Blog Post

By Keith Vogelsang

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The weather forecast going into the weekend for the ride to Cedar Bluff
Nature Preserve looked gloomy. Rain storms throughout the week kept
most of us off our bikes, and more rain was imminent, according to the
latest forecasts. But as quickly as storms form, they can also break
up, and we were greeted Saturday morning with clear skies, calm winds,
and cool temperatures. Nineteen riders gathered at Bryan Park, and our
wheels were rolling just after 10:00.

By the time we crossed Highway 37 to get out of town, we were down to
18 riders, as Glenn Berger developed a flat. Neither Glenn nor anyone
else had a spare tube compatible with his particular tire and rim
combination, so he phoned home for a ride while the rest of us
continued on.

We made our way toward Ketcham Road, where we were expecting to
encounter a dog or two. And we did. Fortunately, we had Stacy Felton on
the ride with us, and she schooled us in the finer techniques of dog
management. The dogs also appeared to learn important lessons, as
evidenced by their confused expressions. Other notable wildlife sitings
include a pileated woodpecker that flew across my path shortly after
turning onto Ketcham, and there was a second hand report that Stan
Ellis saw a squirrel, although as of this writing, that has not been
confirmed.

We regrouped at the entrance to Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve, where
about half a dozen excited dogs had brought their humans for a hike.
Klaus Rothe used the opportunity to take more pictures and also made a
digital recording of Stacy demonstrating her high-decibel dog control
methods. Look for a link to this recording to appear on the new BBC
website (coming soon!).

At this point, about half the riders had decided to extend their route
by about 10 miles. The group split in half at the intersection of
Popcorn and Ketcham. The “extra miles” group headed west on Popcorn and
then planned to make their way back toward Judah. Those of us staying
on the scheduled route headed toward Harrodsburg, and made our way back
toward town on Old 37. The long climb north on Old 37 spread us out
considerably, but all of us eventually made our way home. All told, a
great day and an enjoyable ride. Special thanks to Klaus Rothe for his
artistic photo contributions.

By Allan Edmonds

April 18, 2009

Jim Schroeder led a large group of riders on the ride known at National Geographic’s 63rd best bike ride in the country.

He advertised the ride to the club as follows:

“Would you believe that one of our club rides is in the “National Geographic”?

“No baboons on bicycles or restless natives with spears, but what I’m talking about is the Popcorn Ride. It was listed by the Geographic as number 63 in “Best Adventures in America” In the April 2000 issue.

“Springville is the major destination on this 46 mile route with a short cut of 30 miles.

“There are many idyllic views of the rolling countryside as we’re on top of a few ridges. The climbs up to those ridges are well worth it!

“The ride starts promptly at 10am on Saturday April 18.

“Hmmmm, popcorn flavored power bars…?

“I’ve done more investigating of this “forgotten” area, and have come up with more miles if any rider is up to that.

“One route (Popcorn Plus Butter) loops back into Springville and out a different road and is 57 miles long.

“And if any of you centurions are up to the creme de la creme (butter de la butter), I have a 94 mi route, the Hills Are a Poppin’ Corn.”

The group was quite sight as our long column of riders headed out of town on South Rogers Street. We got separated at the various lights. Everyone waited, however, on Old 37 after crossing New 37, along the stretch of road that the BBC has adopted from the county in exchange for quarterly cleanups.

The large group led to several smaller subgroups forming. Keith Vogelsang showed up on his tandem with his son on back a little late and struggled to catch up through town, inevitably getting caught by a traffic light. When they finally did catch up on Old 37, they decided to take an alternative shorter ride for the day. Keith reported later, “We ended up detouring to Cedar Bluff to climb on rocks, dip our toes in the creek, check out wild flowers, and skip rocks. On our way back toward town, we encountered part of the group again, including Jim. All in all, we had great ride, but I could have used a few more warm up miles before breaking into a sprint!”

Meanwhile Allan Edmonds and Mike Conway were bringing up the rear, keeping an eye out for Keith, just in case.

The main regrouping spot is the convenience store in Springville at about mile 20. The trailers were just getting there as the main group was ready to set out again. Then Kevin Hayes showed up by himself. He had gotten off 30 or 40 minutes after the main club group and had been racing to catch up. He rested a brief minute or two and then took off to catch the main group.

Since Allan and Mike were cruising along by themselves they stopped to take a picture including the Popcorn Church.

On the way back, at Tramway and Victor, Allan and Mike spotted a cyclist off the road (Josh from St. Louis), sitting on the ground. He was just visiting and had decided to try a BBC ride. He had bonked, having run out of food and water. Mike gave him a Luna Bar and we gave him most of our liquids, with home only 5-6 miles away at that point. He perked up pretty well, and the three of us finished up the ride together.

Meanwhile part of the main group had embarked on various long options described by the ride leader. They apparently got separated and took a variety of routes. Afterward, Joe Anderson reported, “You guys never did catch me. I got home at 5:30 with an odometer that said 85 miles and really appreciated the ten mile short cut I took to Hobbieville. Sorry about my advice that 1250 into Owensburg was basically hilly with more downs than ups. I was really wrong about that one. Jim Schroeder is a hill monger. He should be requiredto put on one of those summo wrestler fat suits and try to ride his route.”

On his way back into town, with the main group, ride leader Jim Schroeder reported that he “stopped at the Sunoco and came upon a newbie that moved back to Bloomington. That was his first BBC ride, and I talked up all the different rides that we offer.”

Meanwhile Stan Ellis reported back for the long group, “Your “Hills Are a Poppin’ Corn” 94 mile route is a keeper. The only change I would make is add 2 more ‘verys’ to the ‘Very difficult’ category. Thanks!”

As you can see many people did this ride in many different ways. In circumstances like this it is simply impossible for a single ride leader to keep track of everyone by himself. It is absolutely crucial that we all pay attention to those around us and not let anyone disappear off the back without being sure he or she is okay.

By Allan Edmonds

Over thirty riders did one or another route around the Lake on Saturday, April 11. Bob DeGroff got the group organized and distributed club maps to those who needed them. Meanwhile Klaus Rothe was observed taking photos that he hopes to use on our soon-to-be-released revamped web site.

About half the group planned to do the standard Hoosier Hills 60K route, south on 446 to Chapel Hill, south of Lake Monroe, then climbing the “Alps” up to the dam, Strain Ridge, Ramp Creek, and home. The other half split off at Chapel Hill, intending to do the 100K route, with possible additions for those aiming to get in a full 100 miles before they finished.

The weather was cool but pleasant and overall everyone following the 60K route (essentially 40 miles) had a good time, splitting up into two or three smaller groups.

by Shelley Bradfield and Kathy Cummins

After “connoiterring” before 5:45 and discussing the possibility of rain (predicted by some who would avoid hills!) the OWLs set off on a ride with two good hills and a fast pace (or was that just me feeling the push?)! Two slightly late riders joined us to finalize our group at 14, and we negotiated busy Snoddy and then it was smooth sailing out to the waterworks. Although two groups developed on Harrell, with a comfortable cushion in between, we all “reconnoitered” at the waterworks to discuss a possible route alteration due to the impending wet stuff. With some avoiding the Sailing Club hill and others taking the Shady Side route, no one was inclined to head home. Although some of us had to heave up the hillside, Stan joined our group and fast-pedaled it twice up the mountain – go Stan! The Shady Side group wasn’t far behind the puffing hill climbers and we set off for our second steep climb Moores Creek. Although Nathan and Tammy had debated about a less steep route on their tandem, they ground it up Moores Creek and some singing is rumored to have occurred at the top J. Around 7:40 pm, riders found their own ways home and in spite of Tom’s cynicism, no one got wet! What a great way to spend a spring evening.

This ride marked the debut of two new ride leaders, Shelley and Kathy. Allan and CE encourage everyone to step up and lead a ride this season. Take some friends and fellow riders on your favorite route!

By Allan Edmonds

On a pleasant but cool April 7th afternoon the OWLS group took a 20 mile ride down 446 into the Shawnee Bluffs area, just short of the Lake Monroe Causeway. We had a total of nine riders. As usual we had a couple of new folks and several regulars. CE Taylor has really taken the lead this year, planning routes in advance and posting them to the club calendar. We’re trying maintain a moderate pace that averages out somewhere in the 14 mph range. CE is also making a good effort to involve a range of people in planning and leading these training rides. Keep an eye on the calendar for routes, as well as any changes in meeting times or meeting places.

The group includes Rob, Allan, Tom, Shelley, Ken, and Kathy. Photo by CE.

I sure hope the “never seen again” part of the story has a happy ending. The smart money is on Mike Finger being part of that group of 10, and the BBC needs him! 😉

Keith V.

By Allan Edmonds

It was a cool morning, in the low 40's, and some people were asking why we are leaving on rides so early in the morning so early in the spring. Most–but not all–were wearing jackets and tights. In fact it was pretty nice, though.

Ten of us, including our intrepid leader, Jennifer Miers, did the standard 30 mile loop on the club map, out Vernal Pike to Whitehall, then to Hendricksville, back in on Gardner Road to Kirby to Bunger, etc., by the airport and then in on That Road. The slowest rider (not naming names) averaged 14.2 mph home to home. It was good to see Joe Anderson after a long absence. The Andersons arrived back in town Friday from their winter travels, and he only decided at the very last second to come on the ride.

Altogether it was a pleasant and uneventful ride. Considering that the weather forecast is pretty lousy for the next few days, it was a good time to be out.

Another 10 or so headed out from Rosie's in Hendricksville on a longer option and were never seen again.

By Allan Edmonds and CE Taylor

OWLS were anxious to get the new riding season going. CE Taylor had mapped out a twenty mile loop starting at our usual gathering place in the parking lot of Sherwood Oaks Church on Rogers Road. The only problem was a weather forecast calling for probable rain. Despite the forecast nine eager riders showed up, including several new to club rides. The best OWLS rides have a mix of experienced riders and newcomers. CE took a quick picture on his cell phone and we were off about 5:50. The last of the nine riders was Dave, who showed up just as we were rolling out, too late for the group photo. Those in the photo are Mary, Manuel, Ken, Kathy, Allan, Shelley, and John.

We were still on Harrell when Dave got a flat. He waved the group on, but Shelley stayed back with him while he changed it.

Meanwhile the rest of us made it to Ramp Creek. (In retrospect we would have been a lot happier skipping Ramp Creek and just head out and back to Waterworks, as you’ll see as you read on.) But soon we were sailing down the hill to lake level and then making the long climb back up to Fairfax Road. Allan and Kathy were talking the whole way up the hill and hardly noticed it. We were going pretty slowly, but still it seemed just about the easiest we had ever made that climb.

We all reconnoitered at the church on Fairfax. We were starting to hear thunder, but Shelley was counting seconds “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, …” and assured us the storm was still nine miles out. Dave and Kathy caught up and we set out east toward Fluck Mill.

We tended to get a bit separated. But CE made a careful point of being sure no one got left behind.

By the time we crossed New 37 the thunder and lightning seemed closer. Naturally we were almost exactly at the farthest point from home. So we opted just to keep going. Soon it started sprinkling, and then turned to light rain. About half of us opted to move more quickly toward home while some held back to be sure everyone made it back safely.

It gradually started raining harder and got darker. The lead group got back to the area of the start by about 7:30, but we all split up to head home our separate ways.

The following group rolled in a little later, all well-soaked. John, who actually lives along the return route on Schacht Rd kindly gave a couple of others who lived further away a ride home, while the rest took whatever short cuts they could think of.

We were all pretty soaked. Fortunately it wasn’t too cold. We all made it safe and sound. And we’ll all be ready to do this same ride again some day later in the season.

We did learn a few lessons: By 7:30 it felt pretty unsafe out on the roads.

• On evening rides be sure to wear light colored clothing. (A couple of riders were wearing dark jerseys.)
• Remember to carry a flashing taillight. (Only two of us had lights.)

Even later in the summer when sunset is closer to 9 pm than 8 pm, it only takes a minor mechanical problem to delay a ride and leave people riding in fading light as they make their way home.

By Sam Hill

My friends and I spend a lot of time talking about things like aerobars vs. drops.

If anyone else is interested in the topic, here is some data. The photo, originally from Rolf Garthus’s Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, WI, is a picture of  the same rider in five standard positions: sitting up, hoods, drops, aerobars, and recumbent.  

By imposing a grid on the pictures we estimated the frontal area the rider displays in each position. For example, assuming the rider is 6 feet tall in the upright position, this rider exposes 831 sq inches of frontal area when sitting up, 802 sq inches in the hoods, 763 sq inches on the drops, 607 sq inches on the aerobars, and 575 sq inches on the recumbent.  In lieu of a full spreadsheet we just give a chart that summarizes the relative frontal areas:

Bar 100%

Hoods 96%

Drops 92%

Aero 73%

Recum. 69%

A rider in aerobars would experience 27% less wind resistance to go the same speed as a rider sitting. The difference would be most noticeable at higher speeds.

Aerodynamics is really complicated stuff. They use wind tunnels because the equations are very nasty and still not very accurate. The only way to get real drag and  power output numbers  is to measure effects in a wind tunnel. But frontal area is a simple way to explain why it matters so much.

For anyone interested the actual spreadsheet with all the calculations is available for download at http://bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/private/blog/blogarchives/Rolf.xls

Great story, Dave! Hope you and Karen are doing well in Flagstaff.

Keith V.