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.

The weathermen have been predicting rain and thunderstorms for days to no avail. Each day the sun peeks out and gets it done. Today was looking like it would finally be the day. I swung by the LBS and picked up some Qoleum embrocation in the “Hot” style to give it a shot. I mean I didn’t shave my legs for nothin’…right? I am intending to use it tomorrow for my first bike race and the weather is looking to be pretty “Belgie”. I slathered it on, put on my favorite wooly jersey jersey and hit road.

About halfway into the ride the rain started. I pulled over and put my phone in a bag and kept after it. I really don’t mind riding in the rain. It leads me to a decided feeling of some sort of warped accomplishment. Like – “look at me, I’m so tough” (say this out loud in a high-pitched, mocking voice – that’s what my wife will do to me).

I put “mud guards” (here’s why I no longer refer to them as fenders) on this bike a month or two ago and they have served me well as the snow melted off the roads and led to consistent spraying. This was the first opportunity I have had to really ride in the rain. Wow. Much better. I got wet of course, but no telltale spray up the back, no soaking wet chamois in 2 minutes, just generally better. Not to mention the bike was much cleaner when I finished.

I didn’t really notice the embro on the ride although I must say my legs were not cold…at all. Compared to my hands (which is not really fair) they were significantly warmer. I got my first indication of what was to come when I stopped at a light about 5 minutes from the end of the ride. Seemed like my legs were heating up a tad. After I returned and started wiping off the bike the real burn came on big time. Funny almost, but I hit the shower armed with dish soap to try and cut it off – to no avail. Slowly and surely after about an hour it fizzled out. Good to know for tomorrow.

Here is the post ride return: Wet but with significantly improved attitude

As I mentioned tomorrow will be my first bike race. I feel good about my training so far. I have received lots of good advice and I am ready for it…I hope.

I had a work “wellness” program to attend in the morning so I dropped the kiddos of at my folks the night before. I knocked out a little office work and then headed home. Left in the rare situation of having no one home and nothing pressing I ignored the chores I could have done and set out early to pad my mileage for the day. Knowing where I was trying to end up I headed off to Cherokee park to make a loop and then head toward the Bluegrass Trail. The day was overcast and a little windy. I was hoping the weather would hold but alas, it did not. I passed two older fellows on MtB’s who were spinning the third ring up Cochran Hill on bikes that were just caked with mud. They probably rolled their eyes at me passing them standing and cranking the big ring as I passed and nodded hello. As I came into Germantown headed towards U of L the wind had cranked it up and the first few drops fell. I stopped into Sunergos for a coffee and a copy of Dirtrag Magazine courtesy of On Your Left with 12 miles for the day.

After a few minutes the usual suspects arrived and we were joined by a new guy – Rick. By now it was pretty clear that it was gonna be a wet one. We gave it a few minutes, decided the rain had scared the people away and set off. The first leg of the journey marked something new for me – transit across the 2nd Street bridge on the roadway. I generally wimp out and use the sidewalk for safety reasons. Since it was Saturday and we were in a group with an experienced crosser I gave it a go. Here is a picture right before we crossed:

We traced our way through Southern Indiana into New Albany on the roads I know so well. We stopped so I could adjust my soaked cue sheet and took two quick pictures:

Our arrival at Rich-O’s was a welcome stop and we were pretty well soaked through. The service was as expected very nice but on the slow side. I had IPA 1 of 3, Tex had a sampler, Dave and Rick had a stout – all made by the NABC. A kind, dapper chap took a picture of us before we left:

As we left to return to Louisville the rain kept it coming. We were completely wet and I was especially cold in the hands and feet. They were to remain cold for the rest of the ride. Outside of that wonderful wool undergarments kept me warm. Our arrival at the BBC coincided with the last 6 minutes of the U of L game which they won handily and made me happy to see. We choose this stop to eat and we were ready. Some food and drink had us ready to get back on the road. I had an IPA and a bowl of chili which I think may be the perfect meal for bicycle riding in freezing rain, snow, and driving winds. I had stopped taking pictures at this point as everything was completely wet and I sequestered my camera in a dry bag inside one of Tim’s panniers.

A short trip up Broadway and through Cherokee Park put us into the Highlands and our last beer stop – Cumberland Brews. The pub was pretty crowded but we secured a table right in the front corner of the room which let us avoid locking down the bikes. Dave shared some habanaro salsa and we had another round of beers. We had decided to abandon the return to Sunergos as no one really needed to go back and our houses/drop off points were on the way. We had been out for a pretty good amount of time and were pretty much ready to hang it up.

One of the most interesting things to me was seeing once again that people gather at local pubs for leisurely times and hanging out. My current family situation does not lend easily to do so. I miss it for sure, although these days if given the time and opportunity I would probably ride my bike instead!

Although I missed the first RCCS ride I would think of this one as a success. We rode as planned regardless of the weather. We stayed together for the ride and had numerous stops and libations to boot. I really enjoyed riding with these gentlemen and look forward to doing so again.

I started off the year with a bang today. In my scheming mind I thought it would be good to head out to my folks to drop off the little ones and head out from there. First problem – no way to transit a bike with the minivan loaded up. Problem solved – I invited ol’ SurlyTex out for the ride. He has a pickup truck to get the bikes to my parents house. Problem two – weather people had been saying rain. It looked sort of ominous but a little before we left the sun actually came out. We packed up the boys and headed out the county (Oldham that is).

I planned a route to run about 32 miles to give us the opportunity to not have to push the pace and still have time to get back to the house prior to it getting dark. The ride was mostly old roads I used to drive to go to school in Crestwood. We had a sizable chunk of US 42 to deal with. I was at least a little nervous about this portion but it turned out to be unfounded. The road was not crowded although people do go kinda fast. I also planned a brief diversion into the old Boy Scout Camp – Camp Covered Bridge of which I attended including its final year. It was converted to a nice subdivision type development after the closing. If you know what you are looking at there is a house made from the old mess hall.

We got on the road around 3:15 and started right into a steep drop down 1793 to Cardinal Harbor. I reminded Tim that our final return would be back up this very hill. Goshen Lane originates at the end of Rose Island Road and starts straight upwards. It was a good “warm up” climb that brought us to US 42. I had dressed probably too warm and was wearing a water resistant jacket over a wool base layer and t-shirt. I had worked up quite a sweat after only 3-4 miles. However, I knew if it rained I was going to need it. We had about 5 miles to go out 42 to get to our turn-off. My fears of this leg were relatively unfounded. What I should have feared was the head wind. We traded off some drafting time and made the turn to KY 393. By this time we had settled on what this ride was really all about – rolling hills. It was up and down all day long. Plenty of the hills were plenty serious too.

We branched onto Cedar Point to head to New Cut Road – KY 1817. It was about here that I said to myself – “at least we are beating out the rain”. I thought not to say it out loud for jinx purposes but a few minutes later on came the rain. As we rode across 1817 we found a nasty looking pit bull dog that gave chase directly along the side of the road for what seemed like 5 neighbors yards but then yielded. We missed a turn but ended up right at KY 329 where we wanted to be. We had what would have been a perfect ride out a beautiful stretch of road if not for the fact that we were getting drenched. I could feel the water rolling back in forth inside my shoes but was warm otherwise. We rolled through the nicely paved Locke Lane and even saw a lady runner out for a jog in the rain. We crossed 42 onto Mayo lane and past a stately mansion. These two roads kept up the rolling road tradition including a fierce climb toward the end of Mayo Lane followed by a screaming wet brake drop to Rose Island. From there it was just the climb back up 1793 to my parents house. I stood and rode halfway and took a break at Blueberry Hill Road. Tim sat and kept chugging so he did not have to expose his Brooks saddle to the downpour.

After the return Tim headed straight out to meet up with his family and I dried a little and walked inside to find two hunks of cheese and crackers. A Xingu beer rounded it off nicely. The weather turned out bad but this ride was worth every minute. A great start to the year.