the name of the ride yet?) The route involved familiar bits from several different rides, somewhat reminiscent of the way the Ride Around Bloomington does. Perhaps the most interesting parts were the new roads that took us from Gosport northwest beyond McCormick’s Creek State Park: Hollybrook Rd, Phillips Rd (part called Wesley Chapel), and, especially Rocky Hill Rd the last 6 miles down into Spencer. Here’s a link to a copy of the map at mapmyride.com.

Here’s Jim trying to get some of the 29 riders organized.

Klaus Rothe undertook a major task of documenting the day in photos. He met us at the park and then drove along the route, periodically stopping at strategic spots to take photos of club members during the ride. He has an album of 134 great images that can be accessed at Club Ride 8-15-09. I recommend the Carousel view.
Here’s a view of our stop in Stinesville:

When we got into Spencer we were a bit undecided what to do in part because Jim had just said that there were lots of places to stop. My little group reconnoitered on Main Street. As we stood there, a fellow came along and commented how we must be having trouble deciding which way to go. All but one of us were pointing south. But Ron Brown was pointed north. We asked the man to take a photo of us:
Our group of eight decided not to go over to the Sunoco station. After a little drinking and eating on the street we just headed out of Spencer to attack the aptly named Cemetery Hill on the way toward Hwy 43 and Whitehall.
Altogether a fine day. We were happy to get back around 1 pm, given the heat of the summer day.

OWLS do Karst Farm, August 13

Tom Reynolds led an OWLS group of around 18 riders on a 28 mile route to the west. Here’s a link to his map, which I called the Karst Ride, out Woodyard, by Karst Farm Park, the airport, and the Fairgrounds.

Tom goes over the planned route:

(click to enlarge)
Tom checks whether everyone is there before leading us out from a stop:

(click to enlarge)
Last regroup near Monroe Hospital before heading home:

(click to enlarge)

Madison Double Century, August 8-9

By Jennifer Miers

Mike Finger, Paul Toth, Steve Emery, Stan Ellis, Kathy Smith and Mark Napier embarked Saturday morning from Bryan Park for the Madison Double Century. With lodgings procured, participants chose different ways to enjoy the weekend. Mark and Kathy planned to drive directly to Clifty Falls State Park and explore a 60 mile loop ride from there on Saturday, joining the other riders on Sunday for the route home. Melanie Miller and Pat Muyskens headed down to Madison via Stream Cliff Herb Farm in Commiskey. They would join the group for dinner Saturday night, then hike in the park and schlep the shops in Madison on Sunday. Stan Ellis, back on the bike after a midsummer injury, planned to test knitting bone and muscle on the more scenic parts of the ride and help drive the SAG vehicle. Mike, Paul, and Steve opted for a speedy century south Saturday, arriving at the Inn shortly after 3:00 p.m.

The century routes used for the weekend were an amalgamation of a Rudy Savich Double Century route, part of Joe Anderson’s TRIRI routes, and a significant amount of handlebar research on the part of Jim Schroeder. Jim devised a two day course that incorporated some new roads, great scenery and good climbs. In the end, Mother Nature also put her touch on our final route as flood waters from rain at the beginning of the week lapped at Brownstown and cutoff access to Medora from the east.


Heltman’s at Spurgeon’s Corner on Hwy 135 features fresh
sandwiches, pizza, AND indoor plumbing

Riders were in familiar territory as the group headed out Highway 45 toward Nashville, via Lanham ridge and Owl Creek Roads. From there it was a quick hop to Spurgeon’s Corner on Highway 135 where the group took its first rest and Stan would join the pack. The road was clear of storm debris but mud smeared pastures and fields showed where creeks had recently jumped their banks. Evidence of the week’s rain was more obvious further south where one of the first county roads on our route was closed due to high water. As it has been frequently in recent memory, US 50 at Brownstown was again surrounded by water. By the time our group approached Saturday, water had receded off of low-lying areas of Highway 250 allowing riders to head east from Dudleytown and, happily, avoid a 10 mile detour. Once past Uniontown, the roads got more interesting and the scenery improved markedly. A profusion of Queen Ann’s Lace nodded by the roadside and all makes and models of horses stoically watched two and four-wheeled traffic pass. Favored with a tailwind, riders pushed themselves faster through this section of rollers and curves near Paris Crossing and Paris (proper). A turn at Lancaster on to Rector Road brought riders closer to the state park and past, (possibly) the largest collection of concrete lawn characters yet assembled in a single yard.

Temperatures approaching 90 and crosswinds made the Clifty Inn a welcome sight Saturday at mile 106. The Inn boasts an indoor pool (in addition to the park’s outdoor pool), a good restaurant and a great view of the Ohio River. Another welcome sight was the small cooler of beer Stan, probably a Boy Scout in his younger days, had the foresight to pack. Apparently that organization does not award a “church key” badge, as a bottle opener failed to accompany the aforementioned cooler. A screw driver, procured from the Clifty Inn front desk, saved the day.

Enjoying a downhill on Hwy 250

Mark and Kathy

While Kathy and Mark enjoyed the Inn’s restaurant (desserts come highly recommended), the rest of the group drove five minutes to downtown Madison in search of dinner. A classic car show was in progress on Main St. but protein trumped Packer, and a hasty retreat was made to a bar and grill. The evening ended with a pleasant walk along the Ohio River and a stop at the Madison Creamery to replenish calcium stores.

The Ohio was shrouded in fog Sunday when riders gathered at the well-stocked breakfast buffet to gird their loins for the long journey home. By the time the last pancake disappeared the fog had lifted and a clear sky boded the warm day ahead. Mark took the wheel of a second SAG vehicle and five cyclists; Kathy, Mike, Paul, Stan and Steve, started the day. Riders enjoyed descending the steep mile to the south park gate and set out on the gentle climb out of the river valley on Highway 56.

A short stretch on Highway 62 with the accompanying traffic was the price to pay for beautiful, no-traffic Highway 356 to Lexington. Saturday’s first stop was slated for Scottsburg, short of mile 30, where riders stocked up on liquids for the lonely, non-commercial stretches ahead. In about ten miles the exhaust, fast-food, concrete and litter of US 65 was forgotten in the tranquil, tidy environs of Little York.

Cooling off before the Rooster Hill climb with knob escarpment in background

Detouring around another high water closure on Highway 39, the five riders made their way to the heretofore unknown hills and valleys of Mt. Eden Road. The road skirted the base of the wooded knobs in this area, providing some good climbs, intermittent shade, and views of flooded fields in the bottoms. Temperatures had hit the upper eighties and riders were consuming a lot of water. A sympathetic farmer unlocked his well pump and offered cool water for head-soaking. Thus refreshed, they climbed 2 miles over a knob via Rooster Hill Road. The farmer was impressed.

For the Cutters, Stan Ellis

Recovery drink. Hey, that’s not chocolate milk!

Back on Highway 135 the group encountered another “road closed” sign blocking access to Medora from the east via Highway 235. They retired to the Vallonia Gas and Grill for lunch (homemade sweet breads for sale at the register) and to take stock of the situation. Saturday’s rides had taken a toll and now, at mile 65, heat and lack of shade were upping the ante and slowing the pace. Reaching Medora to rejoin the route (which included some healthy climbing on Old US Highway 50 to Leesville and a few packs of energetic dogs) would require a 15 mile detour. Satisfied with another 60+ mile ride, Kathy decided to join Mark for an air-conditioned ride home. The remaining four riders chose to abandon the route and continue north on Highway 135, picking up Highway 58 near Freetown, and suffering the chip and seal of Highway 446 for a no hassle, familiar slog home. SAG stops where now requested every 15 miles (or the next batch of shade, whichever came first) so the salt-encrusted riders could continue consuming the gallons of water and Gatorade needed to keep them upright. Stan suffered some cramping and at the 58/446 junction, with nearly 160 miles under his belt (jersey) for the weekend , he agreed to help (wo)man the SAG truck. Not too shabby after a serious injury and 6 weeks off the bike!

The smell of hay was strong at our final stop, the Fishin’ Shedd, and spirits lifted when plans were made to reconnoiter at Mike’s house for a celebratory beer. Much deserved after 213 miles!

Thanks to the participants for signing on to this BBC adventure.

OWLS do Victor, Old 37, Strain Ridge, August 11

Greg Simmons led a group of 21 OWLS riders on a pleasant 25 mile ride southwest of town. Mike from New Orleans made a short speech about how much he had enjoyed riding with the club over the summer. He’s heading to Ohio State for graduate school now. He’s already made contact with some riders there.

Greg went over the route in detail and we left the staging area promptly at 5:45. I tried to get a few shots of the group heading out. Ordinarily I tend to be toward the back of the group and it’s often hard to get far enough ahead to stop and take pictures.

Here are a couple of shots take at 5:45-5:46 as we left:

We headed south on Sare Road, then through Olcott Park to pick up the standard club route south out of town. We continued through neighborhoods to Church Lane, then west, picking up Victor Pike as we crossed 37.

We traveled south on Victor, to Ketcham, then south on Old 37 to near Harrodsburg, where we headed toward Lake Monroe. We picked up Strain Ridge toward Smithville. Then we came back into town on Fairfax, Moffet, Harrell, etc.

Here we are at our stop after turning onto Strain Ridge road:
Our final stop in Smithville at the PO. Tom is really enjoying how well he was able to pull Klaus’s leg with his story about riding all of RAAM in his big chain ring, even through the mountains.

Stops were at the service station at Victor Pike and 37, the Ketcham turn onto Old 37, Strain Ridge after turning off Monroe Dam Rd, and the Old Post Office in Smithville.

One feature of OWLS riding this summer has been that we often do a route again but in the opposite direction. We’ve now done this one twice in the counterclockwise direction and once in the clockwise direction.

Here’s a link to a map of the route we took: Victor, Old 37, Strain Ridge Route