Comment on Forbidden Drive Ride 12/22

Fran and John,I have to give you an 'atta boy' for doing this one in the end of Decemember.How far up did you go,how was lunch,what was it like in the gorge,were there many people on the trail,horses ?John you're going to have us on mtn.bikes by 2014.The picture caught so much,I can make out 'twin bridges' in the background,good job John.  Thanks for the posting.   Bill

Dec 22, 2011, Forbidden Drive, Fairmount Park

Fran and John V, and Strawberry Mansion Bridge

It was a warm day, 62 degrees was the high and

had to take advantage of this weather in December.

A novice trail, challenge was avoiding muddy spots on the wet trail (rained the day before)

Generally uphill to the north end of Forbidden Drive

(a little hillier than I remembered)

But easy return  

one picture, Strawberry Mansion Bridge in background (Ford Rd)

lunch break at Valley Green Restaurant 

    John V

Comments For 12/9&12/13

John,I love the posts,especially the photos with my friends big smiles.Thanks to Jukka and others for keeping the rides going ,with the mild fall weather ,we've had a long successfull cycling season.Good people net good results.Thanks for your encouragement,I'm confidant that I'll be back in the spring with a vengance,I've lost miles that  need to be made up and I intend to do it.
 
     MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!!!!!!!

     Bill

Tuesday, 12-13-11

burrrr, It was pretty chilly this morning.   : ))
Lots of thin ice on many ponds and puddles.  Even the horses were wearing blankets.  The Mt Holly weather station says it was 34 degrees at 9:30 and 43 at noon, start and finish times.  It felt a little cooler than that, but it was a beautiful sunny day.

Oakshade and Atsion Roads

Bill and Jukka

Jukka and Olga

Olga dropped by at St Pete's to give us a cheerful sendoff.  Lucky for her, she had a prior commitment this morning.
Just the two of us, Jukka leading, and I.  25.5 miles was enough for today.
Thank you Jukka, for organizing and leading this ride. 
P.S.  Good luck Bill, we'll be pulling for you.

United We Peddled, Friday 12-9-11

We joined forces today.  Jukka’s St Pete’s ride (Hartford Rd and Taunton Rd) joined Carl & Eloise Southampton Twp ride (Retreat Road and Rte 206) and the 5 of us saddled up to ride together.  Carl, Eloise, Jukka, Fran and me (john V) 

It was about 40 degrees when we started. (9:30 and 10:00 AM are great times to start a ride, and it’s about 10 degrees warmer.)  

We peddled the flat lands of Burlington County for 33 miles at a C minus pace.  After we “skirted” around Mirror Lake we stopped at Burger King for coffee and snacks.

Carl gave each of us the option to go directly to Burger King or bike around the lake.  We stayed together but it was a tempting idea.

We got back to Southampton Twp parking lot at about 1:15

Sorry I couldn’t stay to see Fran’s recent Trip pictures.  Work called, maybe I’ll have another opportunity to see them.

This bike puter:  33.4 miles, 12.8 mph avg, 2 hours-36 minutes in the saddle

                        John V

Tuesday November 15th Ride Report

Surprised at the Shamong Municpal Building.
  No,the surprise wasn't that we made it to the comfort station before bladder explosion ensued (22 miles),but that our sorely missed leader,Bill Horan,greeted us as we rolled up.Mike was introduced while Jukka,Fran,Olga,and Chris chatted with Bill regaling him about the adventuresome ride that Jukka was leading.Will that Jackson Road EVER END??How about a spin around the Atco Speedway?The weather was warm (bike shorts)and some long tail winds. ..a fun 40.1 mile day.
  Thanks,Jukka
  Chris

  Take care,JohnV.We missed you.

Tuesday, Nov 8, from St. Peter's

It was a Beautiful day for a bike ride. Thank you Jukka for leading.
That was a first for me, a bike ride to Atsion.
Thank you Jukka and Fran for your help with the flats.
I picked up 3 new tubes plus tire levers (blue levers) at REI. They didn't have metal levers.
The bike puter says we did 37 with a 13.9 avg. 2 hrs, 40 min in the saddle, took 4 hours from start to finish.
A great group of folks, Jukka, Fran, Kathy, Chris, Olga, and Mike.
Chris was the photographer today. Thank you Chris.

Tuesday November 1st

What should we call today's ride?The All Saint's Day ride?Or,better yet,the Five Flying Finn Ride?I am happy to say that Iwas not alone trying to keep up with Jukka today.Kathy,Olga,and JohnV were welcome companions.43 degrees,a bit brisk as we pushed off,but a quick pace and interesting route warmed us up leading to our arrival at the Nixon rocking chairs with 30 miles on the odometer.It was great to see John,who hopefully got a picture or two.Bill,it's unanimous,we miss you and all our bike buddies.You know who you are.....9:30 next Tuesday.

Chris T.

Tuesday October 18th [dridesplus] Re: Nice ride

To Bike Buddies,
I hope that Jukka won't mind that I forwarded this note below out to the group.
Jukka treated me to a ,as Bill Horan calls it,"A FLYING FINN RIDE"on Tuesday from St.Peter's.It was just the two of us.We did 28.7 miles by the time we got to Nixon's at 11:15am,after stopping for a break at Atsion Lake.Was I ready for the ROCKING CHAIR!!!!
We started out bundled up, but soon had lots of sun sparkling on us,colorful trees,and lovely lakes.
Thanks Jukka....terrific ride.See you next Tuesday.
Chris Torello

How did your legs feel after the ride? Mine were pretty sore,but I am ready for the next one.
Thank you. Jukka

Tuesday October 11th "The Flying Finn Does It Again"

Jukka stepped up to do another great job of leading this day.The group of Ann and John P,ChrisT,Kathy,Olga,and the two Daves B&N(sounds like a railroad) went out of St.Peter's headed for Conte's via a break in Vincetown. At Conte's,DaveN mentioned the antelope video that's been going around,let me say "been there,done that".Dave B spoke about the Bucks County Covered Bridge ride which he completed the previous weekend and praised the good food,no complaints about the hills.Sounds like a Gran Fondo rider in the making,congrats to you Dave.The weather was very pleasant for this ride and the group return at an easy pace thru the lakes returning to St.Peter's in 29.4 miles.Thanks to Jukka again for an excellent ride.
        PS:Although little birdies keep me informed about the rides,there has been no mention of the the flies at Conte's.Should I assume they're only attracted to me?

Tuesday October 4th "Return of the Jedi,,,,I mean Jukka !"

Jukka returned to his leader role to take a group out of St.Peter's for a ride to Conte's.The group included Ann and John P,ChrisT,Fran(back from trekking the Himilaya's),and Olga.It was a chilly day with the sun going in and out of the clouds,most of the riders broke out the winter garb but still felt the change in weather.Report is that the freindliness of the group and the leadership of "The Flying Finn" made up for the cloudy sky.The ride was done in about 3 and a 1/2 hours and covered almost 35 miles.

Tuesday September 20th "Deer Me"

Barbara,Kathy,DaveB,and I left St.Peter's in a very light drizzle trying for one last ride before the MS Ride.After a short water break we started down Jackson Rd. where I was pounced on by a deer creating a trip to the hospital. End of ride.  The flies at Conte's will have to wait for someother day.

Friday September 16th "Mirror Lake"

Felt like the first fall ride with the temperature in the 50's,but the sun shined bright and made for good cycling weather.The ride was uneventful till we got to Browns Mills and there was JohnnyD waiting for us at LakehurstBlvd.,he took break with us and looks quite well and will try to join us on Tuesday.Congrats John on completeing your first century and enjoy the MS Ride next weekend.On our return to Southampton we were detoured to OngsHatRd.because of a bridge being out on Burrs MillRd. when we where over taken by a shiny olive drab motorcycle with sidecar ,very vintage looking,it was Duke.Duke met up with us at the finish,he looks great and his toy machine looks even better.Mirror Lake was beautiful,seems the angle of the sun has started to change already.Four of us rode today,Kathy,Carl,DaveN,and myself.I clocked 33.13 miles in 3 hours and 39 minutes.

Tuesday September 13th " The Return of Jukka"

Only six of us for this ride out of St.Peter's.Kathy(got it right with a K),Olga,the two Daves(B&N),Jukka returned from what he called a most wonderful trip home to Finland,and myself.Jukka was all smiles and very cheerful discussing his trip,he definitely enjoyed himself.We went to Conte's(where else do we go)via Vincetown and BigHillRd.. The weather was wonderful,sunny but not to hot,making it comfortable to ride through the fields,the bogs,and the woods.Kathy and DaveB took advantage of the many breakaways and were patient waiting for the leader to catch up.Unfortunatly Jukka's not the only one back,Conte's flies have returned to torment me but seem to leave everyone else alone or as someone stated "what flies?".In all we rode 39.37miles in a total time of 3 hours 39 minutes.Two deer crossed our path on FoxchaseRd. getting a little to close for comfort but raising our alertness.Barring my calf cramp it was a good ride after 11 days off,done with a good group. Jukka glad to have you back in the US of A,keep that smile beaming and spirits high.Now if I put rubbing alcohol on my legs when I get to Conte's can I get the flies drunk enough that I'll be able to swat them?Starting to feel like Elmer Fudd with the silly wabbit.

Friday September 2nd "Fourteen Rode Today"

Wow,fourteen today,the most we've had all year.There was Barbara,Cathy,ChrisT,Cindy,Fran,Nancy,Olga,Teri,and Yoli,then we had Alan,Carl,Ken,Mike(Nancy's son)and myself.The chatter behind me was great as everyone got their socializing in,at one point we were overtake by about a dozen B pace riders which made the view in my mirror fantastic.I want to welcome Teri and Mike to the group,hope you enjoyed the ride and will ride with us in the future.Had a deer run across the road in front of us and we interupted some turkey buzzards having a meal but other than that nothing special happened on the ride.Lots of talk about past and future rides,upbeat,good energy.As the MS ride approaches there's more talk about it,and everyone seems in shape to do it,you will all succeed.Spoke to Fran that we basicly only have two months left,then it's winter riding.Almost forgot,32.52miles in 3hours 22 minutes,most of you can add a mile for going the long way at CarranzaRd.Wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!

Friday August 26th " No Fibs Today"

Again we had five for the ride,Eloise,Carl,DaveN,Alan and myself.We went from Vincetown,thru Pemberton,to Juliustown,Jobstown and on to the bakery.Clocked 29.08 in 2hours and 44 minutes.Started out in a pretty dense fog that took longer to burn off than I anticipated but the day did turn sunny.This concludes our rides for disaster week.Let's hope Irene makes a sharpe right and leaves us all safe.

Tuesday August23rd "A Nice Quite Ride,Nothing Earth Shaking....That Came Later"

Only five for the ride on this beautiful day,ChrisT,Cindy,Olga,DaveN,and myself.Kept the pace easy for29.35miles in 3 hours and 9 minutes,Chris and Olga add a mile.Pleasant almost fall like but no falling leaves.A little detour in the Lakes otherwise nothing of note.That came latter as the earthquake past through the area. Hope all are well.

Sun, 8-21-11, to Chatsworth from Southampton

No rain in these pictures

Tuesday August 16th "Oh No,Don't Let The Rain Come Down"

The sun was shining when we left St.Peter's and rode the new smooth shoulder on Taunton Blvd..Another good turn out consisting of ChrisT,Cindy,Kathy,and Olga,the guys were DaveB,DaveN,JohnK,a new JohnD( not our JohnnyD)and myself making nine riders.It was smooth sailing to Conte's with some breakaways and a nice steady pace maintained by the rest under a clear sky and great temperature conditions. At Conte's we saw dark clouds forming to the north,we knew there would be rain on our return.Chatter ,laughs,and donuts at Conte's before our shower,it dumped on us on McKinnemanRd. then cleared.Though soaked to the bone our spirits were still high.The riders were out to enjoy the day and a hellacious rain was no problem for them.On the serious side everyone handled a dangerous situation extremely well.I computed 32.57 miles in 3 hours and 9 minutes.Once again I had coffee and donut at Conte's sat at the north end of the table and was left alone by the flies,I think I've solved my fly problem at Conte's.Next problem is JohnK sneaking pics before and after the rides,believe me folks his camera puts 50lbs. on me,the donuts have nothing to do with it.It was a very good group and except for the downpour a good ride also.

Friday, Aug 12

Beautiful day for a bike ride.
Thank you all for a warm "welcome back"
Thank you Bill for another great ride.


Where is Bill?
Ah, there he is.

Carl has a new shirt. Nice !

Good to meet you Chris A. and Dave N. Good breakaways Fran, Kathy, Yoli, Eloise and Chris, and Carl.
And Cindy was on board in good form.
Great to be back. :) I hope I can join the group more often.
John
(click picture for a larger view)

Friday August 12 "Weather Made For Cycling"

Beautiful day for a ride and ten of us took advantage of it.Arrived at Southampton to find Kathy,Eloise,and Carl.Fran pulled in before I had the engine shut down.ChrisA,Yoli,then JohnK,next came DaveN followed by Cindy.Some really good smiles even before we started to ride.Mirror Lake was our destination and the group used about 7 miles for warm-up before takeing advantage of breakaways.When I called a turn or an obstacle it sounded like a choir behind me,the pack mentality was in effect and the group was into it.A lot of chatter behind me which is always a sound of happiness,even got me involved when Kathy and Eloise came to the front and got me talking.The day was beautiful,the group was fantastic and I truly believe everyone enjoyed the ride.It's nice to see people return to ride and meet someone new like DaveN who rode with the group back in the day.Comments were made about how calm and pretty Mirror Lake appeared.Today was a positive,upbeat,pleasant ride and I thank you all for the experience.Clocked 32.50 miles in 3 hours and 9 minutes. Hope to see everyone again soon. Bill

Tuesday August 9th

Fran,Olga,Nancy,Chris,JoeT,Dave,and myself for this ride.Duke was at the parking lot,but received a phone call and left,come back Duke we miss you.Went out of Lumberton and did 10miles on the east side of 541 with a break at SJ Regional Airport.Over to Kirby'sMill(tried to relate the mill to Derwin Kirby but this group is wise to me),down ChurchRd,across ChairvilleRd.,then down Hawkins.A lot of breakaways,miles adding up,and a fast pace.This caught up with a rider at 206 and we stopped the ride there.Dave called his wife,Judith,and she gave an auto ride back to Lumberton to the downed rider.We all thank Dave and Judith for their aid and kindness.The rest of us returned to Lumberton with 32.95 miles.The strickened rider is fine,played golf on Wed.and walked a good distance on Thursday.

Friday August 5th

Today we had five riders,Yoli,Eloise,Carl,JohnD,plus me leave from Southampton to Conte's via Retreat Rd.Very nice day,easy pace,and when I called breakaway ,Yoli and Eloise would pick up speed.JohnnyD was content to just get miles in and paced himself behind me,he's doing alot of riding,some at night with a C+ group,I think he's become the premeire rider amongst us.Good for you John,keep it up!Carl was steady again as sweep.Now the flies at Conte's have been giving me some bad bites so I purchased a coffee and apple cider donut and stood at the north end of the picnic table.Don't know if the flies are trained or if I tricked them,but I got no bites.We returned in three hours and traveled 29.52 miles.At the end Yoli stated that she greatly enjoys the rides and feels a sense of camradarie.I think she spoke for all of us.

Tuesday August 2nd " Murphy's Law Ride"

 Nine of us went out from Lumberton on this ride.Kathy,Nancy,Chris,and Barbra,also JoeT,Jukka,Rich,Dave,and myself.Things were rolling along until we were missing one rider after crossing Rt.38.Soon a phone rang,the missing rider was a 1/4 mile back with a flat.Got that fixed and we went into Railroad Ave. for a quick pit stop.Left the rest area and soon heard "rider off".Another rider with a small mechanical problem.Onward we go,when the light changed at 'Charlies' Other Brothers' ' I flew down that hill hopeing to make up time,left on Oxmead breakaway to stop sign at Jacksonville Rd. and regroup.Only eight heads,one missing.Back to the cell phones,made contact and regrouped at Maggie's famous 'nose bleed parking lot'.On to the bakery via WarnerRd.,the shade on WarnerRd. was much appreciated.We had a good break.Leaving the bakery a rider went down avoiding a car,bad knee scrape no scratches on new bike.Crossing Rt.38 a driver on a cellphone put a little scare into us.Murphy's Law,what can go wrong will go wrong.The up side, except for a bloody knee we all came back safe.I shortened the ride so we did 26 miles in 3 hours 22 minutes.I think we'll avoid Smithville Rd. for a while.
 Now Friday,remember the flies at Conte's? Do I bring a fly swatter or insecticide?Conte's flies can really hurt.

You Must Be Nuts Ride

Since Chris hasn't figured out how to post on the blog,  here's the report she sent to the email list --


YOU MUST BE NUTS RIDE 

That's what we heard from family and friends, but it did not deter Ross, Rich, Dave and Chris ( me) from  saddling up and pushing off from Panera's on Friday morning at 8 am lead by the  intrepid, NILES. We maintained a 15-16 mph pace with a couple break a ways and never missed a chance to gulp down  water at every stop sign. Cruising through shady Medford Lakes, we laughed and commented on how well we were doing. We're no wimps. Being a devoted follower,  as opposed to a leader, I can't account for the route details ( see Niles). However, by the time we hit the rest stop at the Wawa at Oakshade, god bless AC !!!! Do they rent rooms ?

 

We kept checking with each other as the temperature climbed to 101. We all agreed that we felt the temperature  the most the last 2 miles or so  riding back through Evesham.  I could feel my face burning with heat as I raised my head to check how much road remained.   We ended up with 31.8 miles, fine fellowship and something to talk about. Thanks, guys.

 

Christine Torello

Friday July 15 " Good Group,Good Weather ,Good Ride".

   Eloise,Fran,Yoli,Kathy,ChrisA,ChrisT,JoeT,JohnnyD,Ken,Carl,and I combined our efforts on a beautiful day and shared a wonderful ride to Mirror Lake.Riders paired into varous combinations according to pace or conversation and just enjoyed the day and ride.Not much to report except that we got our exercise,smiled alot ,did some laughing,and the outing was good.It was just simply good.Peaceful and contented are also fair assessments for the ride. The Mirror Lake ride is listed as 31.85 miles which with breaks we completed in 3 hours and 4 minutes.Post ride there is always an aire of accomplishment and friendship , today that seemed more so than usual.
  Wish to welcome Jane ,who has riden with us the past two Tuesdays,and ChrisA who rode today ,to the group. Feel welcome to ride with us whenever you can make it.

Tuesday July 12th " Bill,please avoid roads that have hill in their name"

Eight of us left from St.Peter's for W.Centenial and Little Mill Golf Course cutting thru a couple of developments to ease the pace and for a change of scenery.The day was supposed to be hot but the humidity stayed down and there was a nice breeze ,so the weather was better than predicted.We crossed from West to East Centennial on the foot bridge which is something we haven't done for sometime.A short break at Shamong Wawa on to Conte's Farm,where my ankles and lower legs were attacked by flies for the second trip in a row,next time I'll spend money and pick a different seat,see if that helps.Tried a new route on the return which required a little climb to reach Foxhill Rd.While regrouping Fran requested ,"Bill,please avoid roads that have hill in their name".I can go along with that,makes sense to me, but she didn't say anything about Mt..Overall it was a nice day and ride attended by Fran,Nancy,Jane,Chris,Joe,Ken,Jukka,and myself. We accomplished 31.7 miles in 3hours 22 minutes.The fly thing is really bugging me is it love or hate ? Do they enjoy biting me or hate me sitting in that spot? Got to get to the bottom of this,we have months to go in the cycling season and my threshold for pain is diminishing.Next ride someone ask me about flies and the Englishman,Scottsman,and Irishman.Until Friday you all take care of yourselves.

That bike's a classic.

a different boardwalk near N. Wildwood, June 2011

Sunset, under the boardwalk at Grassy Sound, NJ

From the cul-de-sac to the fishing house, the distance is about 900 ft.
This bike makes quick trips back to the van for small tools and materials.

If it only had a basket.

Friday July 8th "On The Town!"

  Started in Vincetown,used the Buddtown bypass(BurrsMillRd.) turned and made our way thru Pemberto(w)n headed to Juliustown.The little rise before the PostOffice was a workout for the group so we had a rest and water break.At this time I a told a detailed lie of how Juliustown was named after Julius Lanza the older brother of Mario Lanza,the group listened in awe and had a good laugh at the end when I owned up to the fib.On to Jobstown,where I started to state that the town was named after Job Lanza ,that's as far as I got on that fib.Groins,no laughs.Pit stop at Sprgfld.Muni.Bldg. then on the bakery(in Easthampto[w]n) via Warner Rd.for our break.Chris,Kathy,Fran,Eloise,Carl,Jukka,and the two Johns are back,JohnnyD and JohnK,making us nine.I clocked 32.4 miles in 3 hours 21 minutes,the pace was swift and the breakaways were swifter.I was very happy to see both Johns back,when their not on a ride something seems missing.
   I'd like to compliment the group for the courtisy you show to each other and how you look out for each other,it's a statement to the quality of our members and to some of the principles passed to us by Maggie.Maggie we know your practicing,when will we see you on a Tuesday?

Tuesday July 5th "Humid and Heating Up"

  It was humid at St.Peter's for our ride start and heated up as the day progressed.Fran,Nancy,Jane( a new retiree and strong rider),Dave,Jukka,and myself gave us six for the trip to Conte's with a short break on the way at the Shamong Wawa.The pace was swift as we traveled 33 miles with breakes in 3 hours and 20 minutes.Six riders for a day after a holiday seems like a good turn out,plus this is a big vacation week with many people away.Nancy mentioned how hot her water was,yet we still want to drink it,nothing of note to report, except all were glad to get the ride in and finish before it got to hot.

Friday July 1st " The Day Couldn't Be More Beautiful!"

  What a day for a ride,sunshine,blue sky,and green fields,add happy riders ,a few laughs and all is right in the world.Ten went out of Lumberton,riding some of the roads west of 541 with a short break at SJ Reg. Airport. The group consisted of Fran,Kathy,Chris,Eloise,Carl,Ken,Joe,Jukka,Duke back from O-hi-o,and myself.From the airport we went past the FlyingW and regrouped at Kirby's Mill,onto Vincetown via Chairville,NewFreedom,Eayrestown,HilliardsBridge,and Red Lion roads.One flat on MainSt. that Carl quickly changed then on to the bakery.I came up with 32.9 miles in 3 and a half hours.Just a beautiful day and a pleasant ride to send everyone off on the holiday relaxed and content. This weekend is about grilling and fireworks,enjoy both and if you cycle on Sunday or Monday wear the red,white and blue. Happy 4th of July to all!

Tuesday June 28th "Mother Nature Caught Up With Us."

  Well our string of beating the heat or rain ended today,had a good streak going guess we'll have to start a new one.Eight of us rode today,Nancy,Olga,Fran,Jukka,Ken,Dave,Niles,and me self.As our break at Conte's was ending we heard thunder off to the west and knew we were domed,got soaked before we made it to 206.Sought shelter at Murphy's Marketplace(good call Niles)and from there the group called in pick-ups and worked out getting back safe,which I believe was accomplished.I tally 25.6 miles in about 2 and3/4 hours with break. Glad that everyone is safe.
     Would the Photographer please post the pictures of his new trek bike that he is utilizing while on assignment out of town,this is truly a case of a picture is worth a thousand words.Until Friday,you all be good.

Friday June 24th "I'm new from top to bottom!"

Today 10 of us launched from Vincentown with Conte's the destination.Got my stats messed up so the guesstimate is 26 miles or so in about 2 hours 40 minutes.The riders were Yoli,Fran,Kathy,Eloise,Carl,
Chris,Joe,Jukka,JohnD,and myself.Have to admit that I struggled to Conte's even walked the hill at FoxchaseRd.(thanks for the companyChris)but being a good group,they had patience with me.Riders were able to breakaway but then the group had to wait for me to catch up.While at Conte's Niles led a small band from TeamEvesham in consisting of Olga,Ross,and Dave whom Fran worked with in a previous century.Had a change of route on the return useing 532 to OldIndianMillsRd.which has a nice
coasting hill bringing us out at HawkinsRd. about 300yds. west of 206.Something changed at this regrouping,when I called 'breakaway to stop sign 2 miles'I should have called'Katie nail the barn door shut'.People took off a'flyin',Jukka told me Fran was competeing with him,when he did 21,she did 22,so he did 23,so she did 24; people flew past me like there was free money at the stop sign.Even I hit 20 but backed off and stayed in the high teens.All in all a short but satisfying ride.
  At the pre-ride Jukka announced that" I'm new from top to bottom, a new helmet,new cycle shorts,and new tires" .  After the break we were all new with the speeds we were doing,and that was from top to bottom also. Jukka enjoy your new equipment for a long time.

Fran's Bagel Ride

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Fathers’ Day

Fran’s Bagel Ride, a “C” pace jaunt

There were eight of us that left Moorestown HS at 9:00 and returned at noon after a swift 30 mile loop. Only one flat at the Jersey bagel café.

Great group composed of Alan K, recumbent Jeff, Caroline C, tandem Steve & Brenna, red trek Chuck, Bill, and me. Thank you Alan for taking the sweep position.

Thank you all

Tuesday, June 14 from St. Peter's

here's a couple
more available

Tuesday June 14th "Flag Day" " U.S.Army's 236th Birthday"

"It's a Grand Old Flag and it's Red,White,andBlue",and so were we,I asked for the colors and I got them.This ride celebrated the two holidays with dress ,flags,and bunting.13 appeared for this ride but we lost Jukka with bike problems in the parking lot,it was like losing one of the original colonies,we were reduced to 12.Fran,Nancy,Barbara,Chris,Joe,Ken,Jim,JohnD,JohnV,Niles,Duke,and myself.Rode the Tabernacle Thirty with a few extra miles thrown in for a total of 33.1miles in about 3&3/4 hours.Jukka's flat,my flat,and JohnV's flat cost us time.Fran turned on the jets on AtsionRd.then Chris laughing as she flew by me and next Nancy ,all laughing like children.The weather was beautiful,high 60's,low 70's,blue sky.The group was awesome! Almost forgot,Olga joined us at Shamong Muni.Bldg.,so we traded a Finn for a Russian to make the 13th colony.There was a good bit of chatter on the ride and at Conte's.Three flat tires and I'm still calling it a good ride,now that's a good ride.People thank me after each ride and I appreciate it but keep in mind it couldn't happen without all of you.So with that I end with," and thanks to all of you".

Friday June 10th " Eastside,Westside,We Rode the Westside"

Just a nice easy ride starting inVincetown but crossing 206 and meandering thru the farmlands taking an hour to reach Lumberton for a short comfort break before making our way to the bakery.Ten riders participated, Olga,Fran,Eloise,Carl,Duke,Jukka,Ken,JohnD,Jim from Oregon,and myself. We traveled 29.1 miles in a time of 2:57:43 by my odometer and watch. Duke gave me a compliment for mixing the rides up,so let it be known that I'm open to suggestions,Duke stated that I'm not being 'stale' in my route picks.The day was a relief after the two previous scorchers,temps were still reasonable when we finished.
Hope to see a crowd on Tuesday at St.Peter's.

Tuesday June 7th "A Little Revervsal,A Little Something Different"

Twelve of us left from St.Peter's this morning with Nixon's the destination for a relief break,just as people settled into their rockers and got to rockin' I called " Saddle up!"and drew groans from the crew as we started down NewRd. headed to Conte's with Conte's at our back.Don't get me wrong this was a good bunch ,they gave up their rockers to ride a little further for break.After a break at Conte's we rode back on CaranzaRd. to I think it's called DingletownRd. crossed 206 thru five points and cycled our way to Stokes & Tuckerton Rds.,we then enjoyed the rolls on Stokes Rd. into Medford Lakes,from there an easy pace back to St.Peter's.Stats for the ride courtisy of JohnD.'s GPS are 30.31 miles at13.04mph average in 2:19:28 peddling time.Total time I have 3:24:32.Today's riders were Kathy,Olga,Chris,Nancy,Barbara,
and Dori,for the guys we had JohnD.,Duke,JoeT.,Ken,Jukka, and myself. Miss our photographer,hope he makes it Friday(hint,hint). Good to have JoeT. back,looks strong as ever.The day was beautiful and the group was good,let's hope for the same for Friday.

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

Terrific report Bill.
Beautiful Day, smooth flat roads and 120 other nice folks on the ride. Thank you very much Bill for driving.

Wednesday June 1-11

The only picture from this ride, Wed, June 1st.
From Lumberton and stopped at Smithville & Old World Bakery.
About 79 at the start and 87 degrees at the finish.
This bike puter has 13.6 mph avg for the 23.9 mile ride.
John V

Saturday June 6th "Get Ready Metric Century"

Four of us,Chris,the two Johns,and myself traveled to Fort Mott,Pennsville,N.J. for this ride.Thanks to John Keeley we were able to go together in one vehicle and have lots of laughs both ways.The day was beautiful as we biked 32 miles through marsh and farm land.For most of the ride there was little or no traffic,or buildings for that matter.There was a fenced area that had about forty goats in it,is there a special term for a large group of goats?We had a fast pace,13.93mph,and completed the ride in2:17:49 of riding time.Stats are provived by JohnD and his gps ,so we're getting precise numbers.This ride was sponsered by the South Jersey Wheelmen of Vineland,had sag support,stocked rest areas,and post ride hot dogs under the Riverside Pavilion that produced laughs with the cook(chef they're ready when they float)and the other riders.It was a day that was good for the soul and I thank my friends for the role they played in making that feeling happen.

Wednesday June1st "Beat the Heat"

We toke it easy out of Lumberton because of the heat wave and managed it well doing 23.7 miles in 2hours and 34 minutes at an average speed of 13.8mph according to JohnD's GPS.The ride was uneventful except for us having 7 riders for the second ride in a row,if we have 7 on Friday will that have any meaning?The 7 were Chris,Fran,Olga,Ken,JohnD,JohnV,and myself.
Going home onRt.541 I noticed a cyclist riding on the right shoulder.As I closed in on him I realized he wore a blue and green kit that matched his bike,then I saw that it was LiquiGas.Apparently someone purchased Lee's bike with the kit to go with it .The timing is strange ,last saw that on the road exactly 51 weeks ago. If I see him again I'll have to stop and talk to him.He needs to improve his form in the saddle and learn to spin his crank.It's good that LiquiGas is again on the roads of Burington County.

Wednesday May31st "Those Lazy,Hazy Days of....what it's still spring?"

Hard to believe we were cycling around rain and strong winds not long ago and now it's like August.We had seven for today's ride and they were magnificent .Fran,Olga,Chris,Jukka,Duke,JohnD,and myself.Did the TabernacleThirty-plus for a distance of 34.2miles completed in3hours 35minutes.The ride was done at a brisk pace so the time doesn't truely reflect our efforts.Our arrival at Conte's was greeted by Maggie and Carol who came out to surprise us and they did.There was a bit of "catching-up" done and talk of the two re-joining us later in the year.Both are missed and their return would be a joy.No pics today as we had no photographer,but if you look at the last rides pics ,the three horizontal pics at the top left,in each pic I'm losing peoples attention and I'm getting the message "Stop talking and ride!".LOL!

Bill, this bike puter says 13.4 avg mph for today's ride.