It's just a bike!

"It's just a bike" is what I said to one rider this spring. He was suffering along Sharon Rd., one warm day toward the end of March. I passed him, cruising at around 30 on the flat stretch of road through Glendale. He was riding without a helmet! The helmet isn't on my head for the fact that I may "take a grinder" on the pavement. I wear the helmet because of the drivers who talk on cell phones while smoking cigarettes. I figure my chances of being taken out are better than the chances of taking myself out. I'll just keep my helmet on, thank-you. The rider stopped beside me at an intersection, and said "this is killing me, it's my first ride of the year." I told him, "It's just a bike..."

Saturday April 10, I explored a new route home from my Glendale loop ride, check it out here.. The new part of the route includes a ride through the neighborhood bordering Winton Woods Park. The route takes you past a section of the park, and back to a climb on Waycross, then onto a section of bike trail, (littered with broken glass, Gatorskin tire are wonderful!). Travelling through the park, there was a deer standing on the roadside. She just watched me pass like no big deal. I just knew she would cross right in front of me, causing me to brake hard or even take me out. The deer just stood there though watching me quitely go past.


Monday April 13, I rode with the Cincinnati Cycle Club on the Recovery Ride. There were 3 speed groups, "Did you see those riders?", "We're going to Catch Those Guys.", and "Where did they all Go?". Don't get me wrong, it was a great ride! I like to go fast as well. I just really hope someone in the group will pace down to allow newbies the opportunity to ride with the club. Fortunately, there was one rider who was willing to cover the slower paced rider last night. The Recovery ride is an excellent route, through the center of Cincinnati. If you plan to roll with these guy's just be advised they like to push, the fast group must have averaged about 20-22, and the intermediate group seemed to be more in the 17mph range.

(Addendum: For those who choose to ride the CCC Recovery Ride, typically 4 speed groups are offered. I'd put this one on my to do list!!)