While most would apologize for the lack of posts or updates, I’m only going to say I hope everyone in Ohio has been on their bikes over the past couple weeks. It’s been way too nice to sit inside and write about stupid rides.
I’ve got out on a bunch of rides and have been on the rollers just as much. To spare you all the boring details, I’ve decided to go with my best and worst ride. Additionally, I’ve decided to detail my most and least rides.
Let’s try this out.
Best Ride
After a Tuesday lunch shift, I met up with Tom Herman. It was 60°F and partly sunny. There was a tough southern wind gusting to about 25mph. Mistakenly we began to ride north. About the time we got to Powell we realized our mistake and continued to head north. We made it O’Shaugnessy Reservoir and turned south in to the wind. Strikingly, I felt great. Mashing in to the wind never felt so good. By the time we got back to Hilliard, just in time to head east, we picked up a slight tailwind. The rest of the ride was incredibly relaxing. We made it home and drank a few beers.
Worst Ride
Twelve hours after riding with Tom, which was arguably one of the better rides of my cycling life, I went out for a long ride with the Real Deal Tony Viton. From the start I never felt right. I was drained from the day before. Luckily, Tony is a great guy. I made it in poor fashion to Granville. We got a coffee and a bite to eat and began to head back in to the wind. With nearly 40 miles remaining, and just as much in to the wind, I bonked. Tony was kind enough to let me sit on his wheel and pulled me back to Columbus. I owe him a beer for that one.
Favorite Ride
While it was my worst ride to date, riding to Granville with Tony was my favorite. Riding northeast out of Columbus is about as easy as riding southeast. The roads are quiet and well paved. Plus the riding out that direction is endless. It’s possible to ride directly in to Granville or do a loop and come in the other side of town. If you desire elevation, there is plenty. It’s also possible to get a flat ride out there as well. I hope to get out that way more often and hopefully I can return the favor at some point.
Least Favorite
Battelle Darby Park is one of my favorite metro-parks. It has a giant valley, bison roaming the rolling praires and miles upon miles of hiking trails. However, getting there by bicycle is an issue. The only way out is through the southwest side which is easily the most congested part of the city. Most roads are either wide four lane semi-highways or ill-paved two lane roads. Add a common westerly wind and the ride turns monotonous quickly. However, once out of the south side, the roads are typically quite calm. That particular day, I didn’t feel like bothering with traffic and impatient drivers. I chose the wrong route. Hopefully I’ll find another way out of Columbus, or just ride elsewhere.
I won’t lie, I miss the atmosphere of ‘cross season, but a break from racing every weekend has been nice. I’ve been using the days wisely. Waking up late, making breakfast with Sami and spending all day doing shit that is relaxing and fun. I’ve been reading more, drinking less (to an extent) and feeling much better about myself.
That being said, I kind of have the bug to race.
Next time I’ll have more pictures. Promise.
Spencer
