LBC Rides from the Past - May 2005

Cornwall Furnace (A) May 1
The sun appeared just as we started the ride, and it turned into a beautiful, if windy day. No incidents to report although Jessica had a very close encounter with an apparently legally blind senior motorist. The main pack averaged 18 mph. Riders: Tim Ihrig (leader), Dan Newcomer, Tim Norejko, Scott Wagner, Paul Swarm, Ken Lessans, and non-LBC member Jessica Marcini.

Penn Run (C) May 1
We had wind speed of about 25 mph. This was a big factor on our ride, although the second half of the ride we had the wind behind us most of the time. Riders: Lloyd Melhorn (leader), Marilyn Gelsinger, Tim Good, John Gantz, Dirk Suereth, Steve Young, Joe Knepper, and John Peregoy

Northern Exposure May 1
Cool morning for a ride with a nice turnout for this somewhat hilly ride. Pleasant conversation and a lot of other cyclists on the road made this a very enjoyable ride. Visiting rider from Virginia, Ben Wyze, found his way from Columbia to Manheim for our ride and I can only assume he made it back to Columbia as well. Riders: Curtis Palmer (leader), Damon Schlott, Craig Shreiner, Sally Higgins, Ken Stadden, Denny White and Kyle Awkerman.

Chickies Creek Long (D) May 1
IF we would have had sails, we could have sailed the oceans blue!! However, all ten "buffed," fit, well-tuned bodies on this ride did well and had a marvelous time. Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leader), Ellen Koppenhafer (sweep), Jim Payton, Cindy Snyder, Karen Drawbaugh, Harry Campbell, Steve Holland, Brian Holland, Jim Wiley, Jennifer Stover, John Gantz, Dave Kessler, and Anne Schleef.

Schwing Ride (B) May 5
Riders: John Mullineaux (leader), Ed Fearnow, Dirk Suereth, Bill Ambler, Candae Deen, Ken Stadden and Mary Stadden

Northern Exposure (A) May 7
It was a great ride and fun group. We went into Lebanon County and had the roads to ourselves. The group stayed together and our average speed picked up after Mt. Gretna. Riders: Kyle Awkerman (leader), Warren Buch, Scott Hoffman, Scott Wagner, Marlin Hess, Rick Lehman, Paul Smeltz and non-LBC member Glenn Bastian.

Farmland Meander (C) May 7
The weather was great-clear, cool and breezy. One rider forgot his helmet and had to return home to get it causing a delay at the start. John Cardos did a great job as sweep having to help with several flats-2 on one bike. Riders: Paul Benham (leader), John Cardos (sweep), John Gantz, Ed Fearnow, Bobbi Fearnow, Roger Sheaffer, John Fowler, Rich Wagner, John Furry, Joe Knepper, Jim Bair, Ron Dillon, and non-LBC members Ron Callihan and Andrea Lommen.

Tour of Highville (A) May 8
Very windy conditions slowed the average speed for this ride, but it didn't stop Dale and Neil from breaking away from the ride leader. I managed to finish with a slow 16.5 mph average pace. Riders: Mark Buckwalter (leader), Tim Ihrig, Dale Burkholder, Rob Barber, Tom Hunt, and Neil Fickes.

New Holland Long (C) May 8
The wind was a factor for the second week in a row. It was from the North at about 20 mph. We traveled east and west so the wind was hitting us sideways most of the time. Riders: Lloyd Melhorn (leader), John Cardos, Jack Bingham, Andy Smith, and Doris Vela

Freeze & Frizz Is Where It Is May 11
Excellent night for the inaugural Ice Cream Ride. Judy was having so much fun that she decided to extend the time by having a flat tire. At Frizz and Freeze, Dick and the Richards' clan met us for ice cream. They were late due to a mishap on the way to the ride start. (If you want more details-ASK DICK!!) We rode back to the start and agreed it couldn't get much better (except maybe for Dick). Riders: Gary Musser (leader), Judy Hurlbut, Alan Hurlbut, John Cardos, Rodney Moseman, Dick Richard, Matt Richard, Ben Richard and Ellen Richard.

Gretna Grinder (A) May 14
We had a cool sunny day for a very hilly 47 mile ride. Tim Norejko, Mark Buckwalter and Dale Burkholder, along with Pittsburgh visitor Bill broke away on the Pinchtown Road climb, never to be seen again. Apparently, they made a wrong turn somewhere. Marlin Hess, Ken Lessans, Ed Fearnow and Brian (Fearless Leader) Sowatsky finished at a 18.9 mph pace. Riders: Brian Sowatsky (leader), Tom Hunt, Mark Buckwalter, Ed Fearnow, Marlin Hess, Dale Burkholder, Tim Norejko, Ken Lessans and non-LBC member Bill Ehlen.

Cain's Quest (B) May 14
Great weather for a fast 41-mile dash through scenic Lancaster County farmland. If you blinked, you might have missed the baby buffalo (bison?) and miniature horses. For some of us (mainly me) this ride could be nicknamed "Catch-up Quest." For a few others (not naming names!), "Cornfield Quest." It's a great route, worth repeating again in the summer and fall. Riders: Candae Deen (leader), John Mullineaux, Ron Lehman, Rich Wagner, Curtis Palmer, Rick Reisinger, John Ericson, Paul Yatabe, Dirk Suereth, Jeff DeLong, Ken Stadden, Vaughn Good, Mike Lutz, John Donati, Kyle Awkerman, Craig Shreiner, Scott Wagner, and Diane Lausman

Masonic Home Tour (C) May 14
We welcomed two new riders, who were only going to do half of the ride but enjoyed it so much they rode the whole ride with us. Lew had handlebar slippage problem at the start and Ray stayed and helped him tighten them. They rode with us for the first 20 miles then went back to catch the 1:00 ride with Mike Gibson. The rest of us stopped at the Freemason Culture Center's Three Loves Cafe for drinks and fresh baked snacks; then rode to view the beautiful clear vista from the ridge above MasonicHomes. Very nice ride and the weather was just perfect. Mary left us in Mount Joy to head home, and John Gantz in Landisville to catch the other ride at Lancaster Catholic at 1:00. The rest of the group headed back to Hempfield Middle School, but not before I missed a turn and took the next right but yelled too late and one bike turned and Dave flew over the handlebars but landed on one hand and his foot. Sorry! We all made it back to the school with no flats or lost riders. Thanks for another great ride. Riders: Judy Flowers (leader), David Flowers (sweep), Ray Landis, Lew Hershey, Steve Schmohl, John Gantz, Mary Stadden, Randy Haluck, John Peregoy, Dave Kessler, Non Members: Cecilia Good, Katie Chaddock

Roots Auction & Return May 14
It was a great afternoon for a ride. We were joined by a new member-John Walton, which brought the number of Johns on this ride to 5 (not a record, but close). After about 10 miles we broke into two groups with young John Walton going strong off the front. He eventually dropped back to ride with 3 other Johns and we all finished together. Riders: Mike Gibson (leader), John Mullineaux, Chuck Wissing, Tim Good, Craig Shreiner, John Cardos, John Donati, Diane Lausman, John Walton, Damon Schlott, and John Gantz.

Buena Vista (D) May 14
The rolling hills of this country ride did indeed offer "good views" of well tended Amish farms. We all had to portage our bikes across the RR tracks at Irishtown Rd. where new cement ties were being laid. The group stopped for Ice Cream at The Country Kettle in Intercourse. A hearty cheer was heard at the ride's end as 11 year old Susie completed her first LBC ride. Susie, you did well and we look forward to riding with you and your Dad on future rides. Riders: Judy Hurlbut (leader), Tony LaRosa (sweep), Harry Campbell, Mike Gibson, Steve Mentzer, Rich Williams, Susie Williams, Alta Nolt, Chuck Wissing, John McKelvey, Alan Hurlbut

Central Manor (A) May 15
Beautiful cool weather for bike ride. All finished at varying speeds, from 18.3 to 17.0 mph average. Top speed attained by Ken Lessans coming down Prospect Road towards 462 at 49 mph! Riders: Rick Lehman (leader), Scott Wagner, Paul Swarm, Angela Swarm, Mark Buckwalter, Ken Lessans, Tom Hunt, and non-LBC member Joe Hess.

New East Pete to E-Town (B) May 15
Nice early spring afternoon for a ride. Temperatures in the upper 60's to low 70's with a little bit of wind. No mishaps or flats to report. Leader lead from the rear at a 16.5 pace Riders: Damon Schlott ( Leader ), Curtis Palmer, Rick Reisinger, Mike Lutz, Dirk Suereth, John Donati, Diane Lausman, and Brian Mitchell.

Tour de Marietta (C) May 15
Riders: John Mullineaux (leader), James Wentz, Carl Kreider, Steve Gerber, Joe Knepper, Lou Gray, John Peregoy, Ed Fearnow, Bobbi Fearnow, and Kalya (?) Fearnow.

Meadow View (C) May 15
Riders: Jeff DeLong (leader), John Mullineaux, Steve Schmohl, Pearl DeLong, Dave Kessler, Rich Wagner, John Gantz, and Greg deVitry.

Another D Lightful Ride (D) May 15
Beautiful spring day with enough wind to challenge the riders: Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leader), Dottie Sheehy (sweep), John Hoff, Melissa Hoff, Roy Drinkwater, John Cardos, Linda Wright, Phil Wright, Doug Stark, Dana Hodges, Michael Riggi, Steve Mentzer, and non-LBC member Glenn Flick.

Ride to Schaefferstown (A) May 21
Hills and flats. Barry L. had 3 flats and called it quits. A great day and an outstanding climb to Cornwall. Riders: Ron Pfautz (leader), John Glick, Jesse Fluck (?), Mark Buckwalter, Marlin Hess, Paul Smeltz, Ken Lessans, Brian Sowatsky, and Barry Lavender.

CVHS-Churchtown 2 (B) May 21
We had a great day for a ride, despite some wind. In the middle of the ride, we encountered a bicycle race. I would like to say that we kept up with the racers, but that would not be truthful. Riders: Brian Mitchell (leader), Candae Deen, Dirk Suereth, Don Whitehead, Craig Shreiner, Mark Kaufman, Larry Keating, Bill Ressel, John Donati, and non-LBC member Ron Herr.

Back Run Ramble (C) May 21
What a group ride-28 came out to enjoy the sunny, pleasant, spring morning-sorry about the cookies-they didn't make any. Riders: Harry Campbell (leader), Chuck Wissing (sweep), Tim Good, Bob Brader, Mike Gibson, John Mullineaux, Steve Schmohl, Randy Haluck, Pearl DeLong, Jeff DeLong, Ron Dillon, Rich Wagner, Tom Mellinger, John Gantz, Jan Solkov, Lou Gray, Mary Stadden, Tim Barley, Sr., Dave Kessler, Mike Hendrix, Heidi Hendrix, Celeste Neuhard, John Peregoy and non-LBC members: Larry Shuchart, Brian Shuchart, Andrea Lommen, Andy Kaufman, and Teresa Ostrich.

Chimney Corner Restaurant (D) May 21
Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leader), Dottie Sheehy (sweep), Jim Payton, Janielle Willemin, Alan Hurlbut, Steve Mentzer, Alta Nolt, Bob Walker, and John McKelvey.

New Holland Dutch (D) May 21
The leader wishes to thank John Gantz while the rest of the group did a B pace. The group reorganized at the convenience store in Intercourse. John and I made a make-shift rest stop during the rainstorm. The B riders decided to get wet. Great ride for all. Riders: Gary Musser (leader), Ed Fearnow, Lou Gray, Mike Gibson, Tim Good, Don Newcomer, and John Gantz.

Turnpike Tour 2 (A) May 22
The wind was howling and it was an unseasonably cold day for late May. When we started at our East Petersburg Elementary base camp, a 20 mph head wind was to be a cruel omen of things to come. The only weather element that changed was the wind direction; it seemed to always be in our faces. The ride was classified as "rolling", but I suspect that was Gilberto Simoni's opinion. As mere mortals, we thought it was far tougher given the weather. I led this ride thinking it would be flatter than the usual "A" ride so my lack of conditioning wouldn't be so obvious. Dale "the diesel" Burkholder pulled the front gruppetto at nearly 19.5 mph for 44 miles on his new Felt. I pulled in a few days later as "ride leader", battered and dejected, just like Ivan Basso did at the Giro when he cracked two days later. Interestingly, Basso did win a stage over the snow covered Stelvio pass on the same day as this ride, and at the same average speed of 19.5 mph. The only difference was 4 categorized climbs and 3 times the distance. Everyone made it back (except Dirk "Mr. Shortcut" Suereth), including new riders Bret Levy, Joe Hess, and Billy Weisser… good job! Riders: Ken Lessans (leader), Dirk Suereth, John Donati, Dale Burkholder, Mark Buckwalter, Jerry Bryant, Bret Levy, Scott Wagner, Joe Hess, and Billy Weisser

Gretna Grinder (B) May 22
Riders: Damon Schlott (leader), Curtis Palmer Brian Mitchell, Kent Shirk, *Paul Yatabe, Marlin Hess, Rick Lehman, and non-LBC members John Davidson, *David Hamme, and Ben Reyes. * We bailed at 15 miles-it was just as windy coming back!

Farmland Meander (C) May 22
The rain stopped just in time for the roads to dry before our ride. The ride leader assisted the sweep with his duties and brought up the rear with additional help from Sylvia. Good ride . . . good company! Riders: John Furry (leader), John Cardos (sweep), Jim Payton, John Gantz, John Cardos, Tim Good, Craig Shreiner, Steve Schmohl, Candae Deen, Tom Mellinger, Rick Shoup, Steve Mazeski, Don Whitehead, Jeff DeLong, Pearl DeLong, Chuck Wissing, Sylvia Newcomer, Greg deVitry, John Mullineaux, Harry Campbell, Bill Ressel, Eric Kiett (?), Don Newcomer, and non-LBC member David deVitry.

Warriors Revenge (C) May 22
Beautiful day for a ride. Riders: Jack Bingham (leader), Ed Fearnow (sweep), Lou Gray, Bobbi Fearnow, Kolya (?) Fearnow, Nancy Youst, Rich Williams and non-LBC member Teresa Ostrich.

Round About Intercourse (D) May 22
We welcomed Bevalee Tshudy to her first LBC ride. Special thanks to Karen for doing double duty as nurse, tending to a rider (who shall remain nameless) who took a nasty spill; fortunately, she's okay, apparently post-ride ice cream helped recovery. Riders: Tony LaRosa (leader), Karen Drawbaugh (sweep), Alta Nolt, Ellen Koppenhafer, Steve Mentzer, Barb Koppenhafer, Dottie Sheehy, Erick Kershner, Darlene Kershner, Mary Boulanger, Beth Hendrix, Lisa Heck, Pam Klingensmith, Steve Holland, Mike, Debi and Bevalee Tshudy.

Ice Cream topped with Lititz May 25
The threesome enjoyed the ice cream and hot chocolate! Let's hope for warmer weather! Riders: Harry Campbell (leader), John Cardos (sweep) and Gary Musser.

Gauge Your Fitness (A) May 28
Beautiful spring morning with no wind for a change! One mechanical problem, Mark Buckwalter's frame broke. He had to hitch a ride back. It was a fast ride. Three riders finished at 21 mph with the rest of the group coming in at 20.1 mph. Riders: Scott Wagner (leader), Dale Burkholder, Ken Lessans, Barry Lavender, Ron Herr, Marlin Hess, Tod Dawson, Brian Sowatsky, Mark Buckwalter, Andy Charles and Tony Donati.

New Holland Reservoir (B) May 28
Beautiful weather brought out the masses. I arrived at the start to a very large group of cyclists in various stages of getting ready to ride. At first glance I wondered how I would ever be able to lead this group with any sort of order. Then I realized that another club ride was leaving from LCHS at the same time. The B riders comprised a more manageable 14 riders. Ron Herr performed his usual doling out of Power Bars (THANKS!) and the group had split into two distinct packs. Like any good leader, I spent time with them both. Kyle flatted on Stumptown which dropped him from the front group along with two others to form the tail end of our train. The former back markers, now the middle group, caught the front group when a rotated road sign caused confusion between Yost & Tabor Roads. With our pack all together again, we began to climb the "bump" in the middle of this mostly flat ride. By the time we reached the top of Reservoir Road, the pack was split in two again with Kyle and company still sweeping somewhere behind. The course is almost downhill from the mid-point so we flew back to LCHS incident free. The entire ride arrived within minutes of each other with average speeds around 17. A good time was had by all. Riders: Andrew Mead (leader), Ed Fearnow, John Donati, Cindy Davis, Tom Rauba, Rich Wagner, Matt London, Bob Colton, Dirk Suereth, Larry Keating, Diane Lausman, Kyle Awkerman, Tom Deblec (sp?), and non-LBC member Ron Herr

New Witness Tree Trek (C) May 28
Jim and I had a great plan before the start of the ride. But 10 other people spoiled it. From the start, it looked as though it might rain, but we were wrong-it poured!! Jim and Karen decided to turn back when the first few drops fell (smart move!) After a few more miles, Rick turned back, and a couple of miles later, 5 of us turned back as well. Jack, Rob, Tyler and Tim stayed on course. Not the best day for cycling but it comes with the territory. Riders: Mike Gibson (leader), Jim Payton, Rick Shoup, Karen Drawbaugh, Jack Bingham, Rob Leitch (?), Tyler Mack, Tim Barley, Sr., Bob Brader, Ed Fearnow, Kolya Fearnow and Bobbie Fearnow.

Nissley Vineyard (C) May 28
Beautiful sunny day-2 flat tires before we started. John Hoff had shifting problems and had to go back. Fast group went out ahead. Sylvia came late and rode the ride backward to find us. Everyone got back and had a good ride. Riders: Dave Kessler (leader), Craig Shreiner (sweep), John Hoff, Melissa Hoff, Odessa Shreiner, Mike Gibson, Henry Manning, Jeff DeLong, Pearl DeLong, Steve Holland, Don Whitehead, John Mullineaux, Steve Schmohl, Ron Dillon, Greg deVitry, Candae Deen, Joe Sears, Heidi Hendrix, Tom Mellinger, Ellen Koppenhafer, and Johnny-come-lately-Syllybee (Sylvia Newcomer)

Butter Side Up (D) May 28
Nicest day of the Spring riding season so far! We were blessed with sun, light breeze, 70+ degrees and a lot of nice people. Riders: Harry Campbell (leader), Dottie Sheehy (sweep), Ray Landis, Alta Nolt, Anne Schleef, Janielle Willemin, John Gantz, Gene Homan, Judy Homan, Irene Camp, John Rohrkemper, Bob Camp, and Pam Tronsor.

Silver Springs Ride (C) May 29
Nice sunny day. No problems. No one had a problem with the hill. Tried to keep the 12 mph pace but ended-up closer to 13. Riders: Michael Hauck (leader), John Cardos (sweep), Carl Kreider, Rose Ward, Tom Mellinger, Steve Mazeski, and non-LBC riders, Rebecca Halle (?) and Brian Bender

Betsy's Sunday Spin (D) May 29
We had a great ride-weather beautiful. It was great to see Ed Mowery first time since last year. Hope to see more of you Ed. Riders: Dottie Sheehy (leader), Ed Mowery (sweep), Steve Holland, Sue Bowman, Jim Payton, Anne Schleef, John McKelvey, Alta Nolt, Jonas Fisher, Mike Tshudy, and Debra Tshudy.

Chicken Barn Ride (B) May 29
Riders: Lou Gray (leader), Diane Lausman, Craig Shreiner, Emily McKeon, Mark Ward, Steve Gerber, Rick Reisinger, John Mullineaux, Matt London, Dave Kessler, Rich Wagner, Cindy Davis, John Donati, Candae Deen, Randy Haluck, Andy Charles, Bruce Hunter (?), Bill Ressel, and Sylvia Newcomer.

Memorial Day Meander (A) May 30
We had a large turnout for this holiday ride and the weather cooperated beautifully. The group split in two and the faster riders added highville high to the course. Even so, we averaged 19.2 mph. Riders: Mark Buckwalter (leader), Rick Reisinger, Dirk Suereth, Ed Fearnow, Mike Lutz, Cindy Davis, Diane Lausman, John Donati, Marlin Hess, John Warfel, Tim Ihrig, Dale Burkholder, Scott Wagner, Neil Fickes, Paul Smeltz, and non-LBC member Jessica Marcini.

Chickies Creek Long (D) May 30
Nice turnout of bikers and non-bikers for breakfast followed by the ride that the leader lost control of in the parking lot! Without planning, the group broke up into three pace levels and the ride leader led from the rear! Does that make me a "Rear Admiral"? Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leader), Jim Payton, Mike Gibson, John Mullineaux, Deborah Chu, Lew Hershey, Karen Drawbaugh, Steve Snyder, Pam Klingensmith, Tony LaRosa, Karen Wisniewski, Ray Landis, Lew Hershey, Harry Campbell, Carol Weisser, Bill Weisser, Steve Mentzer, Brian Holland, Rob Holland, Steve Holland, Sylvia Newcomer, Tom Mellinger, Lou Grey, and Michael Riggi.