The Perfect Ride

Did you ever have one of those rides where everything just clicks? It could be finding the right gear to pedal, you feel energized, the trail is not crowded, the sun is not in your eyes, the wind is on your back, your bike is running smoothly or accompanied by friends and family, that could fill the requirement for a perfect ride.

Yesterday was one of those days, were enjoying the ride was not about how many cyclist you can out pace on the trail or how fast you can go. Riding just an hour before dusk, the golden rays of the setting sun hitting the landscape made for a picturesque scenery. I found the right gear to pedal at a fast, but comfortable pace. And all the while I just took in the sights and sounds of a beautiful day slowly transitioning into night.

Caught in the rain

It was one of those days that sooner or later mother nature was going to catch you on your bike and shower you with love. Make that fear and panic, when I got caught on the trail, as thunder, lighting and rain coming down like cats and dogs. The droplets actually felt like rubber bands stinging my face. I actually had to shield my face with my hand, as I raced back to my truck.

These fellow cyclist turned back one mile from my turn-around point. I think they had the right idea.

Skies started to darken as I set out from my starting point.

Another view from my starting point.

Just a mile from my turning point, the skies took a turn for the worst.

One thing I need to remember is to bring an extra pack of clothes just for situations like this. The sad part was, as I arrived at my truck and put everything away, the sky cleared up.

2011 Reds Opening Day Parade

This would be my socond year participating in the Reds Opening Day Parade. The weather was very cold this year, that is why I didn't bring the kids with me this time. The Cincinnati Cycling Club was line number 140. Unfortunately, being this far back in the parade we didn't get to be on TV.

This group was not in our cycling group. They had their own line number.

Me, all bundled up for the cold weather. I cannibalized one of those Reds car flags and clipped it onto the stem of my trike flag.

This cyclist brought his goat bike to the parade.

The fellow on the left was a returning participant, with his folding bike. The fellow on the right is Jim Coppock, the organizer for our group in the parade.

This cyclist is a returning participant from last year. I learned that he's finishing up his last year in college at UC.

Folding bike cyclist showing to the crowd how compact and portable his bike is.

Hiatus

It's been over a year or so that I've posted. Things are still too hectic for me to post on a regular schedule. I hope to start doing so this cycling season.

While I'm away here are a few recumbent sites to satisfy your thirst.

• Recumbent Journal


• Recumbent.tv


• BentRiderOnline


• BentBlog.de


• Ligfiets.net


• Velovision.com

Hope to catch you on the trail later.

Reds Opening Day Parade

Every year the Cincinnati Cycling Club took part in the Reds Opening Day Parade. I always wanted to be in the parade and for the past several years tried to be in it. Riding with the Cycling Club was not a problem. The major factor was the weather, it was either too cold or raining. This year was different, the weather was forecasted to be in the 60's and partly sunny.

The kids and I waiting for the parade to begin. Jim Coppock in the upper right corner.

Logging in to the Cincinnati Cycling Club's forum site, I posted a question on who is the contact person for the Opening Day group. I soon got a reply that it was Jim Coppock and the rest was history.

The weapon of choice was my Catrike Speed hauling my two kids in a Trek GoBug trailer. It was sure to be a hit at the parade.

Former Cincinnati Councilmen Jim Tarbel (right) waving to the crowd at Findlay Market.

At the begining of the ride the kids were actually waving to the crowd, but I guess they just got overwhelmed.

One of the group cyclist, showing his foldable bike.

2010 Reds Opening Day Parade from glenn m on Vimeo.

We had a blast at the event! I saw two coworkers, one high school classmate and one acquintance. After the parade allot more people informed me that they saw me. If the weather repeats it's self for next year I'm sure my kids and I will do this again.

First Ride of the Season

Last Friday was sunny and in the 60's, great riding weather. It was my first ride of the 2010 season. Right after work I got the recumbent (Bacchetta Strada) out and suited out for the ride.

Once again I never know who I would meet out on the trail. My recumbent is a great ice breaker. People normally stop to say "wow, that's what I need, that's awesome", etc.

On my halfway point on the trail I met Tim Guthrie and his son, who just turned 13. They were on their road bikes. Tim told me that he was looking into getting a Bacchetta and had a Rans recumbent in the past. It's such a treat talking shop with someone that has the same interest. We talked about websites relating to recumbents, local bike shops, cycling lights, etc.

I love riding on the Little Miami Bike Trail. The new season has started out great.

2010 Season

As I sat down with friends at dinner, we talked about the upcoming 2010 cycling season. This season will be almost the same as last time; friends, family and toddlers. But, as our little ones grow and change so do our bikes. I plan to leave the two seat trailer behind and switch to a tandem road bike. I'll still ride my recumbent during the week days, but not during when I have to haul the rug rats.

The reason for this, my son is big enough to pedal and will aid him in learning to ride a real bike, plus, it's less weight for me pull. Some additions will be needed to make the tandem child ready, but that will be recorded in later posts.

Also, we plan to do a group night ride this season. Ride an hour before sunset, eat dinner at a restaurant at Loveland and ride back to the cars in the dark. With lights of course (see the past posts on affordable bike lights that I've reviewed).

Spring is only a few weeks from here and I can't wait.