Bike Aboard! and Such

Well, as promised, it was a fantastic weekend.  We almost didn't make it to the Bike Aboard! on Friday after a series of unfortunate events (including the Jeep not starting), but got there just in time with our four bikes and our soon to be converted friends in tow.

When we got there we met up with Melissa (who works with the Mr.) and Bret who had ridden to Peninsula from Stow.  These two are very impressive young cyclists.  They rode from Salt Lake City to Denver over July 4th weekend and were planning on riding from Columbus to Cambridge, OH (correct me if I'm wrong, Melissa) over the weekend.  Very cool.  Very inspiring.

Anyway, we all met up with the crew from Great Lakes Touring Company and grabbed the train to Brecksville. Now, when it comes to the Bike Aboard! program, I appreciate the concept.  However, the execution needs a little work.  My biggest complaint is that the guys they have loading the bikes into the cars don't understand how to handle bicycles properly.  They take your bike, hand it up to a guy in the car, and throw it up on hooks.  In the process there's a lot of banging and crashing going on.  I watched as some heedless handling knocked over three other bikes like dominoes (thankfully, none of them were ours).  When we headed out on the trail, several of the bikes were a little worse for wear.  My speedometer sensor was knocked askew and one of our loaner bikes had the front brake caliper smashed so the pads were rubbing the tire.  Someone else in the group dropped their chain, though I'm not sure that was due to the jostling in the train.  I can confidently say I wouldn't take the train again.  It may be alright if you have a beater department store bike and don't care what happens, but avoid the train if you want everything in one piece when you get off.

Bike Aboard!  Then again, no thank you.

Despite the hiccups with the train, the ride itself was quite enjoyable.  The pace was a slow 10-11mph, so its a good option for beginners and families.  We arrived back in Peninsula just in time for the Century Cycles Night Ride.  Figures, it was the same section of trail we just did with GLTC!  However, since we had some beginners with us, it was probably a good that they were familiar with the trail before they rode it in the dark.  The bugs were terrible that night for some reason.  There were a few times were couldn't talk because they were so thick!  I, for one, collected quite a few in the greasy bug spray I had all over me.  As far as I know, our friends survived the 21 miles on our mountain bikes and are walking today.  They raved about how much fun it was riding in the dark and how nice the Towpath trail was.  I'm pretty sure they've converted.  Hopefully, they will be getting bikes of their own in the next few months.  I'm so happy for them.

Ok, after doing two group trail rides this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to touch on some tips for doing a group ride on the Towpath:

1.)  Don't bring a broken bicycle.  Duh.  If your brakes don't work, your shifters are shot, and your tires are flat, you shouldn't be riding that bike.  If you still insist on riding it, you are a hassle or worse, a hazard.  Don't make your irresponsibility everyone else's problem.  Come prepared or don't come at all.

2.)  Communicate.  If you're going faster than everyone else, good for you.  However, make sure you let them know you're coming before you pass.  Not everyone has mirrors and superhuman hearing.  Blowing by at top speed without warning is just plain rude.  If you don't like talking, buy a bell.  They're cheap.

3.)  Herd your children.  It is fantastic that you are starting them off young.  But, kids aren't as confident or skilled on bicycles as adults.  Don't let them ride way ahead of you or, geez, leave them way behind.  Its been my experience that children act like squirrels on the trail.  I can't count the times I've given a audible passing signal in plenty of time only to have them swerve in front of me.  Its annoying and dangerous.  No one wants to wreck into a kid.  Teach them proper trail etiquette before you ride and you will avoid any potential issues on the trail.

Remember, the trail belongs to everyone.  Cyclists aren't superior to pedestrians and Lycra doesn't negate the need for manners.

Oh and if you haven't done a night ride this year, don't miss out.  They are a blast!