Fifty Plus (50+) - Good Ride Yesterday

I took my motor home in for some work before vacation yesterday. I was able to wait, so decided to take a bike and ride. Bedford Reservation was only a mile away. Having never ridden there, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was able to find out the trail was 6.5 mi. and figured a few times around would kill some time, and give me some good time in the saddle. The trail is paved and hilly; predominantly downhill in the direction I was going. In places there were the signs with a bike on a hill indicating steep hills. The trail ended at a bike & hike trail that runs from Bedford to Stow, Oh. From there it's basically flat with a couple of short, steep hills. I headed south toward Stow. The trail follows a road for a mile or so at one point. I met a nice guy there who knew the trail, so I rode with him for awhile. We split up when I needed something to eat. After that, I headed south again making it nearly to Stow when I saw my new friend coming north. I turned around and caught up with him, and rode back to where his car was parked. From that point I had to go back through the Reservation..........up those hills. I was crawling up the steeper ones in the little ring. All in all, I had a great ride, made a new friend, and rode 42 mi. The longest ride for me to date. Rode my Trek 7500, BTW. This ride could be done on my road bike. I may just do that. ;)

I took my motor home in for some work before vacation yesterday. I was able to wait, so decided to take a bike and ride. Bedford Reservation was only a mile away. Having never ridden there, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was able to find out the trail was 6.5 mi. and figured a few times around would kill some time, and give me some good time in the saddle. The trail is paved and hilly; predominantly downhill in the direction I was going. In places there were the signs with a bike on a hill indicating steep hills. The trail ended at a bike & hike trail that runs from Bedford to Stow, Oh. From there it's basically flat with a couple of short, steep hills. I headed south toward Stow. The trail follows a road for a mile or so at one point. I met a nice guy there who knew the trail, so I rode with him for awhile. We split up when I needed something to eat. After that, I headed south again making it nearly to Stow when I saw my new friend coming north. I turned around and caught up with him, and rode back to where his car was parked. From that point I had to go back through the Reservation..........up those hills. I was crawling up the steeper ones in the little ring. All in all, I had a great ride, made a new friend, and rode 42 mi. The longest ride for me to date. Rode my Trek 7500, BTW. This ride could be done on my road bike. I may just do that. ;)

I sometimes think that the rides that just happen are the best. Great ride and a nice story. I'll bet you could really kick butt on your road bike...let us know how that goes.

I averaged 10.5 mph, the pace the guy I rode with was at. I generally average 12.5-13 by myself. On the road bike I think 17 or 18 wouldn't be out of the question.