Louisville Bicycle Club News and Updates

Special Edition - 2026 Annual Banquet and Elections Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:50:43 GMT

View the Special Edition - Annual Banquet and Elections Newsletter HERE

December 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:49:27 GMT

View the December Newsletter HERE

Ride Report on Buckner Riverdance

Jackie Rountree — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:43:56 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned,
the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme,
and some stories don't have a clear beginning,
middle, and end. Life is about not knowing,
having to change, taking the moment and
making the best of it, without knowing what
is going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."

Gilda Radner

It is the last TMD stage of 2025, and as all endings seem to do, it brings mixed feelings. Maybe more so than usual as I remain unsure if I will ride the tour next year and that if I do not, it is one of the few times I see many of the Mad Dogs. I know I have said that before, but one of these times it will hold true. It will just depend upon how this old body winters.

Life, it seems, has so many changes and goodbyes, but it also has new beginnings and hellos. As Gilda so wisely points out, delicious ambiguity. Will our decisions bring heaven or hell or, as I have experienced, a strange amalgamation of the two. But then, one thing I have always loved about riding.....you never know what awaits just around the coming bend in the road. I grin thinking of the time I first encountered Depot Hill, a hill on my Mangler ride, and internally said, "Oh, no, what have I done?" Still, it sometimes bothers me, all the stories I know the beginning of but will never know the ending of. Those that used to ride centuries and the tour and I don't know where they are or how they are doing or what their interests are. The children and people I encountered while working.

Three of us have been finishers every year since the TMD inception: Mike "Diesel" Kamenish, Dave "Bam Bam" King, and myself. Twenty years is a long time. We have shared much: sun, rain, wind, snow, hills, hugs, laughter, mechanicals, jokes, and more. It will be hard to say good-bye. I have never been good with good-byes however inevitable they may be. Mike and Dave, I hope you know that I love you both and how much I appreciate, or more appropriately perhaps, treasure our friendship. I will see what the winter brings and whether spring draws me out as is her wont whispering to come ride with her and she will share the glory of rebirth with me. And, of course, there is the lure of our little competition as to who will be the last dog standing;-)

I can say I am no longer a fan of cold weather riding, and this last stage promises a cold beginning. It is supposed to warm though, and while I know there are some climbs that will make my legs vow revenge, there are no 21 percent grades like last weeks century. (Please remember, Dogs, that there is a catalogue on the LBC web site of most of the past tour stages, some of which have not been done in a long time). An additional attraction is that it is a course we have not done for awhile.

Experience has taught me, that soon I will be longing for a day with today's temperatures. It has also taught me that if I don't ride, by this afternoon I will regret that decision. Fall is so brief. Already many trees stand bare and exposed. There is beauty there, daguerreotypical in nature. I have always wondered why, in so many older photos, people do not smile but face the camera grim faced and stern with no welcome on their face or in their eyes. Winter has a cold, stark beauty reminding me of magazine models who are so physically perfect but have no warmth in their smiles. So, I pack my gear, make sure my bike is ready, and head out into the dark to the ride start. Despite my cursing under my breath, my whining, and my procrastination, it is just what I do.

I had contacted Fritz earlier asking him to be honest about whether he would prefer I stay home as I feel fairly certain I will be the slowest rider and he will feel obligated to stay with me. It is not so bad when a ride captain only captains once and sweeps, but Fritz has captained more than his share this year. And Fritz is so fast. There is more than a little disparity between our speeds. He assures me it is okay. I had forgotten, however, that the time has changed and that I can head out a bit early. I truly don't want to be a bother. I also know from much experience as a Ride Captain, that cold and hard riding conditions shorten patience and tolerance, at least for me.

One thing that always gets me about hard courses this time of year is that you know you will soon lose any strength you gain from riding them. This is not a hard course, per say, but it has numerous climbs. In the spring and summer you can console yourself or talk yourself through the painful moments knowing that your legs are hardening and that the next ride will be made easier because of it. You know that the hill that seems insurmountable today will not seem quite so steep or so long the next time you set out to conquer it. Because that is what we do with hills. We use our strength to try to vanquish them. Those hard, painful rides make for the rides where you feel strong and as if you could ride forever and conquer any hill someone puts in your way. But that consolation is lost in the fall when you know that winter will slowly leach away the strength you have built leaving you weak in the spring.

There is a larger turn out than I expect as it seems that once the morning becomes raw and biting and people have their ten centuries in, they tend to chose the bed over the road. 15 people sign in: Jon Wineland, Larry Preble, Steven Sarson, Bob Evancho, Michael Kamenish, Jerry Talley, Harley Wise, Todd King, Glenn Smith, Dominic Wasserzug, Sharon Jetter, Ken Johnson (unsure of that name), Tom Brag (also unsure of that name), and Fritz Kopatz.

As I noted earlier, since it is daylight I roll out early hoping not to hold Fritz up too much during the ride. Three others decide to roll with me: Larry Preble, Jon Wineland, and Steve Sarson. I am glad I have not only my rear view blinker but my front blinker on the bike today. The fog is dense and I think to myself how true though banal the term "thick enough to cut with a knife is" when describing it. Water is literally dripping off my helmet though it is not raining. My glasses quickly fog to the point where I realize I can't wear them and still see, so I prop them further down my nose to clear my line of vision. This, however, impedes my seeing my GPS, but since I am following it is not a huge issue. It is the best I can do with full finger gloves on. I would have to stop to wangle them into a pocket, and I am not stopping. With no eye protection, the wind bites my eyes making me glad I remembered to use my artificial tears this morning but I know I will later pay the price with scratchy eyes. But safety takes precedence.

We ride through a construction site and not only is the pavement still wet, but there is lots of mud covering the road that is getting splashed onto my bike. I think how I wish I had brought the Lynskey. My new bike has never seen these conditions and I shudder internally at the thought of her drive train. But the damage is done and I will not let one bad decision ruin the day. At least there is a warm day predicted next week and I will be able to do a thorough cleaning.

We ride together to the first store stop. At one point I ask Jon if he thinks we will ever leave the yellow lined roads and get onto some rural country. Jon knows these roads better than I because he rides them more regularly. He assures me that we will. Inside the store is a young man curious about our riding. When someone tells him where we started from and the time, he asks if they mean we started at eight the previous night. It makes me think about how very little those who do not ride really understand those of us that do or what we do. He then lights up a cigarette and I move outside, the smoke bothering me. Prior to that, however, I did see that Sharon was riding. I knew she needed this century to get her ten but I did not see her at the start, so I am really happy she is here.

I head out with a faster group but quickly decide to ride my own pace and little by little, they edge ahead. I expect those behind me to catch me, but it never happens and I ride the rest of the day alone. I truly am not unhappy with this development as it will allow me to ride and climb at my own pace without feeling that I have to ride harder or that I am holding anyone up. It will allow me to savor scenery that might otherwise get screened out by conversation. Besides , I am in a pensive mood, not uncommon for me in the fall.

Later, while doing the long climb up to Port Royal, I find myself thinking, for the first time in years, of sitting in my mother's lap while she read me "The Little Engine That Could." "I think I can, I think I can" I say to myself with a huge smile on my face. Thoughts and memories like this come so much more frequently when one is riding alone.

At the start, people were concerned that Fritz had taken the route off of Carlisle Road and put it on 42. Many say they are going to stay on Carlisle and I figure I will too, but since I am alone I stay on route. The only issue I see is that if Fritz and the others behind me take Carlisle and I don't, they could get in front of me. Still, I figure that is better than turning around and maybe getting lost.

Frankly, I will say that 42 had little traffic and was quite scenic so I am a bit confused. There were many, many busy roads on this century with little to no shoulder. 42 is not one of them. It does not have a shoulder, but it just isn't that busy compared to quite a bit of this course. I think three cars pass me in seven miles. The only issue I see with 42 is that it dumps you out a bit earlier on 36 and 36 into town is not a pleasant road, even from Carlisle. Jon knows a way around most of this and said Sharon shared that road with him, so if I would ever ride this century again, I will have to ask him.

Anyway, once on 36 I see the group just climbing the rise to the bridge to go to Welch's. I don't know if it is Fritz or the front group, but I have decided just to stop at the gas station as I am not the Welch's fan that many are. Once there, I text Fritz telling him what I have done and not to worry about me. I later learn that Fritz also took 42, so it must have been the first group I viewed. After eating, I receive a text from Jon checking on me. I tell him what I have done and head out. I will see no other riders the rest of the day other than Todd who passes me coming in to town while I stop to check the cue sheet.

I think more of what Thomas Nance said last century about people riding for different reasons and realize I never did address it. Instead I spoke about the different types of riding which, while they may be a reflection of why people ride, does not really address it. I decide that over the years, I have ridden for different reasons, and I suspect that is true of most of us. Riding can be about winning. It can be about companionship or it can be about solitude. It can be about keeping weight off or losing weight. It can be about fitness and staying in shape. It can be about challenging yourself and your body and it can be about disciplining your body and yourself. And so much more. The main point, I suppose, is not to disparage someone for the reason they ride. We may not understand the why, but it is important to them, and we are all united in our love the bike.

I can't tell you much about what happened to the group during the ride. I understand that a couple of people thought the coffee at lunch was not very good while another thought it was "okay." I can tell you that if you ordered roast beef you were served quickly, but otherwise you waited. I ended the ride alone, passed only by Todd near the end. A surprise for me as I expected to end the season as the chubby anchor. I can also tell you that the photos of Welch's at lunch made me rather jealous, but I still think I made the right decision for me at the time. Still, it made me smile seeing the smiles on your faces. Maybe that is the perfect ending for the tour, or as perfect as it can be. You took the moment and made the best of it. Well done, Dogs.

To those Dogs I don't see again before spring or ever, have a wonderful holiday season. May it fill and caress you with love and warmth and happiness. Thank you for riding. Dream of the spring when the tour will start once again though. Dream of bicycles, challenge yourselves, and COME OUT AND PLAY!

MD Update: 2025 Tour de Mad Dog

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:35:35 GMT

"When eating fruit, remember

the one who planted the tree."

Vietnamese Proverb

It seems only right on this, the conclusion of the twentieth year of the Tour de Mad Dog, to pay homage to the creator of the tour: Tim Chilton. Thank you, Tim. While Tim no longer rides with the LBC and the tour has changed to the point where it is nothing like the original, still it survives. I suppose that to survive, it had to do what all of us do to survive: be amenable to change. As Kahil Gibran once said, "For life goes not backward or tarries with yesterday." So, Tim, I hope that somehow you know that your creation lives on, however different it may have become, and that those who completed the tour now and in the past owe you a debt of gratitude. For to complete the tour means something. If it didn't, people would not include it in their obituaries, as at least two of our past riders have done. It is not something that changes the world in any way, but perhaps it changes something in ourselves.

While it seems rather immodest because it includes myself, I would be remiss not to bring up that there are three of us who have completed the tour all twenty years since it's inception: Mike Kamenish, Dave King, and myself. Thanks for the competition gentlemen. There were many times it got me out the door when I was reluctant to ride.

The tour is, perhaps, more than just a series of bike rides. It is a chance to test yourself and your resolve, for to ride 10 centuries in a season is no mean feat. And the majority of you rode more than the required ten. It means facing hills that make your legs cry and wind that slaps you around. It means standing up to sun that scorches you and threatens to drain you dry of all bodily fluids and rain that often chills you to the bone even on the hottest of days. It means going on at times when your mind is screaming at you to stop and your muscles ache and beg for rest and your butt hurts. It means giving up sleeping in on Saturday mornings and a leisurely breakfast and instead rolling out onto strange roads where you don't know what might meet you around the next bend. It means paying attention to your eating and your hydration and to the bicycle that carries you. It means commitment to planning and executing a goal. In the end, it means mastering not only the course, but mastering yourself.

Of course, and maybe most importantly, it also means fun. There is nothing like being free to spend the day with friends on a bicycle. For the tour brings with it a chance to make friends, friends that encourage you or challenge you to be stronger and better than you ever thought you could be, to endure and to finish even when you are tired or feeling poorly, to give those bad times the finger, move on and finish. It means being with people who share your passion and who can give you advice and make you laugh until your sides hurt and you find the smile you thought you had lost somewhere along the way. Honestly, most of these friendships will fade if you stop riding, but they will give you memories to hold onto when the world just seems too cold and scary to face it alone. And it is a chance to learn things about yourself, that you are tougher than you thought, that you have what it takes to finish.

This tour has been especially meaningful for me because it is the first time I have had the privilege to be one of the Tour Directors. I am so thankful to Fritz for sharing that position with me and for the many contributions he has made to make the year a success. And of course I am thankful for the people who stepped up to captain. The tour could not happen without you. Jon Wineland, Thomas Nance, Bob Grable, Mike Kamenish, Larry Preble, Amelia Dauer, Susan Pyron, John Pyron, John Pelligrino, Bekki Livingston, Tom Askew, Christian Juckett, Dee Schreur, and Paula Pierce, we owe you a debt of gratitude for stepping up to the plate. Some of you had to make other arrangements due to circumstances beyond your control, but the fact that you volunteered meant a lot. What is most amazing to me is that some of you did it despite having no intention of completing the tour. Thank you! And special thanks to Dave King as well who organized the time trial.

This years tour had 22 stages and one time trial. There were no cancellations, though I know there were some ride captains that had to make very tough calls a couple of times. That is one of the difficult things about captaining. You don't want to take people out in weather that is dangerous, but you don't want to cancel and find that there was no need. I remind anyone that is critical of our captains that they are often in a lose/lose situation. If they cancel some are upset and if they don't others are upset. It ranks right up there with the, "Does this dress make me look fat?" question. You can't win no matter your answer. So please, be gentle with our ride captains and remember it is not a paid position.

This year also saw the return of the traditional overnight back to back centuries though it was a new course and a new destination rather than the traditional trek to Mammoth Cave. It had quite the turn out and while it turned out to be one tough week-end with the heat and endless hills, it was a ride those who completed will, I dare say, always remember because of the terrible heat and the difficulty of the courses. Those rides, the rides that challenge us, are the ones we tend to remember because they show us what it means to endure and conquer. I hope everyone felt the same sense of pride upon finishing that I did because I know it was a struggle. Would I do it again.....heck yeah. So glad I didn't miss the adventure and the challenge.

We also saw a couple of old centuries dragged out of the closet: Pottershop and Buckner Riverdance. If you captain next year, please remember there is a list and GPS files for many of the centuries that have been done as tour stages in the past on the club web site. A few riders had not met Pottershop before and now know what the fuss was all about. I can't mention Pottershop without mentioning Stewart Prather, now at rest. Stewart was, if I remember correctly, the one who first found Pottershop and introduced it to the club.

This year also saw a new point system. I will be suggesting a few changes to Fritz that I think will make it more fair, but it will, of course, be up to him. It also is the first year where winners are unable to win for another three years. This change was based upon survey results and was what the majority wanted. Congratulations to Larry Preble who soundly spanked everyone in the competition.

This year there were 19 finishers and roughly 70 club members who completed at least one stage. There were participating riders from Southern Indiana Wheelmen, Madison Bicycle Club, Major Taylor Bicycle Club and Ridenfaden (some riders were joint members of clubs) who joined us as well as others that had no club affiliation or whose club affiliation I don't know about. The oldest person riding one of the stages was Paul Battle and the youngest was Zeke Ledford (still in high school I believe). Finishers were as follows:

Tom Askew 13 stages

Keith Baldwin 12 stages

John Dippold 12 stages

Bob Evancho 12 stages

David Frey 11 stages

Bob Grable 17 stages

Melissa Hall 18 stages

Sharon Jeter 10 stages

Michael Kammenish 13 stages

David King 13 stages

Fritz Kopatz 18 stages

Larry Preble 20 stages

Steven Sarson 10 stages

Glenn Smith 16 stages

Jerry Tally 14 stages

Dominic Wasserzug 10 stages

Jon Wineland 18 stages

Harley Wise 14 stages

Thomas Nance 12 stages

Congratulations to each and every one of you on being a finisher. And thank you for making it such a special year to be one of the Directors. It was truly an honor and a pleasure. Hope to see you in 2026.

To the finishers: Please be on the look out in the near future for the order form for your award jersey. The more quickly everyone responds, the more quickly the order can be placed.

Also, please consider captaining a ride. The tour can't happen without ride captains and some riders had to captain two or more stages last year. To ride captain, you need to sweep the ride and check the course ahead of time for any issues. But.....if everyone takes a turn it is not so hard to stay in the back for one ride. Plus, as noted earlier, there are established routes available on the LBC web site if you don't want to create your own. It is always good to give back. Fritz will be sending out the schedule in the near future.

Lastly, if you are interested in the tour, please remember to request membership in the TMD Google group. When you make your request, please include your name, club membership status (you don't have to be a club member but it helps with SPAM requests), whether you know a club member, or whether you are a member of another club. Requests can be made at either tourdemaddog@louisvillebicycleclub.com or tour-de-mad-dog@googlegroups.com

November 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:48:34 GMT

View the November Newsletter HERE

DaFongman Hundo – Ride Report

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:17:55 GMT

By: Dominic Wasserzug and John Fong

John Fong’s widow Kim Fong was present at the start of the ride briefing. With her was Brenda Kopatz, close friend of Kim and wife of Fritz Kopatz who is the ride captain for today’s Mad Dog. The morning’s autumn light carried a tinge of amber which emanated warmth on an otherwise brisk October morning. Fritz and fellow club members took a moment to share some touching words about how great John was. Fritz remarked about how John was always making friends everywhere. Indeed, one rider present named Christopher mentioned that he met John online on Zwift. Following remarks, John Pellegrino presented the Mad Dog jersey that John Fong designed for the 2023 Mad Dog season in a touching display. Pellegrino explained that this particular jersey was special because it had been signed by John Fong himself.

As a matter of special mention, rider Matt Mangun who worked with John at UPS completed his first ever Mad Dog ride with us in honor of his dear friend and co-worker. We welcome Matt into our pack and thank him for pushing his limits to honor John with us. Thank you for your commitment to this ride.

And this was a sentimental ride. At face value it is sentimental because the ride honors the memory of a fellow rider that is no longer with us. The real meaning to that, though, is found in why we ride. Exploring those reasons, I think, is important to understand that significance. Throughout the ride, I would discover those reasons through the experiences of our journey.

The first reason would come to me before the ride even begins. Jonathan Minucci would remark at how wide awake I appeared when he greeted me. I would joke that I had already been up for four hours and he would explain that he had already watched all the TV series Lost and even baked some bread, none of which is true of course. This is typical comradery poking light at the fact that we go to great lengths to rise early in the morning and head out on epic bicycle rides with friends. While rooted in humor the sentiment remains that we are all very dedicated to our hobby.

Indeed, in one of John’s last Facebook posts he stated what started as a hobby ten years ago bloomed into a passion, and passion takes dedication. I don’t know exactly how many rides John did in those years. John’s final club milage count remains at 11,513 miles and I know that not all his rides were LBC rides. It takes serious dedication to rack up those miles. That is a lot of metaphorical bread and early mornings.

The next reason comes from a conversation with Larry Preble. At some point during the ride, he and I started to take notice of what crops remained for the harvest along the side of the country backroads we were riding—a frequent pastime on Mad Dog rides. One crop, we decided appeared to be Kale, to which Larry exclaimed, what would be one of many infamous Larry puns on this ride, “kale for what k-ails you”. Not to worry, this will be the only pun I report on here. This kale you pun, however, is apt for this ride.

John also remarked in his last post how cycling taught him life lessons, and I believe that we each have kale we bring with us to the road and in our journey, we learn our lessons. The kale comes is all different shades and varieties, but I believe it is in large part why so many of us keep coming back time and time again. Everyone’s kale is theirs and theirs alone to grapple with and yet we all ride this ride together on road and in life. As John would point out, it is the journey and not the destination. This is a sentiment that we are all familiar with, but it is the shared journey that makes this so special.

The last core reason was experienced with all of the other riders on this day, and that is the beauty of the world around us and life itself. Repeatedly we all were basking in what was unseasonably amazing weather for the third Saturday in October. The clouds looked as though they were painted on a backdrop of perfectly serene clear blue skies. So much of how we see and experience the world depends on the weather, and the weather today can only be described as heavenly. At each turn on this ride, mother nature did not disappoint, as we were greeted with picturesque scenes all of which could provide a lifetime of fall calendar photos. Dreams of peace and serenity never looked as clear and vivid.

John described life as a mist. His perspective on eternal life points out that, while life as we know it in this world is but a temporary state of being, the beauty of the things we are so fortunate to get to experience makes our short time on this earth even more important. Sometimes that weather is tumultuous and unpredictable, and those moments may reveal us in ways that we’d rather not journey. Learn to embrace each day and find beauty within it no matter the horizon, and you will learn to appreciate all days and life itself.

With that I will leave you with John’s last message to us all on Facebook in this report so it may be forever part of our record. We love you, John Fong, on all days and eternally.

"""

Life is a Mist: 10 Years of Cycling, Lessons from the Road

About ten years ago, I clipped into a pair of pedals for the first time. What began as a simple hobby quickly became something much greater—a passion, a source of growth, and a lens through which I’ve come to see the world.

As I reflect on this decade of riding, the memories flood in: the thrill of cresting grueling climbs, the quiet joy of sunrise rides, the satisfaction of smashing personal records, and even the humbling grind of headwinds. Cycling has gifted me so many unforgettable moments, but it has also brought something deeper—friendships forged on the road. Together, we’ve shared victories, pushed through pain, and built bonds that extend far beyond the miles we’ve ridden.

Yet, cycling has been more than just a sport for me. It has been a teacher. From the saddle, I’ve learned lessons that shape my daily life: how to press on through discomfort, how to appreciate the journey rather than fixate on the destination, and how to find beauty in the struggle. Each ride has been a reminder to keep moving forward, no matter how distant the finish line might feel.

But as I sit here today, reflecting on the road behind me, I’m also staring at a climb ahead—one that is steeper and more uncharted than anything I’ve faced on two wheels. This season of life has brought challenges I never trained for. No amount of miles, intervals, or endurance rides could have prepared me for what lies ahead.

Still, cycling has taught me this: when the climb feels insurmountable, keep pedaling. There will be moments when stopping seems like the only option, but pushing through leads to growth, strength, and a perspective you can’t gain any other way. It’s in the struggle that character is formed and hope is renewed.

For now, I take it one mile, one day at a time, trusting that the strength, discipline, and faith in Christ I’ve gained through years of riding will carry me forward. While the road ahead may be difficult, I remain hopeful. There are more memories to create, more milestones to celebrate, and more opportunities to grow—if God wills.

Life, like cycling, is a mist. It’s fleeting and fragile, but it’s also full of beauty and purpose when lived with an eternal perspective.

Here’s to the road ahead—every climb, every mile, every challenges in life and every blessing waiting on the journey.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

—Romans 5:3–4

"""-John Fong

Completing today’s Mad Dog ride is as follows:

John Dippold

Alan McCoy

Tony Konvalin

Larry Preble

Fritz Kopatz

Steven Sarson

Bob Garble

Harley Wise

Matt Mangun

Jerry D. Tally

David Frey

Dominic Wasserzug

October 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:47:41 GMT

View the October Newsletter HERE

RIDE REPORT ON MEDORA: TMD STAGE 19

Jackie Rountree — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:04:08 GMT

"Memories are the treasures we keep locked

deep within the storehouse of our souls,

to keep our hearts warm when we

are lonely."

Becky Aligada

It is finally here, the second Saturday of October. This has come to mean, at least for me, the Medora Century, at least if the weather cooperates. And today it does. Sunshine and light winds. A bit cool at the start though not as cool as it has been at times in the past, Warm enough for shorts without leg or knee warmers. Later in the day it will be warm enough to discard arm warmers and vests and jackets and ride short sleeved. Precious weather any time of year, but particularly with fickle October who often likes to tease us with a bit of warmth, then slap us with wind, cold, and rain.

Medora is not the most scenic club century by far, but there is just something about it that I like. Perhaps it is the countless memories I have made over the years, memories of those that still and those that don't still ride. Or perhaps it is the ease of the course or perhaps it is just the time of year and the feeling of melancholy that stems from knowing the cycling season is, for many, coming to a close. And I must not be alone because 35 people sign in and I am unsure how many more from Ridenfaden and Southern Indiana Wheelmen are here. The following people sign in on the pink sign in sheets: Tom Askew, Larry Preble, John Killebrew, Harley Wise, Paula Pierce, Glenn Smith, Dominic Wasserzug, Mark Rougeux, William Bicknell, Paul Battle, John Dippold, David King, Brooks Hellenbrand, Jackie Rountree, Fritz Kopatz, Steven Sarson, John Pelligrino, Amelia Dauer, Keith Baldwin, Steve Puckett, Sharon Jeter, Jon Wineland, Joe Bolan, Zeke Ledford, Mike Corus, Dan Barriere, Bob Grable, Jeff Schrode, Thomas Nance, John Mahorney, Andrew Degs, Brandon Havel, Mike Ngong, and myself. (not sure of some of the spelling of last names).

Most, though not all, are wearing pink of some type, honoring the town we are about to visit and the fight against cancer, a disease that affects so many of us. This year I went with my pink witch hat at the start, pink socks, pink jersey and vest, and pink gloves. I smile remembering how dismayed I was when Steve brought me back pink gloves when I asked him to pick up wool gloves for me. I still see his smirking in my mind for nobody gets dirtier on a ride than I seem to do. Who knew that they would come in so useful in the future;-) Another memory. I also have bought myself pink handlebar streamers, something I desperately longed for as a child but never received (along with a banana seat bicycle that I never was lucky enough to receive and now, sadly, have outgrown).

The TMD has had two pink reward jerseys though different shades of pink. Some, like myself, have on the older jersey and some are wearing last years. Others have jerseys that have pink in them. Dave King is riding a bike that is partially painted pink. Paula Pierce has her pink wig, though I think she gave it a trim from last year, and a tutu. Amelia Dauer once again is clad in her tutu. Paul Battle is wearing his 150,000 mile pink jersey, pink socks, and a helmet cover that has pink on it. (For this century, Paul will take the honors that have thus been accorded to Larry Preble this year as the oldest rider on the century). Steven Sarson has on his pink panties over his riding shorts. I hear one rider, I think I remember it was Harley Wise, saying how he priced a pink jersey but it was just too expensive. And there are more riders wearing pink of some kind, getting into the spirit of the day. Such a crowd that I have trouble taking it all in and certainly don't remember all of it. Everyone seems to be in a good mood and the air seems to hum with anticipation. It brings a smile to my face. There is nothing like the feel of anticipation that seems to hover in the air before a ride and with not knowing what joys and challenges the day might bring.

Paula comes up to me asking if Tom Askew and David Frey can get a helping point for helping her get to the ride. Evidently her battery went dead along the way and she was on the verge of calling her husband to pick her up. Teasingly, I tell her no: the point is only for help on the ride, but I quickly tell her yes after seeing her disappointment. I am just glad that she got here and a tad worried about how she will get home. With the late start, she may be fighting darkness on her trip home.

Prior to the ride, Thomas Nance had texted me that if I see his car and not him, he is riding the Fire Tower to do the Fire Tower Challenge. Amelia tells me she arrived before he left. Only two riders have completed the challenge thus far: Jon Wineland (who does it again today) and Samuel Bland. I have done both climbs, but not on the same day. Jon Wineland teased me with the idea during the pre-ride, but I declined. Thomas is, by the way, successful but he brings back memories of my first, failed attempt to climb the one in Clark Forestry when he says his front wheel kept coming up off the road due to the steepness. That was my issue the first time I attempted to climb the fire tower hill. I failed that day but later was successful even making it up on my double as I got stronger. It also brings back a memory of taking Grasshopper to climb and him looking at me and saying he didn't know you could go so slowly on a bike and still stay upright. Amelia talks about how she quit climbing it because it caused her knees to hurt and they don't normally hurt and I agree. It is one hard climb and helmets off to anyone who climbs it and then another challenging hill later the same day.

Joe Bolan from SWI asks about dogs telling me that dogs had bothered him awhile back on a road that is part of the route. I tell him they didn't bother me on the pre-ride, but we should let people know. Dominic Wasserzug has brought a bar code people can scan if they want to participate in next years Bike to Beat Cancer and asks that I put it with my sign out sheet. John Pelligrini has brought a photo of last year that shows John Fong and Tom Hurst and remarks how hard it is to believe that we have lost both of them. Later, during the pre-ride speech, John Mahorney reminds us of their loss. It makes me think about how fragile we are and how our days are, indeed, numbered. I remember Tom telling me during his illness that it was so strange to him because he had never been in such good shape before in his life. One thing age has taught me is that life is full of loss making it even more important to cherish these days when we feel happy, healthy, and strong and the friends and family that we have that our still with us.

After a short speech urging everyone to have fun, the groups take off and that is the last I will see of most of them except for when I am nearing Medora and they are leaving it. I am late leaving the parking lot as Dave King forgot gloves. I loan him my short fingered gloves (not pink) and then Mike Ngong says he left his gloves in the car. Finally we are off chasing the group. Mike tells me it is his second century. What he does not tell me is that he has not ridden a bicycle outside for six or eight weeks (I can't remember for sure which) but has been spinning at the Y. I tell him that since I don't know how he rides, he has to tell me if I am going to quickly or slowly for him. While it is hard to imagine anyone being slower than me anymore, it does occasionally happen, and with centuries, one must absolutely do two things: pace oneself and eat. Meanwhile he is trying to find the route on his phone. Eventually he does and this enables him to move ahead.

We are not too far into the ride when I come upon a group at the side of the road: Steve Sarson, Brooke Hillenbrand, Larry Preble, and Bob Grable. Brooke has broken his rear derailleur cable. Fortunately, Steve Sarson has one; however, as they try to put it on they discover it is too short. I carry one on the Lysnkey, but not on my Calfee since it has electronic shifting. Nobody else has one. Much discussion ensues about whether to tie the cable off so he has a couple of gears or to try to tie the old and new cable together. Bob is carrying wire cutters. Just as they are trying to tie it off, Jon Wineland arrives saving the day with a cable that is long enough to reach the rear. Frankly, prior to this I did not know there were different length cables. Brooke seems to feel badly about holding everyone up, but I am so glad he came out to play. As Jon Wineland has been known to say, "We have all day."

Meanwhile, the jokes fly and the laughter fills the air becoming somewhat bawdy but eliciting loud guffaws from all. I hate to think what would have happened had I, a woman, not been there with my gentle, restraining presence to tone it down a bit because of course I would never engage in or condone such ribaldry (Okay, I admit I participated a bit. Too many of you know me to lie so blatantly;-) Anyway, the details of what happens or is said in Vienna stays in Vienna.

As we leave, Larry asks us to follow his slowly as he wants to use his drone to take some footage. Unfortunately, the drone ends up crashing into a tree. He finds it more quickly than I would expect for him to and we are back on the road.

When we arrive at the store stop, everyone is gone. This doesn't surprise me because our repair stop took awhile. But what happens next does surprise me because after a quick bite and drink, we begin to head out only to find that Brooke has a flat tire. It takes little time to fix it, however, and we are on our way. It interests me that he has one of the new, brightly colored tubes. I am beginning to see them more and more often on rides. I ask about them and am told they are very light.

By now the dew has worn off the Fox Tail and other weeds which glimmered and beguiled earlier in the ride as if there were a field of diamonds sparkling brightly in the sun. The slight fog that hugged the earth has lifted. Most of the trees are still green, but there are hints that fall has arrived and their days are coming to a close. We pass fields of soy beans and corn some of which have been harvested and many of which have not. A few fields are being worked, but less than I would expect on such a fine week-end day for many of the farmers here work second jobs as well as farming.

As we near Medora, we see two large groups of riders heading back. We stop for a photo at the covered bridge and Larry sets his drone to fly through in front of us as we ride through. Bob mentions getting a tire stuck in one of the cracks in the past and I remember that I normally caution people to walk rather than ride through, but none of us has an issue, maybe as most of us no longer ride on tires only 23 or 25 wide.

There are still oodles of riders at the festival despite the two groups that have eaten and left. The car show is still there and a few of the cars have been decorated for Halloween. I chuckle at the car with the huge skeleton climbing on top. I am surprised at the small crowd at the festival. Normally there are more people. Is it because we have arrived a bit later? I am glad I didn't wear another cape to give away as I did last year because I am not sure who I would have given it to though I did see children pass in the barrel ride.

We eat and prepare to head out when Mike walks up only having just gotten himself a piece of fish to eat. He seems surprised to see the group ready to leave and refuses our offer to wait. He puts it in his pack and we take off though I caution him about the need to eat on a century.

When we get to the bridge that I had cautioned the group about because it has a large lip to it that could easily pop a tire, we find the group waiting. A photo is taken and then Larry again sets his drone to fly ahead of us. At some point, however, the drone hits the ground due to an accident and I later learn that the photos taken throughout the ride are probably lost as it won't restart. If it does not restart, the photos will be lost as the drone has an internal SIM card.

The group again splits and Mike and I finish together at the back. He says he is very proud of himself and I feel proud for him and his accomplishment and wonder if he will attempt to complete the TMD next year. One never knows who will and who will not fall in love with century riding. Centuries are, indeed, an accomplishment. And those first few centuries where one learns pacing, eating, etc. more so. Some of the group is still at the end and I grin seeing how many have adopted Dave King's after ride Moomoo dress. It is then that I learn that Steve Puckett took a tumble, clipping Jon's back wheel. I am so relieved to find he was not injured. As I dress under a towel for pizza, I think maybe I should join in and purchase a Moomoo. It would be easier. A group of seven or eight go out for pizza and then Medora is officially finished for this year. And there are new memories to keep me warm when I am lonely or when my century days are complete. Like fall, they give me mixed feelings: happiness intertwined with melancholy. Thanks, everyone, for coming out to play. I hope you formed some memories that you can remember with a smile on your face during the cold winter months and in the future. Just know that you are treasured and that though I didn't ride with many or even most of you, I am SO glad you were there.

Finishers who signed in are as follows:

Joe Bolan 3:33 group of 1

John Dippold 4:03 group of 9

Harley Wise 4:03 group of 9

Sharon Jeter 4:03 group of 9

Fritz Kopatz 4:03 group of 9

John Killenbrew 4:03 group of 9

Keith Baldwin 4:03 group of 9

Glenn Smith 4:03 group of 9

Dan Barriere 4:03 group of 9

Andrew Dean 4:03 group of 9

Tom Askew 4:06 group of 1

Jeff Schrode 4:30 group of 1

Thomas Nance 4:45 group of 1

John Pelligrini 5:30 group of 1

Mark Rougeux 4:45 group of 1

Larry Preble 5:37 group of 11

Steven Sarson 5:37 group of 11

Jackie Rountree 5:37 group of 11

Zeke Ledford 5:37 group of 11

Brooke Hillenbrand 5:37 group of 11

Bob Grable 5:37 group of 11

Dominic Wasserzug 5:37 group of 11

Amelia Dauer 5:37 group of 11

Steve Puckett 5:37 group of 11

Paul Battle 5:37 group of 11

Jon Wineland 5:37 group of 11

David Fry 5:37 group of 11

Paula Pierce 5:37 group of 11

David King 5:37 group of 11

Melissa Hall 5:44 group of 2

Mike Ngong 5:44 group of 2

September 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:08:36 GMT

See the September 2025 Newsletter HERE

Ride Report: TMD Stage 18: Twice Boston

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:25:56 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"Alas, the summer sun can't last

forever. The days will grow cooler and

shorter and our skin will once again pale."

Sarah McLean

With the promise of ninety degrees or more later in the day, I walk out my door to head for the ride clad only in riding shorts and a short sleeved jersey. "Will this," I wonder, "be the last ninety degree day?" There is the mere hint of fall's coolness in the morning air, but it is just that: a hint and promise of what is not yet here but inevitably will become reality. Leaving for a ride scantily clad will become less and less likely to be a reality. And it is dark. Even for a ride starting at 8:00 a.m. there is a bit of driving in the dark to reach the starting point. "Where," I ask myself as I drive, "did the summer run off to?" for it does not seem that enough time has passed for it to end. I have always read that as you age, time passes more quickly. Sometimes it does and at other times it drags, but the seasons certainly fly. Well, all except winter which can seem like it is eternal when it clutches the world with arthritic ridden fingers that will not seem to unclasp and will not allow themselves to be pried apart.

While I leave plenty of time and arrive forty five minutes prior to the ride start, there are others there before me. Car after car pulls in. Because there are two rides today, a shorter ride and a TMD century, it is hard to tell which distance people are riding. There are smiles on faces and a swirling quilt of brightly colored jerseys weaving in and out as people go about their business of getting ready. There is the soft, somehow comforting, murmur of talking and occasional peals of laughter or chortling that bring a smile to my face. There are the sounds of wheels turning and gears shifting as people make sure everything on their bike is in order and working. I hear Mike Kamenish tease Jon Wineland who is returning a cooler to me about whether he had brought body parts to the ride for disposal (yes, only Mike) and I think how much I cherish the anticipation that fills the air for it is summer and we are about to explore the world on bicycles. The day shines with promise.

As it turns out, Paula and Dee have 24 riders show up for their century, a century that was designed by Jon Fong who is not longer with us and is much missed. I suspect he touches many riders hearts today in thought and prayer and a reminder of how, despite our apparent health and strength, fragile we are. Riders are as follows: Paula Pierce, Steven Sarson, Larry Preble, Tom Askew, David Frey, Bob Evancho, Dee Schreur, Fritz Kopatz, Dominic Wasserzug, Vince Livingston, Jon Wineland, Harley Wise, Bob Grable, David King, Keith Baldwin, Michael Kamenish, Jerry Talley, Glenn Smith, Brad Conrad, Brian Corbett, Todd King, Terrell Brown, and myself. Jackie Roundtree also rode the century, but did not sign in on the century sheet, so I don't know if it was unplanned or what. I email her and find it was a miscommunication between her and another rider.

Paula gives her pre-ride speech. When she is done, we dribble out of the parking lot, heading through the busier parts of town to the country where traffic will be much less frequent or heavy. We pass a park where young people are having football practice and it is nice to see so many families. I miss those days when my husband was alive and the children were involved in activities that required our attendance. Glenn Smith and Jon Wineland realize within a mile that they each have forgotten something and turn back. Glenn had forgotten his backpack and Jon his food that he carries with him. It is a good thing Jon remembered as I understand every last bit was consumed prior to the end of the ride.

The pace is quick and I decide that I need to pace myself better and fall back. Dee falls back shortly afterward and she, Ann Stainback, and I ride together for a short bit. Ann is quite strong but states that she lags on hills. I suggest that she work on using her breath as one does in Pilates. Hills are hard for most of us, though there are some that seem to be built to climb. I giggle to myself when she, after telling me what an inspiration Bernice was to her when she first started riding, says I am the new Bernice. I giggle because I remember Claudia telling me, after we climbed Oregon Road on a brevet, that I was amazing because I was her mother's age and her mother could not climb that hill. I giggle also remembering how when I first started riding, Bernice once said something about people "our" age despite the fact I was around twenty years younger than she. I know Ann means it as a compliment and wonders if she realizes how big of a compliment it is. Bernice was one spectacular woman, riding until she was ninety or so and still riding two days before her death. There will never be anyone like her.

Dee and I talk briefly. Dee is one of the heroines of this ride having had knee surgery and having only completed two fifty mile rides yet honoring the commitment she made to co-captain the century with Paula. I later learn that she also had to contend with a worn out cleat that kept coming undone from time to time. Some people are just built tough. Dee is one of them. In fact, both of Dee and Paula are Mad Dog heroes as are some others agreeing to captain a stage despite the fact they have no intention of completing the Mad Dog Challenge this year thus giving back. It strikes me that there are more females on this stage than on any of the others that I attended: Paula, Dee, Jackie, and me. It is something that has grieved me over the years, the lack of females in distance riding, but I have come to accept that it is what it is.

Forgetting my resolve to slow my pace, Glenn and I head out toward Boston. While I keep in mind that this is a difficult course to pace oneself on because of the initial flats, I think I can maintain this pace. In the end, I decide I may have been better riding in the draft of the group I had been with rather than facing the wind with no pull all those miles, but who knows? I arrive at Boston with an average of over sixteen and later learn the group I had been with was averaging over eighteen.

When we arrive, there is quite a group there and it is difficult to know who is only doing the short ride and who is going long. I nudge myself to remember to look at the GPS until the route splits so as not to head in the wrong direction. I stay at the market on a short time, long enough to consume my home-made energy bar and milk, and head out. Later I learn that Jerry Talley arrived at the market with a broken cable. (Jerry is another hero from the ride as he completed the century with the cable tied off for his rear derailleur and only two gears and finishes with one of the faster groups). Jon Wineland helps him with the issue and Bob Grable lends a tool. When I later told Jerry I thought he might turn around, he tells me he wanted to but did not feel he could after Jon had worked so hard fixing his bike. I also learn that Jerry has only been riding for three years though he is remarkably strong on the bike. Well, Jerry, had I not heard what happened, I would never have known you completed the course with only two gears. Well, done, you.

Those of you who know Jon Wineland know that he always appreciates a good road treasure find. He has hauled tools and objects that have been the subject of jokes and admiration. Today he happens upon a large brick sized piece of metal in the road. He does not, however, haul it with him to find a use for later, but is courteous enough to move it out of the road so it does not cause an accident or a flat tire. He estimated the weight at 10 to 15 pounds. Shortly after I understand he caught up with Dee, Paula, and Terrell and would end up spending the day with them. Everyone teased Dee about sandbagging her physical condition as I understand that she consistently surged to the front.

Shortly after Boston, Bob and Larry catch up with me. I tell them to go ahead, but they insist on staying with me and we ride together until lunch. We are now on roads I am not very familiar with which is always nice. But I know that while I am riding okay, I am not feeling great today. Maybe it is the speed I went out at or maybe the heat or maybe it just is how I feel today. I am not feeling bad, but not my usual self either. Somehow the topic of age comes up for Larry and I, as usual, are the oldest of our gender on the ride. Larry jokes that if we were younger, we would have to dance with each other at the prom. I tell him he is lucky this isn't the case as I am not a good dancer and would likely step on his toes.

We talk about lunch and where to eat and end up pulling into McDonald's only to find a large group gathered there. I suppose many of us opted for fast and cheap. Bob says lunch will be cheaper than his store stops. I sit at the same table as Harley who talks about his weight loss and think how proud he should be of himself. I have always thought weight loss is so much harder than giving up smoking. You can quit and never have another cigarette again. You can't stop eating. He and a few others relate the dietary changes they have made not only because of weight but because of health issues and we take a moment to realize how lucky we are, at our ages, to have the health to be here today. Bob Evancho tells of some friends of his who are now having health problems as we talk about how lucky we are to have the health to be here. Keith talks, though it may have been at a stop rather than lunch, about a 91 year old who is in excellent health but is having cognitive issues and how health can be a blessing and a curse.

The group finishes and leaves together, but I know I will not be staying with them. It always amazes me how quickly the group decides to leave and gets ready to do so, as if there were a hive mind. During lunch, we had joked a bit about being Upsalled. Most of the riders needed an explanation as they never met Mike. Once on a century long ago, the group gathered up quickly and departed while Mike Upsall was in the bathroom. For some reason, he thought the group knew he was in there and still left, so being Upsalled became a term for being left behind. I still remain in touch with Mike who rides the roads of the west coast now and is happy to be ride of hot weather. A loss for the club but a gain for him.

The group stays together for awhile, but on the first slight climb I drop back. I have ridden enough centuries to have a sense of my pace, particularly with this heat, for the day is getting hotter and the promised clouds have not appeared in sufficient number or strength to offer a cooling shield. While in Alaska, I lost some of the acclimation to the hot weather, and I find myself draining water bottles more quickly than anticipated. When we reach the turn for the store stop, I debate just going to the Dollar General that is right there rather than backtracking, but Bob wants to go to the store and so I do. While there, we pick up Dave King who has dropped back to ride with us.

Not long afterward, we pick up Jackie and Glenn and finish together as a group. I am looking forward to finishing. My right thigh is flirting with cramping and will later cramp on the drive home (thank goodness for cruise control). I am thirsty and about out of water and my feet are longing for regular shoes. And we arrive.

While some have finished and left, a few are waiting there. Tom is handing out drinks to people with his normal, friendly smile upon his face as if life is an endless source of amusement. Steve, who seemed very strong today, explains that an unknown infection that his dentist found and treated, had impeded his riding this summer. Obviously true as he hammered the course today.

The conversation moves on to Dave King's after ride mu-mu. And sure enough, once Jackie and he have circled the parking lot a few times, he comes out in his brightly colored mu-mu talking about the breeze he is able to experience in this rather odd article of clothing. It makes me grin, something Dave often does and for which I have a huge appreciation. I stay for a short bit, but then head home to shower and collapse on the couch, glad I have ridden but spent. Surprised and satisfied with my 15.5 average for the day. Thankful to God for the day and people and the memories I have made. For our tans will fade and many of these friends I will only see a few more times before the season is over, but I will have the memory of the day, the laughter, the camaraderie of the dogs, the shared toil and sweat and the shared glee of speed and finishing, conquering the course, the heat, and the day. Shakespeare is right, "Summer doth have too short a lease" despite the heat. Most of you will never know how I will miss you despite the fact many of us are not close. During the cold winter I will long for the sight of your faces and the sound of your voices, for your stories and your laughter. Come spring, these things will serve as a tonic. But there are still a few more century rides to go in the tour, including Medora. Well done, Dogs, well done!

Finishers:

Todd King 2:05 group of 1

Vince Livingston 2:41 group of 1?

Brad Conrad 2:41 group of 1?

Fritz Kopatz 2:41 group of 1?

Larry Preble 3:07 group of 10

Steven Sarson 3:07 group of 10

Harley Wise 3:07 group of 10

Dominic Wasserzug 3:07 group of 10

Keith Baldwin 3:07 group of 10

David Frey 3:07 group of 10

Jerry Talley 3:07 group of 10

Bob Evancho 3:07 group of 10

Mike Kamenish 3:07 group of 10

Tom Askew 3:07 group of 10

Glenn Smith 3:20 group of 5

Melissa Hall 3:20 group of 5

David King 3:20 group of 5

Bob Grable 3:20 group of 5

Jon Wineland 4:38 group of 4

Dee Scheur 4:38 group of 4

Terrell Brown 4:38 group of 4

Paula Pierce 4:38 group of 4

July/August 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:21:25 GMT

See the July/August Newsletter HERE

RIDE REPORT FOR TMD STAGE 13: SALEM: AMELIA'S WAY

Jackie Rountree — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:47:28 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"Ah, summer, what power

you have to make us suffer

and like it."

Russell Baker

I can't say that I am not wary of the upcoming century and the predicted heat index of over one hundred, but I have come to accept that it is going to be one of those summers. We don't have them too often, but when we do they are cruel. Being unusually hot and humid puts demands upon you that other summers just don't. They are not just physically but mentally challenging. Even stepping out the door to go to a ride can be a test of will power. Most summers have a few days of this, but this summer has been one of those that is working overtime, as if testing us and our resolve. It is not so much the heat, but the humidity. The news weather person keeps describing it as "tropical."

You have two choices when there is this kind of summer: ride and learn to tolerate and deal with it or not ride. You can modify by riding shorter distances and going at a slower pace, but if you are going to ride, unless you go out in the dark, and perhaps even then, it will be hot and you run the risk of cramps or heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Everyone who is a finisher this year will have my respect. Well, I suppose every years finishers have my respect, but this year particularly so because it has been a hard year not only course wise but weather wise. Or perhaps it seems that way due to my age. What was hard at forty is not the same as what is hard almost thirty years later.

Riding in the heat is not easy. I don't know that it is harder than riding in extreme cold and wind, but it is difficult regardless. I am glad that Amelia decided to start the ride at 7:00 rather than later and that she is treating everyone to a new course to Salem. I know she has put a lot of work into the course, changing it once due to road closures and driving it to ensure that there are no issues with road closures or road conditions or closed stores. While I have ridden all of these roads at one time or another, I have not seen them put together this way before and I know it will be a good if difficult ride with the hardest hill being Leota Hill. As she points out at one time, the climbing in the route, like Story, is all in the middle of the ride. She is also honest that were she not captaining, she would not be here.

Most of us have had those rides where we were not well trained enough to handle the heat or we rode too hard at the start of the ride or we entered the ride already dehydrated or don't pay attention to dehydration during the day. Those are the rides where every fiber of your being screams for water because more is being excreted in the form of sweat as your body struggles to cool organs because you can't drink enough to replenish what is being lost. These are the rides when you have to use common sense at times and call the sag wagon if it becomes too much. Tenacity and determination are fine qualities in a human being, but at some point can become stupidity. There is no weakness in doing the smart thing. Fortunately, this does not happen on this ride, that arguing with someone who wants to continue when they should not or accepting that I, myself, should quit.

I arrive at the ride start early. I see a large crowd of cyclists and am surprised at such a turnout because I figured the turnout would be small, but it turns out it is another cycling group and not the Mad Dogs. Still, 18 people sign in: Amelia Dauer, Mark Rougeux, Tom Askew, Larry Preble, Bob Grable, Jon Wineland, Harley Wise, Fritz Kopatz, Michael Kammenish, Thomas Nance, Bob Evancho, Glenn Smith, Vince Livingston, Keith Baldwin, Tony Nall, Paula Pierce, Terrell Brown, and myself. I am told Tony and Paula don't intend to do the entire ride. Unfortunately, before even starting Bob Evancho, freshly returned from his travels and from visiting his grands, finds he has a flat. He is offered a tire and/or tube, but he is running tubeless and decides he will not ride. After scratching his name off the sign in, he heads home. His is the first of a numerous flat day, giving lie to someone's recent comments about how we don't see as many flats as we used to. Some time during the day someone tells me that most of us ran over numerous bits of broken porcelain. I, personally, did not notice it, but I was probably talking too much.

The starting temperature, depending upon who you talk to, is 77 or 78 degrees. Amelia tells everyone they can head out. As usual, everyone just stands there for a few seconds before bicycles and riders spill into the street. I've never understood this, but it seems to happen every ride. I head out expecting to be quickly passed, but that does not happen. I find that I am feeling very strong today and that the heat is not, thus far, an issue for me. This is good news and not what I expected. I expected to be quite slow. I debated not riding or leaving early, but I need this ride as I am training for Alaska and repeated demands on an aging body that is not used to riding distance day after day for a week.

As we head out, I talk briefly with Harley and ask after his wife. I am so happy to hear she is feeling better and even has been out with him on the bike. I know he has been missed on the past few centuries. Harley is kind enough to compliment my ride reports. Keith says that he has a friend who is a writer and had started a program for the elderly in nursing homes, capturing the stories. Her program is "Feet to the Fire." The program sounds interesting. I google her web site though I don't spend enough time there to digest the information. I will save that for winter.

I talk with the one who I understood to say that people hated the overnight ride. He tells me I misunderstood him, that people were not saying they hated it, merely that it was hard. I am glad to have that cleared up. Both Thomas and I spent quite a bit of time creating that event, designing the routes, driving the routes, finding a reasonably priced motel. Hard is okay not only because of the sense of accomplishment, but because those are the rides you best remember. I blog many of my rides in an attempt to hold onto them, but still they blur in memory unless they were particularly hard or something particularly unusual happens. I remind him of when doing a hard ride was fun and not just hard. Perhaps that is what we need to hold onto though I can't seem to do it anymore in winter. I went over 12 years riding an outside century every month of the year in the past. But now I have a hard time getting out the door in winter to ride even a short ride. Oh, well. While I am not and will never be the rider he is, we have shared many miles and many roads and I treasure his opinion and his friendship.

The first of the ride is mostly flat but with roads that are not often included on our centuries. Once we leave Sellersburg behind, we are mainly on lightly traveled country roads until the we return to Sellersburg. The water is high along the sides of Weber Road and I briefly wonder if it could be flooded and impassable. This has happened on rides before. But it is not. I believe it is along this road that I first realize Amelia and a few others are not with us because the group is hanging together. I ask and am told she had to stop with Fritz for a flat. I will later learn that Fritz has not one, but two, flats one of which is caused by a slit in his tire. From what I learn, he was able to continue as Thomas Nance loaned him a tire. Harley Wise will later have a flat just outside of Salem. Keith stops to help him out.

For many of us, it is our first trip inside the new store stop in Henryville, the newly renovated gas station that is a huge improvement over the old store stop which, over the years, has become progressively worn out despite being completely rebuilt following the tornado in 2012. All of us are wondering about Amelia, Fritz, and Thomas. Tom tries to call Amelia but there is no answer. I text but get no response. (She later texts that she is at Circle K so we know she is okay). Since we don't know what may have happened or where people might be, we head on trusting that they are together and all is well. So long as they are together they will catch us shortly.

The first big climb is Leota Hill, a hill some are familiar with from the Maple Syrup Festival Ride, the traditional Salem Century, or from another ride. It is not as difficult as many of the hills we have climbed this cycling season, but it is a challenge. By this time the fast group has moved on and it is Bob Grable, Terrell Brown, and I. We lumber slowly up the hill. At the top. Larry is waiting for us and is taking photos. And we head down Saylor Road. Bob Grable tells a funny story about being on a ride in the area and on a hill, pulling up to an Amish buggy. He said it was a very hot day, just like today. Larry was with him. The man in the buggy, being Amish, is of course fully clothed. Bob remarks to the man, "It sure is hot out here." the man replies, " Yup. You know, there is something you can do about it." Bob asks what and rather then receiving some magical trick that the Amish have to tolerate the heat in full dress is told that he can always ride faster.

I, in turn, relate my story about the time I was on Saylor and a young Amish boy on a pony pulls along side me and asks if I want to race. I think it is along this road that we come upon a pond on the left hand side. Standing in the pond in a line as straight as if they were in the military are four young cows facing the shore, all black, identical in height, their rear ends glaring straight at us. For some reason this strikes me as being particularly amusing. There is also a foal along the way, short neck strained and legs splayed as he learns to graze from his mother who is close by, tail swishing at flies that are troubling her, chestnut cost gleaming and dappled in the sun. They are enjoying the lushness that the rain, warm weather, and humidity have brought. And while my body is not enjoying the heat or the humidity, I also am enjoying the verdant abundance that surrounds us.

I remark that is seems almost like the end of August rather than July with the hay bales neatly rolled in bales dotting the pastures. But perhaps not. The corn, while tasseling, still has a way to go before it browns and the ears point downwards rather than upwards. The soybeans are not yet yellowing. Queen Anne's Lace runs riot along the roadside, but there is not yet Ironweed or the other flowers that tell us that fall is here.

We reach the lunch stop with no issues and the fast group is still there. I hand out coupons to those that want them. Mine works. The others have issues with theirs. There are three people working so it is not long before we are back on the road. I warn them about the black dog at the top of a climb after the bridge and the lumber mill. He does not come out today, but there is a tan dog, saliva dripping from his mouth. Despite his barking, we ride by unscathed.

The fast group has again left us behind and this time it is Bob, Terrell, and I. Bob surges ahead for a bit and it is just Terrell and me. I warn him of the upcoming descent. At the top part, Bartle is a fairly technical descent and is quite steep despite the switch backs. I briefly think of Roger Bradford, no longer with us, descending and how I felt sure he was going to crash when his tire slipped in some gravel. I still remember the relief when he managed to keep it upright.

Bob is familiar with it as he climbs Bartle on some of his solo rides. During the descent, a car is coming on one of the turns just as Terrell reaches it. He later says it was a tense moment for both of them when combined with the strain of the hill on his rim brakes. And he is right. Bartle is quite steep in places near the top. I have descended it many times with rim brakes, but you definitely have more control with disc brakes.

During the descent, it begins to look like rain and we come across wet roads where the rain preceded us. Bob asked if I heard the thunder. I did not. By the time we reach the third store stop, Thorton's, the rain is coming down, not heavily but more than a light drizzle. It is not that there are as many drops as there can be in a light drizzle, but the drops seem larger than in a drizzle. Mike "Diesel Dog" later tells me that in the store the clerk asked him how far he had to go. He tells her about twenty miles. She is amazed, but not so amazed as when he tells her how far he has already ridden. Her response is, "In this heat?" I giggle at this story and think of the meme I saw recently where it says that people are being told that it is hot and to check on the elderly. I am up by five it says. Bring donuts;-)

It is during the last quarter of the ride that a couple of people begin to cramp. I notice Larry unclipping on one side and pedaling with one leg. He and a couple others fall a bit behind. We stop at a gas station we pass to allow them to catch up and perhaps rest. He said he thinks it is best if he just goes on. I then get a text from Thomas that Terrell is cramping and he has stopped with him. I stop at a shady spot and wait for them. The others opt to go on with Larry.

I am beginning to get worried when they appear over the crest of a small hill near where I stopped to wait. Thomas later tells me they stopped two times and Terrell finally accepted a Rolaid. Thomas turned me on the miracle of Rolaids when you are cramping a year or two ago when I was having my turn of leg cramps. While I wait, I think how much Thomas embodies the spirit of the Mad Dogs. He is one of the fastest riders out there today, but he is finishing last and has stopped twice that I know of to help others. I so admire his patience and just the fine person he is. The Dogs are lucky to have him as a member. And I am happy to see how everyone gathered to help Larry get in because in the past I have come across riders abandoned by others along the side of the road. Indeed, I remember Dave King chastising some riders who left another along the side of the road on a hot day back when Dave was TMD Director. Anyway, while I was not with that group, it is my understanding that Diesel began pushing Larry up the small climbs that were left. This is done by riding alongside the ailing rider and placing your hand on their lower back while you pedal upwards. Don't expect to see me do it as I would likely cause us both to crash, but Mike has always had excellent bike handling skills.

The ride ends and I am glad. It is not one of those rides that you wish would go on forever, largely because of the heat. But it has been a good day. And best of all is that nobody had to be rescued or ever cramped or had problems severe enough that people worried about their continuing or their ability to finish. I laugh when I hear Terrell say he was supposed to run tomorrow but does not see that happening. I need to try to ride tomorrow as part of my training, but we will see if I get out the door into the oven again. As Mr. Baker notes, summer did make us suffer, but I like to think that everyone else was also glad they rode knowing that in a few short months we will be wishing for riding days where we can go out in shorts and a jersey with no arm warmers or jackets or vests to tote along with us.

__________________________________________________________________________________

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM JON WINELAND ON HIS OBSERVATIONS DURING THE RIDE: I particularly like the story about seeking Tom Askew. Jon has a ready wit and a keen eye so I often enjoy hearing his observations.

After the first store stop, Mike Kamenish and I were some way behind Tom Askew and I called out that I could just see the orange spec of his jersey disappearing over the horizon of a hill some a mile or so distant. As we gained on him, that spec turned out to be the orange triangle on the back of an Amish buggy, and Mike accused me of calling Tom a horse’s ass. I said that, well, it could be an improvement. When we eventually caught up with Tom, I told him the story and he was amused.

And, speaking of the Amish, Mike and I were approaching an Amish man pounding in metal fence posts with a two-handed hammering device that fits over the post. Mike hadn’t spotted him yet and wondered whether the clanging noise was coming from his bike! It was hot work for such a day, and Mike said he could be riding his bike instead; I pointed out that the man’s bicycle was lying in the grass and that he’d probably ridden it to the worksite…with that enormous hammer in the basket, or as Mike said, perhaps in a jersey pocket.

On the return trip through Speed, there were a couple of funny signs on Highway 31.

One was at Speed Memorial Fellowship Hall, “Hot and Wet ? Party Inside” Punctuation is important.

Another was at Speed Memorial Church, which has a lighted sign out front, and it was advertising some church program called “Streams of Grace” with details underneath. Directly in my line of sight behind the sign was a man with a hose, watering plants by the front steps with a garden sprayer in the afternoon heat.

Silver Creek Senior High School also has a lighted sign out front, and I had noticed on our outbound journey that it said “ 8o° ” While mentally thanking Amelia for the earlier start and cooler temperatures, I did wonder why a smaller font had been chosen for the “0” in 80. Well, on the way back in the broiling afternoon, the sign still said “ 8o° ” So, I guess it would be right twice a day—eventually.

Jon

Finishing Groups:

Vince Livingston Group of 2 3:02 p.m.

Jon Wineland Group of 2 3:02 p.m.

Larry Preble Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Fritz Kopatz Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Keith Baldwin Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Glenn Smith Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Tom Askew Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Harley Wise Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Michael Kamenish Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Bob Grable Group of 8 3:30 p.m.

Thomas Nance Group of 3 3:45 p.m.

Terrell Brown Group of 3 3:45 p.m.

Melissa Hall Group of 3 3:45 p.m.

TMD RIDE REPORT ON FRENCH LICK OVERNIGHT: STAGES 9 AND 10

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:18:12 GMT

BY: Melissa Hall

"You have to motivate yourself with

challenges. That's how you know you

are still alive."

Jerry Seinfeld

I have been keeping an eye on the weather because the motel for the Tour de Mad Dog overnight requires 72 hours cancellation. I see it is not supposed to rain and we decide to hold the ride. Or maybe it is more accurate to say nobody mentions canceling so we don't. Then the weather prediction begins to worry me as the weather forecasters begin predicting heat in the 90's that will have a heat index of over one hundred. Poor Thomas has to stoically endure email after email from me as I worry about the upcoming ride.

The TMD always used to have an overnight, but somehow it got lost along the way. When I sent out a survey earlier this year, surprisingly, at least to me, respondents wanted to revive it. Personally, I always thought it was a shame that it was discontinued. I have so many fond memories of past overnights. Some were tour stages and some were not. I guess a favorite memory was the year Jim "Grizzly" Moore brought his guitar and song sheets for a sing along and we sang "Mad Dogs in the Sky." Not one time, but repeatedly;-) There was just enough alcohol involved that people participated fully. I can still hear Jim Tretter pounding the table and yelling, "One more time." And there was the year when we arrived Mike "Sparky" Pitt had provided Halloween masks for everyone. Or the year Steve Royse arrived too late for the sag. We stopped for clothes for him at a Goodwill near where we were staying. For anyone who is interested, Larry has a video memory of some of these events on Youtube. Somehow overnight adventures seem to accentuate the group bonding of the Mad Dogs.

Thomas Nance was kind enough to volunteer to captain but requested a co-captain. I waited hoping someone else would step up to the plate because each year I doubt my ability to do back to back centuries at this stage of my life plus I tend to be rather bossy and at 69 I am not going to change, but when nobody does I bite the bullet. Once we decide on a destination, I plan a route there and he plans the route home.

This was before knowing it would be scorching hot. Thus far I have always been successful on multi-day trips. Hopefully this will not be the year that changes, but if it is there are lessons we learn from failure. How little we would progress without the occasional failure. It is good to challenge yourself occasionally, to try new things or hard things or different things, to, as Seinfeld notes, know you are alive.

I think you miss a lot in life if you only do those things you are sure you can do successfully because it means limiting yourself and not really knowing for sure if you could or you could not. Sometimes it is good to put yourself outside your comfort zone. I have thought that about Lance Armstrong and his drug use. Could he have won once or even repeatedly without cheating? Neither he nor anyone else will ever know. Looking back, many of the things I regret are those things where I didn't accept a challenge or stretch myself a bit. But that does not mean that making the decision to take the plunge is always an easy one. I am, after all, a chronic worrier with an over active imagination.

Because of the hot weather prediction and worrying about how people will do, I sleep only a couple hours at best the night before, restless to the point where even Tom, the cat that always sleeps at the head of my bed, arches his back, stretches, and heads for the floor to sleep alone and undisturbed by the inconsiderate human who keeps tossing and turning. Everything is laid out and waiting for morning to arrive. Bottles half filled with water in the refrigerator waiting for last minute ice cubes. Clothing that is lighter in color. Sign in sheets and sign out sheets. Wallet. The preparation all made easier by knowing that there will be a sag vehicle and we will not be riding self-supported.

So at this point I want to give a few gigantic shout outs. Bob Evancho, I hope you realize you won the lottery the day you asked Molly to marry you and she accepted. Thank her again for being such a wonderful and dependable sag. Not many people would be willing to devote two entire days to carrying luggage, ice, and water for a group of dirty, smelly, sweaty cyclists. A huge shout out to Janet Bolen as well who also offered to provide some sag services if necessary. It was a huge relief knowing we had someone we could call if a rider needed assistance or a ride in. Not everyone has a spouse who is supportive of their hobby. These two ladies are and I hope their husbands appreciate it. Another shout out to Thomas Nance who was the first to agree to captain this throw back ride. Without our TMD ride captains, the TMD would cease to exist. And Thomas can always be counted on to captain rides as needed with the patience of Job himself.

Morning comes and I am surprised as car after car rolls into the parking lot. There are seventeen of us: Larry Preble, Bryan Holden, Tom Askew, Keith Baldwin, Jon Wineland, Bob Evancho, Glenn Smith, Thomas Nance, Jason Willis, David King, Tim Getloffuge, Fritz Kopatz, Joe Bolan, Ed Scharfenberger, Jeremiah Westendorf, Carilo Molina, and me. Four are not LBC members. I am surprised. Even without the heat, I did not expect this kind of attendance.

The parking lot fills with nervous anticipation as each of us nurses our hopes and fears for the coming days. I know that Jeremiah is only riding with us part of the way and is planning on turning around. Jon Wineland and Jason Willis are opting to go self supported: Jason because he is planning on a solo self-supported trip later this year and Jon because he is weird;-) (I can say that because Jon is a dear friend, because he IS rather off, because I have said it to his face many the time while also claiming the title as my own as well). Perhaps we are all weird, getting ready to ride two hilly century rides over two days in extreme heat without being acclimated and when most people are planning to be inside under the air conditioner or outside in the swimming pool. And then we have two who plan on riding there and back without staying all night. Of those two, only one will be successful: Bryan Holden.

One rider, and I am not sure who, has trouble with his brakes in the parking lot. I assume they get fixed because he rolls out with us into the already warm air at 7:00 a.m. heading for the Red Barn. But maybe not. I don't know Tim and never hear of or from him the rest of the ride. So perhaps it was him. But when we finish, the parking lot is empty so he evidently is not dead and forgotten somewhere out on the side of the course.

The route today is one that I planned. I have driven most, but not all of it. What I did not drive, I "thought" I knew and had taken roads from other rides going in that direction. But more on that later. I called Amos a couple of weeks ago telling him I would be bringing a group of riders in and he has promised to have Gatorade. I normally ride and don't drive my routes ahead of time as this tells you more about dogs and terrain, but this route is an exception as it would have involved an overnight stay.

The group stays together for longer than I expect. As we head for the first hill, a hill I have warned them about and that is shortly before the first store stop, the chatter begins. Everyone is in a good mood. Fritz and I chat a bit about the TMD jersey and other things. I speak with Bryan Holden for a bit recommending he consider PBP in the future since he apparently is comfortable with riding at night and with distance riding. Keith and I find that we have something in common besides a love of cycling. Both of us had siblings that were in accidents that caused them to be in a coma for a long period of time before awakening: his brother and my sister. Keith, Larry, and I talk a bit about loss and how hard it can be at times. In the end, you have no choice but to move it, but it is never easy if you have loved someone who is gone.

As we talk, groups begin to form and my group is the last to arrive at the Red Barn. I had thought I would be at the back alone most of the ride as my strategy was to ride even more slowly than usual, and I can no longer keep up with many of the riders. But this never materializes. Nobody stays long at the Red Barn as we want to make use of the cooler air. No, it is not cool, but we all know it is cooler than it will be in the afternoon. I do warn them of the hill ahead, the one Larry remembers that Cathy Hill named "The Wall," and I also warn them of the hills after the last store stop as we pass Paoli Peaks. While I have not faced them on a bike, they appear to be quite punchy when in a car. (I later find I am not incorrect).

On the long descent following our departure from the Red Barn, I notice someone's bottles flying out of their cages and spinning out across the road. It turns out to be Bob Evancho's bottles and Tom Askew, who was behind him, is dodging them. Fortunately, for we are flying due to the steepness of the descent, Tom and I both miss them. Bob has to turn around to retrieve his bottles and I wait. Today is not the day to not have water bottles full and ready. Hydration will be key. It reminds me of Medora one year when it was hot. Bernice lost her water bottles and did not stop because she did not think she could get them and catch the group or that the group would wait. I retrieved them for her. She would have definitely been in bad shape had I not done so. But having aged and slowed, I better understand her reluctance.

When we arrive at "the wall," I am with the group. By the time we finish the ascent, however, I am not. It was a huge decision for me whether to take the Lynskey with my triple or the Calfee. I chose the Calfee. I have climbed this hill numerous times on the Lynskey and it is one hard hill, but I have never done it on the Calfee. I am amazed at how hard I am struggling when my wheel turns a bit bumping my toe. And I am finished. It is clip out or fall. No way am I descending to start again and no way can I restart. So I walk cursing myself for hitting my toe, for being weak, and for bringing the wrong bike for the job. I also worry about the hills to come. At the top I notice that I was attempting to climb the hill in the big ring and relief washes over me. Tom Askew has waited for me at the top and we take off toward lunch together.

Shortly thereafter, what do we come to but......drum roll.......a gravel road. This is not supposed to be on the route. I have no idea how bad the gravel is or for how long. I have Dieseled the other riders telling them there is no gravel on the route when there obviously is. Fortunately the gravel is easily ridden and is only for only a short stretch, but as I am cracking up imagining the ribbing I will receive while simultaneously I worry if there will be more. Actually, as it turns out, there are very few comments about the gravel, maybe because it isn't bad, but I think how lucky I am that Diesel isn't there after the teasing we gave him. Diesel is, when people ask, per Jon Wineland, adultering this week-end. From what Jon told me, what he meant to say was adulting, but of course once adultering was mentioned it could not be dropped or let go of without a thorough teasing. There isn't more gravel, but I don't recognize these roads. The other routes that use these roads must use a different part of them. I ride and enjoy them and the company.

The orange day lilies are blooming as are the daisies and black-eyed Susan's. Despite the heat, everything is still quite green and lush from the recent rains. And I adore being on roads I do not ride regularly. Tom Askew tells me about different things throughout the ride as do others. While I knew he was in the service, I did not know that he played tennis and represented them at times.

We arrive at Orleans to find that the Dawg House is no more and the pizza place does not open until noon so everyone but Dave and Jon decide to eat at the Mexican Restaurant. I don't think the overnight riders stopped either or Joe Bolen. Tom and I arrive after the others and they originally want to seat us in another room but we end up sitting with Bob and Molly. The food is good and quicker than I expected. When they bring the checks, however, she does not take my credit card and obviously doesn't understand English well enough to understand that she put my meal on Tom's bill. Tom is fluent in German and knows some Spanish, indeed he ordered in Spanish, but decides not to press the issue. I try to give him money for my meal, but he declines. As we leave, I see Jeremiah on the street and he tells me he is turning around. Since the restaurant in about 60 miles in, he will get a century in today, but not one that counts toward the TMD. I bid him safe travels and later text him to ensure that he arrived back safely.

Seven of us basically ride together the rest of the ride. When a few get ahead of us, they wait for us and we regroup. It reminds me of the old days, no dog left behind. I don't remember if it was the first or second day, but at one point while re-grouping, we ride up to find the group conversing with a young, overweight young man on a bicycle. The boy is obviously flabbergasted that we have ridden our bikes there from Scottsburg. I wonder if he is trying to decide if we are lying. He is also seeing a bunch of adults riding bicycles. As a child, I never remember an adult on a bike: only children. I wonder if it will expand his perspective or give him ideas he might not otherwise ever have growing up in a rather small, rural, Indiana town.

A few streets later, this or another boy makes sure to show us up by riding in an area next to the road and passing us. Of course, he has a motor on his bike, but he is obviously quite proud of himself. Thomas and I talk a bit about bikes when we were kids. Thomas said his group was fascinated with Evel Knievel and would build ramps to jump on their bikes. To be young is to think one is invincible to harm, but what fun those exploits were. Perhaps, by choosing to ride today and face these harsh conditions, a little of that remains alive in us even as we age. I like to think so.

The next store stop is only about ten miles from the motel, but with the heat and the upcoming hills I recommend that everyone stop and top everything off. Fortunately, they listen because the heat is getting pretty intense. Dave was quite distraught at the previous store after finding they did not have ice cream. and I was in the dog house;-) This store, however, does not disappoint. I can feel the heat is beginning to tell on me. Earlier in the ride,when Keith has a flat, we begin to joke about others getting flats for a chance to stop and rest. ( At least I "think" it was day one. I find it hard to remain chronological on multi-day rides) At one point, Keith helps me out loaning me a tool to fix my loose water bottle cage. As lose as it turned out to be, I am lucky I noticed and stopped. Frankly, I would have continued to the next store before tightening it not wanting to hold up or lose the group, but they all encourage me to fix it now. Losing use of that cage due to a lose screw could have been disastrous. I am thankful I listened to them and owe them big time.

Luckily, there is also a fairly strong head wind that helps keep us cool enough the rest of the day. Not cool enough for comfort though, just cooler than we might otherwise have been. It is blazing hot and little of this part of the route is shaded. Each of us is coated with a shiny layer of sweat no matter how much we try to hydrate. I know there is no way we can adequately replace the sweat that is covering us. Time to begin monitoring urination. A weird topic, but one the is appropriate for distance riders who need to monitor color and frequency to best judge dehydration.

I walk portions of a few hills on those last miles into the motel only to always find the others waiting and we finish as a group other than a few riders that went ahead riding at their own pace. When we arrive we find that Camilo, who originally intended to ride back with Bryan, is done and trying to find a way home. Eventually, he does. Finishers for day 1 are as follows:

Jon Wineland: 3:23 Group of 1

Camilo Molina 4:00 Group of 2

Bryan Holden 4:00 Group of 2

Ed Scharfenberg 4:00 Group of 3

Fritz Kopatz 4:00 Group of 3

Glenn Smith 4:00 Group of 3

Melissa Hall 4:44 Group of 7

Larry Preble 4:44 Group of 7

Bob Evancho 4:44 Group of 7

Thomas Nance 4:44 Group of 7

Keith Baldwin 4:44 Group of 7

David King 4:44 Group of 7

Tom Askew 4:44 Group of 7

Jason Willis ? Group of 1

When we arrive, Fritz and Glenn are already in the swimming pool having gotten in before us. Jon Wineland has already showered and dressed as has Jason. A few of us walk to Dairy Queen for a post-ride milk shake, or, in Jason's case, blizzard. We agree to meet to walk across the street for pizza at 6:30 to give everyone time to shower and rest for a bit. At dinner, we don't all get to sit together but the service is fast and the pizza is good. When we order the pizza, Tom is ahead of me. The woman asks if we are together. This causes us to laugh as we avoid a repeat from lunch. Then when they bring the pizza the same thing happens. They ask if Tom and I are together. It appears this is going to become a joke on this ride.

A few of us order enough to have the extra for breakfast the following day. The others will pick something up at the store. At dinner Jon tells a funny story about the day. Ed was riding and being chased by a German Shepherd, first in the yard but then in the road when the fence line ended. When he realized Ed was too fast and far ahead for him to catch, he paused not knowing Jon was coming up behind him. Jon yelled and the dog jumped about three feet into the air before skedaddling back to his yard. Keith's wife has joined him and it was delightful to meet her though we were at separate tables so never got a change to chat. I wish we could have all had a table together and that the restaurant was less noisy, but at least we got fast, filling food.

After dinner, we decide that we want to leave earlier than scheduled to beat more of the heat. Bags are to be in the car by 6:00 and we ride at first light. I rather expect Jon to object as he did on my Montgomery overnight, but he does not. We walk to Dollar General to pick up a few more things for our rooms for breakfast as the breakfast places do not open until 7:00. After that, I don't know what anyone else does because I am tired. My head hits the pillow and I sleep. While they might have gone out dancing and partying once I departed, I strongly suspect most did the same.

When we gather in the morning, it is cooler than it will be but already in the seventies and quite humid. Thomas announces he is taking a bit off the route where we go past the hotel. This will mean we reach the climbs earlier. We head out into a misty morning and the worst of the climbs. The climbs are challenging but I don't ever struggle like the previous day. Sleep has restored me. The scenery is fantastic.

Keith later tells me that the mist made him feel as if he couldn't breathe for a bit on the hills and I understand where he is coming from. We hit two significant climbs almost immediately leaving French Lick. The air is so moist it is almost cloying. I suspect most of us feel the same. But the mist also accentuates the early morning beauty giving everything a haunting, mystical feeling. For some reasons it makes me think of a couple morning rides rolling out on TOKYO, a four day tour Steve Rice used to put on for the club. Those that did that ride will always share a bond, and I hope that we all end this ride feeling the same, that we look back on this trip with the pride of accomplishment and a shared adventure.

I actually feel much stronger than I did the prior day. Ed passes me on his recumbent going UP the hill, and I tease him about my shame at being passed by a recumbent going up a hill as if he has not been ahead of me the entire ride. I think how much I love overnight or multi-day trips, particularly in the mornings when everything is so fresh and roads are new and unknown. As I am contemplating this, I notice something. I crack up when I realize that Tom has on the same jersey I picked for the day. I later tease him that all we need is a tandem since on this trip everyone that does not know Tom is happily married to a wonderful person seems to think we are together.

I am really enjoying the new roads we are on and am so grateful to Thomas for putting this route together. We reach Marengo almost too quickly it seems despite the climbs. Not that I complain when Thomas tells me the major climbs are behind us. We follow Jeremiah's suggestion to stay on the highway as it is not busy this time of day. The official stop is Dollar General, but most of us opt for the gas station. When I go to us the restroom in the back, it is occupied and I find a group of old men gathered around a table drinking coffee. I ask them if this is the Liar's Club. They find this amusing and we engage in chatting for awhile. I giggle when one says he wishes he had legs like mine. I figure in ten more years, which I guess is about his age, I will wish I had legs like mine as well.

The second stop is in Palmyra. A couple of people on the ride begin to develop leg cramps that will hound them the rest of the day. They are offered Rolaids and Electrolytes and other fixes. These help but never completely remedy the problem. At lunch I notice Fritz has metal water bottles. I ask about them and he says he got them at Bob's. He said they really keep things cool. Someone asks him how they are for squirting dogs and he admits they don't work for that, but I still like the idea of no plastic and may pursue it in the future. I see Jason outside the lunch stop and he tells me he stopped at the grocery and is going on. I hug him and send him on his way asking that he text me when he gets back so I know he is in safely. I later learn that Jon missed the lunch stop and just rode on finishing with Jason.

At Salem, the third store stop, the day is telling on everyone, yet they are all positive and in a good mood. There is still joking and laughing and very little moaning or groaning even among those cramping. Everyone is determined to see this ride through, and remarkably they do. And seven of us finish as a group, encouraging, regrouping, making this happen. This would have been a demanding overnight without the unexpected heat. The hills both days were challenging and many. The fact that the heat just happened, slapping us in the face, made it tougher as nobody had been able to even begin to acclimate as you normally do with a few shorter rides. We return as proud conquerors of the hills, the heat, and ourselves. A few say it is the hardest ride they have ever completed. NO DOG LEFT BEHIND! A few had finished before our group. I hope they also had a joyful finish and not a "Thank God, it's finally over finish." We ARE still alive.

Tomorrow I will wake with part of me glad for the rest day that I see in my future, but there will be a part of me that is sad that I will not be swinging my leg over the top bar onto the bike for another day of adventure. WELL DONE DOGS~WELL DONE.

FINISHERS ON DAY TWO: FRENCH LICK TO SCOTTSBURG

Jon Wineland 1:47 Group of 2

Jason Willis 1:47 Group of 2

Fritz Kopatz 2:49 Group of 3

Glenn Smith 2:49 Group of 3

Ed Scharfenberger 2:49 Group of 3

Thomas Nance 3:22 Group of 7

Bob Evancho 3:22 Group of 7

Larry Preble 3:22 Group of 7

Melissa Hall 3:22 Group of 7

Keith Baldwin 3:22 Group of 7

David King 3:22 Group of 7

Tom Askew 3:22 Group of 7

June 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:57:27 GMT

See the June 2025 Newsletter HERE

May 2025 Newsletter

Jackie Rountree — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:00:48 GMT

See the May 2025 Newsletter HERE.

TMD STAGE 6 RIDE REPORT: Story Century

Jackie Rountree — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 02:05:35 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"I get the news I need on the

weather report. And I have nothing

to do today but smile."

Paul Simon

One of the worst things about ride captaining can be making decisions about whether to have or to cancel a ride due to weather. There are those days where it "might" rain or it "might" storm or there "might" be winds strong enough to knock a telephone pole. If you cancel, particularly if it doesn't rain or hail or storm or there is not a tornado, someone is always upset. If you don't and someone gets hurt or doesn't ride due to potential danger, you shoulder blame. But today is not one of those days. I have been holding my breath all week long waiting for the ax to fall, but it does not. Despite all the recent rain and wind, today is predicted to be partly sunny with light winds and a high of around seventy degrees; in other words, perfect cycling weather.

Story Century holds many memories for me. It is where Matt "Pocket Chicken" Tindal, someone who used to ride with us, got his name because he carried his lunch in his pocket. It is the century Mark "Deacon Dog" Rougeux and I rode one day when it literally poured buckets of rain all day long after we had assured ourselves before starting that the rain would stop. It was chilly that day, and Mark, on his recumbent, had to deal with finding that his riding position allowed rain to enter the sleeves of his rain jacket puddling in the arms. It was the century where Bill "Cisco" Pustow and a small group actually took the time to eat breakfast inside and how we laughed when the waitress was handing out bills and literally sang "William." It was the century where a man I didn't know showed up in new white shoes training for the RAIN ride and got so upset when we reached the gravel section even though it was advertised on the ride description saying, "You've got to be kidding me." (That section has since been rerouted by popular demand;-) And of course it is the century Jon "Lunchbox" Wineland and I rode just under two weeks ago to check the route arriving to find that the grill was not going and we would have to ride twenty two extra miles to find nourishment. I was NOT jovial by the time we reached Brownstown as the man who stopped to try to talk to us while we were searching for food found out when I did not respond to his bantering. And I could bore you and go on, but I will not.

It is a large crowd that gathers for the ride on this glorious day. Amelia Dauer, Tom Askew, Steven Sarson, Fritz Kopatz, Bob Grable, Larry Preble, David King, Harley Wise, John Dippold, Jon Wineland, Steve Rice, Bob Evancho, Keith Baldwin, Mark Rougeux, Jerry Talley, David Frey, Steve Puckett, Michael Kamenish, Terrell Brown, Ben Simmons, Jeremiah Wertendorf, and Glenn Smith all fill the parking lot. I ask Jerry if Sharon is coming today because, while I only see the back side of her riding off in the sunset, it is good to have other women riding. Sadly, he says she is not. And the parking lot is full. Any other riders would have had to park in the spill over lot. Dave King surprises me by not pulling into the parking lot with squealing tires about one minute before the ride start. Instead Glenn Smith and another rider are the last to arrive.

The parking lot fills with the sound of chatter, laughter, and bicycle sounds: brakes tested, front wheels put back on, bikes being tested. Meanwhile, the sky is blue with a few clouds. The air has a bit of a bite in it, but it is one of those days when one knows the chill is quite temporary and will be tempered quickly by the sultry the sun. I tease Mark Rougeux when he is talking about something and says, "Just call me stupid." I announce that a new Mad Dog is born. I warn everyone not to go out too fast, that the hills are almost all in the middle of the ride, and to stop at stop signs as they are there for a reason. I also ask embarrass myself, as usual, by not recognizing Ben. Ben loses the ability to gain a point as a new rider when he admits to having ridden with us previously.

Of course, we all disregard my warning, at least about going out lickety-split, and the fun begins. Amelia is the first to notice that we are going 17 to 18 mph, a pace the front riders will probably hold but those of us in the back will not. Being sensible and not wanting the end to turn into a death march, she reels some of us in the back to more sustainable pace. I am grateful for this. While nobody bonks on the ride today, this may be one of the reasons. Even the back of the pack today averages 15.4.

When we reach the Shield's covered bridge, of my group, only Steven Sarson and I ride through the bridge. The others take the new road. Steve Puckett stops to take a photograph and I wait. It does not take us long to catch up. Shortly thereafter is the first climb. It is not much of a climb, but your legs do know it IS a climb and after all the flat tend to protest. After we crest, we near the first store. I think of how many stores there were when I first put this route together. Three no longer in business.

Jokingly, I ask the group if I should announce Mark's new Mad Dog moniker: Stupid Dog. Steven tells me that Mark is now appearing on television locally and Steve P. also has seen him. He is dressed in his religious attire as a Deacon. Steven suggests calling him Deacon Dog. Later I will make the announcement only to be reminded that Mark has two other Mad Dog names; Rocky and Ass Whisperer. You can ask him about those nicknames;-) Oh, my memory. Isn't old age wonderful?

There are two possible first stop stops in Freetown: Dollar General and Denney's. Normally, unless I have to use the bathroom, I like to stop at Denney's supporting what is an old country store, not the restaurant. But because of the bathroom, everyone stops at Dollar General. It is a long stop as a woman beats the group to the restroom and is in no rush to depart. One bathroom, 23 riders, and one woman who is having issues. You do the math.

I laugh at John when he tells me he was about to pop on arrival as there is no place on the first of the route to stop. And there isn't. It is mostly flat farmland other than the one hill mentioned previously and there is no forest. While I have always asserted it is easier for a man to relieve himself during a ride than a woman, (other than France where they don't seem to care if you pull your pants down at the side of the road) it is not easy for either without the cover of corn fields or trees. Earlier, before the ride started, I failed to recognize John. It is odd how different people look without their helmets on. Once again, I know who he is.

We head onward toward Story. This is where the hills begin. I forgot to remind everyone that the hill we used to have to walk because the road had cracked and slid halfway down the hill and they had closed it placing gravel at the top had finally been mended. It is not a terribly long hill, but it is a terribly steep hill, as Joe Ward used to say, a "gut buster." Now, with the road being open, there is no excuse to walk. Everyone clambers up only to face the hills that will assault us until lunch. Still, this middle section is my favorite part of the ride. I notice daisies in the fields for the first time. Some of the fields have the yellow flower cover. I even see a few corn plants that are showing themselves.

When we arrive at Story, a group of five, most of the others are there. There are a few that have not stopped, but the majority have. We order at the grill and sit outside chatting and listening to the guitar player. He looks to be a few years older than me and many of his songs are from my younger years. Lunch at Story is never cheap, and I forewarned riders in the ride description, but something happens this time that has never happened on our prior visits.

Some of us order potato chips with our meal. In the past, they have always given us a bag of chips. Amelia gets her food first and there are about 5 potato chips. When I get mine, there are "maybe" five, four or which are crumbled into small bits. Others have the same experience. I later joke about at least there were five since nobody can eat just one. (Older readers will get that). I am told that Keith had the good sense to complain and received more. The rest of us eat our four or five potato chips, our sandwich, and move on. As we are leaving, I notice that the people that ordered after us got full bags of chips. I joke to Amelia that it really wasn't fair as those people had not ridden sixty miles to get there and didn't NEED a whole bag of potato chips.

We leave with smiles on our faces ready to meet the worst and last hill a few miles down the road. It is long and is one of those hills that rather than having the steep part at the bottom and flattening out, has the steeper part near the top. But we climb with the knowledge that once this hill is properly vanquished, there will be no more until Brownstown. After all, Garmin tells us so.

By now it is Tom Askew, Amelia Dauer, Bob Grable, Steve Sarson, Steve Puckett, and myself. I joke with Bob that he is going to lose his first place in the standings if Larry finishes with a large group. Bob banters back that maybe one of us could have a flat tire and he could stop and help. We make it to Brownstown. The middle group is just finishing when we arrive. Some of us go to Dairy Queen and some to the gas station before heading back out and making the last significant climb of the day. It is a short but very steep scarp, one of those climbs that somehow looks easier than it is. But everyone makes the climb for the last flat stretch toward home.

I assume that we must have had at least a light tail wind just from the speed with with we finish those last few miles. Somewhere along the way, we pick up Glenn who went off course and picked up a few miles. I later learn that Jeremiah also went off course and added quite a few miles. Not even the normal stampede for the barn accounts for our increased speed.

When we arrive, most have left but a few are there and spend time chatting before heading out, some to join me for dinner at Cracker Barrel and others for their homes. Diesel sticks the water bottles he borrows in the pockets on the back of my jersey and everyone laughs when he teases that he is playing with my jugs. It is always good to end a ride with jokes and laughter. No known mechanicals on the ride. No known flats. No spills or accidents. No bonking or DNF's. It was a good cycling day. Thanks, all, for your great attitudes and coming out to play!

Steve Rice: 3:30 p.m. Group of 2

Mark Rougeux: 3:30 p.m. Group of 2

_________________________________________________

John Dippold: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3

Fritz Kopatz: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3

Jerry Talley: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3

_______________________________________

Bob Evancho: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Larry Preble: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Jon Wineland: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Keith Baldwin: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Harley Wise: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

David Frey: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Michael Kamenish: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Jeremiah Westerdorf: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

Ben Simmons: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

David King: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10

____________________________________

Glenn Smith 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Terrell Brown: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Tom Askew: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Steven Sarson: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Steve Puckett: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Melissa Hall 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

Amelia Dauer: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8

The Harrison: TMD Stage 4

Jackie Rountree — Sat, 03 May 2025 23:43:56 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"The hardest part is over. You showed up." ~Jess Simms

When I step out the door to put my bike in the car, it feels chilly but not uncomfortably so. I make sure I have a jacket and vest thinking I will use one or the other. I debate between shorts and knickers, and thankfully decide on the knickers. But when I arrive at the ride start, it seems like the temperature has dropped significantly and I will end up wearing both.

Most of the riders are having the same dilemma. Larry is sorting through riding apparel he keeps in his car. I notice a new rider, Zeke, age 16, I believe, in a short sleeved jersey. I shiver looking at him. I end up offering to loan him my spare arm warmers and he accepts. Larry loans him long fingered gloves. Meanwhile, Harley is talking about whether to change to long pants rather than his shorts. Amelia struggles with how to dress so as to be warm yet not overdress. Only a few riders seem comfortable with the choice they made leaving home. All of us have ridden enough to know that we should be chilled at the start to be comfortable while riding, but it is hard to know just how chilled because it is not much fun having to ride faster than your preference to stay warm and still being cold. Oh, well, misery loves company. And there is lots of company today.

Despite the bite of the air that seems too sharp for this late in April and is enhanced by the dampness, everyone is laughing, smiling, and chatting as they do when they are a tad nervous but anticipating a good ride, a good course, and good company. The hardest part is, indeed, in some ways over because we made the decision to roll out of bed and come out to play. I briefly think of how seldom that I regret the decision to ride. Occasionally, but not very often. There is just something about a good bike ride that makes me happy, and I know this is a very scenic course, particularly the first half. By the time spring rolls around each year, my eyes and my soul have been starved for green and color and there is just no better way to absorb it than on a bike ride. I am always glad when God grants me another spring on the bike.

Cars continue pulling in even as we near start time. Bob begins to fret about whether there will be enough parking. Twenty one riders show up: Bob Grable, the ride captain, David Frey, Glenn Smith, Amelia Dauer, Larry Preble, Zeke Ledford, Joe Bolen, Harley Wise, Jerry Talley, Steve Rice, Tom Askew, Dave King, Bob Evancho, Glenn Smith, Mike Kamenish, Jon Wineland, Keith Baldwin, Vince Livingston, William Gillen, Sharon Jeter, and Jeremiah Westendorf. It is nice to see two other women riding, though I don't actually see Sharon Jeter except at the start and driving off in her car. Sharon is very strong and fast. And it is nice to see Vince Livingston come to a century. Again, as with Sharon, I see him in the parking lot. I do not see him driving away. In fact, I suspect he has reached home and showered by the time I come in;-) It is also nice to see Southern Indiana Wheelmen joining us again. There are two riders, Joe Bolen and Jeremiah. I also have the pleasure of meeting Joe's wife, Janet, before the ride begins.

Bob gathers everyone for the pre-ride speech and I later tease him about whether he is trying to take the record for the longest pre-ride speech. (The record is probably held by Kirk Roggencamp but Bob comes very close this morning;-) Bob is concerned because just this morning, he was looking at the course and noticed Google has marked a road we are to ride as being closed. It wasn't closed when he drove the route a few days prior, but we all know that can change overnight. He has everyone put their phone number on the sign in sheet just in case and tries to tell everyone a complicated work around that I know I won't remember and I doubt many others will either. I know I will be in the back with Bob, so it is not so very important to me anyway. And if I am not, my GPS has a "reverse route" button on it. It won't be the first time many of us have faced an obstacle on a century ride. He also is concerned that some of the roads may have water on them from all the rain. But they don't other than a few puddles here and there and water lining the sides of the road. The road he was concerned about does not end up being closed either.

While it is cold at first, the beauty of the scenery soon steals one's attention. Everything is turning green. Traffic is light to non-existent in places. The yellow flowers of spring fill some of the fields. Bob says he has learned that some are wild mustard (this I knew) and some are wild beets (this I didn't know). Whenever I see wild flowers that I can't identify on a ride, something that happens quite often as I never was good with names and am worse now), I think of Duc Do. Many of you have never met Duc as he no longer rides with the LBC, but he once was a member. If you are into flowers, I recommend you check out his web page on flowers he has found wandering the roads of Indiana and Kentucky: https://www.kywildflowers.org. Anyway, they are beautiful and like daffodils, a sign that summer and warm weather is knocking. Soon arm warmers, knee warmers, balaclavas, and long fingered gloves will be forgotten and put away and shorts and jerseys and bandanas will rule.

At the first stop store, most of the riders are still there but a few have come and gone. I don't see Jerry or Sharon or Vince. There may be one or two others that weren't there. Someone tells me this is their favorite country store of all the stores we frequent, and I agree that it is a great store. In front of the store sit two liars benches, one labeled for Republicans and one for Democrats that always amuses me. The people that work there are nice. Amelia and I share a glance when a non-rider chides the checkout girl for putting his full order of biscuits and gravy in a small rather than a larger container because neither of us can see what it would matter. David Frey introduces himself and says he rode with the group once last year. It is just so good to see new faces taking on the challenge. One of my dearest wishes is to see the tour continue and grow.

The group takes off for Corydon where the lunch stop is. By this time I am riding with Dave King, Steve Rice, Bob Grable, and Amelia. If you know Dave King, you know that he takes great pleasure in eating, so much so that it is fun to share a meal with him, so I ask where he wants to eat and he says Culver's. After the long climb up the hill we arrive and find that Mike Kamenish and Jon Wineland have chosen to eat there as well. They ask about others and Amelia said she saw bicycles at Subway. Mike and Jon surprise me by waiting for us and we head out together. Everyone is groaning about the headwind, but it does not turn out as bad as I thought it might and we reach Palmyra to find most of the other riders there. The sun comes out and most of us have stripped a layer or two, but it is still nippy and there is not much danger of overheating unless one really overdressed.

We all head out afterward except for one abandon, but the faster riders pull gradually ahead. Near the end we find them waiting for us and we all finish as a group of 15. I try to remember when a stage finished with a group of fifteen. What is unusual now was once the norm and it was rather nice. Zeke has finished his first century and since the course is a bit short, signs in and rides it out. Thanks, Bob, for a pleasant course and thanks to all the riders for a pleasant day. And thanks to all who came out to play. It was a great day!

Finishing groups are as follows:

Joe Bolan 3:19 group of one

Vince Livingston 3:36 group of one

Jerry Talley 3:53 group of three

Jeremiah Westendorf 3:53 group of three

Sharon Jeter 3:53 group of three

The group of 15 which finished at 4:09:

Larry Preble

Mike Kamenish

Jon Wineland

Zeke Ledford

Tom Askew

Keith Baldwin

Bob Evancho

Harley Wise

Steve Rice

Amelia Dauer

Glenn Smith

David Frey

Bob Grable

David King

Melissa Hall

April 2025 Newsletter

Erik Helton — Sat, 03 May 2025 16:24:32 GMT

See the April 2025 newsletter HERE

Pedaling for a Purpose: My Cross-Country Ride & Bike to the Game Night

Jackie Rountree — Sat, 03 May 2025 02:22:45 GMT

By: Jessica Lawrence

I’ve always loved being on my bike—whether it’s mountain biking, road cycling, or touring. For me, cycling represents freedom, independence, health, and happiness.

In 2013, I cycled 4,200 miles solo on my Road to Rhode trip from the Oregon coast to Rhode Island. Now, as I approach my 50th birthday this summer, I feel incredibly fortunate to be healthy and able to take on this journey again!

This time, I’ve added a new purpose to my ride—raising funds for the LouCity & Racing Foundation, an organization I’m proud to serve on as a Board member. The LouCity & Racing Foundation is the charitable arm of Louisville’s two professional soccer teams, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC. Their goal is to make soccer accessible to all youth, regardless of financial barriers, by providing programming, scholarships, and equipment across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. I’m deeply passionate about this mission, which is why I’ve chosen to dedicate my ride to supporting the Foundation. My role as a Board member is the perfect blend of my professional mission—helping young people thrive—and my love for the game.

Starting in Simsbury, CT, on May 18, after the Louisville City FC May 17 match versus Hartford Athletic, means a lot to me. I will attend three home games on the way back through Louisville early June, and off to Kansas City to see Racing Louisville FC play June 14. From KC, I’ll head to Colorado Springs to watch Louisville City FC take on Colorado Switchbacks, heading west to California and ending in San Diego to watch Racing Louisville FC play San Diego Wave FC August 24.

You can follow along here, donate here, and learn more by going to my website here!

Kick off National Bike Month by joining us for Bike to the Game Night!

In conjunction with my trip, I’ve been passionate about supporting people cycling in their communities. Having lived in Portland, Oregon, for 20 years before moving to Louisville, I regularly cycled to and from Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer matches. When I arrived in Louisville and joined the Board of the LouCity & Racing Foundation, I started conversations with Soccer Holdings, the Foundation, and Metro to bring an event to life that encourages people to cycle to the stadium. And now, it’s happening this May!

Meet at: Trellis Brewing, 827 Logan St., Louisville, KY
Ride Starts: 6:00 pm, 2-mile ride (Kick-off 7:30pm)
Game: Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Date: Saturday, May 10th
Special Offer: Free tickets to the first 50 riders!
Fellowship: Cyclists are welcome in the Seltzer Garden portion of the stadium starting at 6pm for pre-game $2 happy hour beers and networking time!

The Louisville Bicycle Club and Bike Louisville are leading a group ride to and from the Louisville City FC game, arriving in time for a pre-match happy hour and returning after the final whistle.

This event combines my love for cycling and soccer while bringing the community together in an active and meaningful way. I’d love to see you there—whether you’re riding alongside me for part of my journey, cheering from the stands, or simply supporting the LouCity & Racing Foundation in your own way.

Let’s ride for a cause, celebrate the sport, and make a difference together!

5 Bridges Century: Stage 1: Tour de Mad Dog 2025

Erik Helton — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:51:28 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

"The most difficult thing is the

decision to act, the rest is mere

tenacity. The fears are paper tigers.

You can do anything you decide to do."

Amelia Earhart

It was one of those days when it was hard to force myself to go out and play. It would have been easy to talk myself out of it with the wind prediction and the cold. I weary of the cold. All week the temperature prediction kept coming down and the wind prediction kept going up. Plus, the winter has not been conducive to activity. Weather along with cataract surgery impeded fitness and made me soft despite hiking when permitted. This was not just any century. It was a 107 mile century with somewhere between four to five thousand feet of climb. Lastly, I would need to start to the ride in the dark. Like any human, I use excuse after excuse to justify laziness, but experience has taught me that while there is always the weird exception to the rule, I am almost always happy that I forced myself out the door and rode. Today would turn out to be no exception.

I arrive and am the first in the parking lot, but it is not long before others join me. Thomas Nance, John Dippold, Fritz Kopatz, Larry Preble, Mike Kamenish, Bob Grable, and Dominic Wassserzug are there as well as the ride captain and course designer, Jon Wineland. Shivering, we sign in, and then make our final decisions as to what to wear. There is only supposed to be about a 10 degree temperature change throughout the day which makes it easier, but I still opt to carry a light backpack for possible shedding. Larry heads off into the wind for a pre-ride check for clothing accuracy. The others, like me, seem to be adding and shedding before making a final decision.

Soon we are off. Shortly after our start, the sun comes out which makes a huge difference, both mentally and physically. And with the first hill, we all warm up. The group quickly splits into two groups with Larry Preble, Thomas Nance, Fritz Kopatz, Mike Kamenish, and John Dippold pulling ahead. Thomas rides quite a bit with the Ridenfaden club throughout the winter and is always strong, thus his Mad Dog Name of Thomas the Train. And I know Fritz does Zwift. When I first met Fritz, for some reason I thought he would be a slower rider. Instead, as people talk about later in this ride, he is one of the strongest riders in the club. I'm not sure how John trains or how he rides. I can't remember if this is the rider who came to Medora late or not. Mike later reveals he also has been Zwifting and Larry reveals he has just re-started outside rides after being off due to personal tragedy. Regardless, they are all three quite strong.

Most of the climbs in this ride, the major climbs anyway, are in the first part of the ride. The Garmin shows three climbs,, the Wahoo shows eleven. The climbs that Garmin shows, are all before the first store stop. Shortly after one climb, Bob Grable comments on our "blistering" pace of a bit over 11 mph. I just giggle having expected this. You can't put the bike away when it turns cold and not train inside and expect to have fall legs. And we do pick the pace up so that we end with over a 12 mph average. I am not sure what the average turns out to be as I struggle with my new Wahoo and lose my mileage and data half way through but someone said it had risen. Regardless, my goal is to finish and hopefully finish without it becoming a death march where I begin to hate cycling and myself for coming. I have no illusions of finishing with speed. Indeed, I have my daughter on call in case I am unable to finish.

The last climb before the first store stop is voluntary. It is a descent down to the bridge and then back up the way you came. I toy with the idea of not doing it, but someone mentions the bathrooms at the park there and so I descend making straight for the facilities. Despite the hours sign on the door, the door is locked and the park office is closed. I turn around to go to the store telling the others and momentarily blaming it on Trump forgetting that it is a State park and not a National park. Jon reminds me of this fact and I laugh at my quickness in accessing blame. My laughter dies during the climb but remains in my head because we humans are so weird, myself included. Indeed, at one point during the ride someone, I think Bob, is talking about someone (not a rider) being strange and it strikes me as hilarious as I point out to him that most people are not out here riding 107 miles with a headwind for the first half in cold weather and that many might find this activity strange.

We hit the first store stop. I playfully tease Mike about us now having a jump on Dave King who is not here today. (Mike, Dave, and I are the only three riders who have completed the tour every year since its inception in 2004). After a quick feed, I head out ahead of the others as I am starting to chill. No need spending energy on goosebumps. Bob goes with me. Soon the others, minus Dominic, show up. When asked, they said they could not find Dominic and Jon tells me Dominic said he was not really feeling up to par and might bail. The assumption is that he either left before all of us and we will eventually catch him or he went home. I feel a bit sorry for Jon as I know it is worrying to lose riders when you are captaining. Believe me, I know. I think I am the only LBC captain that once lost ALL the riders on her route. (While chasing a group that went off course and never catching them, the front group went off course. I thought I was chasing them, crossing flood waters while carrying my bike,, and ended up at the ride ending alone. I had just gotten in when I received a phone call from one of the riders asking where I was. I felt so badly about it but also saw the humor. Not sure about the riders.

Anyway, when we reach the first covered bridge, Busching Bridge, Larry and Mike are waiting for us. They say that Thomas, John, and Fritz have sprinted ahead. Larry said he had wanted to spend some time photographing the bridge. Mike and he will ride with us the rest of the day. I enjoy this as I rarely ride with either any more and Mike is cracking me up with the occasional off color joke as he used to do. The only time we will see Thomas, John, and Fritz again is at the lunch stop. They are getting ready to leave when we arrive. They sign in as finishing an hour ahead of the rest of us.

Before lunch we pass Otter Creek Covered Bridge and Westport Covered Bridge. I don't stop with the others and keep pedaling as I am really starting to feel worn out and beginning to worry about finishing. We never catch Dominic and Jon does not have his phone number. We talk about it over lunch. I had warned Jon prior to lunch that I intended to eat quickly and leave before the rest so as not to slow everyone down, however, it turns out everyone but Jon eats quickly and is ready to leave. Right before we finish, however, Dominic walks in. Somehow Jon missed seeing his bike when he left the store. Dominic then went a bit off course. Evidently a dog came out and caused him to miss a turn. (Lots of dogs on this route as is often the case in Indiana). Jon stays to eat with him. The rest of us take off.

I find that lunch has revived me and determine to stay with the others who assure me they want to ride with me and are okay with a slower pace. I find that while I was in the store, I lost the direction arrows on my Wahoo. This and only this keeps me from heading out and letting them catch me since they were all using the facilities and I am not. I end up having to end the ride and restart and reload the route, but I do get my arrows back, a huge relief. The others tease me for my dependence on the arrows. I don't apologize. Mentally, I go back in time to when we rode before GPS with just a cats eye and a written cue sheet, or in my case, occasionally with a pocket full of sidewalk chalk so I would know my return route. How hard I often pedaled to be sure that I was not left somewhere in the middle of nowhere not knowing where to go. But oh, how fun those days were.

When we reach the third store stop, Dominic and Jon come in before we have finished and we all leave together. Prior to this, an old woman stops her car in the parking lot, waving her finger at us and telling us to be careful. Okay, Mom. I am fine with this. As I told the others, it is a refreshing change from being yelled at for being on the road.

Soon after leaving, I realize that Jon and Dominic are not with us. Someone tells me that Dominic was starting to cramp. I have feared cramps the entire ride. They are still not the norm for me, but I do get them more than I used to and I know I am asking a lot of my muscles today. We have been riding long enough and are tired enough that chatting is beginning to fade and everyone is thinking of the finish. My knees are achy and I am so glad there are no long climbs before the end. I can't say I am unhappy to see the end, but I find I am glad that I rode. I don't feel like doing a jig, but I also feel better than I anticipated feeling. Despite my lack of training, I have felt worse following other rides. We sign in and shortly thereafter Jon and Dominic pull in. Dominic said he ate something and it seemed to take care of his cramps.

For this ride, as is often the case when conditions are too hot, too cold, too windy, just not ideal, the hardest part was getting out the door. Fear is, indeed, a paper tiger. Tonight I will rest with my fear of not being capable of finishing assuaged. Until the next hard century. But, oh, how happy I am that riding season is back. Another spring. I am blessed.

Spring Has Sprung The Grass is ris’ I Wonder Where the Bike RIdes Is?

Erik Helton — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:43:53 GMT

By: Steven Sarson

The Louisville Bicycle Club has the rides!!

I would like to take a moment at this time to Honor John Fong. John returned to his Heavenly Father on February 22, 2025. John was an avid cyclist and friend to many in the cycling community. He had a positive impact on everyone he met and always had an encouraging word for you as you worked to become better. John could ride with the best of them - but he also had the patience and subtle encouragement to sweep a Tour De Mad Dog century and ride with the back of the pack. And all of this with a smile on his face!!

We will miss you John!

Rest Forever In Peace

Thanks to a number of dedicated Ride Captains, and in spite of the miserable weather, who seemed to be able to sneak in a ride anytime there seemed to be a window of opportunity. Thanks to those Ride Captains who challenged Mother Nature and snuck in some rides on those good days. Our LBCz (Zwift) group has kept a number of members riding as well. The Tour De Mad Dog has already completed stage 1. Stage 2 is scheduled for March 29th. Overall mileage totals may be down for the winter months, but there is a lot of enthusiasm and a ride schedule that continues to fill. A full ride schedule of local, out of town and fundraiser style rides are already on the schedule. There is a partial list at the end of this article. Let me know of any additional rides that should be on our schedule

As we enter our busy riding “season”, I would like to see more of the riders who come to rides do the actual ride that is on the schedule. The Ride Captains work hard to provide great routes and sweep them during their rides. It is extremely difficult to sweep a route when riders are not on it. Let's ride together in 2025 and encourage everyone to be their best.

Time to get the bike and rider ready to do some miles. Here are some simple pre-ride tips and some suggestions for a great riding season

- Always check your bike before you head out to a ride - The ABC-Quick check gets you ready to ride

- Encourage the new riders and those around you

- Be aware of the traffic around you and ride with it

- Be courteous and obey traffic signals

- Be aware of your surroundings

- Signal your intentions

- Communicate with your group

- Help the rider on the side of the road with a problem. You could be their hero and save someone from a long wait or even longer walk

- Support someone who is doing a Charity FundRaising ride with a donation - any amount helps and adds to the total

- Volunteer to help with club activities, local rides and events and fundraisers for the LBC

- ENJOY THE RIDE!!

Here is a partial list of the upcoming 2025 Rides and Events that are on our schedule. Join us for one or all of them. Have a safe ride in 2025!

Tour De Mad Dog - 20 stages scheduled, Time Trial TBA

Tour de Lou Training Rides - Sundays at Noon until April 6

Tour de Lou - April 19

Five Boro Bike Tour aka Bike NY May 4

Three Steeples Ride - School fundraiser

Bike MS - Bluegrass Bourbon Ride June 14-15 Join The LBC Team or Please Make a Donation

Tour de Pork - Turtle Run Winery August 2

OKHT - August 9

Bike To Beat Cancer - Sept 13 - Join the LBC Team or Please Make a Donation

Harvest Homecoming - Sept 27 - Support the Southern Indiana Wheelmen

Bourbon Burn - September 26, 27, 28 KY Horse Park

Crawdaddy’s LBC Christmas Giving Ride - December 6

TMD COME OUT AND PLAY

Erik Helton — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:27:32 GMT

By: Melissa Hall

The twentieth Tour de Mad Dog begins soon: March 1, 2025. But don't worry if you are not ready then. You have plenty of chances through the end of November to ride your ten centuries and earn one of the coveted finisher jerseys.

First, a short history of the tour. The Tour de Mad Dog is not to be confused with the Mad Dogs or being a Mad Dog. The Mad Dogs were started by Tim “Choo Choo” Chilton, Mike “Sparky” Pitt, Bill “Cisco” Pustow, Anong “Mrs. Mad Dog” Pustow, Eddie “Waldo” Doerr, and some man named Jay who never rode with the club again but did that first Mad Dog Century, BMB, with the founders. The group's goal was to help people complete their first century and to emphasize group riding. If you completed one century, you were considered an official Mad Dog.

Tim Chilton was responsible for designing the Tour de Mad Dog which grew the group in ways nobody imagined. This was is 2004. This year will be the twentieth anniversary of the tour as for two years it was not held because of the Pandemic that swept the country. The tour has changed in many ways since its inception, but continues to be a challenge and to encourage group riding.

The current rules for the TMD are as follows:

To be an official finisher, one must successfully complete 10 stages. This year there will be 21 stages. There will also be a time trial that will be organized by David “Bam Bam” King that will count as a stage.

Anyone who is an LBC (Louisville Bicycle Club) member who finishes 10 stages will be a finisher and will earn one of the coveted finisher jerseys. When enough sponsorship is obtained, the jersey is provided free. At other times it is provided at a minimal cost. Please let one of the Tour Directors know if you are aware of a business that would be willing to sponsor the tour.

There will be a male and female “winner” each year, but winning is limited to every third year. Since this is the first year for this change, last year's winners are eligible to win in 2025. The winner will be determined by points at the end of the season.

The points awarded are as follows:

2 points: captaining a TMD stage
1 point: successfully completing the ride
1 point: finishing with a group of 5
1 point: for each member of a group over 5 (ie. Group of 6, 2 points, group of 7, 3 points)
1 point: bringing a new rider
1 point: being a new rider
2 points: if the new rider you bring finishes the series
1 point: stopping to help another another rider who has a mechanical or a physical issue on a ride

To receive credit, you MUST sign in legibly and be an LBC club member. No attempt will be made to determine who you are if your signature is unreadable. If you forget to sign in following the ride, please notify us within a week to receive credit. Also, to earn credit for bringing/being a new rider, you must email the TMD directors at Tourde...@LouisvilleBicycleClub.org within one week. Same thing for stopping to help a rider with a mechanical issue or who is having problems with heat, etc.

Stages may be anywhere from 95 to 110 miles in length unless approved by the Touring Director with the exception of the overnight. This exception is for if the overnight is the traditional Mammoth Cave which has higher mileage but is a longstanding Mad Dog tradition. (68 percent wanted an overnight this year).

Cancellations will be announced a minimum of TWO hours prior to the advertised start time. The cancellation announcements are the responsibility of the ride captain and will be at their discretion. The cancellation should be announced on the Mad Dog email list https://groups.google.com/g/tour-de-mad-dog and on the LBC calendar. In the event there is a conflict of information between the Event Calendar and the ride calendar, the ride calendar will be considered correct.

All canceled stages will be made up. This make up should be the next day or the following free Saturday. The Ride Captain should let the Directors know his/her preference. If this won't work for some reason, the Ride Captain should let the TMD Directors know immediately.

All stages of the tour will have a Ride With GPS file, a cue sheet, two rest stops, and a lunch stop. Rides should be swept by the ride captain. If a rider feels he/she cannot reasonably keep the pace advertised by the ride captain, he/she MAY leave early after obtaining permission from the ride captain. If the ride captain says no, you will receive no credit for the ride if you leave early.

The Current TMD Schedule is as follows and should be available on the club ride calendar along with the GPS file:

March 1 Five Bridges Century
March 29 Suburbane Centry
April 12 Tour de Hanover
April 26 The Harrison
May 10 Highlander 100
May 24 Story Century
May 31 Muscatatuck Century
June 7 Pottershop Century
June 21 French Lick Overnight (Get Hotel Reservations at host motel now)
June 22 Return from French Lick
June 28 Fort Harrod MD Foray
July 12 Old Gigal
July 26 Salem a Different Way
August 16 Two Bridges Century
August 30 A Good Second Century
September 6 BMB
September 7 MD Time Trial
September 20 Twice Boston
October 11 Medora
October 18 DeFongman “Paraquet Springs” Hundo 100
November 1 Seven Springs
November 8 Buckner Riverdance

Challenge yourself. I can't promise it will always be easy. I can't promise that it will always be fun. But I can promise you that you will feel a sense of accomplishment if you stay the course and that you will meet people whose company you will enjoy. Most things in life that are worthwhile do have a degree of difficulty. As Nike says, “Just Do It.” Come out and play!

January Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:57:33 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter

January Newsletter - Special Edition

Steven Jent — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:14:32 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter - Special Edition

December Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 21:25:50 GMT

See it here: December Newsletter.

November Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:21:56 GMT

See it here: November Newsletter.

Editors note: I just noticed that as these have been coming out later and later that I mistakenly titled the communications surrounding the October Newsletter as November. Here is the real November edition.

October Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:39:39 GMT

See it here: October Newsletter.

September Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:00:13 GMT

Yes I know this is SUPER late, but here it is!

See it here: September Newsletter

August Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 01:08:36 GMT

See it here: August Newsletter

July Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 19:06:03 GMT

See it here: July Newsletter

June Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:07:00 GMT

See it here: June Newsletter

May Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:28:46 GMT

See it here: May Newsletter

April Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 15 May 2024 15:25:31 GMT

See it here: April Newsletter

March Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:26:03 GMT

See it here: March Newsletter

February Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:35:39 GMT

See it here: February Newsletter

January Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:49:28 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter

January Newsletter - Special Edition

Steven Jent — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:24:05 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter - Special Edition

December Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 21:19:28 GMT

See it here: December Newsletter.

November Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:53:44 GMT

See it here: November Newsletter

October Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 23:46:13 GMT

See it here: October Newsletter

September Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:47:12 GMT

See it here: September Newsletter

August Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:17:11 GMT

See it here: August Newsletter

July Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 23:04:22 GMT

See it here: July Newsletter

Louisville Bicycle Club becomes a sponsor of Le Tour de Pork

Erik Helton — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:10:41 GMT

The Louisville Bicycle Club is happy to announce that it has become a sponsor of the annual Le Tour de Pork cycling event that supports the Friends of the Ohio River Greenway.

We are happy to support this amazing event and organization. We as an organization use the Ohio River Greenway several times a week for our own club rides and many of us individually. The organization and our clubs values align which made it an easy choice as a community partner.

The annual Le Tour de Pork ride will take place on Saturday August 5th at Turtle Run Winery.

June Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 01:44:25 GMT

See it here: June Newsletter

May Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:09:12 GMT

See it here: May Newsletter

April Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 01 May 2023 13:12:52 GMT

See it here: April Newsletter

March Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:49:27 GMT

See it here: March Newsletter

February Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 21:41:55 GMT

See it here: February Newsletter

January Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 23:56:35 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter

UPDATED: January Newsletter - Special Edition

Steven Jent — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:05:12 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter - Special Edition

01/20: Steven Sarson has submitted himself as a candidate for the VP of Touring. His statement has been added.

December Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:32:35 GMT

See it here: December Newsletter

November Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 01:47:26 GMT

See it here: November Newsletter

October Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 22:14:22 GMT

See it here: October Newsletter

September Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:26:05 GMT

See it here: September Newsletter

August Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:17:45 GMT

See it here: August Newsletter

July Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:23:05 GMT

See it here: July Newsletter

Mad Dog Standings

Bekki Livingston — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 02:25:23 GMT

Mad Dog points have been updated after the Holy Rollers Century.

TMD Schedule

June Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 20:45:29 GMT

See it here: June Newsletter

Mad Dog Series UPDATES

Bekki Livingston — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 13:56:08 GMT

1. The Mad Dog Schedule has been updated with a century added for Saturday, August 20th and a revised century route and ride captain for September 3rd.

2. The points sheet for the series has been updated

Mad Dog Schedule Revisions

Bekki Livingston — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 02:58:27 GMT

Take a look at the revised Mad Dog schedule. The next century will be the Holy Roller led by Bob Grable. Andy Murphy is leading a century in September and Steve Rice will be leading an additional century in August that we have added.

May Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 19 May 2022 09:30:00 GMT

See it here: May Newsletter

Saturday, April 23 Mad Dog

Bekki Livingston — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:04:07 GMT

There is a possibility that the East End bridge will be closed to pedestrians. In order to plan in advance, the route has been changed. If you uploaded the GPS file before 2pm on April 21st, you need to upload the new route.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39147666 You can find it in the LBC GPS route library under the name Suburbane century Revised 4-20-2022. Distance is now 102.2 with 4370 ft of elevation gain.

April Newsletter

Steven Jent — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 13:41:06 GMT

See it here: April Newsletter

March Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 03:00:00 GMT

See it here: March Newsletter

February Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:56:15 GMT

See it here: February Newsletter

January Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 03:28:05 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter

January Newsletter - Special Edition

Steven Jent — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 04:00:00 GMT

See it here: January Newsletter - Special Edition

December Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:20:13 GMT

See it here: December Newsletter

November Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:17:16 GMT

See it here: November newsletter

September Newsletter

Bekki Livingston — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 02:49:46 GMT

See it here: September newsletter

June 2021 Newsletter

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 21:52:29 GMT

Check out the June 2021 Newsletter here.

Important Notice - the FY 2021 Metro Council Budget Vote is approaching!

Steven Jent — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:33:02 GMT

The Louisville Metro Council will vote on the budget on June 24th. The last public hearing for public comment was held on May 27th. Now is the time to make your voices heard by contacting your local Metro Council representative to let them know that Cycling Infrastructure is important to their constituency - YOU!

Please review the attached article for all you need to know.

LBC_MetroBudgetVote2021.pdf

Thank You,
Steven Jent
LBC VP of Advocacy

CLOTHING FITTINGS

Bekki Livingston — Thu, 27 May 2021 12:42:25 GMT

PRIMAL store is open until June 9th to order LBC clothing. We are hosting two FITTINGS to help you select the correct size. We cannot offer exhanges nor returns. 1. Saturday, May 29th, 170 State Street, 8:30-9:15am BEFORE the Polly's Freeze ride. 2. Monday, May 31st, Yellow Lot at Waterfront Park, 10:00-11:30am AFTER the Mayor's Ride.

Registration is open for our New Rider Clinics

Bekki Livingston — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 14:00:03 GMT

Registration opened April 1st for the New Rider Clinics. There are 4 clinics this spring.

December 2020 Special Edition Newsletter

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 01:39:23 GMT

Read the December 2020 Special Edition Newsletter

In this special edition, we cover the elections process during COVID as well as an In Memoriam section for LBC club members who have passed away this year.

Voting will be open January 15th and will close on January 18th. Please follow the instructions in the newsletter, and access the voting event from the main page or with the link on the main page or in the newsletter.

November 2020 Newsletter

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:35:52 GMT

Read the November 2020 Newsletter

NEW SPONSOR!

Jeff White — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:25:07 GMT

LBC has a new sponsor. Handup gloves. Check em out at www.handupgloves.com and take advantage of the 15% discount they are offering LBC members. Just use the code LBCLUB20 and get yourself some cool stuff for your next adventure.

Olmstead Parks Outdoor Challenge

Jeff White — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:13:24 GMT

Our friends at the Olmstead Conservancy are ramping up for their Olmstead Parks Outdoor Challenge event to be held virtually October 11-25, 2020. Check it out at www.olmstedparks.org/challenge. LBC members can use discount code (LBC2020) to receive a 10% discount on registration. What a fun way to give back to the Olmstead parks that we all love and use all the time.

Special Edition: August 2020 Newsletter SE

Steven Jent — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 19:12:14 GMT

Read the 2020 LBC August Newsletter Special Edition.

August 2020 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:14:41 GMT

Read the 2020 LBC August Newsletter.

2020 NEW RIDER / BIKE HANDLING CLASSES

Steven Jent — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:33:18 GMT

2020 NEW RIDER / BIKE HANDLING CLASSES

Clinic 3: Wednesdays, 6 - 9 pm, June 17 thru July 15, Olmstead Acadamy South, 5650 Southern Parkway (Iroquois). Maximum number of participants: 10. To Register for Clinic 3: Registration opens March 11th 2020 LOUISVILLE BICYCLE CLUB CLINIC 3-NEW RIDER / BIKE HANDLING CLASSES

Clinic 4: Sundays 2-5 pm, July 12 thru August 9, Baptist Healthcare Eastpoint, 2400 Eastpoint Parkway, Louisville, 40223.Maximum number of participants: 25. To Register for Clinic 4: Registration opens March 11th 2020 LOUISVILLE BICYCLE CLUB CLINIC 4-NEW RIDER / BIKE HANDLING CLASSES

Clinic 5: Mondays, 6 - 9 pm, August 3 thru August 31, St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave. Maximum number of participants: 25. To Register for Clinic 5: Registration opens March 11th 2020 LOUISVILLE BICYCLE CLUB CLINIC 5-NEW RIDER / BIKE HANDLING CLASSES

A Message from LBC concerning locally owned Bike Shops

Steven Jent — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 23:10:26 GMT

During this time of economic impact and social uncertainty the threat that we may lose many of our local bike shops is very real. If you find that you can financially support your favorite shop, please do so. Many of the local stores offer gift cards to purchase. This is a great way to support them during this time and to help hold them over until they can resume business as usual. So, if you are going to spend the money anyway once this is over (and it will be over at some point) and choose to do so, please help them out. I have tried to put together a list of all locally owned bike shops and am providing their websites, contact pages and links to gift cards sales if I could find them.

The List:

A Message from LBC concerning locally owned Bike Shops

UPDATED - LBC RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

Steven Jent — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:35:09 GMT

LBC RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

UPDATE May 15, 2020:

The suspension of all LBC Rides and Events has been extended through June 11th, 2020. This date matches direction from the Kentucky State Governor's office for Phase 2 of the current reopening plan. As always this date is constantly being reevaluated and will be updated again as needed.

It is with regret that the Executive Committee of the Louisville Bicycle Club has made the decision to suspend all club supported rides and activities. This includes club meetings, regularly scheduled rides and any club supported adhoc rides.

The safety and continued good health of LBC participants and volunteers, and the cycling community as a whole, is your clubs primary concern. We have been monitoring the situation closely and feel it would be irresponsible to continue to hold these group gatherings during this health emergency. We do ride in close proximity to one another and it is difficult if not impossible to maintain the distance recommended by public health officials.

States of Emergency & Disaster have been declared at the national, state and local levels. Many, if not most, major sports organizations have suspended seasons and cancelled events in order to help prevent the spread of this disease.

For many of us, our jobs have gone remote to reduce the risk of contact with possibly infected individuals. “Social Distancing” has not only become a new term for us, but is now a way of life, to stop or slow down the spread of this highly contagious disease.

If you do continue to ride, please confine yourself to a bare minimum of friends, practice that Social Distancing along with the guidelines already posted and those published by public health officials. As an alternative consider rides through Zwift.

We will be re-evaluating the situation on a weekly basis and will keep you informed.

In the meantime, if you have specific concerns or questions, please email us at communications@louisvillebicycleclub.org

REFERENCE

What is Social Distancing? The CDC defines social distancing as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible."

PRECAUTIONS

In the meantime, here are just a few things you can do as a precaution to the spread of disease (any disease). Where indicated, some items are recommended by the CDC and others are specific to us in the cycling world.

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. (WHO)
Bring a handkerchief or rag to carry on the ride. Kleenex, tissues and such don't do so well when mixed with sweat.
Practice a no touch policy. Avoid shaking hands, unnecessary hugs and the like. We all love each other for sure, a little restraint.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (WHO)
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue (CDC)
On the ride, no snot rockets or spitting, or... drop off the very back of the group to perform this act.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. (CDC)
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (handlebars, water bottles, gloves,etc) using a regular household detergent and water prior to disinfection. (CDC)

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT TO LBC

Steven Jent — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:28:23 GMT

With all the news in the world about the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the many questions from our members regarding possible impact on our rides, we wanted to give a brief update on where we stand and provide some tips on prevention.

For now, our rides and events are still on schedule and going strong, but we'll continue to monitor the status and make adjustments where appropriate to protect you and your safety.

PRECAUTIONS

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. (WHO)
Bring a handkerchief or rag to carry on the ride. Kleenex, tissues and such don't do so well when mixed with sweat.
Practice a no touch policy. Avoid shaking hands, unnecessary hugs and the like. We all love each other for sure, a little restraint.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (WHO)
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue (CDC)
On the ride, no snot rockets or spitting, or... drop off the very back of the group to perform this act.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. (CDC)
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (handlebars, water bottles, gloves,etc) using a regular household detergent and water prior to disinfection. (CDC)

As a precaution, we'll also be instructing our Ride Captains to ask someone who is visibly ill to not ride with our groups.

This club is in the business of bringing people together, and as such we should be as smart as possible about it.

January 2020 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:50:38 GMT

Read the 2020 LBC January Newsletter.

September/October 2019 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 21:59:55 GMT

Read the 2019 LBC September/October Newsletter.

June/July/August 2019 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 20:21:43 GMT

Read the 2019 LBC June/July/August Newsletter.

The Louisville Bicycle Club Annual Membership Fees are increasing.

Steven Jent — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:02:17 GMT

The Louisville Bicycle Club Annual Membership Fees are increasing.
Starting on October 1^st 2019, the membership dues for LBC will be as follows:

Individual Membership: $20.00
Family Membership: $30.00

The last increase in membership dues occurred in 1988.

For any questions please contact us at: communications@louisvillebicycleclub.org

April/May 2019 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 16:32:16 GMT

Read the 2019 LBC April/May Newsletter.

February/March 2019 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 21:47:10 GMT

Read the 2019 LBC February/March Newsletter.

January 2019 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 19:21:25 GMT

Read the LBC January 2019 Newsletter

December 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:50:00 GMT

Read the LBC December 2018 Newsletter

November 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 14:59:54 GMT

Read the LBC November 2018 Newsletter

October 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 17:18:46 GMT

Read the LBC October 2018 Newsletter

August 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:44:35 GMT

Read the LBC August 2018 Newsletter

July 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 16:06:44 GMT

Read the LBC July 2018 Newsletter

June 2018 Newsletter

Steven Jent — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 17:50:50 GMT

Read the LBC June 2018 Newsletter

RainedOut Instructions

Susan Wentzel — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 01:43:38 GMT

Opt-in to get last minute ride changes and cancellation information via text message.

RainedOut Instructions

2018 LBC Executive Committee Candidate Statements

Susan Wentzel — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 16:26:27 GMT

The election for LBC officers for 2018 will be held at the Annual Banquet on January 27th at Big Springs Country Club. Ballots will be at the registration table, and results announced at the banquet. The candidates below will be on the ballot, with space provided for write in candidates. Any club members not attending the banquet are welcome to come by and cast a ballot from 6:00-7:30pm.

Candidates:

President - Andy Murphy
Secretary -Bekki Livingston
Treasurer - Diane Bellafronto
VP Education - David Wittry
VP Racing - Kevin Williams
VP Communication - Susan Wentzel
VP Advocacy - Doug Brent
VP Touring - Michael Crawford

2018 LBC Executive Committee Candidate Statements

Members in good-standing who are unable to attend the Annual Meeting on account of personal illness, injury or because they will be out of town at the time the meeting is held, can submit an absentee ballot for candidates for club officers and on any issue that members have been informed by the club newsletter will be voted on, provided that the member has advised the Secretary of his/her absence for one of the above reasons by no later than noon of the day preceding the Annual Meeting as evidenced by email to secretary@louisvillebicycleclub.org. The member shall in the same email submit his/her voting preferences.

Ballot

December 2017 Newsletter

Susan Wentzel — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 02:14:41 GMT

Read the LBC December 2017 Newsletter

OKHT 40 Survey

Susan Wentzel — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 02:42:18 GMT

If you attended OKHT 40, please take this brief survey.

Start Survey

LBC Summer Newsletter

Susan Wentzel — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 02:53:26 GMT

Read the LBC Summer 2017 Newsletter

LBC Summer Picnic

Susan Wentzel — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:24:51 GMT

The LBC Summer Picnic returns to YEW DELL BOTANICAL GARDENS on Sunday, September 10, 2017. There will be 3 rides that day, a 7:45 AM, 49 mile ride, a 9 AM 34 mile ride and a 10 AM 14 mile ride.

Another LBC Summer Picnic staple--the SWAP Meet returns at 11 AM. Got an old bike you'd like to see find a new home? Got some parts you might like to trade? Bring your bicycle related items to sell or trade to the SWAP Meet!

At 11:30 AM, it’s PICNIC TIME! The club will provide fried chicken and cold drinks, club members are asked to bring a dessert or side dish to share.

There will be a GENERAL MEMBERSHIP meeting at 12 NOON.

Bring your family and join your friends for a Summer picnic at beautiful YEW DELL BOTANICAL GARDENS!

LBC 2017 Membership Survey Results

Susan Wentzel — Mon, 22 May 2017 20:57:05 GMT

LBC 2017 Membership Survey Results

LBC Spring 2017 Newsletter

Susan Wentzel — Tue, 02 May 2017 01:03:37 GMT

Read the LBC Spring 2017 Newsletter