LBC Rides from the Past - October 2004

Northern Exposure (A) Oct 2
One of the A rides was cancelled due to the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge being closed for a flea market. So a couple of riders from that ride went on the Northern Exposure ride instead. Norther Exposure goes into Northern Lancaster County into Lebanon County. There is some climbing including Pinch Hill. The ride broke into two groups, fast and faster. Riders: Kyle Awkerman (leader), Dale Buckholder, Mark Buckwalter, Marlin Hess, Ron Pfautz, Neil Gussman, Brian Sowatski, Paul Smeltz and Scott Wagner.

Pedal To Preserve (D) Oct 2
Alan tried to lead this ride for Dottie (who is in Wellsboro communing with nature) but was unsuccessful. At the 6.1 mile mark, Donegal Springs Road appears to dead end at Colebrook Rd. Unbeknown to us, if we had turned left on Colebrook we would have seen that Donegal Springs Rd continued to the right. But after discussing it, we decided to turn around and retrace our steps on Donegal Springs Road to Landis and turn on it, which is part of the Witness Tree Ride. Harry then guided us around and eventually brought us back to Donegal High School, but at a shortened route of 15 miles. Of the 7 of us, one was a new rider with his brand new bike; and after Brian learned a little about shifting from Harry, he did great. Also, we had two relatively new riders Steve and Tammy. John showed up late and followed us out, but he also got lost and got back about 30 minutes after the rest of us. Then he, Harry and I got out a map and found out what went wrong. Believe we need to change Q-sheet to show the short jog on Colebrook to Donegal Springs Rd. All-in-all, the weather rain held off and we ended up having a nice ride. Riders: Alan Hurlbut (leader), Harry Campbell (sweep), Carol Young, Steve Holland, Brian Holland, Tammy Diehm, Janelle Willemin and John Rohrkemper.

New East Pete to E-town Ride (B) Oct 2
This 47 mile ride started out at a fast pace in slightly overcast conditions. I ended up "leading" from the rear as Sweep. Even though this ride is listed as Flat, there are enough little climbs to give the legs a nice work out. A good ride was had by all. Riders: Joe Knepper (leader), Randy Haluck, Rick Reisinger, Matt London, Craig Shreiner, Chris Riportella, John Donati, Cindy Davis, Errol S. Moyer, Rich Wagner, Dirk Suereth, Damon Schlott, John Hinchey.

Brownstown-Akron-Farmersville (A) Oct 3
Riders: Arthur Long (leader), Rick Shoup, Dave Kessler, Ray Landis, Steve Mentzer, John Rohrkemper and Diana Rollin.

Ride to Manheim (D) Oct 3
We had a perfect day for a ride, bright sunshine, no wind, and great temperatures. I knew it was going to be a fun day when Scooterman and Bubbleboy showed up to harass the leader. We were also joined by two new riders - Jim White and Jill MacKenzie. Harry brought along a revised cue sheet so we would be able to stop at Mollys for refreshment and strangely enough the "C" ride pulled into Mollys at the exact time that we did (I don't know how Harry plans these things). We did, however, arrive at Mollys a few people short - Mike and Heidi had some problems with their bugger and had to leave the ride. We broke apart after the rest stop. Scooterman and Bubbleboy decided to take off and they raced for the end. It was good to see John M. and John C. back on their bikes again. A special thanks to John C. for sweeping. It was a great afternoon. Hope to have more just like it. Riders: Mike Gibson (leader), John Mullineaux, John Cardos, Harry Campbell, Alan Hurlbut, John Gantz, Ray Landis (Scooterman), Lew Hershey (Bubbleboy), Henry Manning, Jim White, Jill MacKenzie, Mike, Heidi, Jeremiah, and David Hendrix, Steve and Elaine Young.

New Holland Reservoir (A) Oct 3
Another good showing. Hills were tough, but the head wind proved tougher. Two riders were lost, several others never returned to the start. Riders: Paul & Angela Swarm (leaders) Tim Ihrig, Cindy Davis, Tim Good, John Glick, Ed Granger, Neil Fickes, Mark Buckwalter, Rick Lehman, Bob Colton, Scott Wagner, Ken Lessans, Bob Barker

Around the River South (A) Oct 9
The good news, bad news ride. Bad news: time to climb a hill, good news: downhill. Bad news: climb again. We split into a few groups at Cool Creek Road. The leader's group was in the back but getting bigger as the miles wore on. One flat that I know of a great ride. Will become an annual event. Riders: Ron Pfautz (leader), Marlin Hess, Barry Lavender, Mark Buckwalter, Paul Smeltz, Ken Lessans, Dale Burkholder, Rod Dawson and Paul Swarm.

Galen Hall (B) Oct 9
The morning broke cool and clear, perfect for enjoying the trees and topography of northern Lancaster County. Seven riders plus the leader set out to make the most of the day. Our pace was brisk, just like the temperature, and the peloton stayed together. Mike set a strong tempo on the final climb toward Galen Hall to open a few gaps in the peloton. His overall gains were limited to around 90 seconds owing to a strong group. We enjoyed the vista as we caught our breath and took on food and drink. A visit to the driving range was considered, but ruled out after we decided we'd rather be biking. The peloton, now refreshed, set out on the return, enjoying the downhills we worked so hard to scale earlier. Bob, citing his recent Pedaller article, explained how the cool, dry air would slow our descent. A slight split in the peloton opened as we came through Rothsville, but we all managed to arrive at the finish within a couple minutes of each other. Pace was 16.3 mph. Not bad for a bunch of B riders on a hilly course. The only incident to report was a collision between Greg's wrist and a gravity-influenced walnut. Greg survived with a bruise. The walnut's condition is presumed grave, likely the winter nibbles of a lucky squirrel. Welcome to Don George of Maine. Riders: Andrew Mead (leader), Mike Lutz, Matt London, Andy Charles, Craig Shreiner, Bob Colton, Greg Paulson, and Don George.

Chicken Barn Ride (C) Oct 9
Temp in the low 70's, no wind, perfect day for a ride. I lead the group out and as we turned onto Stanley Ave. 0.4 miles the group passed me and at Donegal Springs Road 17.6 miles I could no longer see the last bike. I thought the pace was 12 but I guess it was 21. Oh yea the sweep did a great job and made sure I didn't get dropped. We met up with two riders at Sheetz's they were getting ready to leave and said the others were already gone. They offered to wait on us, but we told them to go ahead as we didn't want to make then wait for us. Three bikers were waiting at the finish and said they had a good ride a bit fast but a good workout, they finished at 16.5 and the leader came in at 15.3 Guess I should stick with ballroom dancing where I am supposed to be one-second behind the leader. I had a great ride, hope everyone else also did and I am sure no one had flats, falls or got lost or I would have seem them at I slowly came in. Riders: Judy Flowers (leader), David Flowers (sweep), Rich Wagner, Dave Kessler, Ed Granger, Greg de Vitry, Dirk Suereth, Cindy Davis, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Damon Schlott, Randy Haluck

Landisville Ride Casual (C) Oct 10
It was a beautiful day for riding except for the strong headwinds. Kolya had a problem with his derailleur and he and his dad had to make a call for a ride home. Half the group wanted to ride a faster pace and we lost sight of them early in the ride. We did a slight route change so we could stop at Sheetz for a break. The wind was at our backs after the break and we breezed back to the start location. Riders: Rachel Kreider (leader), Karen Drawbaugh (sweep), Everett Newswanger, Ellen Newswanger, John Gantz, Lloyd Melhorn, Damon Schlott, Joe Auchey, Jim Payton, Ray Landis, Lew Hershey, Tom Mellinger, Curtis Palmer, Ed Fearnow, Kolya Fearnow, John Peregoy, Bob Brader, Bill Crawford, Gary Foster, Ellen Koppenhafer, and Carl Kreider

New Holland Long (D) Oct 10
"Wind, Wind, Oh Wonderful Wind". These words were not quite enough to appease the Great Spirit of the Wind to blow always at our backs!!! Although this humble leader tried to convince all riders that this was happening, at the end of the ride, one rider was heard to say, "That wish has gone with the Wind". A planned route alteration to enable a stop at Sheetz, and an unplanned change that split the group at the end (along with the Wind), were part of the enjoyment of this autumn ride. Judy Hurlbut (leader), Steve Holland, Xenia Muniz, Alta Nolt, John Rohrkemper, Sherry Anderson, John Cardos, Carol Weisser, Steve Mentzer, Pam Tronsor, Alan Hurlbut, sweep.

Masonic Home Tour (B) Oct 10
Crisp sunny day for a tour of Northwest Lancaster County. The vista from above the Masonic Home was terrific. The lead group of 5 averaged 17.5. The leader and remaining riders stuck to the advertised pace of 16. Welcome visiting rider Rob Barber from Maine. Riders: Dirk Suereth (leader), Tim Ehrig, Mike Lutz, Craig Shreiner, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Andy Charles, and non-LBC member Rob Barber.

Tour of Highville (A) Oct 16
Weather was cool and windy. Ken got a flat after 3 miles so we waited for him to change tubes. Averaged 17.3 mph. Riders: Mark Buckwalter (leader), Ken Lessans, Neil Gussman, Mike Hendrix, and non-LBC member Jon Crothers.

Harvest Ride (B) Oct 16
It was a beautiful day for riding except for winds from the SW which were headwinds on the return leg of the ride. Before the ride started, I distributed cue sheets for both the 52 mile Harvest ride and the 35 mile Harvest Ride Light. It appeared both rides were equally selected although I can't be sure since I once again "led" from the rear. Riders: Joe Knepper (leader and sweep), Tim Good, Mike Lutz, Damon Schlott, Curtis Palmer, Mark Ward, Scott Wagner, Craig Shreiner, Paul Smeltz, Dean Wimer, and Ron Herr.

Ephrata Dutch Ride (C) Oct 16
Steve will never do Cats Back Road again! Riders: Steve Mentzer (leader), Irene Camp, Cecelia Good, and Tom Mellinger.

Landisville Casual Ride (D) Oct 16
It was sunny, windy and 53-degree start for the 10 riders that came out for the Landisville Casual 10 pace "D" ride that ended with the clouds rolling in on our 12.4 pace finish and the threat of rain. David came sporting a brand new bike on his first ride looking so sleek and fast. I suggested he sweep the ride for me as I didn't want to end up leading the ride again from the rear. So we were off on a beautiful scenic ride with a food stop at Hummer's Meat on 230, which was declined as no one was hungry after 10 miles but a potty stop at Sico Park off Park Ave was much needed by me. Good conversation, no flats, spills or lost riders. Yea, Dottie for her first 20 mile ride since May. You GO girl! Riders: Judy Flowers (leader), David Flowers (sweep), Jim Payton, Dottie Sheehy, John Rohrkemper, Janielle Willemin, Ed Mowery, John Gantz, Randy Haluck, and Michael Riggi.

Meadow View (C) Oct 17
The wind was the big factor at 20 mph. Ten miles into the ride Koby got a flat tire. He, Ray and Doug turned back at that point. Several miles later, Lloyd the leader turned back. The four younger people completed the ride. Riders: Lloyd Melhorn (leader), Damon Schlott, Koby Kielhorn, Ray Landis, Steve Young, Doug Stark, Heidi Hendrix and Curtis Palmer.

Schwing Ride (D) Oct 17
Beautiful sunny day, 55 degrees but a little windy for riding. Guest up to 25 mph. Five riders showed for the "D" pace Schwing Ride. We all welcomed a new LBC member Richel on her first club ride, on her brand new Trek, that was only three days old. The winds proved to be too much for us so we shorted the ride to 10 miles. Then when we got back Tony and Pam enjoyed the ride so much they did the shorted version again for a total of 20 miles. We all invited Richel to join us again on a less windy day. Tony and I were talking about all the new bikes showing up, and how it is giving us the urge to go looking at new bikes, maybe next year. No flats, spills or lost riders. Thanks to all that came out on this blustery day. Richel, we will be looking or you on the next "D" ride! Riders: Judy Flowers (leader), David Flowers (sweep), Pam Klingensmith, Tony LaRosa, and Richel McClune.

Central Manor (A) Oct 23
Riders: Rick Lehman (leader), Scott Wagner, Neil Gussman, Jerre Hockenbracht, Marlin Hess, Mike Lutz, Paul Swarm, Ken Lessans, Tom Hunt, Neil Fickes, Dean Wimer, and non-LBC members Linford Weaver and Jonathan Crothers.

Sylly B Ride (B) Oct 23
I thought there would be more people out for this ride. It was a beautiful day. The group, as usual, broke into two groups, with the slower group (which included me) bringing up the rear. We stopped at Sheets in Mt. Joy, where we met up with the "C" ride and we finished the day with them. It was a great day. Riders: Mike Gibson (leader), John Mullineaux, Joe Knepper, Ed Fearnow, Matt London, Al Dieffenbach, Diane Lausman, and Sylvia Newcomer.

Back Run Ramble (C) Oct 23
What a beautiful fall day for a bicycle ride. Very little wind and a lot of sun. Riders: Jim Payton (leader), Phil Wright (sweep), Lew Hershey, Ray Landis, Don Whitehead, Harry Campbell, Nancy Youst, Mary Stadden, Pearl DeLong, Jeff DeLong, Tom Mellinger, Kim Lausch, Damon Schlott and Randy Haluck.

Martindale ¼ Century (D) Oct 24
Great Autumn morning ride-no flats, spills, or lost (sheep) oops riders. If you didn't ride, you missed a perfect day. Riders: Alta Nolt (leader), Dottie Sheehy (sweep), Steve Holland, and Anne Schleef.

Tour of the Amish Country (B) Oct 24
Overcast, cool and the threat of showers did not deter 8 riders from leaving Catholic High at 0900. About 14 miles into the ride Craig Shreiner and Steve Gerber caught up to Jeff DeLong and me. Jeff was just emerging from a cornfield when they caught up to us. Craig and Steve left late for the ride. Somewhere around the 15-mile mark Jeff's chain was jumping cogs. He and I stopped and Jeff found that a pin was missing in one of the links. I stopped at a house and knocked. An elderly gentlemen asked me in and I told him the problem and asked if he had a piece of wire I could use. While he was looking first in the garage, next the kitchen and finally in the washroom his dog Mia was mauling me while I was standing in the kitchen. I asked the guy if his dog was friendly and he said, "Oh yes, I forgot to tell you she sometimes bites strangers." Nice Mia! Got mauled but no wire. Went back outside and a neighbor asked if we were having trouble. Jeff told him what happened and the guy went in his garage and brought out a small nail, pliers, file, hammer and chuck of iron. He was working to get the nail to fit. He did all this while in his bare feet. Did I mention it was cool.
I told Jeff I would go back to Catholic and get my car, I had my back rack on the back. We also decided if he got going he would ride New Holland Pike and I would meet him. Went back, got my bike loaded up and headed back for Jeff. I found Jeff in Leola, turned around and stopped. Jeff told me that he also had a flat, the rear wheel of course. Got his bike loaded, he got in the car and he said his knee hurt. Now let me see: chain broke, flat tire and his knee hurt. I told Jeff a lesser man would cry. We made it back to Catholic, Pearl was on the C ride that left at 0930 and she had not made it back so I guess some things did work out. I forgot to mention that I was leading from the rear again. Riders: Ray Landis (leader), John Gantz, Tim Good, Jeff DeLong, Matt London, Mike Lutz, Angie Galgon, Scott Wagner, Craig Shreiner and Steve Gerber.

Roots Auction & Return (C) Oct 24
Eight riders showed up to ride on this damp, cold morning. We stopped off at SKH on Lititz Pike for a brief "potty stop", then lost Karen & Anne; Karen excused herself because she was not yet used to riding in cold weather. Shortly after leaving SKH it started to sprinkle lightly. We convened at Greystone Road and decided to continue on rather than cutting ride short at that point. While it did sprinkle from time-to-time thereafter we did not get wet; however, the pace picked up from there on. But the group stayed together for the most part, although the leader finished dead last, partly because a cold interfered with his breathing. Riders: Alan Hurlbut (leader), Jim Payton, Phil Wright, Damon Schlott, Karen Drawbaugh, Pearl DeLong, Anne Schleef, Bill Crawford and Randy Haluck.

Mill Creek Valley (D) Oct 24
Riders: Dottie Sheehy (leader), Alta Nolt (sweep), Jim Cross, Tony LaRosa, Walt Linton, and Mike, Heidi, Jeremiah and David Hendrix.

Post Highway Clean-Up Ride (C) Oct 30
In spite of damp,cloudy weather a few faithful members showed up to pick up soggy trash from the roadsides. Harry & Carl said if I twisted their arms they would ride with me on the wet roads but I wasn't that eager myself so we all went home happy. Riders: Rachel Kreider (leader), Harry Campbell and Carl Kreider.

Adopt-A-Highway Ride (D) Oct 30
Only 5 people showed up to do road cleanup and no others showed to ride afterwards; cleanup crew included Carl, Rachel, Dottie, Alan & Harry. After the cleanup maneuver, it was unanimously agreed to wait for better weather to ride, as it was chilly, damp, wet roads and threatening more rain. D-pace riders: Alan Hurlbut (leader) and Dottie Sheehy.

Chickie's Creek Long (D) Oct 30
Last night's heavy rain and today's wet-leafy roads caused a light turn out. Quality is always better than quantity. The three of us had a very enjoyable but messy ride. I turned out being the thorn between two roses. Riders: Jim Payton (leader), Beth Hendrix and Carol Weisser.

Buena Vista Long (D) Oct 30
The temperature was comfortable, but roads were wet from overnight rain, and very sloppy from recent agricultural activity (the stuff you don't want to think about when you take a drink from your water bottle). Brian rode his fender-equipped cross bike to lessen the spray. Well, at least the back of his jersey was clean at the end of the ride. Riders: Marlin Hess (leader), Tom Hunt, Mike Hendrix, Mike Lutz, and Brian Sowatsky.

Roots Auction Ride (D) Oct 31
This Halloween ride had more treats than tricks. It was a treat to pedal on the wide, smooth shoulder on the new road around the airport. It was a treat after pedaling into the wind in the beginning to have its force assist us on the return trip. It was a treat to welcome Cher to our ride; however, her hair seemed to be constantly blowing in her face. It was a treat to have a small, compatible group that rode together for the sake of camaraderie and conversation. It was a treat on this beautiful, sunny day to have no one discussing the election that will happen in two days. And lastly, it was a treat just to be out riding even though the wind was blowing quite hard at times. Riders: Alan Hurlbut (leader), Ed Mowery, Judy Hurlbut, John Mullineaux, John Rohrkemper, John Cardos, John Peregoy, John Renard aka Cher, and Carol Weisser.

County Line Ride (B) Oct 31
Winds from the Northwest on a 70 degree late October day. A beautiful day for a ride despite the winds. All finished together except one who rode ahead. Riders: Roger Sheaffer (leader), Craig Shreiner, Dirk Suereth, Paul Yatabe, Heidi Hendrix, Ed Hamme, David Hamme, Kyle Awkerman, and non-LBC member John Ericson.

Zinn's Diner Ride Oct 31
This ride started out from the Quality Inn on a nice early Autumn Sunday morning with a slight breeze blowing in from the WSW. With the gentle wind at our back we headed out towards Denver on dry roads with the possibility of wet leaves on the road as our only concern. All was good until we turned around and headed back home and straight into the head winds which now were more than a slight breeze. We all had to work hard but felt thankful it wasn't cold and raining too. Riders: Joe Knepper (leader), Dave Kessler, Steve Gerber, Tim Good, Matt London, Curtis Palmer, Damon Schlott, Rich Wagner, Ray Landis, Randy Haluck, Craig Shreiner, Bill Crawford, Tony DeNunzio.

Annapolis Ride (D) Oct 31
The weather was beautiful. Everyone enjoyed the day. Only two flats on this ride. We had three new riders join us for their first NWBicyclist ride: Deborah, Karen and Kathy. Riders: Anne Schleef (leader), Jim Payton, Karen Drawbaugh, Joe Auchey, Dottie Sheehy, Tom Mellinger, Chuck Wissing, Deborah Chu, Joyce Mcgettigan, Karen Wisniewski, Pearl DeLong, Jeff DeLong, Steve Snyder, Cindy Snyder, and Dan Snyder.