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.