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Promoting Safe Bicycling In And Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
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Ride Reports for 2005 |
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DATE LEADER DESTINATION MILES February 12 Lisa Paulos Alburnett 25 Lisa Paulos, Jan Sevey, Jeff Keiser, Bill Holley, Art Sibold, Glenn Wiltgen, Joe DeLory, John Hunte, Ron Hackett and Richard Woodward. Valentine Ride, Saturday, February 12, 2005. We left Northtowne Schwinn at noon with 10 riders. Jan led us out of town through her neighborhood and we got to Alburnett via Alburnett Road. We stopped for drinks and snacks at the C Store and looped back past the high school and C Ave Extension. The light east wind steered us to Center Point Road. We toured Robins and came back to Northtowne on Council St. Meteorogically speaking it was mostly sunny, 45 degrees with light wind. I couldn't have planned a better February day for riding. March 19 Jerry Falta Cedar River Trail 9 Jerry Falta, Jan Sevey, Jeff Keiser, Bill Holley, Ben Dukes, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, John Bryant, Charles Cannon, and Jeff Gebert. St. Joseph Day Ride, Saturday, March 19, 2005. We left Sokol Park at 11am with 9 riders. John Bryant caught up to us shortly after we started. We rode the trail South to the end at Ely Road and returned. It was an overcast, cold, and windy day so the group only rode the 9 miles. Several of the riders chose to ride further. Others chose to visit the bakery, restaurant and bars. It was a fun ride that was limited for some, by the weather. April 2, 2005 Bernie Smith Alburnett 17.8 Rita Liddell, Debra Moore, Connie Bird, Gerald Falta, Art Sibold, Chuck Johnson, Robert Potter, Denise Potter, Jan Rilett, John Rilett, Judy Lehman, Bob Lehman, Sue Smith, Sue Henderson, Larry Benda, John Hunte, Glenn Wiltgen, Joan Benda, Dave Dvorak, Jan Sevey, Shirl, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, Sabrina Hootman, Laurel Brown, A.J. Lindaman. We had a super turnout and a glorious sunny morning for a ride to Alburnett and back. The temperature was about 40° at the start and 50° at the end, with a little breeze out of the North. The ladies at Java Creek Café seemed to appreciate the extra business when the ride was over as several of us stopped in for coffee, muffins and bagels. April 3, 2005 No Report April 9, 2005 Dave Dvorak Alburnett 26 Dorie Kelchen, Mark Crane, John Hunte, Art Sibold, Beth Brody, Allen Wagher, Sue Smith, Bernie Smith, Connie Bird, Denise Potter, Joe DeLory, Rita Liddell, Joe Liddell, Ron Neyen, Larry Howe, Gerald Falta, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, Jerry Meyer, Chris Dorow, Kevin Miller. The group of 21 riders had a downwind ride to Alburnett and pedaled into the wind on the way back. Some of the riders had a pancake breakfast in Alburnett, while most of the group was satisfied with the convenience store. April 10, 2005 John Bryant Lisbon 35 Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan, Glenn Wiltgen, Joel Eldred, Mark Strand, Susan Elliott-Bryan, John Hunte, Dan Reints, Dave Dvorak, Mary Wauer, John Wauer, Jim Bernstein, Bob Keller, Lisa Paulos, Joan Bryant. Fifteen riders faced a strong Southerly wind on the ride to Mt.Vernon. Except for the wind, the conditions were great with sunshine and enough warmth to stay comfortable without overheating. The original destination was Lisbon, but a call confirmed that Gwen’s Restaurant would not open for breakfast. One rider returned from the convenience store, two enjoyed breakfast at the Lincoln Café and the rest dined two doors West at a restaurant whose name escapes me. On the return trip, two riders detoured through Sutcliff, three rode north out of Mt. Vernon to return to Marion and the rest enjoyed the quartering tail wind to Cedar Rapids. April 16, 2005 Rita Liddell Palo 22 Dave Dvorak, Glenn Wiltgen, John Hunte, Ron Hackett, Kevin Morgan, Dan Reints, Gerald Falta, Art Sibold, Jeff Geben, Sue Henderson, Bill Holley, Diane Potter, Jeanette Love, Ron Neyens. Best way to describe the fifteen people who went on the club bicycle ride on Saturday, April 16th is – they paid no attention to the ‘scattered showers’ in the morning forecast and were rewarded with a dry ride. Took advantage of the Kiwanian’s breakfast at Xavier high School on the way back to Cheery Hill Park. Nice group of new and seasoned riders. April 17, 2005 Dave Dvorak Center Point 35 Dan Reints, Joel Eldred, Mike Wagner, Kevin Morgan, John Bryant, Mark Crane, John Hunte, Robert Kaye, Ken Brim, Denise Potter, Bob Potter. We had a gorgeous morning to ride. The ride went from CVNT Head to Tower Terrace, Feather Ridge Road, and then down into Toddville. From there we rode to Midway, up Alice road and then into Center Point. Denise had her front shifter cable pull loose and had to ride into Center Point in her small front sprocket. Mark fixed the cable for her at the restaurant so she could get up speed on the way home. The riders went many different directions to get back to Cedar Rapids. It was the best day so far this year for a Hawkeye Bike ride. April 23, 2005 John Hunte Center Point 10 Gerald Falta, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, Steve Davis, Jeff Gebert. April 24, 2005 John Bryant Anamosa 45 John Hunte, Joel Eldred. John Hunte, Joel Eldred and John Bryant braved strong Northwesterly winds with a goal of Anamosa. Going East we were having trouble keeping the bikes on the road because of the strong Northerly wind component and shortly before Whittier we reconsidered our destination and rode north from Whittier to Waubeek and then on to Central City. The ride north into Waubeek was grueling due to the wind and hills. Heading West to Central City was even worse because of the strong side wind that required significant leaning into the wind to stay upright. After enjoying the breakfast buffet in downtown Central City, we fought our way through the wind to Alburnett Road and the joy of a great tailwind into Alburnett. After another mile and one half of suffering going West to C Avenue, we coasted into Cedar Rapids. Total roundtrip distance was approximately 45 miles compared to our original goal of 55 miles. It really felt good to get this ride done and in the past. April 30, 2005 Bernie Smith Lisbon 30 John Hunte, Joe Liddell, Rita Liddell, Sue Henderson, Art Sibold, Bob Keller, John Rilett, Jim Boulet, Kevin Morgan, Terry Whaley. We had a chilly but pleasant ride to Lisbon for breakfast at Gwen’s-with a nice tailwind on the way. Clouds closed in and we worked hard against steady WNW headwinds-15 to 20 mph-on the way back. We added a few miles by taking Otis Road to the downtown area on the return trip. May 1, 2005 Dave Dvorak Palo-Center Point 43 Jim Bernstein, John Hunte, Joel Eldred. Four brace souls or I may want to say four stupid idiots challenged the cold temperatures to complete the ride. The group decided to change the route so we could fight the winds on the way out of town. The temperature was below 40° when the ride started and about 45° when it was over. We ate breakfast at the Family Restaurant in Center Point and ended the ride about noon. May 7 Todd Dickinson Center Point (Leisure Ride) 26 Ride cancelled due to rain May 7 Art Sibold Anamosa 35 Ride cancelled due to rain May 14 Bob Keller Palo & Center Point 38.6 Sue Henderson, John Hunte, Joel Eldred, Chuck Johnson, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan, Dan Reints, Rita Liddell, Dave Dvorak, Jim Bernstein, Bob Keller Weather report: Westerly winds 15 mph, high low 60’s, increasing clouds and wind with possible storms and high winds in afternoon. Winds did pickup and we had gusts of 30-35 mph. This made for interesting riding with crosswinds. 9 riders left Westfield School approx. 8:20 am for Palo via Tower Terrace & Blair’s Ferry Road. Two riders turned back before Blair’s Ferry Road to accomplish home projects. We however picked up two new riders in Palo. Had nice cross wind north to Center Point and nice brunch at John’s Family Restaurant. There was a very quick ride down Central City Road to Alice Road with winds increasing. We followed Alice to Lafayette Road & let the winds push us to C Street. On C Street gusts pushed us around the road but all arrived back in Robins in good spirits and safe. May 15 John Bryant Walker 48 John Hunte, John Bryant, Joel Eldred, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan The riders braved the forty degree temperature and strong Northwesterly winds on the northerly trip to Walker by way of Troy Mills. Our objective was breakfast at the Corner Tavern in Walker. We went north on the trail to Robins and then Center Point Rd. to Alice Rd. for the ride toward Troy Mills and then Walker. Kevin didn’t think the Corner Tavern opens on Sunday, and we confirmed that by cell phone. Terry and Kevin left us at Central City Rd. and returned to Marion through Alburnett. We decided to check out Troy Mills for breakfast. The local bar and grill appeared to be open, but, we were advised it would be a couple of hours before they served. Across the street we found a nice dining room attached to the rear of the local convenience store. After an excellent breakfast we headed out of Troy Mills and on to Walker. The five miles into the strong WNW wind helped work off the meal. We confirmed that neither the Corner Tavern or the local bowling alley were open, then headed back toward Troy Mills and home to CR. The quartering tail wind was a real treat and made the trip fast and easy. Eastbound on County Home Road, Joel blew a tire. After a few false starts including a new tube that leaked and a balky tire pump, we fixed the flat and finished the trip home. All in all it was a good ride, but, also proof that Iowa does have great potential for wind generated electricity.
May 21 Rita Liddell Alburnett/Center Point 43 John Hunte, Dorie Kelchen, David Evans, Chuck Johnson, Sue Henderson, Dave Dvorak, Dan Reints, Denise Potter, Shannon McGraw, Ron Neyens, Sue Smith, Bernie Smith, Rick Aerts, Bob Van Horn, Terry Whaley, Larry Howe, Jerry Meyer, Connie Bird, Joel Eldred, Art Sibold, Rita Liddell We went through Alburnette on the way to Center Point, and a couple
needed to head back on Center Point road, the rest of us went back to Alice
Road via Central City Rd where we had an unusual escort, as a Linn County
Deputy Sheriff drove up next to the group as we were leaving town to ask
what we were doing and how far we were going and than stayed behind the last
rider and escorted us back to Alice Rd. Cars that came up behind him were
advised to pass wide, via the flashing yellow left/right squad car lights.
We did not get his name, but THANKS!! What a lovely way to travel. May 22 Dave Dvorak Iowa City 71 Dave Dvorak, John Hunte, Glenn Wiltgen, Jason Amorilli, Joel Eldred, John Engel The ride down to Iowa City was great. The group stopped at the grocery store on Solon. In Iowa City we ate at the Village Inn. The ride back was not so much fun. We rode into strong headwinds and quartering headwinds most of the way. The ice cream store in North Liberty would not open until 1:00 pm and we were there about 12:15. We stopped in Shueyville for some refreshments and then battled our way back to CR. May 28 Evelyn Moore North Liberty 47 John Hunte, Evelyn Moore, Jim Bernstein, Dan Tucker, Dan Reints, Bernie Smith, Sue Smith, Dave Dvorak, Sue Stannard, Will Hardy, Connie Bird, Dorie Kelchen, Art Sibold, Rick Aerts, Thomas Flagel, Shannon McGraw, Robert Keller, Denise Potter, Robert Potter, Jan Rilett, John Rilett, Joel Eldred, Todd Erickson, Jeff Gebert, Leonard Verdeck On Saturday May 28 at 8:00 am eight women and 17 men arrived at Sokol Park to bike to North Liberty. After Evelyn Moore explained the route and that it would be close to 50 miles, more than posted, the group took off, stopping to "regroup" at Ely. The planned midpoint stop was Holiday Foods in North Liberty. At North Liberty the group decided to take an alternate route back, HWY 965 to Swisher to Shueyville and in on C Street. The 15 mile per hour head wins were instrumental in deciding to take the shorter route home. The ride was made slightly more exciting, thanks to a first time rider who was transported from Mehaffey Bridge by Johnson County Ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital where he immediately had a stent inserted in the cardiac cath lab. In addition another rider had a flat tire 1 block from Evelyn Moore’s home in North Liberty, the ride leader was so tempted to call it quits, rather that face the 15 mile per hour headwinds, but she wouldn’t have had her car. Evelyn and the whole group were very grateful for the completed sign up sheet so that a contact could be notified of the medical emergency. May 29 John Hunte Whittier, Central City, Alburnett 47 John Hunte, Chuck Johnson, Kevin Morgan, Terry Whaley, Glenn Wiltgen, Joel Eldred
June 5 John Hunte Quasqueton 65 Dave Dvorak, Dave Evans, Mary Wauer, John Wauer, Joel Eldred, Jim Overbey The next thing I know, the vote was in, & we were headed South & East to Mt. Vernon, then Lisbon, Sutluff, Solon, Ely, & back to the CVNT head. Everybody agreed that the wind was the deciding factor. Mary & John had two flats on the way to Solon on their Tandem. That one tube they pulled out had to have 3 patches on it,,,... Ha Ha,,, The lesson that day on changing flat tires well go with me for some time to come. The tail wind on the way home really felt great with an average speed of about 22 MPH. June 11 Art Barnes Lisbon 43 Art Barnes, Donna Butikofer, Sue Stannard, Sue Henderson, Gerald Falta, Denise Potter, Jim Overbey, Bob Potter, Todd Erickson It was about a perfect day for a bike ride-sun, light wind which was no bother. The route was changed by construction on Secrist Rd. We turned around at Highway 13, enroute from Marion Square, and rode back to 22nd Street and up Lakeside making our way to Mt. Vernon Rd and onward to Gwen’s in Lisbon. Breakfast was good, socially as well as tasty. Two riders turned North in Mt. Vernon in order to extend their rides. The rest of us stayed on Mt.Vernon Road and returned to home or the Square. June 18 Rita Liddell Urbana 45 Ron Hackett, Dave Dvorak, Gerald Falta, Shannon McGraw, Sue Henderson, Jim Overbey, Bob Keller, Bernie Smith, Sue Smith, Jan Rilett, Jim Bernstein, John Bryant, Diane Potter, Joe Liddell, Rita Liddell Saturday's weather was perfect for a ride north to Palo (our first rest stop) than into Center Point for breakfast and on the road for twelve miles of rolling Iowa hills through Urbana (our third rest stop) and into Shellsburg (our fourth stop) and back through Palo to Cherry Hill Park. Ride was just 45 miles -- not the 60 I anticipated -- so we had 15 assigned miles to do on our own. June 19 John Bryant Sutliff 46 J im Overbey, Rita Liddell, John Hunte, Jim Bernstein, Dave Dvorak, Joel Eldred, John BryantWe elected to do the Sutliff route rather than Springville and Waubeek because a bridge is out on the original route, and a moderate SSE wind made the alternate route attractive. Our first rest stop was the convenience store in Mt Vernon. From there we rode through Lisbon, past Sutliff onto F12 to bypass Solon. We took our second rest stop in Ely at the convenience store. We opted for convenience stores to complete the ride as quickly as possible to save the rest of the day for holiday celebrations. We completed the ride a little after 11:00am. A truly great day for bike riding.
June 26 John Hunte Coralville Dam Loop 62 June 26th 2005 Green SQ. park, Solon, looped the Coralville Dam, N. Liberty, & back to Solon & GSP. People who showed up; Me, myself, & I. I think the reason for possibly the lack of attendance might have been because of Swine Trek, GRAABR, and The team stiffy annual party ride to Sutluff & back on Saturday. Also a pretty good rain storm touched the northern part of CR, but I didn’t see it because my ride went South against a light S.E. wind. As I was taking off my tunes; KRNA, FOX, MIX 96, KDAT, and KFMW also showed up. So the ride turned out not to be so lonely after all... Extra note: I really liked the 105 mile Swine trek ride route the day before, too bad so much rain was expected as the numbers were down a little. Also I heard the team stiff ride out of Shueyville drew about a five hundred people. July 2 Art Sibold Solon 40.5 Bernie Smith, Bill Holley, Bob Lehman, Dan Reints, Diane Potter, Jeff Gebert, Jerry Meyer, Jim Bernstein, John Hunte, , Joel Eldred, Judy Lehman, Kevin Morgan, ,Larry Potter, Michelle LeCompte, Peggy Chute, Rita Liddell, Sue Henderson, Sue Smith, Art Sibold Great day for a ride – sunny and light breeze from the SE. Started with 14 riders. Riders were asked to predict the round-trip mileage. We rode along the river via Cedar Valley Trail, and then picked up Ely Road. Along the way we picked up Jerry Meyer, who apparently donated his lunch money to an unidentified walker near Czech Village. At the regroup stop at Ely (mile 9), Judy and Bob Lehman plus Sue and Bernie Smith were induced to join us. After reaching Solon (mile 17) the group overwhelmed the cooks at the Landing (?) restaurant – they had to assign two waitresses to handle our meal orders. After breakfast, we split into several subgroups for the return, via several routes. The "official" return route followed F12 to Shueyville, then north to Wright Brothers Blvd and C Street. Six riders including Bill, Michelle, Peggy, Sue, and Joel participated in the 3 mile Tour de Kirkwood. The total ride was 40.5 miles. Larry Potter gave a pre-departure prediction of 40.1 miles, thus earning the title "Ride King". (Kevin Morgan, who was mistakenly photographed and crowned Ride King, is hereby deposed). July 3 John Hunte Troy Mills 47 John Hunte, , Jim Overbey, Rita Liddell, Gary Roling, Art Sibold, Bernie Smith, Sue Smith, Jim Bernstein, Will Trait We enjoyed a South wind that mostly pushed us up to Alburnett and then up to Troy Mills. "In the back of my mind I was thinking of the draft team and grueling ride back". There is neat little local secret restaurant tucked in the back of an old small town convenience store. The food was good but the service was on the slow side, like real slow. On our way back we started into a light head wind that amazingly enough shifted in our favor. Over our back right shoulder a storm was brewing. We all safely made it back as one group to CR. I felt for Joe and Rita though as they still had twelve miles to go. July 4 Kevin Morgan Ely Fireman’s Breakfast 15 45 Kevin Morgan, John Hunte, Janice Whaley, Terry Whaley, Dan Tucker, Art Sibold, Joe DeLory, Gary Roling, Donna Butikofer, Larry Potter, Bob Potter, Denise Potter, Sue Henderson, Mike Sheehy, Kevin Donahue, Deb Cordell, Gary Cordell, Rita Liddell, Jim Bernstein It was a great bike ride. 17 people showed up at Green Square Park at 6am to ride to Ely for breakfast. After that some rode on to do the Sutliff Loop and everybody else rode back to the park. July 9 & 10 Jerry Falta Toledo (Overnight) 62 Steve Davis, John Hunte, Allen Wagner, Beth Brady, Denise Potter, Robert Potter, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, Sue Henderson, Connie Bird, David Evans, Jerry Falta, Joyce Falta (SAG Driver) The ride started in Hiawatha, then to Palo, Newhall, Van Horne, Elberon, Vining ending in Toledo. We had a rest stop in Newhall, lunch in the park in Elberon and another rest stop at the cemetery along County E43. What a great view from the cemetery! We had great bacon, lettuce, and tomato pizza at the Bumble Bee Restaurant in Toledo. We stayed at the Toledo Super 8 motel. The return trip was the same route with the same rest stops. The ride was advertised as relatively flat. Some of the riders disagreed with that description. The ride offered a chance to get to know the other riders with the frequent stops and dinner together at the Bumble Bee. Great weather, fun people, and a great ride. July 16 Rita Liddell North Liberty 42 Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan, Kees Bronts, John Hunte, Rita Liddell, Art Sibold, Frank George, Sarah George, Mark Crane, Dave Dvorak, Gerald Falta, Connie Bird, Chuck Johnson, Glenn Wiltgen, Will Trentz Fifteen riders made the trek to North Liberty in the heat with just a week to go before the RAGBRAI bus takes off. We voted not to stop for breakfast, but to make several stops at convenience shops - to snack, stay hydrated and regroup in what promised to be a very hot, humid day. Winds were very light. We left Jones Park to our first stop in Shueyville, than regrouped again outside of Swisher and formed a bike line on hwy 965 into North Liberty where we stopped again for food/drink. Left North Liberty and rode into Solon, which was hosting Solon Beef Days. Lots of bikes, and parade confusion delayed the group and we relocated all but one rider (who we found out later accidentally followed another biking group out of town) before heading out to Ely where we had one last stop before we returned to Jones Park. Back just before noon.July 16 & 17 Rick Paulos Waterloo 62 Rick Paulos, John Dicus, Jeff Cozel, Mike Augustine, Larry Potter, Diane Potter, Joel Eldred, Angie Winkler, Bryan Brunum, Lisa Paulos, Margaret Paulos August 6 Dave Dvorak Triple Trail 43 Dave Dvorak, Jim Stone, Sue Henderson, John Bryant It was a beautiful day for a ride. The Sac & Fox and the Marion Trail were in very good condition. We added an additional leg to the ride. When we arrived at the CVNT Trailhead we rode up to Lafayette and back. August 6 John Hunte Solon 35 John Hunte, , Kees Bronts, Andre Jensen, David Jensen, Brian Ring, John Weld, Rita Liddell, Joe Liddell, Dorie Kelchen, Bill Holley, Jim Bernstein, Joel Eldred First I presented the idea of riding on Sat through our HBA forum section & then the day before Sat it was moved to our HBA scheduling. The short noticed response was great!!! Our first rest stop was at Ely as usual & then we continued on to eat at the Landing in Solon. Love that HBA motto, " we ride to eat " especially a sit down breakfast, now did I get it right, Rita & Joe? After the great breakfast we headed back to CR. Then Kees talked me into one of his after the ride beers. August 7 John Bryant Palo, Center Pt. 36 John Bryant, Dave Dvorak, Jim Bernstein, John Hunte, Chuck Johnson, Dan Reints, Jason Amoriell, Rita Liddell, Joe Liddell, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan Eleven riders, including the ride leader, departed the CVNT trail head at approximately 7:45am. The weather was clear with no wind and moderate temperature on the ride to Palo and on to Center Point. Unfortunately our breakfast plans were a casualty to the closing of our usual breakfast stop in Center Point. The sign said only "Closed". We assume that means a permanent closing for the current operators. With the other restaurants also closed, we resorted to Casey’s for nourishment. We took a straw ballot on the return route and decided to ride east out of Center Point to Alice Road for the return to Cedar Rapids. The return trip was pleasant with only a mild Southwesterly wind. Another great summer HBA ride. August 13 Terry Whaley Anamosa 43 Terry Whaley, Dave Dvorak, Tim Mantinek, Kees Bronts, J. McLaughlin, Jim Oberbey, Denise Potter, Connie Bird, Sue Henderson, Kevin Morgan, Jim Bernstein, John Hunte We had 12 riders. I took a vote before we left to see a show of hands of those wanting to ride though Stone City and everybody voted for the hills. I also checked and everyone planned to have breakfast at the Opera House. I called when we were less than 30 minutes away and the number and the restaurant had changed. So, anyone that might have a stored phone number for the Anamosa restaurant may want to update the last four digits 4466. Several brought along rain gear. However, I don't think anyone actually used any jackets. It only sprinkled on us a couple of times to and from. We road 43 miles starting on 10th street which has finally been mostly fixed. County home rode was fairly busy but was not to bad with the new bike lanes. August 13 Lisa Paulos Anamosa, Mt. Vernon, Sutliff 103 Lisa Paulos, Dixie Church, Jim Elliott, Todd Erickson, Michael Fatka, John Hunte After canceling the ride at 2:15pm due to persistent drizzle, Jim Elliott
and Michael Fatka showed up at 3:15. I guess we're going! I had
nothing ready except the treats, so after a little scrambling five of us,
We stopped in Central City for snacks and at the Family Restaurant in
Anamosa for dinner where Rick joined us packing a bag of extra clothes. The
hill to Fairview is a great way to get warmed up after eating. As in a
previous midnight ride, we encountered Springville Fun Days and Lisbon
Sauerkraut Days. We coasted down the big hill out of Lisbon to the
fading words of "Sweet Home Alabama." Last time it was "Little Willy" Between Ely and Hwy 30 we were passed first by a car exceeding the speed limit by double, then a short time later by a sheriff's car going even faster. We didn't see either car again. The safety of the bike path was welcome, even with the many rabbits darting across. John missed out on our post-ride feast of warm and hot beverages, Rice Krispie Treats, chocolate chip cookies and cantaloupe. He headed home so he could get up in 2.5 hours to go on the Sunday ride to Vinton. Stats. 103 miles with 13.7 mph average. Jim Elliott's informal gasoline survey revealed prices ranged form $2.39 in Central City and Springville to $2.45 in CR with Anamosa and Solon in between. As I said one other time, if you don't get to bed until 4am, you know you are having a good time. August 14 Yvonne Aubrey Vinton 40/60 Yvonne Aubrey, Jonathan Roling, Dave Dvorak, Rita Liddell, Joe Liddell, Jim Overbey, John Hunte We had a stunning day to ride; it was just the right temperature! We began our trek to Vinton with 7 total riders. Special thanks go to Rita for making sure that I didn't fall into a ditch for lack of energy due to the dieting I'm doing to prepare for our cruise to the Western Caribbean in October. The ride itself was fairly uneventful until I made the riders ride an old brick road in Vinton! We were able to forage for food and found the one open restaurant - R Family Restaurant on 8th... it proved to be a quaint family restaurant with a great buffet, of course I wouldn't know... but both John's stuffed their faces beside me just to make me feel good. (I blessed their food by hoping their butts got big). Those who ate and had energy headed up toward Urbana and through Center Point on the way back to Palo -- for fear of going through Urbana and having the overwhelming desire to stay put, I did turn the opposite direction and road back through Shellsburg, as did John who was aiming to get some new tires on his truck... 40-60 miles later, this ride ended uneventfully -- unless those who headed to Urbana had some great adventure I'm unaware of.
Thanks for another great ride... I will regain my energy... so watch out. August 20 Rita Liddell Solon 43.5 Rita Liddell, Dan Reints, John Hunte, John Weld, Dan Tucker, Bob Potter, Denise Potter, Sue Henderson, Ken Brim, Robert Kays, Art Sibold, Connie Bird, Glenn Wiltgen, Jim Bernstein, Joel Eldred, Chuck Johnson It was very nice to see a big group of riders show up to ride to Solon. Weather was a little more humid than we expected. Riders enjoyed a nice tail wind down on a slightly different route as there is road construction just outside Solon. Ate breakfast in Solon and than turned around and returned to Cedar Rapids on the same route. Back around noon. August 21 Dave Dvorak Iowa City 70 Dave Dvorak, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan It was a beautiful day for a ride. The group stopped in Solon for snacks and ate blueberry pancakes in Iowa City at the Village Inn. There was a light head wind on the way home which helped keep us cool. August 27 Bernie Smith Central City 35 Bernie smith, Sue Smith, Dave Dvorak, Terry Whaley, Doug Geistkemper, Jim Bernstein, Kay Nelson After a last minute change of plans when we learned our usual breakfast place in Center Point has closed we pedaled to Alburnett and then on to Central City. As luck would have it, the CC Rider Festival was under way there, and we enjoyed a breakfast of Dad’s Belgian Waffles. Some may remember them from RAGBRAI. We had sunny skies, temps climbing from the low 60s into the 70s by the end of the ride. August 28 John Hunte Anamosa 53 Dave Dvorak, Larry Howe, Kevin Morgan, Will Trentz, & John Hunte The pace started out definitely on the brisk side with Dave leading us eastward, it takes a while for my muscles to warm up and I was already wishing for my usual pace setter, Ha Ha. I think Kevin was thinking enough was enough so he detoured south toward Springville, smart guy!!! I had 42 MPH descending the hill into Anamosa; we hung a right and went into the State park. This particular park is beautiful, a smooth road that winds it's way down along the Wapsi river and then back into the woods in which there are two challenging hills to climb, When you have finished ascending & descending these two hills, you know, there’s just going to be another story to be told. The sweet smiling, quiet like whisper of the pine grove at the top of one of these hills is also one of my favorite places to be on a bicycle. September 4 John Bryant Troy Mills, Walker, Center Pt. 43 John Bryant, Jerry Falta, Rita Liddell, John Hunte Four riders departed the CVNT on this Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. We bumped along on Center Point Road on the way to Center Point. A quick stop at Casey’s allowed the ride leader to reinstall his rearview mirror and Rita Liddell a cup of coffee. We continued north to Walker with the benefit of a mild tail wind. The wind became more noticeable as a head wind on the easterly leg toward Troy Mills. With lightning and thunder to the North and East we considered seeking shelter in a barn, but, decided to go for Troy Mills. It was a good decision. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and conversation covering a range of topics, while it rained. Leaving breakfast we rode on wet roads, but, not much rainfall. John Hunte left the group to ride home through Alburnett. The remaining three stopped at the Alice Methodist Church to check on the date of their Ice Cream Social. Unfortunately it was held in August. We continued south to Midway, where Jerry Falta left the group to ride home. Rita Liddell and I headed straight south to Boyson Road, and then on to Miller Road to Blairs Ferry and then left to Edgewood. With very threatening weather, we took shelter at the Aegon building just west of Edgewood. While waiting out heavy rain and a serious lightning storm, we had a nice discussion with the security guard, finding that he was a native of Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Too bad that Jerry had already left us and missed the opportunity to exchange stories with someone from his hometown. When the rain stopped, Rita and I headed for home. I turned east on Glass Rd. and Rita headed on south on Edgewood. With a little luck she made it home before the next downpour. September 14 Lisa Paulos Center Point 26 Cedar Valley Supper Cruise. Wednesday, September 14,2005 September 10 Rita Liddell Anamosa/Central City 60 John Hunte, Joe Liddell, Kees Bronts, Jim Overbey, Connie Bird, Sue Henderson, Dorie Kelchen, Joel Eldred, Kevin Morgan, Rita Liddell Saturday's ride was a character builder. Ten
riders took the challenge to ride in the wind and heat. We took off
for Anamosa ate breakfast and headed to Central City before back to Cedar
Rapids via Alburnett. Our mileage was 60 miles. September 11 Rita Liddell Blue Strawberry on C St. 30 John Hunte, Connie Bird, Rita Liddell On a cool crisp fall day, I could see where
starting a ride at 2 pm would be a nice change, as the weather is generally
a little warmer mid-afternoon --but today was not that day. September 17 Kay Nelson Center Point 26 Jerry Falta, Kay Nelson The ride for September 17, 2005 started at CVNT to Center Point. Jerry Falta and I did the ride. It was a cool start but after eating breakfast in Center Point it was starting to warm up a little. It was a nice day for a bike ride. September 18 John Hunte Walker 54 Bernie Smith, Glen Miska, Heinne Hiernolzer, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan, John Rilett, & John Hunte Do you think they'll ever surface Center Pt. Rd?" Pretty crappy", as a friend of mine would say... Glen & Heinne usually just rode on the trails until today, The three of us stayed together and they were road savvy by 1:00 when the ride was over. They even chose to expand the most miles they had ever ridden from 36 to 53 as we finished up with the Alburnett loop. I think there’s a misconception that the Sun rides are going to be real fast, Ever notice how many people show up when there is a Gal ride leader? Ha Ha September, 24 Ride Cancelled/Rain October 2 John Bryant Amana 50 Dave Dvorak, Jim Overbey, Ken Brim, Connie Bird, John Bryant, John Hunte, Robert Rays Seven riders participated in the ride to Amana. Weather was excellent, however, with the 9am start time, we could not ride fast enough to make the Colony Inn restaurant in time for their all you can eat breakfast. In Amana, we split up with three finding lunch at the Amana Bakery, two snacking at the local Handimart and two enjoying lunch at the Colony Inn. A nice tailwind gave us a boost on the way home. The new widened Highway 151 greatly improved the comfort and safety of the group and part of the group stayed on 151 to Fairfax on the return trip. Another enjoyable ride. October 8& 9 Dickinsons Walker 38 & 70 Todd Dickinson, Becky Dickinson, John Hunte, Jim Overbey, Jerry Falta, Sherwin Schoppert, Mary Haugstad, Melanie Church, Laurie Church, George Mirabella October 15 Kay Nelson Center Point 26 Jerry Davis, Sue Henderson, Kay Nelson, Bob Potter, Denise Potter Five people particulate in the ride to Center Point on Saturday. We had a cool morning to start the ride. Had breakfast at the Family Restaurant in Center Point. It has just recently opened. Had a good ride back to Hiawatha for the end of a beautiful morning. October 16 Joe DeLory Miles- Belluvue 40 Joe Delory, John Hunte, Connie Bird, Joel Eldred, Dan Tucker October 22 John Hunte Lafayette/Alburnett 42 John Hunte, Terry Whaley, Kevin Morgan, Dan Tucker, Joel Eldred We scratched the southern route ride so as to start out into a light cold NW wind, at least it was [ SUNNY ] !!! Five Brave and hardy souls made it up & over to Lafayette, and Alburnett. Kevin Morgan was really impressed with the new Lafayette alternative loop route. It's like Jim Boulet once said "That convenience store at Alburnett is a magnet to my bike, just can't pass it without stopping in for something " as was the case with the five of us. Oh, Dan Tucker has a certain way with the locals; maybe another picture is coming for the home page... November 6 John & Judy Bryant Third Annual Apple Cider Ride John Bryant, Judy Bryant, Jerry Davis, Joel Eldred, Dan Tucker, Denise Potter, Connie Bird, Sue Henderson, Lisa Paulos, Art Sibold, John Hunte Eleven riders joined HBA’s Third Annual Apple Cider Ride starting point in Ellis Park. Unfortunately, due to a spring freeze, our usual destination, Holland Orchard had no apples and was closed. We selected the Blue Strawberry on C Street past the south end of the Cedar River Trail as our alternate destination. Contrary to the forecast of 59 degrees, sunshine and a south wind to provide a tailwind on the return trip, we started under cloudy skies, a west wind and 50 degrees. Before the ride was over we delivered on two out of three. The sun came out and we did have a tailwind on the easterly legs of the ride, but the temperature could not get over 54 degrees. After an enjoyable respite with snacks and great conversation at the Blue Strawberry, we headed back to Ellis Park. Most of the group decided to build a few extra miles and detoured to the dog park near the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter. After the detour we returned to Ellis Park, dropping an occasional rider to better route to their home. With a little luck, we can make next year’s stop at Holland Orchard for the usual hot cider and cookies. However, we have no complaints about the snacks at the Blue Strawberry. 10th Annual Tour de’ Lights Ride Report December 11 Connie Bird Bowman Woods 2.6 Connie Bird, Gerald Falta, John Hunte, Joel Eldred, Dan Tucker, Sue Henderson, David Evans, Bob Potter, Denise Potter Nine frosty riders showed up for the annual Christmas light ride. After donning the appropriate attire (some even included Santa hats and Christmas lights on their bikes) we trudged through the relatively snowy roads and sidewalks in Bowman Woods. The swervers in the group lived up to their reputation, as expected. We yanked a 9 year old boy from the comfort of his home to shoot our group photo. Don't worry, we returned him. The Christmas lights were pretty but several members noted that there weren't as many as in previous years perhaps due to the early snowfall. (C'mon folks, you had ALL FALL to get those things up!!!). We would have been "casualty free" if John Hunte didn't decide to jump a curb ("I didn't see it!") and kiss the snow bank. Good thing it happened at the very end of the ride, as the Blue Moon was shining upon our return to Java Creek. A beautifully calm night with temps in the 20's. Not bad for December.
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