Wednesday, June 2, 2010
MCUM Thanks BBC
The following article appeared in the most recent monthly newsletter of the Monroe County United Ministries. Club members might be interested in hearing what one of our grant recipients has done.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Bloomington Hosts RAAM Time Station
Where: CVS – O’Mallia’s Parking Lot, 510 S College Mall Rd
When: Tuesday June 15 to Saturday June 19
Contact: Jim Schroeder, 260-450-2007, jimmyschweb@gmail.com
Who: BBC members to volunteer to staff the rest stop, especially Wednesday (6/16) night to Thursday night and Friday (6/18)night to Saturday night.
RAAM Blog: ts38bloomingtonin.blogspot.com
Competitors in the 2008 Race Across America (RAAM) will hop on a bicycle and pedal, either solo or in a team effort, across the length of the American continent, over 3000 miles from Pacific to Atlantic, stopping to sleep only when necessary.
Along the way, they will pass 54 “Time Stations”, spaced approximately 50 miles apart, where their crew must call Race HQ to report the rider’s or team’s arrival time and any other important news.
The Time Station in Bloomington will be staffed with enthusiastic volunteers and provide a festival-like atmosphere for spectators of all ages and the traveling group of racers and crews as they pass through the community.
The toughest endurance event in the world, RAAM offers long-distance cyclists the opportunity to challenge themselves to the height of their abilities. Over 1500 cyclists have completed RAAM since its first edition in 1982. Winners completing the course in approximately 9 days as a Solo racer and 6 days as a team effort, sometimes sleeping as little as 2 hours per day. These modern day heroes brave the desert, plains and mountain weather, lead a crew in a mini-organization of support, and raise thousands of dollars for charities around the world.
“RAAM unites people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and cycling histories in an adventure that challenges them to the core of everything they are,” says Fred Boethling, who bought rights to the race in 2006, after becoming the oldest man to successfully race RAAM Solo across the country. “It’s man against the elements, the road, and ultimately, him or herself.”
Racers are expected to pass through Bloomington between approximately 7:00 pm June 15 and 2:00 pm June 19, a careful calculation made by race organizers and posted on the RAAM website at http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.
The 2009 Bloomington Rest Stop
Media interested in interviews with cyclists, their dedicated crews, Time Station volunteers and race management will find them in Bloomington as they stop in town to eat and replenish supplies.
About the Race Across America (RAAM)
The Race Across America, known as the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race, will set over 250 competitors on a 3,000-mile route stretching from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. Athletes race continuously day and night, on their own power or sharing the challenge with a team, and a crew of 8 -15 people following in support cars with food and supplies for the race. These courageous adventurers brave heat, wind, thunderstorms, altitude, the dark of night, fatigue, and sleep deprivation, cross two major mountain ranges, and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. For more information and race updates, see http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day Ride for the rest of us
By Allan Edmonds
Those wanting to get out on Memorial Day, but not up for Rudy's Medora Meander century ride, did an extended version of the the club's Forest Ride, for about 45 miles.
Tammy B. got us organized by email to the club and then with a brief discussion at the park. We had a total of 12 riders, with 2 doing shorter options.
As for the rest of us, we did Eugene K.'s extension of the Forest Ride.
After descending Bean Blossom hill we turned off Anderson onto Shiloh and CLIMBED. That was the first time many of us had gone UP Shiloh.
After climbing Shiloh, most of the group went DOWN South Shore and UP Shuffle Creek. Four of us decided to skip that climb and went along Highway 45 to meet the other 6 at the top of Brummett's Creek. From there we cruised along, then did the big climbs on Fleener and Kerr Creek, before coming back into town. Here's an elevation chart, omitting the climb up Shuffle Creek:
Some of the group took advantage of the occasion by stopping in at Brusters for some ice cream.
At the beginning we worried about the possibilities for rain. But it held off nicely, all the way up to 6:30 pm. So we imagine the Medora Meander group had a wonderful ride too.
Perhaps the most remarkable rider today was Greg A. on his fixed gear bike with flat pedals and Crocs on his feet. He kept up great, and even did the "optional" Shuffle Creek segment. Finally he proved he is actually human by having to walk part of the way on Fleener.
A special thanks to Tammy for organizing the ride! She even checked in afterwards by phone, just to be sure I got home okay, since I was trailing the main group and didn't stop off at Bruster's.
Those wanting to get out on Memorial Day, but not up for Rudy's Medora Meander century ride, did an extended version of the the club's Forest Ride, for about 45 miles.
Tammy B. got us organized by email to the club and then with a brief discussion at the park. We had a total of 12 riders, with 2 doing shorter options.
As for the rest of us, we did Eugene K.'s extension of the Forest Ride.
Water Stop in the Forest
After climbing Shiloh, most of the group went DOWN South Shore and UP Shuffle Creek. Four of us decided to skip that climb and went along Highway 45 to meet the other 6 at the top of Brummett's Creek. From there we cruised along, then did the big climbs on Fleener and Kerr Creek, before coming back into town. Here's an elevation chart, omitting the climb up Shuffle Creek:
Some of the group took advantage of the occasion by stopping in at Brusters for some ice cream.
At the beginning we worried about the possibilities for rain. But it held off nicely, all the way up to 6:30 pm. So we imagine the Medora Meander group had a wonderful ride too.
Perhaps the most remarkable rider today was Greg A. on his fixed gear bike with flat pedals and Crocs on his feet. He kept up great, and even did the "optional" Shuffle Creek segment. Finally he proved he is actually human by having to walk part of the way on Fleener.
A special thanks to Tammy for organizing the ride! She even checked in afterwards by phone, just to be sure I got home okay, since I was trailing the main group and didn't stop off at Bruster's.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wineries Ride
It was a warm late May Saturday for biking. We had another one of our leaderless rides. Stan Ellis volunteered to get the group going, and things seemed to work out all right. This actually turned into a Jim Schroeder-style ABC ride. A relatively small group of six of us did the basic, short option of 44 miles. Perhaps some others did the 44 mile option, too. Stan was doing an 80 mile or so extension by branching out to continue on the Cordry-Sweetwater route. Meanwhile some others chose to branch out not quite so far, extending the route using the basic Gatesville ride, for about a 60 mile option.
Cell Phone break on Anderson Road
As usual there were a number of familiar faces and some new ones, too. Two special ones stand out: Tom W was back after several weeks off after his accident and looking good. Brian F, long time member, has moved back to Bedford and will be riding with us again.
Distance about 44.4 miles. Average pace about 13 mph. Total climb around 1700 feet.
Pick out the climbs in Cascades, Simpson Chapel, North Shore, Tunnel, Firehouse Hill.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
OWLS Dam Ride
From CE Taylor
Twenty four OWLS met at Sherwood Oaks Church for a ride to Lake Monroe Dam Tuesday evening. We had a lot of regulars and some new riders also.
It didn’t take long for groups to develop as we rode along Snoddy and Harrell Roads. We regrouped at the church in Smithville after climbing Ramp Creek hill. Then we rode down Strain Ridge to Lake Monroe Dam. It was a great night for a ride.
Due to the resurfacing of Fairfax Road, we returned to town on Ramp Creek. Going north up Ramp Creek was a good challenge and everyone made it on two wheels. My GPS registered a 15% grade on the first half and a 10% grade on the second half. That’s a pretty good climb in my book.
A point to remember for the OWLS: From the online Ride Calendar you can connect to the map for the scheduled ride. Print the map from the website and bring it with you to the ride. We heard several "Where are we going?" comments before the ride. The group continues to look out for straggles. But when our rides have no assigned leaders there is more responsibility for each rider to know where we are going. Be sure to do your part!
Twenty four OWLS met at Sherwood Oaks Church for a ride to Lake Monroe Dam Tuesday evening. We had a lot of regulars and some new riders also.
It didn’t take long for groups to develop as we rode along Snoddy and Harrell Roads. We regrouped at the church in Smithville after climbing Ramp Creek hill. Then we rode down Strain Ridge to Lake Monroe Dam. It was a great night for a ride.
Due to the resurfacing of Fairfax Road, we returned to town on Ramp Creek. Going north up Ramp Creek was a good challenge and everyone made it on two wheels. My GPS registered a 15% grade on the first half and a 10% grade on the second half. That’s a pretty good climb in my book.
A point to remember for the OWLS: From the online Ride Calendar you can connect to the map for the scheduled ride. Print the map from the website and bring it with you to the ride. We heard several "Where are we going?" comments before the ride. The group continues to look out for straggles. But when our rides have no assigned leaders there is more responsibility for each rider to know where we are going. Be sure to do your part!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Spoiler Alert: Answers to the Mystery Ride Quiz
From Joe Anderson
South on an ancient road:
1. (Name that road) Old State Road 37
Right at a burg named after a biblical king:
2. (Name that burg) Harrodsburg
Right on “Mystery” Road
3. (Name that road) Popcorn Road
Cross into a county named after a famous bird:
4. (Name that bird) Larry Bird
Cross the abandoned narrow gauge B&O railroad:
5. (Name that railroad) Bloomfield – Oolitic not Baltimore & Ohio
West on State Road (Al Abbott’s age):
6. (Name that State Road) State Road 54
Northeast along “Mystery” Creek:
7. (Name that Creek) Popcorn Creek
SAG and Refreshment stop at “Mystery” church:
8. (Name that church) Popcorn Christian Church
Continue north on “Mystery” road:
9. (Name that road) Popcorn Road
North to Alaska on a cold weather road:
10. (Name that road) Snow Road
East on a rocky road at a stop sign:
11. (Name that road) Rockeast Road
North to your home port on another rocky road:
12. (That that road) Rockport Road
Pass through a village named after the Star Trek Captain:
13. (Name that village) Kirksville
Back to Bloomington on a pike named after the Michigan Fight Song:
14. (Name that tune) Victors
Turn right at a T-Intersection at the top of a hill:
15. (Name that road) That Road
Using these fifteen clues:
16. (Name that “Mystery Ride”) The Popcorn Ride
17. (Name that prize) Popcorn
“Road Biking, Monroe and Lawrence Counties, IN” was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as 65th among a list of “America’s Best Adventures.” (Number one is rafting the Grand Canyon”) Published in the inaugural issue of National Geographic Adventure, April 2000. www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure
The article states, “Remember the 1979 movie “Breaking Away?” Since then, serious road bikers have wheeled along the back roads around Bloomington, including a bucolic 50-mile loop that heads south on Route 37 to Harrodsburg, then goes west on Popcorn Road and continues tacking left on a two-lane country roads past small farms, limestone quarries, and quaint towns.” The information is attributed to Bicycle Garage, 812 339-3457, www.bikegarage.com . We have Fred Rose to thank for providing this information to National Geographic.
South on an ancient road:
1. (Name that road) Old State Road 37
Right at a burg named after a biblical king:
2. (Name that burg) Harrodsburg
Right on “Mystery” Road
3. (Name that road) Popcorn Road
Cross into a county named after a famous bird:
4. (Name that bird) Larry Bird
Cross the abandoned narrow gauge B&O railroad:
5. (Name that railroad) Bloomfield – Oolitic not Baltimore & Ohio
West on State Road (Al Abbott’s age):
6. (Name that State Road) State Road 54
Northeast along “Mystery” Creek:
7. (Name that Creek) Popcorn Creek
SAG and Refreshment stop at “Mystery” church:
8. (Name that church) Popcorn Christian Church
Continue north on “Mystery” road:
9. (Name that road) Popcorn Road
North to Alaska on a cold weather road:
10. (Name that road) Snow Road
East on a rocky road at a stop sign:
11. (Name that road) Rockeast Road
North to your home port on another rocky road:
12. (That that road) Rockport Road
Pass through a village named after the Star Trek Captain:
13. (Name that village) Kirksville
Back to Bloomington on a pike named after the Michigan Fight Song:
14. (Name that tune) Victors
Turn right at a T-Intersection at the top of a hill:
15. (Name that road) That Road
Using these fifteen clues:
16. (Name that “Mystery Ride”) The Popcorn Ride
17. (Name that prize) Popcorn
“Road Biking, Monroe and Lawrence Counties, IN” was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as 65th among a list of “America’s Best Adventures.” (Number one is rafting the Grand Canyon”) Published in the inaugural issue of National Geographic Adventure, April 2000. www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure
The article states, “Remember the 1979 movie “Breaking Away?” Since then, serious road bikers have wheeled along the back roads around Bloomington, including a bucolic 50-mile loop that heads south on Route 37 to Harrodsburg, then goes west on Popcorn Road and continues tacking left on a two-lane country roads past small farms, limestone quarries, and quaint towns.” The information is attributed to Bicycle Garage, 812 339-3457, www.bikegarage.com . We have Fred Rose to thank for providing this information to National Geographic.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Southwest to Hobbieville
By Allan Edmonds
Over 30 riders gathered at Bryan Park on a perfect May Saturday morning. Mike Finger got us organized on this ride that turned out leaderless because the scheduled leader was out of town for the weekend. We decided on regrouping after crossing 37 and again at the turn from Rockport onto Rockport East, and stopping only at the store in Cincinnati where 54 and 45 intersect.
As usual we naturally fell into riding groups. Around 10 people left the main route for the 30 mile short option. They took Harmony Road off of Rockport, heading north at that point, eventually reaching Vernal Pike.
The rest of us continued on to Cincinnati. As usual more than one person remarked that they hadn't known there is a Cincinnati, INDIANA. Indeed, it doesn't rate a name on the map above. And you don't find much through Google: http://indiana.hometownlocator.com/in/greene/cincinnati.cfm At the park we had discussed the state of Rockport East, which last year was in bad condition. We can report that it is absolutely terrible. Perhaps the worst excuse for a paved road that I have ridden on.
At the stop in Cincinnati we all got a bit nervous about the ominous weather with a little thunder in the distance. One rider used his smartphone to check out the weather map and found an active thunderstorm at Bloomfield, 10 or 15 miles away. We all took off pretty quickly at that point.
Pretty soon the rain came. It was never hard, but we did get wet and uncomfortable. Our little group of 5 never stopped again more than for a few moments of regrouping. After Solsberry the rain was never more than a sprinkle.
Considering that the morning seemed almost perfect it was something of a downer to have the rain. I suppose the temperature was in the upper 50s, which wasn't too uncomfortable.
We do wonder whether the short route riders made it home without getting wet.
Over 30 riders gathered at Bryan Park on a perfect May Saturday morning. Mike Finger got us organized on this ride that turned out leaderless because the scheduled leader was out of town for the weekend. We decided on regrouping after crossing 37 and again at the turn from Rockport onto Rockport East, and stopping only at the store in Cincinnati where 54 and 45 intersect.
As usual we naturally fell into riding groups. Around 10 people left the main route for the 30 mile short option. They took Harmony Road off of Rockport, heading north at that point, eventually reaching Vernal Pike.
The rest of us continued on to Cincinnati. As usual more than one person remarked that they hadn't known there is a Cincinnati, INDIANA. Indeed, it doesn't rate a name on the map above. And you don't find much through Google: http://indiana.hometownlocator.com/in/greene/cincinnati.cfm At the park we had discussed the state of Rockport East, which last year was in bad condition. We can report that it is absolutely terrible. Perhaps the worst excuse for a paved road that I have ridden on.
At the stop in Cincinnati we all got a bit nervous about the ominous weather with a little thunder in the distance. One rider used his smartphone to check out the weather map and found an active thunderstorm at Bloomfield, 10 or 15 miles away. We all took off pretty quickly at that point.
Pretty soon the rain came. It was never hard, but we did get wet and uncomfortable. Our little group of 5 never stopped again more than for a few moments of regrouping. After Solsberry the rain was never more than a sprinkle.
Considering that the morning seemed almost perfect it was something of a downer to have the rain. I suppose the temperature was in the upper 50s, which wasn't too uncomfortable.
We do wonder whether the short route riders made it home without getting wet.
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