Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Adventures of Peter C. and Frank

remember, any landing you walk away from, IS a good landing!

And, some day...I too hope to sputter to a landing after such an event!

OK, Peter, it's time to start planning such adventures. Let me suggest a couple of inexpensive ones for you.

Pittsburgh to DC, of course, comes to mind. If you'd rather not do the whole thing, may I suggest Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD? This gets you most of the bridges and tunnels. Throw in the Montour Trail, which connects to the GAP, for an additional 40 some miles. If you camp and do your own cooking, the trip is surprisingly cheap.

Some stretches on the C & O are nice for adventures. The area from Cumberland to Paw Paw is a good 30 miles, and you get Paw Paw Tunnel. There's also the areas around Hancock and Harpers Ferry that have good trail surfaces and lots of surrounding history. Stay at the Hostel on the Maryland side of the Potomac across from Harpers Ferry, and ride from their, or the nearest trailhead, to Antietam Battlefield and the towns of Sharpsburg and Shepardtown.

Two other trails worth considering are the Erie Canal in NY State, and the canal towpath running south from near Cleveland. I've not ridden either, so I can't do much other than suggest them.

So, what adventures do you have planned for you and Frank? Please don't say "I'm not planning until I'm ready", because that means "I'm planning on not being ready."

OK - I won't say I am not planning any....

To be honest, here are my entry level plans...

First, stay real close to home until I can ride an hour or two without falling off, etc...meaning my personal training area (subdivision) bout 1/4 mile from home.

Second, drag my bike somehow down into Massillon, to Route 21 & Lake RD to the nearest junction of the bike paths around Mqassillon and Stark county... learn them, and ride them.

Third is the north-south route (bike path) from Akron down into Canton

Fourth is the canal towpath from one end of OH to the other (am told the enitre path is now open?) - most likely do that in parts

Fifth - route and ride to and from work before the end of July or so (my car route is 18 miles one way down I-77)

Sixth - this is where I (hope) to feel comfortable enough to ride with others, and by this time I hope to meet with folks to ride. Since I love to drive (remember, retired truck driver) going places to me is FUN!!! By then $$$ and budgets will be involved, so may or may not be able to do any over-nighters...

To be honest - all this is sitting in my head, and for months now while driving I have been watching the shoulder of the road - is this good for biking??? LOL

OK - I won't say I am not planning any....

To be honest, here are my entry level plans...

First, stay real close to home until I can ride an hour or two without falling off, etc...meaning my personal training area (subdivision) bout 1/4 mile from home.

Second, drag my bike somehow down into Massillon, to Route 21 & Lake RD to the nearest junction of the bike paths around Mqassillon and Stark county... learn them, and ride them.

Third is the north-south route (bike path) from Akron down into Canton

Fourth is the canal towpath from one end of OH to the other (am told the enitre path is now open?) - most likely do that in parts

Fifth - route and ride to and from work before the end of July or so (my car route is 18 miles one way down I-77)

Sixth - this is where I (hope) to feel comfortable enough to ride with others, and by this time I hope to meet with folks to ride. Since I love to drive (remember, retired truck driver) going places to me is FUN!!! By then $$$ and budgets will be involved, so may or may not be able to do any over-nighters...

To be honest - all this is sitting in my head, and for months now while driving I have been watching the shoulder of the road - is this good for biking??? LOL

Peter, when are you doing these things? Set dates. The biggest spur to my riding in 2007 was knowing I had signed up for a ride in September. You have a head start on me - you know how to ride a bike already.

BTW, do you have a medical condition that would make you more prone to fall off a bike than the average guy? Generally, if you can remain upright five minutes, you can remain upright five hours. Or five weeks.

Hehe - bad luck? my meaning was more that "when I can ride more than an hour or two without passing out, dying of exhaustion, etc"

At this point, call it an excuse or not - there is too much up in the air in my life right now to do anymore than - go to PT (as long as it lasts), ride at work on the stationary when I can, stare at my pretty nice new bike hanging above my car everytime I leave or come home - and keep my head down while we try to figure out more important things in life, like Cin not having a job, can we keep our how, my mother in-law's failing health, should we move in with her - and so on.

I thank you greatly for starting this thread! But at the point in time, my mental cup is filled to over-flowing. All I can say in my favor is I am not going backwards (least, not yet).

Historian, great topic.

Peter, I'll make an invite for a nice little ride. We can ride from the trail head of your choice to Canal Fulton. Smoothies from that little ice cream stand are on me. I have the idea that once we get some good weather you are going to be chomping at the bit to get out on your bike. It is like 18 miles R/T from Ernie's. But like I said, we can start from any trail head you want. If you feel you have overdone it at any point I can head back to get my truck and meet you at the nearest trail head. If you need to turn back, there will always be a next time.

You can call me any time you want to go.

Peter, you have an open invitation to come out here and ride. I still have my Trek Navigator, which is a comfort bike like your own. I can put you up at my place, and you can ride anywhere here, from the basic flat 7 miles near my home to 72 miles into Philadelphia and back.

It's six hours by car, and if you'd rather not drive, Greyhound has service between Akron and King of Prussia.

By the way, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath is a great place to clear your head when the mental cup runneth over.

Historian, great topic.

Peter, I'll make an invite for a nice little ride. We can ride from the trail head of your choice to Canal Fulton. Smoothies from that little ice cream stand are on me. I have the idea that once we get some good weather you are going to be chomping at the bit to get out on your bike. It is like 18 miles R/T from Ernie's. But like I said, we can start from any trail head you want. If you feel you have overdone it at any point I can head back to get my truck and meet you at the nearest trail head. If you need to turn back, there will always be a next time.

You can call me any time you want to go.

Now that is for sure a plan! I expect as soon as the temps get into the high 40s and sunny, I will start riding my 'test track' - once I see Frank will work in the real world, I do expect I will want to ride more and more (I really hope) - so this will be a great first ride with another (being so close and all) - thanks, and I WILL take you up on this....

Peter, that is great news. I can PM you my #. If you get some lights and a helmet we can hit some of the night time group rides out of Ernie's, Century Cycle and Summit Parks. Century's rides end at the Winking Lizard and Summit Parks rides end with campfire food or BBQ back at the starting point.

Peter, you have an open invitation to come out here and ride. I still have my Trek Navigator, which is a comfort bike like your own. I can put you up at my place, and you can ride anywhere here, from the basic flat 7 miles near my home to 72 miles into Philadelphia and back.

It's six hours by car, and if you'd rather not drive, Greyhound has service between Akron and King of Prussia.

Now, this too sounds quite exciting - one tiny little snag...see, as a married guy, with a wife that (currently) is NOT into biking (I do have hopes) - taking entire weekends from said wife is currently not too popular (snicker) - so I need to sorta work my way into this.

I of course would drive as that's half the fun! I wish to reserve that 'open invite' for at least summer of 2010! - With the stuff happening right now, I can not predict the future - are we moving in with my Mom in-law? All sorts of stuff is being discussed - so duties may change.

That said, this is something I WANT to do very much!! Just as when you come west, if you're in my area, I wish to ride with you, and give you a landing spot (may only be a sofa by then).

One of my sad truths is this; I have never really had anything that I looked forward to work out. before you say it!!!! So far, the plan with Frank seems to be working well, it will be ten weeks tomorrow, but, also ten weeks with no weight loss either... (no gain, but still), I bought my Bike on faith, and I stare at it every day, and I am riding the stationary bike least 3X weekly for 30 minutes - just explaining why I have never been one to plan much of anything in advance.

Cindy, will plan a vacation a year in advance, and count down day-by-day til it's time...

/boggle

But me, it seems that *something* always happens to nix whatever I was going to do...

So - I have plans (but not dates)

I formally accept both invites (but again without set dates - yet)

Please, allow me to make it to April - by then, life as a whole will have settled down, I should be outside riding by then (weather permitting), and hopefully off my pain meds completely by then.
Can that work?

Peter, that is great news. I can PM you my #. If you get some lights and a helmet we can hit some of the night time group rides out of Ernie's, Century Cycle and Summit Parks. Century's rides end at the Winking Lizard and Summit Parks rides end with campfire food or BBQ back at the starting point.

I have the helmet (bought with my bike)

/grin

No lights yet, but my birthday is coming soon, so I am hoping...

PM or email me at peter@putergeek.com - whichever you like :)

Have been reading bout the Century rides too - I will grant, there seems to be a lot to do around close to home - my fear is simply, can I keep up? I know what I could do 30yrs ago - today is way different - so it's scary tothink about group rides til I see if I can even keep up yet...

Now, this too sounds quite exciting - one tiny little snag...see, as a married guy, with a wife that (currently) is NOT into biking (I do have hopes) - taking entire weekends from said wife is currently not too popular (snicker) - so I need to sorta work my way into this.

I of course would drive as that's half the fun! I wish to reserve that 'open invite' for at least summer of 2010! - With the stuff happening right now, I can not predict the future - are we moving in with my Mom in-law? All sorts of stuff is being discussed - so duties may change.

That said, this is something I WANT to do very much!! Just as when you come west, if you're in my area, I wish to ride with you, and give you a landing spot (may only be a sofa by then).

One of my sad truths is this; I have never really had anything that I looked forward to work out. before you say it!!!! So far, the plan with Frank seems to be working well, it will be ten weeks tomorrow, but, also ten weeks with no weight loss either... (no gain, but still), I bought my Bike on faith, and I stare at it every day, and I am riding the stationary bike least 3X weekly for 30 minutes - just explaining why I have never been one to plan much of anything in advance.

Cindy, will plan a vacation a year in advance, and count down day-by-day til it's time...

/boggle

But me, it seems that *something* always happens to nix whatever I was going to do...

So - I have plans (but not dates)

I formally accept both invites (but again without set dates - yet)

Please, allow me to make it to April - by then, life as a whole will have settled down, I should be outside riding by then (weather permitting), and hopefully off my pain meds completely by then.
Can that work?

No, it can't. You can't plan to fail. You have to make yourself King, and you can't play the King thinking someone is going to play the Ace. You have to work towards your plans coming about. They may never come about, but that's a risk we all run.

I wonder if at some level it's not failure you are afraid of, but success. Are you afraid to succeed, Peter? Well, don't be.

Second weekend in in June, Peter. We'll ride over the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge, then climb around the 'mountain' to see Vincent Baptist, built in 1811. Lunch at Kimberton Whole Foods. If you want a short hike, there's Valley Forge a few miles away. Or we can ride down to Washington's Headquarters. Perhaps stop at John James Audubon's home at Mill Grove. I'll see if some of the local Clydes will turn out if you like. If not, that's OK too.

Please say, "Yes, Neil, I'll come", and then do so.

::waving hello:: We're scheduled for the gun show that weekend and I might be able to join you. I could bring an extra bike for Peter's wife... or she could park at the King of Prussia Mall for the day while we go on a bike-about. Lots for her to do in the area if she's not interested in riding.

Judy

::waving hello:: We're scheduled for the gun show that weekend and I might be able to join you. I could bring an extra bike for Peter's wife... or she could park at the King of Prussia Mall for the day while we go on a bike-about. Lots for her to do in the area if she's not interested in riding.

Judy

Great. What a trio. Two guys with knee replacements and one guy with crooked legs. :-)

::waving hello:: We're scheduled for the gun show that weekend ....

I'm there!

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs176.snc3/20370_1261696755004_1607271639_639499_4673584_n.jpg

No, it can't. You can't plan to fail. You have to make yourself King, and you can't play the King thinking someone is going to play the Ace. You have to work towards your plans coming about. They may never come about, but that's a risk we all run.

I wonder if at some level it's not failure you are afraid of, but success. Are you afraid to succeed, Peter? Well, don't be.

Second weekend in in June, Peter. We'll ride over the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge, then climb around the 'mountain' to see Vincent Baptist, built in 1811. Lunch at Kimberton Whole Foods. If you want a short hike, there's Valley Forge a few miles away. Or we can ride down to Washington's Headquarters. Perhaps stop at John James Audubon's home at Mill Grove. I'll see if some of the local Clydes will turn out if you like. If not, that's OK too.

Please say, "Yes, Neil, I'll come", and then do so.

What to say? It has nothing to do with fear of "failure" (or success) that makes me hesitate, unlike many people, I have never been one to plan *anything* far in advance, plus I believe in "walking before running"...

Yes, I am working hard to get Frank and I to work well together, both PT, and different things outside of PT (anyone walk 500 yards every day backwards? Trying to break the limp after 30yrs is tough).

I guess you will need to call it as you like Neil, yes, I want to come, yes, it sounds like great fun, and I am excited just thinking about it, but, today I can only say Yes, if nothing changes in the meantime? Of course, firming it up as we get closer is only reasonable, but 5-6 months out, I just don't (and haven't) make plans.

Call it a desire to not risk disappointment, or whatever?

Which is better? To say "Yes Neil, let do it"... and then in May a conflict of some kind arises so I have to cancel, or, say "Neil, this sounds like a great plan, let's firm it up 4-6 weeks before?" ?

And, by all means, anyone is welcome in my book! I'm the kind of guy that buys that vacation insurance - the one time Cin planned a vacation to Mexico a year in advance I insisted on it - yes, we went, so it was a waste of $$$, but all the huricanes almost cancelled the trip too - point is in JAN, I cannot set something up for the second week of June - - - if nothing new goes wrong in my life I would LOVE to do this, and am more than willing to plan on it barring any conflicts coming up, and as the time draws closer - we'll know for sure.

Can you accept that? If not, I am sorry. That's just me, the guy that I am. I get bugged when my wife buys tickets to an event 4-9 months prior (yes, I know, that is how it works) - there have been times the tickets were a waste too! As something changed, or came up, or created a conflict so we could not go.

I just wish you could read my words and understand that this is just who Peter Crockett is? I am not a flake, and I never let anyone down - part of that is because I do not "yes" until I *know* I can do something...

/bleh

See writing is tough, it is so easy to take it in a way it is not meant.

I am thrilled at both the offer and the plan. I can not think of anything I would rather do. All I can say is ask me in April if you would still like to plan for middle of June.

10 weeks after the knee replacement (and all the other stuff in my life since) makes want to plan nothing right now - sorry Neil, that's just where I am at...

::waving hello:: We're scheduled for the gun show that weekend and I might be able to join you. I could bring an extra bike for Peter's wife... or she could park at the King of Prussia Mall for the day while we go on a bike-about. Lots for her to do in the area if she's not interested in riding.

Judy

Thanks for the offer, but Cindy would not come - least not at this point - her Mom is not doing well, so Cin will not be more than a few minutes from home until something changes, most likely, we're moving in with her to help care for her. Let's see what the nex few months bring?

It's on the calendar, Peter. Don't let Judy and I down!

Oh, and for the record folks, since it comes up often enough - Judy and I are not a "couple." :-)

Hey Guys? Some of my concerns have been dealt with... Click Here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?622307-Peter-C-s-Early-Birthday-It-s-a-Bicycle-Birthday!&p=10407595#post10407595).

I am now the proud owner of my own bike rack!

No, it can't. You can't plan to fail. You have to make yourself King, and you can't play the King thinking someone is going to play the Ace. You have to work towards your plans coming about. They may never come about, but that's a risk we all run.

I wonder if at some level it's not failure you are afraid of, but success. Are you afraid to succeed, Peter? Well, don't be.

Second weekend in in June, Peter. We'll ride over the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge, then climb around the 'mountain' to see Vincent Baptist, built in 1811. Lunch at Kimberton Whole Foods. If you want a short hike, there's Valley Forge a few miles away. Or we can ride down to Washington's Headquarters. Perhaps stop at John James Audubon's home at Mill Grove. I'll see if some of the local Clydes will turn out if you like. If not, that's OK too.

Please say, "Yes, Neil, I'll come", and then do so.

So Peter, you are saying "Yes, Neil, I'll come," correct? I need some time to 'readd up' the local countryside.

Yes, Neil, I'll come, I think :)

It's been on my calender for some time, so, barring any floods, etc...I will be there! (but maybe not the short hike, eh?)

And - the more slow movers that want to come, the more fun I think? (I have no idea how slow I will be then)...

But I plan many 'practice' rides with Mr Danw here locally as soon as the weather gets a bit better!

Yes, Neil, I'll come, I think :)

It's been on my calender for some time, so, barring any floods, etc...I will be there! (but maybe not the short hike, eh?)

And - the more slow movers that want to come, the more fun I think? (I have no idea how slow I will be then)...

But I plan many 'practice' rides with Mr Danw here locally as soon as the weather gets a bit better!

No hike?! You don't want to climb Mount Misery? :-)

OK. How long are you staying? I want to plan enough rides for you. One day for the little trip through the French Creek valley, and one day for riding parts of the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen Trails. 17 miles covers the French Creek Valley, and 20 should give you the taste of the SRT and PT. After the ride we can see Valley Forge - it's not that far to walk a little in the park.

I'm more excited about this than perhaps you are. I love to show off this beautiful countryside.

We will need to decide that as we get a bit closer. As my job rather sux, in the last seven years I have spent 4 of them working on Sundays. Currently, I do not, and I hope to not have to for a few more years to come.

What is in my head (right now) is to drive done late Friday night (I love night driving), but would need to be actually home no later than 7PM on Sunday evening, as Mondays at my job are very stressy - so I must get good sleep Sunday night - as i have not routed and ran miles yet, am not sure of my driving time - so really it will be your call as to how long you want to put up with me :)

Plus, I want to get a feel for how many miles I can do in a day, and how I will feel the next day - do not yell at me, I have 20+ yrs of needing recovery time after any special activity, and while I sincerely hope that is behind me, simply will not know until I start real riding - so am planning multiple Saturday AND Sunday rides close by to learn.

Another possibility depending on wearing out my welcome, and your work too - is I may take a bit of vacation time and extend the stay a touch? Subject to Cindy and her thoughts of course...but I too am rather thrilled about this trip - it all hinges on what Frank will really allow me to do - if I am crippled the day after - no point in more than a one day ride, right?

We will need to decide that as we get a bit closer. As my job rather sux, in the last seven years I have spent 4 of them working on Sundays. Currently, I do not, and I hope to not have to for a few more years to come.

What is in my head (right now) is to drive done late Friday night (I love night driving), but would need to be actually home no later than 7PM on Sunday evening, as Mondays at my job are very stressy - so I must get good sleep Sunday night - as i have not routed and ran miles yet, am not sure of my driving time - so really it will be your call as to how long you want to put up with me :)

Plus, I want to get a feel for how many miles I can do in a day, and how I will feel the next day - do not yell at me, I have 20+ yrs of needing recovery time after any special activity, and while I sincerely hope that is behind me, simply will not know until I start real riding - so am planning multiple Saturday AND Sunday rides close by to learn.

Another possibility depending on wearing out my welcome, and your work too - is I may take a bit of vacation time and extend the stay a touch? Subject to Cindy and her thoughts of course...but I too am rather thrilled about this trip - it all hinges on what Frank will really allow me to do - if I am crippled the day after - no point in more than a one day ride, right?

You are welcome to spend a few days here. Keep in mind that I may not be able to take time off from work - I've booked all my vacation time for my August tour. Also, keep in mind the place is a zoo, almost literally. You would be staying with two South African land tortosises, assorted turtles, fish, a gecko named Florida and a beagle named Eddie. (Don't worry, they are all in cages aside from the beagle.)

If I stay with you, do I get to borrow Eddie? (As I will miss Nyla, Sammie, and Bru terribly!) - my three dogs I visit friends to see friends, not to inspect homes...like I said, you are welcome to flop at our place (inside or out) on your trip this way - but if inside, you'd best like warm dogs, wet noses, and floating dog hair here and there...

Anyhow, this is all subject to work, weather, wife, and Frank - so we can firm up the details as we get closer - at this point COUNT on a Full and complete Saturday as a minmum - just so I have my dates right? You have been referring to Saturday 06-14, correct? Whether I sleep in my car, or invade your abode at 3AM, I would be there and rested, and ready by nice and early Saturday AM - the rest is open to what the near future provides!

If I stay with you, do I get to borrow Eddie? (As I will miss Nyla, Sammie, and Bru terribly!) - my three dogs I visit friends to see friends, not to inspect homes...like I said, you are welcome to flop at our place (inside or out) on your trip this way - but if inside, you'd best like warm dogs, wet noses, and floating dog hair here and there...

Anyhow, this is all subject to work, weather, wife, and Frank - so we can firm up the details as we get closer - at this point COUNT on a Full and complete Saturday as a minmum - just so I have my dates right? You have been referring to Saturday 06-14, correct? Whether I sleep in my car, or invade your abode at 3AM, I would be there and rested, and ready by nice and early Saturday AM - the rest is open to what the near future provides!

Yes, you can adopt Eddie, as long as you don't let him jump on furniture. After having surgery last fall to repair a disc in his back he's the most expensive canine in this part of PA. Here he is before his accident being doubly bad - not only was he on the chair, but he stole laundry too. He has no shame.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2661956387_c4a3db63eb_b.jpg

Peter, here's a useful link for you. :D

http://www.ohiobikeways.net/regionlist.htm

So, as long as I pick up Eddie he can sleep with me - cool! I too have had spendy vet bills over the years, but what do you do but pay em? He's a cutie, and the way i see it, you must have dropped that article on the floor, and Eddie just found it for you!

Thanks for the link Tom - great timing - just tested out my new Bicycle rack, so no reason (other than it's cold) to try these places out. Now, to teach Nyla (my 3yr old GSD) to run next to me without killing me, and we'd both get lots of exersize~

Historian, great topic.

Peter, I'll make an invite for a nice little ride. We can ride from the trail head of your choice to Canal Fulton. Smoothies from that little ice cream stand are on me. I have the idea that once we get some good weather you are going to be chomping at the bit to get out on your bike. It is like 18 miles R/T from Ernie's. But like I said, we can start from any trail head you want. If you feel you have overdone it at any point I can head back to get my truck and meet you at the nearest trail head. If you need to turn back, there will always be a next time.

You can call me any time you want to go.

It's getting to be bout that time! - What around here is fairly flat? Where can I for a nice 5-9 mile mostly (if not all) flat ride? I AM chomping at the BIT to start! _ got the bike rack, got the gear, got the lighting, now I need to get miles...

The Sippo Valley trail would be decent right now. Well, some of it. It is paved from 17th street nw Massillon, about halfway to Dalton. It is a Rail-to-Trail so it is relatively flat. there is a slight false flat on farther down toward Dalton. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=mqi&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&resnum=0&q=17th%20st%20nw%20massillon%20oh&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl
Here's a map. The trail is right up the hill from the main parking lot.

OK - cool! I thought it was ALL paved? From 17th to route 21 and lake RD, is it paved? Lots to learn bout all the paths...wish there was a "paper" map with all the bike paths, tow paths, etc listed...

From Lake to the via-duct is paved. There is a lot of unfinished path. some is dirt, gravel or chip and seal.
From the west side of the via-duct to 17th is closed b/c someone burned the bridge a couple years ago.
The longest paved stretch runs from Lincoln park to maybe Deerfield Rd.

OUCH! What about all the "Tow Paths" Like the North (Cleveland) to south (OH river) path? I thought I read it was finished?

What about the multiple paths around Akron?

Unpaved, but firm is fine when dry, but no thanks for the next month or two...

I kinda thought "tow paths" followed the canel and where like completely level? No?

I know I need to do hills in time, and I want to be able to do whatever is in front of me, but, right now, I *think* level is bout all I can handle?

FYI - 30yrs ago, living in Portland, Oregon a popular day ride was from Gresham, OR to "Goverment Camp, OR". (Gresham is a eastern small town just outside Portland. and, Goverment Camp, is the HWY 26 summit of "MT Hood" (snow and skiing year round, like around 14K elevation (?? not sure) at the summit, and bout 150 feet elevation in Gresham) - bout 47 miles each way on HWY 26. Super tough one way, and a total blast (if your brakes held) the other.

I did that ride 5-6 times one year on a "10-SP" 27LBS "Le Tour"- stock gears too - I think we'd make 5 or 7 stops going up, take like 6 hours, and coming back would be around an hour.

From Goverment Camp, there is a 6 to 7 percent constant climb switchback to go to "Timberline Lodge" - that, I never did do, died like less than one of the 14 miles of that road.

Now at 48 and like 170LBs heavier, I know I will never be that good again...but...in time, I want to be able to do whatever I happen to ride to without coughing up a lung or anything - (Yes, Neil! That is a GOAL!!)...

Subject change ~

That reminds me... People have stated, that without goals, and deadlines, I am expecting to fail, or want to fail (yes, I *fear* failing)...

But I do wish to point out, that if someone were to go to the very beginning, and read all of the posts both written by me, and written to me, you will see I am either on schedule, or ahead of schedule by most any metric. Honestly, when you look back at what all had to be achieved, I believe I've not wasted much time at all, nor have I back-slid much (need more after surgery weight loss). See, I think, that because I kept my goals rather open and small (with a few long term, down-the-road goals mixed in) I didn't have to deal with *failure* - which would cause me to consider giving up. Gotta remember here, motivation is never the issue!! in 2009 I almost died twice - I've had the wake-up call!

Anyhow - now i don't really know why I wanted to point that out - lots of what I write is simply for me to see in print - not every post will have value...

To avoid hills your best bet will be to hit the Sippo Valley Trail at Bison St. Go east until the hill and head back past your car until you run out of pavement. And repeat.
I've been on the wet unpaved trails here and you may as well be riding on 2 flat tires.

WOW - that sure sounds like FUN!

Time to explore I guess - Someone call Sam and say your from the BikeForums and he needs to hurry and get Peter his bike back cuz he's having withdrawls and driving you guys nuts <GRIN>

Sam who? I'll bet he understands a serious bicycle jones.

My favorite LBS (http://bisesis.com/) of course :)

The downside of special order tires, is when one fails, he must special order it's replacement! But, I do favor Marathon tires, and a 26 X 2.00 is not too common it seems.

Ah well, I have waited this long, a bit longer will not harm me! But, tis a shame to waste such fine weather!

June 12, 2010

The Historian's Covered Bridge Ride! Open to posters to the Clyde/Athena Forum.

25 miles in the French Creek Valley. Route will include the three surviving covered bridges over French Creek (Kennedy - built 1856, Rapp's Dam, 1867, and Sheeder-Hall, 1850), Kimber Hall (Underground Railroad station), historic churches and other buildings, and French and Pickering Creeks. 1400 feet of elevation change over the ride. Departure time is 10:00 AM. Starting location is The Historian's driveway - PM him if you are coming so he knows how much space to create in the driveway. Also how much food to buy for lunch after the ride.

Bring helmets. This is a no drop ride. Riders understand that there are inherent risks in riding a bicycle, and The Historian is not responsible for any illness, injury, or death that may take place on the ride.

Disclaimer out of the way, most of the roads in the valley are low traffic, and drivers are used to seeing bikes around.

Special guest, Peter C. Come on out and meet him.

One small point to add? As this is a no - drop ride, and I am coming, and there are hills? Anyone can come, in any shape, as there will be a wait at the top of every hill for Peter to catch his breath (or finish walking up).

Thank you for putting on this ride! I am so looking forward to this! One question? As this is a *clyde* ride, will the old bridges hold up if we are all on them at the same time? <grin>

Are you worried there might be another 'Galloping Gertie"?

One small point to add? As this is a no - drop ride, and I am coming, and there are hills? Anyone can come, in any shape, as there will be a wait at the top of every hill for Peter to catch his breath (or finish walking up).

Thank you for putting on this ride! I am so looking forward to this! One question? As this is a *clyde* ride, will the old bridges hold up if we are all on them at the same time? <grin>

Since the bridges were upgraded for automobile traffic, I think we are safe. The only caution I would make is BE CAREFUL riding across a covered bridge. You do NOT want to get a tire stuck in a crack between the planks on the bridge floor.

PA, and Chester County, are notorious for switchbacks, so there's little I can do to avoid them. I think you will be OK on them, Peter.

Are you worried there might be another 'Galloping Gertie"?

I can't find a photo online, but one of my Richard Sanders Allen books on covered bridges has a historic photo of a steam tractor crashed through a bridge floor. I think Peter might have the same concern.

The more the merrier! And - am not worried at all, no drop means no drop, and I is who I is...that said, am working on hills on my evening rides - just as of today, no reserve at all - just ask Dan...

June 12, 2010

The Historian's Covered Bridge Ride! Open to posters to the Clyde/Athena Forum.

25 miles in the French Creek Valley. Route will include the three surviving covered bridges over French Creek (Kennedy - built 1856, Rapp's Dam, 1867, and Sheeder-Hall, 1850), Kimber Hall (Underground Railroad station), historic churches and other buildings, and French and Pickering Creeks. 1400 feet of elevation change over the ride. Departure time is 10:00 AM. Starting location is The Historian's driveway - PM him if you are coming so he knows how much space to create in the driveway. Also how much food to buy for lunch after the ride.

Bring helmets. This is a no drop ride. Riders understand that there are inherent risks in riding a bicycle, and The Historian is not responsible for any illness, injury, or death that may take place on the ride.

Disclaimer out of the way, most of the roads in the valley are low traffic, and drivers are used to seeing bikes around.

Special guest, Peter C. Come on out and meet him.

So far no interest. Sigh.

So far no interest. Sigh.

Sorry, I'm sceduled for overtime that weekend :(

Well, shoot! I'm coming unless it's cancelled. Mr Danw *was* 'thinking' about it... Nobody else huh? Neil - you sure you wanna put up with me all by yourself??

I am in! I will be going in Peter's car which is good b/c I may have to work Friday. Neil, I hope you don't mind if I camp at your house Friday evening.

I am in! I will be going in Peter's car which is good b/c I may have to work Friday. Neil, I hope you don't mind if I camp at your house Friday evening.

No, you and Peter are welcome. Also Saturday evening as well, if you like.

Well, is anyone else coming besides Mr Danw and I? All are welcome - and trust me, it *will* be fun!!

Well, is anyone else coming besides Mr Danw and I? All are welcome - and trust me, it *will* be fun!!

Sorry Peter, fun isn't allowed on any rides I lead.