Marmots' Meander Ride - Cleveland OH Feb 4th - Winter Social Ride - Sledding/Ski Bike

[sonatageek]

direct from their website:
http://ohiocitycycles.org/

marmot on seat smaller.jpg
On Saturday, February 4th 2012, please join us, (and invite your friends) to enjoy the winter weather and look for signs of Spring on the 9th Annual Marmots' Meander post-Groundhog Day Ride.

Not sure you can (or want to) ride in the cold? It's not as hard (or miserable) as you might think -- take a look at our Winter Riding Tips (and preview our chili recipe*).

Meet (at OCBC) after 10am, ride leaves around 11am. Supper* served (back at the new shop) beginning at 1pm.

Ride (6 to 40 miles, flat terrain) to Clark Field sledding hill (3 miles); stay for sledding, or continue to the new Ohio Erie Canal Reservation Mountain Bike Trail (7 miles); ride the trail (if it's not wet) and/or continue south on the Towpath Trail into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Return on the same route**.

Helmets are required (loaners available), and mountain bikes are recommended (a limited number are available for rent, or for loan to members who clean and tune them up afterwards). Bring any sleds, skis or snowboards you can carry (some loaners will be provided, and transported). We'll break out our old ski-bikes, and try out the newest version -- a ski that straps onto any bike's front tire. Bike-washing equipment and shop stands for drying and re-lubing will be available after the ride.

* Hot Cider and Cocoa will be provided at the sledding hill; supper is vegan Chili with meat and dairy on the side. Potluck side dishes and beverages are welcome.

** Some members will be carrying tools along, but this is an unsupported ride. Bring a lock if your bike will be unattended.

This event is free and open to all, but of course donations are always appreciated to pay for food and heat, and to help fund our year-round bicycle education work.
We hope to see many of you there -- Think Snow!

[sonatageek]

Here is what gets attached to a bike to convert it to a ski-bike.



And here is someone ready to glide down the hill at last years ride:

[sonatageek]

Less than a week to the Marmots event. Given how this winter has been going it is anyone's guess if there will or won't be snow.

[thestoutdog]

Looks like 41 degrees and slightly overcast. My wife and son are going too, there's even talk about letting me ride a bit in this one.

[sonatageek]

Just got back from doing some volunteer clean up work in preparation for Saturday. When I left at about 8:15 there were still half dozen folks hard at work. The reconfigured retail area is really really amazing.

I will be working the registration table or selling 50/50 raffle tickets before the ride. Looking forward to seeing stoutdog again (met you at the ride a few years ago on the Summit Hike and Bike BF ride) and hopefully meeting some other BF folks.

[sonatageek]

Got back from the ride. It was a great time and I had a lot of fun getting to hang out with and talk with Stout Dog and his better half.

Anyone who thought about attending and didn't, well you all missed out on a great time.

[iforgotmename]

Great event...I will definitely be back.

[sonatageek]

Here is a picture towards the end of the day after the ride and the eating. If you look towards the back you can see a Stout Dog.

[thestoutdog]

Yup, that's me and the Mrs., we had a great time!