Blog Post

In my garage sits an old balloon-tired bike from the 30’s (yes, the previous owner claims he bought it second-hand in 1938) that I used as a commuter here in Bloomington until the frame cracked about 5 years ago. It was stolen not just once but twice–and recovered. The first time it was gone for a couple of hours, the second time for about 18 months. Bikes generate stories. -From Al Ruesink

That’s very similar to something that happened to me. My first semester at Indiana University I bought a new Specialized hybrid bike for riding to/from classes and around town. It wasn’t that expensive of a bike, but I really enjoyed it. It was stolen on campus and I filed a police report. About a year later I happened upon my stolen bike on one of the racks behind Dunkirk Square. I called the police, and they verified the police report and matching serial number, but wouldn’t cut the lock. They said I’d have to call a lock smith, so I did, and I got my bike back. Unfortunately, it had obviously been outside most of the time and was rusty and weathered, but it was nice to reclaim it.

By Jennifer Miers

By Allan Edmonds

By Allan Edmonds

Leader Mike Finger organized a group of 18 riders for the Saturday club ride on March 21. The weather was clear and crisp with temperatures in the low 40’s at ride time. Because of the reported tree down across the road in Cascades Park and the size of our group it was decided to avoid Cascades on the way out of town, opting instead to take Gurley Pike up to Kinser and head out toward BHSN and beyond on Kinser. We made good time along Kinser. There was a regrouping after crossing 37 and before heading down the sandy, rough hill to Bottom Road. We then speeded along Bottom Road, passing Muscatatuck Nature Reserve without stopping. The next regrouping was at Fry Road, where 5 riders opted for the short route, while the others continued along the standard regular route. They planned to modify it on the way back by cutting over east so as to come in on Old 37 instead of retracing their route along Bottom Road. The smaller group doing the short option took Frye to Buskirk to Dittemore and from there returned to town on Bottom and Kinser. We did opt to go through Cascades to inspect the downed tree. It was easy enough to go around it on the grass on the east side of the road. We could not fathom why the tree had not been removed. It did not look like a major job. Altogether our OWLish group did 29 miles round trip from the park, at a respectable 13.5 mph. Total climb about 2255 ft.

I noticed sand removal going on in town yesterday. Yay!

How’s the winter sand on Boltinghouse?

Saturday Ride, March 14 By Jerry Arvesen, Ride Leader

It had been years since I'd led a BBC ride, and never a Saturday ride, so I was a bit nervous as the weekend approached, especially after hearing that 35 cyclists had ridden on the previous week's ride. (The saying "herding cats" comes to mind when I think of leading a ride.) Saturday morning arrived cool, gray and overcast, with temperatures in the mid-40s. The weather, and spring break, must have kept the numbers down, as only two riders were at Bryan Park at 10:55. However, that quickly grew to eleven a few minutes later, and after some brief introductions and route review, we were off.

Our group consisted of some regulars like Mike Finger, Keith Vogelsang, and Allan Edmonds. Since I'm only a regular-wannabe, a few other BBC members were new to me: Chris Bonham, Carl Field, and Allan Headley. John Connell and Bill Struemph were also along, as was a fellow on a cool Kona hybrid, plus a strong young rider on a single- speed.

Our ride to the first regroup location at the old Mt. Gilead church and cemetery was uneventful, mainly dealing with traffic, potholes, and sand on the roads. It wasn't until the climb up the other end of Mt. Gilead that the lead riders started to disappear. Bill and I recounted our painful memories of last summer's final 20 miles of the Wilbur ride, when it seemed as if we'd never get back to Bloomington. We also talked about climbing hills on March legs, and regardless of how strong we think we are the hills never seem to get easier.

Heading south on Brummetts Creek, we all fell into the state of bliss that relaxed riding brings, as we chatted and enjoyed the first signs of spring in the forests and fields. Brummetts Creek has always been one of my favorite roads. Most of its course is a wide open valley with steep wooded hillsides, low traffic, and picturesque farms. At our second regroup point at Fleener Road, Mike Finger organized a sub- group of five head- and leg-strong riders to tackle Boltinghouse hill. This included Tom, our visitor from Seattle, and our young single-speed rider. It seems as if Tom had heard of the Boltinghouse folklore on last week's training ride, and wanted some proof before convincing his friends back home about Indiana hills. I wonder how our 43×18 single-speed managed on Boltinghouse?

The rest of us mortals, scoffing at this insanity, headed for the two- mile flat stretch of SR46 before joining Gettys Creek and Kerr Creek roads. We continued along the creeks at a relaxed 15 mph pace, and powered our way up the Kerr Creek hill with only minimal griping. Through Park Ridge East individuals started to head towards home, as did I, after ensuring that the few remaining riders could manage their way back to Bryan Park. All in all, a great friendly group, a nice relaxed pace, good spring air, and 25 miles into the ride log.

That’s an impressive average speed for March!
–Keith V.

Nice report!

This larger, sans serif font is much easier to read. Might I suggest that all posts use it?