Periodically my route out of New Albany takes me across 11th street and I always notice this spot:
It invariably makes me think of the Cycling Classics such as last weekend’s Gent-Wevelgem, this weekend’s Tour of Flanders and of course Paris Roubaix in two weeks. These thoughts were especially on my mind as I set out from home on Sunday morning. I sat and then paced helplessly on Saturday as we experienced the finest weather of the year. My day for riding was to be Sunday with a forecast of cold, rain, wind, and the actual killer – thunderstorms. Would it be my luck to wait for Sunday only to not be able to ride?
I woke up and tended to all I needed to get done prior to departure – feeding children, dressing them, picking older brother up from a sleepover, etc. All through the morning checking various forecasts. TV indicated rain and such but probably no thunderstorms…that was enough for me. I kitted up, embro’d up, pumped tires and hit the road. Two omissions – no lights of any type, and what would prove to be the worst – no chamois cream.
I met my friend Michael at what seems to be the primary ride departure zone of the Heine Brothers at Eastern and Bardstown. We had 86 miles planned heading way out into Oldham County and back. It was actually the first time I’ve ridden all the way across River Road into Oldham as I normally start from my folks house in the middle of it. This is the route I planned for. I had some concerns about crossing the old one lane bridge that is closed to AUTO traffic but I thought we could still get through.
Highlands to Goshen – went well. Soft sprinkle across River Road, decided to climb out on Wolf Pen Branch and didn’t even look at the aforementioned bridge crossing although we went right by it. Fast drop into crowded Prospect and the rain really picked up. After stopping on Rose Island Road we thought it a good idea to actually put on the rain gear we brought. I wore my favorite wool jersey and covered it with a promo Continental rain jacket I got as a “gimmie” from a local shop. Pretty ugly but pretty effective. It was not to come off until I got home.
Climb 1 – The Backside of Goshen Lane – after strolling out river flatlands we turned the corner up this strong climb. It was nice to try it with warmed-up legs as opposed to the stone cold condition I usually am in.
US 42 to Westport – We turned onto US 42 for the second time and headed out once again following stretches of the Louisville Ironman course. This is 11 straight but rolling miles. It was here I realized I was riding with a very complimentary rider. Many times in the stretch I end up ahead of my companion(s). Every time I looked back he was right on my wheel. It was to be this way the whole day. It is hard to overstate how much this can improve the riding. I enjoy riding with all types but I think I would take this anytime.
Climb 2 – Out of Westport – Coming out of Westport on 524 is a pretty saucy climb. I had some issues with drivetrain and kept slipping but I stayed in the big ring the rest of the day and it did fine there some maybe its the small chainring. This put us on 42 once again and out to the only planned rest stop at the only gas station in 20 miles that is open on Sunday. We refueled, filled bottles, and stood around with our wet legs burning with the awakened liniment. We were 54 miles in and averaging a healthy 18 mph.
Old Sligo Road and others into Buckner – The weather looked pretty crappy at this point but it turned out to be mostly show. I knew from experience that Old Sligo was a brutal road. With 50 miles already in it was even worse. Highway 53 out of LaGrange was as menacing as always (for my money much worse than US 42) Then the first navigational error crept in – the maps indicated you can get over to 393 via Finley Mill road. I never saw the road and we ended up in Buckner. No big deal but the 15 miles to rejoin 393 were a beating and we made a brief stop to catch up from that.
Cedar Point & Old Zaring Although I grew up in this area I had never heard it referred to as “Little Appalachia” until I started riding bikes. It may not be mountainous but in the continuation of the days theme it rolled up and down for sure. We had our only run in with a dog on Old Zaring. It was running along a fence line and we thought it was cool but then out it came! Startled the two of us but laid off quickly.
Climb 3 – Covered Bridge Road – This road actually has a climb in the beginning and a big one at the end. It is maybe the finest road in the area for riding from a pure visual standpoint. It is simply beautiful, even in overcast, rainy muck. Every time I have come through on a bike I have turned off at Locke Lane. Today had us going all the way to US 42 (again) to begin the return home. It is quite a climb at that stage in the day and we took a bit of a rest at the Five Star in Prospect. In an odd bit of coincidence we ran into my father at the store…kinda funny.
Coming out of Prospect – we headed back out River Road toward home only to find the maybe passable bridge to be decidedly not passable. It was covered with fencing and there happened to be a dude there as well. At this point we were feeling pretty sure of earning a century for the day as we back tracked into Prospect to exit via 42. The ugly slog up the hill out of Prospect to Wolf Pen Branch was the most harrowing piece of riding for the day. Shit conditions, a strong hill and at least one way-too-close-for-comfort pass. I was glad to turn off for sure.
Last Climb – Lime Kiln Road – Instead of taking River Road all the way in I had elected to come up through the ritzy part of town into St Matthews. While this really is “no hill for a climber” the miles and climbing had taken its toll. We headed up and out 42 to bridge onto Rudy Lane and start making the way to the park.
The park and home… – at this point our internal mileage calculators were working and determined we might end up slightly short of a century and greedily to a lap in Cherokee Park to ensure the monument was reached. We split after this and I had to confront one last hill going up Trevillian towards the zoo. As I got off the bike I felt hobbled. I’m sure I was walking funny and not to mention soaking wet.
Being the kind husband I am I patiently waited before showering so my wife could get the nap I promised after her workday. I sat playing with the kids, legs burning, body aching and reveled in my accomplishment for the day:
This is the kind of hardman shit we live for right? The conditions certainly were “Belgie” for the day. That crust of dirt, sand, cinders, and God knows what left stuck to my legs…103 miles in the shit, 6,200 feet of climbing, 6 hours on the bike when most people avoided the outside for the day. Many thanks to Michael who made for a great day in the saddle and perhaps my favorite ride to date.
