LBC Rides from the Past - October 2005

Tour of the Amish Country (A) Oct 1
What a beautiful day for a bike ride. Six riders appeared bright and early on a Saturday morning for a brisk ride thorough Amish Country. Soon it was seven as Scott, realizing that we weren't starting from the Quality Inn, joined our peloton during the early warm-up miles. My phone rang around mile 8.5 and I dropped back from the main pack. Curtis was calling to find out where we were and to let me know he was trying to catch up. He thought the ride started at 8:30. I chased after the pack to see if there was a chance of slowing them. As I had them in sight, it occurred to me that Curtis might not have the cue, so I stopped and watched the main pack disappear down the road again. Curtis appeared in a few minutes and we took off after the leading peloton. Somewhere during the chase we met Ron who had turned around to head back to town. Curtis and I kept pushing. We had the main group in sight as we entered New Holland. Suddenly the gap began closing really fast. The group had stopped. Paul was apparently so impressed by the Cycling Swami's Nightmare tale that he decided to try riding with a broken seat post. Well, maybe it was the seat post's idea since Paul was working to reattach his saddle as we pulled up. A few minutes later we were back on the road and finished the ride without further incident. And we finished together with an 18.5 mph avg.! Riders: Andrew Mead (leader), Damon Schlott, Warren Buch, Brian Sowatsky, Paul Swarm, Scott Wagner, Curtis Palmer, and non-LBC member Ron Herr.

Ride to Manheim Long (D) Oct 1
Cool at start. Warmed up throughout ride. Jack was back as a club member. Yeah! Amy was also back after her spill last month. Very brave and did well! Riders: Phil Wright (leader), Mike Riggi (sweep), Jim Payton, Karen Drawbaugh, Steve Holland, Amy Chen, Jim Kulp, Penny Kulp, Anne Schleef, Harry Campbell, Michael Riggi, Amy Mitchell, Jack Mentzer, John Rohrkemper, Elca Swigart, Greg Mayfield, Chris Mayfield, and Linda Weber.

Strausstown Ride (B) Oct 1
Weather was a near perfect 10. It was not cold or hot with a very low breeze and low humidity. South Mountain and Blue Mountain were clearly visible at many locations. Everyone did their preferred pace which is easy to do because of the painted road arrows. I did the slower B pace as advertised and ate lunch at Trainer's Midway Diner. Everyone was ahead of me, including David Hooper from Ephrata, who is not the same David Hooper who did Middle Creek-South Mountain Ride two weeks earlier. David lost control in the Summer Mountain area. The accident involved falling on his side and receiving cuts and bruises. The helmet was severely cracked which prevented serious head injuries. Bicycle parts were damaged and there was a flat tire. With a friend by his side, Dave repaired what he could and did the remaining approximately 25 miles of the ride. Riders: Reuben Weaver (leader), Kyle Awkerman, Lew Hershey, Jim Weaver, Ken Stadden, John Donati, Diane Lausman, James Brown, Jeff Urban, Reuben King, Tim Ihrig, Mark Buckwalter, Dale Burkholder, David Hooper, and non-LBC members Glen Acker and Ed Miller.

Manheim, Mt. Pleasant (A) Oct 2
"The Few & The Fast " best describes this ride. Only three riders showed up on this beautiful October morning. I could tell by looking at the group that this was gonna be a fast ride. And a fast ride it was. We all finished together at a upper 19 MPH pace with me bringing up the rear. No spills, no flats, and no mishaps. At the end of our ride we were met in the parking lot by the recuperating Craig Shreiner and his new bike. He is coming along well and we hope to see him on some rides soon. Riders: Damon Schlott (leader), Scott Wagner, Mark Buckwalter, and Barry Lavender.

CVHS-NH-Airport 3 (B) Oct 2
Riders: Brian Mitchell (leader), Steve Mazeski, Lew Hershey, Dirk Suereth, Steve Gerber, Warren Buch, Tony DeNunzio, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Bill Ressel, and non-LBC members: Tim Leary, Bill Angermier, and Bob Snavely.

Intercourse Long Loop (D) Oct 2
Gorgeous fall afternoon. Welcome Grant Brown as a new member on his first ride. He did great! The leader got us off the cue first thing. After a long strenuous uphill, we were back on track without loosing anyone. Passed two Amish soft ballgames and a group of Mennonite ladies out for an afternoon ride. Our group must have made them nervous as they pulled over and let us pass. Riders: Phil Wright (leader), John Cardos (sweep), Linda Wright, Karen Drawbaugh, Grant Brown, Jim Payton, Ellen Koppenhafer, Barb Koppenhafer, John Cardos, Jim Kula, Chris Mayfield, Greg Mayfield, Pam & Chris Klingensmith, and Tom Mellinger.

Another D Lightful Ride (D) Oct 8
Flooded out. Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leader)

Three Lakes Loop (A) Oct 8
Heavy rains from yesterday and cloudy cool temps kept the attendance down for this ride. A recovering Craig Schreiner greeted us at the start and accompanied us through town to start the ride. As we hit the outskirts of town Craig left us as we started heading north. The previous day's rain left a fair amount of debris on the road. So it was no surprise that one rider flatted at about 13 miles in. After attempting to install a couple of used tubes which didn't seem to want to hold air, your fearless leader supplied the rider with a his only new tube and CO2 cartridge and we were finally on our way again. At mile 20 we encountered closed gates on Chapel Road. So we dismounted our rides, climbed over the gates and preceded with our ride. We encountered a large crane and three deer on Sunnyside Road before we had to traverse the gates to get back out of the Middle Creek Tour area. The rest of the ride was uneventful. The group finished together at a 16.5 pace. Riders: Damon Schlott (leader), Barry Lavender, Curtis Palmer, and Ken Lessans.

Brownstown Akron Farmersville (C) Oct 9
Day was damp and overcast after heavy rains the day before. No riders. I did it last weekend so decided to just go home. Riders: Arthur Leid (leader).

Not D Manding Ride (D) Oct 9
Riders: Barb Koppenhafer (leade), Jim Payton, Greg Mayfield, Grant Brown, Steve Holland, Dave Kessler, Phil Wright, Linda Wright, John Gantz, Amy Mitchell, John McBeth and Jim Dru

Advanced Picnic Ride (A) Oct 15
11 people showed for this ride on a brisk and somewhat breezy morning. As the ride progressed and some of the faster riders went off the front, Andrew and I were left on our own. As we approached one of our turns, we could see the faster riders missing the turn and riding off cue. They were too far ahead to hear us yell, so we continued on course figuring they would realize their error and turn back. A few miles later they caught us and from that point on we pretty much stuck together as a group all the way to the end of this most enjoyable ride. Riders: Curtis Palmer (leader), Charlie Futcher, Brian Mitchell, Andrew Mead, Paul Smeltz, Jerre Hockenbrocht, Barry Lavender, Scott Wagner, Warren Buch, Tam Rauba, and Dale Burkholder.

John's Breakfast Ride (C) Oct 15
It was the first crisp, clear day in the last 2 weeks and I was joined by 8 others to do this breakfast ride to the Manheim Auto Auction. We rode up to the auction where we were met by Lou Gray who had arranged to meet us there. Breakfast was pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, home fries, fruit, juice and coffee - all for $6. After we ate our fill, we decided to do an approximation of Back Run Ramble and try and work off some of the breakfast. It was then we noticed that the wind had picked up. At the bottom of the hill on Back Run Road, Lou C gave Bill an impromptu lesson on how to fix a flat tire. There were no further incidents and we let a prodigious tail wind push us back to East Pete. Riders: John Mullineaux (leader), Xenia Marcial, Don Whitehead, Candae Deen, Mary Stadden, Mike Gibson, Carol Weisser, Bill Weisser, Lou Gray, Lou Contino.

Chickies Creek Long (D) Oct 15
This was a good ride. Prior to the cold spell to follow. Was a good tune-up for those of us going to the CBBC Metric. Made a change in the route to get off Prospect and Spooky Nook and worked well. Riders: Phil Wright (leader), Linda Wright, Jim Payton, Grant Brown, Anne Schleef, Jim Kulp, Penny Kulp, Mike Stetler, Elca Swigart, Tom Mellinger, Karen Drawbaugh, Ed Mowery, Amy Mitchell, Doug Stark, Janielle Willemin, Craig Shreiner, John Gantz, and Dave Kessler.

Ride Around Glen Rock (B) Oct 15
Riders: Kathy Brugh (leader), Damon Schlott, and non-LBC member James Moore

Goat & Bull Ride (D) Oct 16
Six intrepid riders came out on this blustery day-wind gusts of 30 mph!-to see the eponymous goat(s) and bull of this pretty, new ride. Welcome to new member, Cynthia Royer, on her first club ride, as well as to Rick Landis, first cousin of Floyd Landis, on his first club ride, too. Note: This ride does not go past Reuben's "Mr. Pumpkin"-which is a serious design flaw of the route. Riders: Pam Tronsor (leader), John Rohrkemper (sweep), Reuben Weaver, Cynthia Royer, Steve Holland and non-LBC member Rick Landis.

Lancaster County Jaunt (A) Oct 16
Riders: Damon Schlott (leader), Dale Burkholder, Rick Lehman

Hammer Creek (B) Oct 16
Maybe it was the 25 mph wind or maybe it was the temperature struggling to get to 60 but it did not take much effort to convince the two B riders who showed up to ride the shorter C ride also leaving from East Pete . Call this ride blown away. Riders: John Mullineaux (leader)

Chicken Barn Ride (B) Oct 16
Wind gusts to 30 mph couldn't deter 7 hardy riders from getting their Sunday workout. The ride split into 2 groups at the mid point, everyone made it to Sheetz then John, Steve and Creaky Craig decided to head straight back. All in all a windy but worthwhile ride. Riders: Dirk Suereth (substitute leader), Rich Wagner, Kathy Brugh, John Renard, Craig Shreiner, Steve Gerber, Steve Schmohl

New Witness Tree Trek (C) Oct 16
It was windy with speeds around 23MPH. There was also a "B" scheduled to start at the same time and place. We did not know how many would come with the wind so strong. It was decided that the two rides be combined and so everyone went on the "C' ride. It was a good ride. We rode into the wind for 18 miles and had the wind behind us the rest of the way. We all stayed together, probably to help each other in the wind. Riders: Lloyd Melhorn (leader), Teresa Baker, Randy Haluck, Joe Sears, Tim Good, Drew Beckler, Heidi Hendrix, Jim Drumm and Mike Bass.

Throttles and Bottles (A) Oct 22
Rained out. Riders: Scott Wagner (leader)

Apple Butter Ride (B) Oct 22
Rained out. Riders: John Renard (leader)

Legend of Scalpy Hollow Ride (A) Oct 23
Five riders showed up on this cool and windy but sunny day to search for the headless bicyclist of Scalpy Hollow Rd. We didn't find the headless one, but we did find a few climbs that struck fear in our hearts, especially the one on Hilldale in the Mt. Nebo area. We made one wrong turn on the course but were able to get back on track shortly, and in getting lost we added another lengthy climb to the ride, which I'm sure everyone appreciated. The faster riders were content today to wait at the top of the hills for the slower ones, so we all finished within a couple minutes of each other and in one piece, Jessica's numb feet being the only casualty. Barry still had some work to do since he had to bike back to Lititz into the wind from Lampeter High School. The consensus of the group was that the course was a pretty good one with some great scenery and roads, and one to do again. Although I don't think I'd want to do it in the middle of summer in 90-degree heat. Dirk was the course designer, and even though he missed the ride, his name was mentioned a couple times, most often during some of the climbs. Riders: Tim Ihrig (leader), Barry Lavender, Chris Lande, Jessica Marcini, and Ken Lessans.

Revised Sunnyside Down (C) Oct 23
It was a sunny, but windy day with temps in the 50's. The headwinds were noticeable the first half of the ride but didn't seem as bad after we left the Turkey Hill in Mt Joy, which was our rest stop. The hills were tolerable and the quiet country roads were enjoyable. As usual there was the fast group and a group that stayed with the leader. Riders: Rachel Kreider (leader), John Cardos Judy Flowers, Rose Ward, Jim Drumm. Mark Ward, Lew Hershey, John Gantz, John Peregoy, Lou Gray, Ed Fearnow. Gary Musser. Bobbi Fearnow, Teresa Baker, Heidi Hendrix, Roger Sheaffer, Nancy Youst, and Carol Weisser and non-LBC member Bill Angermier.M

Muggles Meander (D) Oct 23
Sunshine, playful winds, crisp temperatures, and good folks willing to pedal along together . . . a perfect combination for a fall, Sunday afternoon. Riders: Judy Hurlbut (leader), Alan Hurlbut (sweep), Ed Mowery, Harry Campbell, Amy Mitchell, Rich Williams, Randy Haluck, and non-members Bryan & Jodi Long.

New Witness Tree Trek (B) Oct 23
It was a cold start to this 32 mile ride and 8 riders showed up: Damon Schlott, Rich Wagner, Steve Mazeski (in shorts), Don Whitehead, Dave Heck, Warren Buch (in shorts), Randy Haluck and Craig Shreiner (welcome back from his bike/car accident earlier this summer). My comment as leader (Sylvia Newcomer) was you guys go too fast and I'm cold. Steve and Warren how could you wear shorts on such a cold, windy day. I am sure the advertised pace was surpassed. No mishaps reported. Riders: Sylvia Newcomer (leader), Damon Schlott, Rich Wagner, Steve Mazeski, Don Whitehead, Dave Heck, Warren Buch, Craig Shreiner and Randy Haluck.

Meadow View (B) Oct 29
Riders: John Mullineaux (leader), John Donati, Don Whitehead, Rick Reisinger, Paul Smeltz, Craig Shreiner, Rich Wagner, Diane Lausman and Heidi Hendrix.

Historic Strasburg (C) Oct 29
Clear, cool, fall day. A few changes in the directions took us off of some of the busier roads. A stop at the Red Caboose Restaurant where we warmed up with a hot chocolate. Riders: Gary Musser (leader), Candae Deen, John Gantz, Tom Mellinger, Jim Drumm, and Randy Haluck.

Bull Moose Ride (A) Oct 29
Seven other riders showed up for this challenging ride. It wasn't so much the terrain that made it challenging as much as it was the constant and relentless wind. We had a steady 20 mph wind through most of this ride, but everybody took turns at the front while others rested. Damon "Mountain Goat" Schlott broke a spoke somewhere late in the ride and he and I stopped to "tweak" his wheel a little bit to keep it from hitting the brakes. Not long after, he turned off and took a short cut home and I finished the ride alone. Curtis Palmer (leader) Kyle Awkerman, Damon Schlott, Brian Sowatsky, Marlin Hess, Scott Wagner, Ken Lessons and first time rider with the club Chris Brown.

Penn Manor Panorama (C) Oct 29
After cleaning up the highway only 5 decided to venture out on a ride. It was windy and chilly. We stopped for a break at the Central Manor Mart. With a dark cloudy overhead it seemed like the temp suddenly dropped a few degrees. I decided to alter the route and we finished with 20 miles but we were ready for the warmth of our cars. Riders: Rachel Kreider (leader), Judy Flowers, David Flowers, Harry Campbell, Mike Gibson, and Carl Kreider.

Casual Picnic Ride (C) Oct 29
Very good ride for those that braved the cold. Everyone looked forward to the stop at Kreiders Farm Restaurant for hot chocolate and coffee. Riders: Phil Wright (leader), Linda Wright, Jim Payton, Steve Holland, Amy Mitchell, Jim Kulp, Chris Mayfield, Greg Mayfield, Lloyd Melhorn, Elca Swigart, Ceci Good. Galen Hall (A) Oct 30 Riders: Mike Lutz (leader), Tim Ihrig, Jessica Marcini, Warren Buch, Marlin Hess, Joe Robinson, Barry Lavender, Ken Lessans, Dale Burkholder, and Diane Lausman.

Buena Vista Long (B) Oct 30
Rumor has it that today's ride was a warm-up for the afternoon A ride - or more likely, for the afternoon headwinds. It was great to have Craig Shreiner with us, riding strong even though he's still recovering from his summer injuries. Thanks for the pull, Craig! This was also Jim Drumm's first B ride, and he kept up with the front group for more than half the route - way to go! Riders: Candae Deen (wind-weary leader), Matt London, Tim Good, Don Whitehead, Steve Mazeski, Lou Gray, Rick Reisinger, Rich Wagner, Mark Ward, Craig Shreiner, Damon Schlott, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Scott Wagner, Steve Young, Elaine Young, Jim Drumm, Andy Smith, Bill Ressel, Brian Mitchell, and non-members Bill A., Marcy Diem, Michele Bote, and Bob Snavely.

New Holland Long (C) Oct 30
Fall fantastic ride. Nice weather maybe a little too much wind. Nine of 13 dined for breakfast at the five start New Holland Legion. Welcome new rider Eric. Hope to see you often. Riders: Jim Payton (leader), Phil Wright, Eric Evans, Steve Holland, Rose Ward, Penny Kulp, Jim Kulp, Tom Mellinger, Bob Brader, David Hirneisen, Mary Stadden, John Gantz, and Dave Kessler.

Down on the Farm (D) Oct 30
What a mess!! Nothing went right from the beginning. Ride advertised at 14 miles, cue sheets read 22. Four riders dropped out--sickness, child problems and a one "visitor" with strong desire to see "more Amish looking countryside". Leader spent very little time at the helm---good thing---managed to take half the group off course. Large group with many desires and abilities. Better luck next time. Riders: Karen Drawbaugh (leader), Dottie Sheehy (sweep), Tony LaRosa, Pam Klingensmith, Steve Holland, Jim Payton, Phil Wright, Linda Wright, Anne Schleef, Harry Campbell, Chris Mayfield, Greg Mayfield, Linda Weber, Lee Weber, John Rohrkemper, Pam Tronsor, Jonas Fisher, Joan Rohrkemper, Cyndi Royer, Connie Simmons, Amy Mitchell, Curt Stager, Alta Nolt, Jim Drumm.