LBC Rides from the Past - November 2005

Impromptu Ride (C) Nov. 5
The last time I led an impromptu ride starting at Kendig Square, nobody showed up. So I was quite surprised to find 5 people waiting for me on a beautifully mild Saturday morning. I did not know any of them, which should have been a clue as to what was to come a short time later. After I went over the "ground rules," we started off. Valerie asked if we were going to Strasburg. "We can if you want to," I said, always eager to please my customers. Apparently, she took that as a "yes" and once we got out of a residential area the entire group pulled ahead of me. Valerie lives in Willow Street and rides in the Strasburg area a lot, so she didn't fear getting lost. Most of the other riders are in Valerie's spinning class, so they knew each other, but none of them knew me. The group included three non-club members, but this was evidently not their first club ride. While the group was still within sight but out of earshot, they made a turn off of Lime Valley Road that I had not intended to take. I yelled to them, but they didn't hear and continued on. I waited at the turn to see if they'd notice the leader was missing and come back looking for me. I recalled the boilerplate in the ride calendar which says that "those who ride ahead of the leader are on their own." After 15 minutes they had not returned. Thus absolved of responsibility as leader, I resumed the ride as planned, er, make that unplanned-this was an impromptu, remember. As some of question of whether I should bother to lead rides at all. I hope my group had as enjoyable a ride as I did. When I got back to Kendig Square about 1PM, their cars were all gone, so I presume they got back safely. I also hope that they get dictionaries for Christmas you know, I only lead impromptus, without cue sheets, to provide a sociable experience without the ride turning into a race (and to keep from getting dropped myself). I make up the route as we go, depending upon various factors that I cannot know before the ride starts. But this time I got dropped anyway, which raises the . If they do, the first word they should look up is "impromptu." Riders: Bill Hoffman (leader), Jim Drumm, Valerie Rohrer, and non-LBC members Glenn Schneider, George Martiney, and Carol Love.

D-Tour Thru the Country (D) Nov 5
What a beautiful fall day for a bike ride! Great group of riders with some new equipment. Greg Mayfield was riding a new Trek road bike. Linda Wright was riding with clips for the first time. All were warned to stay clear of them. We all survived unscathed even doing Stumptown Road twice. This was Phil Wright's 10th lead for his leader's jersey! Yeah! Riders: Phil Wright (leader), Alan Hurlbut (sweep), Linda Wright, Karen Drawbaugh, Jim Payton, Judy Hurlbut, Jonas Fisher, Amy Mitchell, Elca Swigart, Alta Nolt, Chris Mayfield and Greg Mayfield.

Harvest Ride (A) Nov 5
Riders: Marlin Hess (leader), Kyle Awkerman, Heidi Hendrix, Brian Sowatsky, Curtis Palmer, Paul Swarm, Jake Myers, Angela Swarm, Neil Fickes, Ken Lessans, Scott Wagner, and non-LBC members Jonathan Lyons, Lori Henry, Karen Schneider, George Metzler, Michele Bote, and Marcy Diem.

New Holland (B) Nov 5
Riders: Brian Mitchell (leader), John Renard (sweep), Tim Good, Randy Haluck, Rich Wagner, Mark Ward, Don Whitehead, Kim Lausch, Matt London, Lew Hershey, John Donati, Dirk Suereth, Paul Smeltz, Jeff DeLong, Pearl DeLong, Lou Gray, Bill Ressel, Larry Keating, Diane Lausman, Cindy Davis, Rich Williams, and Joe Lee.

Ephrata Dairy Queen (C) Nov 5
I took a chance and scheduled a new ice cream ride in November. I expected failure, but we had temperatures in the 70's and almost everyone stopped for ice cream. I did NOT commit the unpardonable sin which would have been to knowingly go faster than the advertised average pace of 12 mph. Since I had no computer, I asked for a speed check from a nearby bicyclist. I was in between the slow and fast group and averaged 14 mph. I brought speed down in order to retain my reputation as a well-respected club member. Almost everyone visited Weaver's Bike Shop near Farmersville. This is the oldest bike shop in Lancaster County. In 2007, Mr. Weaver will have owned and operated his shop for 50 years. This is an amazing feat when considering the rate at which bike shops come and go. A newspaper article framed on the wall adds more details to this story. This ride goes through 4 covered bridges. The Rettew Mill Bridge could be added after it is moved to Middle Creek Road. The cue sheet would have to be slightly changed. This would create what was thought to be impossible: 5 covered bridges in less than 25 miles. I believe C and D rides should always include one or two stops. This allows for regrouping and socialization. This is one of the purposes of our club. Or else we would avoid each other and ride alone. Riders: Reuben Weaver (leader), Rodney Moseman (sweep), Rose Ward, Jim Forster, John Cardos, Rick Shoup, Randy Haluck, Tim Good, Carl Kreider, Roy Drinkwater, Dave Kessler, John Gantz, Gary Musser, Craig Shreiner, Jim Drumm, Don Whitehead, and John Leber.

Rocky Mt Ride to Denver (D) Nov 6
Nice group came out for what's become a popular ride "up north." Riders: Pam Klingensmith (leader), Tony LaRosa (sweep), Reuben Weaver, Chris Klingensmith, Karen Drawbaugh, Amy Mitchell, Jonas Fisher, Greg Mayfield, Chris Mayfield, Linda Wright, Jim Drumm, Dave Heck, Lisa Heck, Pam Tronsor, John Rohrkemper, Dottie Sheehy, Steve Holland, and Cynthia Royer.

New Witness Tree Trek (C) Nov 6
Hard to believe 70 degrees on Nov. 6, but it was a very beautiful day. No spills just thrills. Very enjoyable ride. Riders: Jim Payton (leader), Dave Kessler, Tim Good, John Gantz, Rich Williams, Judy Flowers, Joe Sears, John Renard, Bill Weisser, Carol Weisser, Jeff DeLong, Pearl DeLong, Mary Stadden, and Steve Schmohl.

Ride to Manheim Long (C) Nov 6
Great weather for November. Temps in the 70's. We had a mixture of A, B and C riders who all stayed together till the rest stop at Molly's. Riders: John Peregoy (leader), Rose Ward, Tim Good, Jim Forster, Bob Brader, Harry Campbell, David Hirneisen, and Jim Drumm.

Rapho Ramble (B) Nov 6
Light winds and an unseasonably warm temperature for November made this a great morning for a fast-paced jaunt. Riders: Candae Deen (leader), Rich Wagner, Lew Hershey, Steve "Seagull Century the Hard Way" Mazeski, Don "Croon That Tune" Whitehead, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Craig "He's Back!" Shreiner, Damon Schlott, Steve Young, Bill Ambler, Brian "What Hill?" Mitchell, Curtis "SAG Me a Helmet" Palmer, Lou Gray, Warren Buch, Ed Fearnow, Bill Ressel, Dirk Suereth, and non-member Bill Angermier.

Warrior Revenge (A) Nov 12
14 riders showed up on this beautiful November afternoon. Temperatures were in the upper 50's and there was no wind to speak of. No incidents that I was aware of other then a broken chain by yours truly. Good thing I had my trusty repair kit along which includes a spare pin for a 9 speed chain. Needless to say I finished at the rear. Probably about 20 minutes behind the rest of the group. Riders: Damon Schlott ( Leader ), Neil Flicks, Ken Lessons, Curtis Palmer, Craig Shreiner, Dale Burkholder, Marlin Hess, Brian Sowatsky, Warren" Thanks for hanging back with me" Bucit, Ed Fearnow, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Paul Swarm, Angela Swarm, and non member John Davidson.

Penryn Pancake Promenade (B) Nov 12
Another beautiful day for riding. I wonder how long this can last? We broke into two groups a couple miles into the ride and the true "B" group stayed together for quite a while. Eventually folks started to peel off and ride home, so Candae, Steve, and I finished the ride together. Hopefully, the front group had as nice a day as we did. Riders: John Renard (leader), Steve Schmohl, Tim Good, Dirk Suereth, Craig Shreiner, Bill Ambler, Don Whitehead, John Mullineaux, Jeff DeLong, Pearl DeLong, Candae Deen, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Ken & Mary Stadden, George Sauers, Randy Haluck, Heidi Hendrix, Scott Wagner, and Bill Ressel.

Artic Express (C) Nov 12
Riders: Gary Musser (leader), Judy Flowers, Jim Drumm, Steve Holland, John Gantz, Randy Haluck, and John Peregoy.

Rapturous Ride (D) Nov. 12
There were chilly fingers and toes at the start of this ride, but by the time we stopped at SKH for a snack break, everyone was removing outer layers of clothing. We all agreed it was a refreshing, late autumn ride. Riders: Judy Hurlbut (leader), Alan Hurlbut (sweep), Harry Campbell, Phil Wright, Linda Wright, Dave Heck, Anne Schleef, Rodney Moseman, Verna Moseman, John Gantz, Tony LaRosa, Steve Mentzer, Alta Nolt, Amy Mitchell, Jim Kulp, Penny Kulp, Elka Swigart, Tom Mellinger, Gregg Mayfield, Chris Mayfield.

Heritage Trail (D) Nov. 13
Trail and weather were spectacular. Group pedalled from York to Glen Rock for lunch soaking in the warm (65 degrees) November sunshine along the way. Riders: Anne Scheme (leader), Harry Campbell, Amy Mitchell, Judy & Alan Hurlbut, Dottier Sheehy, Alta Nolt, Jim Drumm, Michael Riggi.

WEB (Wednesday Early Brunch) Rides for 2005
Participation for this mid-week bike ride continues to be exceptional with 91 witty, enthusiastic, boisterous and fun-loving folks having shown up in the parking lot of the Quality Inn on Oregon Pike during this past year. With so many to keep track of, the Committee to Celebrate Birthdays decided to honor only those with round birthdays…. Best Wishes went to Verna M. (70), Ray L. (60), Marilyn G. (60), Mary Jo D. (60), Celeste N. (50), Pam T. (50), & Harry C. (75), which is not round but indeed very special. One Wed. in early June, Bob Colton surprised Harry Campbell with his version of "an Egg in a Basket". The previous week Harry had been overheard to say that Cracker Barrel fixed this egg specialty the best. Perhaps Bob's egg did not quite measure up since it had turned a bit rubbery from the 90 degree heat while being transported in his back jersey pocket to the restaurant!! That same day Bob's derailleur coiled into a ball in Brownstown "leaving him set" as they say in PA Dutch!! On 7/6, six and a half years after beginning the restoration of his 1957 Ford Retractable Convertible, Carl K. celebrated it's completion with us. The 20 folks, who cycled that day, were led by Rachel to their house, where Carl waited wearing a tuxedo and a proud smile. In the background Frank Sinatra was heard singing, "I Did it My Way". Carl demonstrated how the hood moves into the trunk, offered a toast of champagne to all of his LBC friends who had helped and encouraged him with this huge project, and then chauffeured the group in relays to Kreiders Restaurant where he bought everyone's breakfast. This heartwarming event was caught on video and film for those of you who could not be there. It was a spectacular day. Thanks, Carl. On August 17th a large group of riders gathered after breakfast at Don & Sue Lewis' home to pack 350 # of Trail Mix to be served at the CBMC. On September 21st, 20 of the 30 who gathered for breakfast headed to the Ephrata Fair for yet more to eat. Cyclists have good appetites! After reading all of this, one may wonder if the WEB riders do actually ever pedal. We certainly do with weekly rides ranging anywhere from 20 to 60+ miles. Maybe next year your scribe will attempt to publish the total accumulated miles ridden by the WEB riders. 2005 WEB riders were: Judy & Alan Hurlbut, Rodney & Verna Moseman, Carl & Rachel Kreider, Harry Campbell, Jake & Rose Myers, Gail & Steve Brainard, Dottie Sheehy, Lew Hershey, Bob Brader, Jim & Jill White, John Gantz, John Mullineaux, Walt Linton, Ray Landis, John Peregoy, Celeste Neuhard, Bill Hoffman, Doug Stark, Marilyn Gelsinger, Barry Gelsinger, Everett & Ellen Newswanger, Don & Sue Lewis, Tammy Calabrese, Bob Colton, Eileen & Neil Crone, Carol Weisser, John Renard, Xenia Marcial, Mary Stadden, Ray & Kathy Brainard, Don Whitehead, Justin & Nick Hurlburt, Ed & Bobbie Fearnow, Barb Koppenhafer, Alex & Sylvia Newcomer, Lou Gray, Judy Flowers, Chuck Wissing, Ron & Mary Jo Dillon, Janelle Willemin, Joe & Matt Sears, Irene Camp, John Cardos, Bob McClune, Randy Haluck, Kathy Brugh, Dennis Hall, John Rohrkemper, Paul Benham, Angie Swarm, Jack White, John Furry, Susan DeNunzio, Barry Rowe, Thang Nguyen, Diane & John Moseman, Jim Drumm, Nancy Youst, Myra Carter, Harold Fulmer, Sarah Hershey Walker, Al Savage, Eileen & Steve Mazeski, Karen Mailen, Linda Webber, Larry Sherman, Dieter Jacobs, Richard Sulkes, Vicki Scott, Paul & Frank Vroman., David Harris, Valerie Rohrer, Anne Schleef, Glenn Stoltzfus.

Giro d'Earl (A) Nov 13
A south wind and a moderate temperature allowed for some high speeds on this primarily east/west ride. In addition to Curtis riding a fixed gear bike, a highlight of the day was an approaching horse pulling a buggy that bolted, crossed the center- line, and then darted into the path of the riders on Amishtown Road. The leader stopped within a foot of the buggy, then watched it continue about twenty yards into a field. It turned out that the driver of the errant steed was about nine or ten years old. Most finished the ride at about 18.2 mph. Riders: Bob Colton ( leader), Curtis Palmer, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Andrew Mead, Warren Buch, Mike Lutz, Dirk Suereth, Damon Schlott, Charlie Futcher, Ed Fearnow, Marlin Hess, Carl Laws-Landis, and Rick Lehman

Eileen's Birthday Ride (B) Nov 13
The 75 miles seemed to pass by quickly. At first we were focused on staying warm and climbing Route 183 north, then we got caught up in the Landingville Fire Hall breakfast scene, and finally we were enamored by views on both sides atop Schuylkill Mountain Road. Thirteen riders give or take a few, coming and going, enjoyed beautiful scenery, abundant breakfasts and good fellowship on and off the bikes. Barry took the trophy climbing up Route 645 south on the way home; Carl showed us how to eat mackerel and pepper cabbage with his eggs; and Becky did her "Clark Kent" clothing change at the finish, heading off to her father's birthday party after the ride. Seven LBC members (Lew Hershey, Becky and Dave Troop on tandem, Barry Lavender, Carl Kreider, and leaders Eileen and Neil Crone on tandem) were joined by six of Eileen's Lebanon bike buddies (Andrew Good, Linda Jackson, Erik Walter, Dave Dower, Joe Donato and "Solo Joe" Mesics) to make for a great ride! Eileen thanks all who rode with her on this 5th annual birthday ride.

Rapturous Ride (C) Nov 13
Riders: Gary Musser (leader), Steve Holland, Rose Ward, John Cardos, Bob Wohlford, Kevin Lunz, Carol Weisser, Bill Weisser, and Jan Birch.

Penryn Promenade (A) Nov. 19
It was a brisk morning but the sun warmed up this group as we began our ride. Within the first few miles we picked up 4 more riders and shortly thereafter we broke into 2 groups with me leading from the rear. By the time I arrived at the finish, most of the other riders had already gone. It was a very enjoyable ride without incident or injury. Curtis Palmer (leader), Cindy Davis, John Donati, Diane Lausman, Marlin Hess, Brian Sowatsky, Paul H. Swarm, Dale Burkholder, Warren Buch, and Scott Wagner.

Drager Drag (B) Nov 19
Started out a little cold, but warmed up nicely to 48°. It was the first time any of us rode this ride. A few tricky turns but we all stayed together for the entire ride--a first for a "B" ride in a while. We finished at 14.5 mph. Riders: Jeff DeLong (leader), Pearl DeLong (sweep), Randy Haluck, Craig Shreiner, Kyle Awkerman, Roger Sheaffer, Rich Williams, and non-LBC member Bart Torre.

Stackstown Spin (B) Nov 20
Cool start from a parking lot full of soccer players. We picked up a rider from Maryland there to "watch" his child's game. I didn't get his name as he took off with the faster of the 2 groups. Added Bill along the way, we all made it back as it warmed up. Apparently one rider added a few miles but she joined us at the parking lot. Riders: Lou Gray (leader), John Donati, Diane Lausman, Craig Shreiner, Mary Stadden, Steve Schmol, Rich Wagner, Bill Ressel, non-LBC member Bart Torre

Granny to Gretna (B) Nov 20
Great Fall afternoon for a bike ride. Way to go Joe-riding first time with a group of cyclists. Riders: Michael Hendrix (leader), Mike Lutz, Bill Ambler, Curtis Palmer, Damon Schlott, Heidi Hendrix and non-LBC member Joe Kealey.

Ephrata Terre Hill Ride (C) Nov 20
No one else showed up so I did it by myself. Reuben was there as a greeter, but I was the only one to greet. Riders: Art Leid (leader)

Chickies Creek Long (D) Nov 20
After fighting off the soccer tournament crowds in East Pete, we decided to modify the route to avoid heavy traffic.Eighteen riders enjoyed a sunny, windless late November ride, with moderate temperatures.Several riders requested a further modification to avoid Spooky Nook road on the return, so we improvised and rode back past the quarry and through Landisville to Landisville Road.Phil Wright has laid out a modified route that the club should consider adopting to avoid Spooky Nook Road, which everyone seems to agree, is too narrow and busy for cyclists to safely ride.No problems, everyone returned in good spirits, and a good time was had by one and all! Riders: Steve Holland (leader), Tony LaRosa (sweep), Karen Drawbaugh, Jim Payton, Greg Mayfield, Harry Campbell, Linda Wright, Phil Wright, Jonas Fisher, John Peregoy, Kevin Lunz, Cynthia Royer, John Gantz, Bob Wohlford, Dough Stark, Gary Musser, Jan Birch, and Chuck Wissing.

Annapolis Trail Ride (C) Nov 25
We had a nice group for such a chilly day. The trip to Annapolis wasn't too cold but the trip back sure was different. Everyone had a good time though and lunch at the Harbor was excellent. This is a great way to spend "Black Friday." Riders: John Renard (leader), John Mullineaux, Christine Brubaker, Eric Evans, Kathy Brugh, Lew Hershey, Rodney Moseman, Sylvia Newcomer, Barry Gelsinger, Marilyn Gelsinger, Robert Brader, and Joe Knepper.

Ride to Strasburg (A) Nov 26
Riders: Curtis Palmer (leader), Mike Lutz, Brian Sowatsky, Ken Lessans, Damon Schlott, Marlin Hess, Scott Wagner, Diane Lausman, Earl Laws-Landis, and non-LBC member Ron Herr. Brown Cow Ride (B) Nov 26 Riders: Kathy Brugh (leader), Mark Ward, Lew Hershey, Eileen Crone, and non-LBC members Christine McLaughlin and Gary Brandon.

New Witness Tree Trek (C) Nov 26
Starting temperature was only 32degrees. Light winds, very overcast and damp, bone-chilling air; yet there were 18 riders. Must have been all that Turkey stuffing/desserts that we had to burn off. Golly, so many riders who rode an extra few miles on such a chilly start. What troopers! Off we rode but then with only 3 miles into the ride, I witnessed the 3 musketeers riding off into the sunrise. Bet you any money they went out for breakfast to warm up. The remainder of us diehards continued onto Long Rd very strung out. Lead riders were averaging 14 mph while the leader (Sylvia Newcomer) was trailing at 12mph very weary from the ride on Friday. While riding on Prospect Road, I tried to entice Chris into riding a flatter short cut, but she was determined to ride out the 32 miles and catch up to Greg. All I could say was "go girl". The leader indeed did abandon the pack in favor of a flatter version and also was on the hunt for breakfast. Calculating speed/wind/rider abilities, I figured that a half hour breakfast would save me about 6 miles. I had a great 2 fried egg muffin sandwich with coffee in Mt. Joy. Did I feel guilty, yes, but it was worth it and my achy knees appreciated that I skirted the hills. Back tracking, I caught John M and Bill W at Nolt Rd. The gang was not that far behind. We all stopped at Sheetz outside of Mt. Joy and a hot beverage was the drink of choice. We stood outside and soaked up the bright sun that we had been waiting for all morning. As we rode back, riders dropped off to return home; we waived our good-byes/great ride mumbling and feeling that we deserved another piece of apple and/or pumpkin pie. Thank you Damon for picking up my spare tire, thank goodness it didn't cause an accident. Mr. Gantz made sure it went into my zippered rear pocket. Kudos to Chris. She has been determined to ride several 30+ mile rides and is doing admirably well. Hope you enjoyed your coffee and bagel after the ride Chris! Riders: Sylvia Newcomer (leader), John Mullineaux, Anne Schleef (musketeer), Karen Drawbaugh (musketeer), Alta Nolt (musketeer), Carl Kreider (rode over), Steve Holland, Amy Mitchell, Chris and Greg Mayfield, Jim Drumm, John Gantz (rode over), Carol and Bill Weisser (rode over) Craig Shreiner (rode over), Damon Schlott (rode over), Randy Haluck, and Jeff/Pearl Delong (rode over).

Another D-lightful Ride (D) Nov 26
Cold - Cold - Cold The leader wiped out and went home early. Riders: Dottie Sheehy (leader), Harry Campbell (sweep), Jim Kulp, Penny Kulp, and Neil Spedce (Penny's son).

Tour de Marietta (C) Nov 27
Today might just be the last warm day for a long time. We broke into two groups fairly quickly and the second group all stayed together for the entire ride. It was great having so many people show up for the ride. I hope we can continue this throughout the winter. Riders: John Renard (leader), Tim Good, Mark Ward, Rose Ward, John Mullineaux, Sylvia Newcomer, Jim Drumm, Brian Mitchell, Mary Stadden, Doug Stark, Randy Haluck, John Gantz, John Peregoy, Bill Weisser, Carol Weisser, John Furry, Carol Hickey, Diane Lausman, and non-LBC members Bart Torre, Christine Brubaker, Todd Kriner, and John England.

Artic Express (D) Nov 27
What a nice day. Everyone working off their turkey dinner. However, they were bad children-almost dropped the leader. Riders: Dottie Sheehy (leader), Anne Schleef (sweep), Tony LaRosa, Karen Drawbaugh, Steve Holland, Amy Mitchell, Jim Kulp, Penny Kulp, Harry Campbell, Jan Birch, Dave Heck, Joe Sears, Lisa Greene, Steve Mentzer, Gary Musser, Bob Wohlford, and Lloyd Melhorn.