It had been raining all night and it continued through the morning. When we were ready to start Ohio was trying (and succeeded) to overdo Texas. I mean it was open all hatches.
The streets at start were literally rivers, but the riders decided that there was no point of delaying bike/swim event. Since I didn’t bring a canoe or swim trunks, I decided to join in with my bike as well..
The route was wonderful, leading us through areas with endless cycle/buggies paths. One side cycles the other side horse and buggies. After lunch the bike/swim event turned into a regular bike ride, I believe Ohio ran out of sky water.
I measured the announced 105 miles to 98 miles / 158 km, but in any case it was by far the longest I ever tried on a bicycle. I felt a little disappointed of not getting my century ride, but my behind was very happy when it ended and vetoed my effort of protesting.
Tomorrow awaits a shorter day with fewer hills, maybe.....
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 1 of the Pan Ohio – Check
75 miles / 120 km was pretty ok, especially as the weather was nice. Not to cold, not to hot, but perfect for riding.
Before we started we got pancake breakfast which was a show by itself as the pancakes were literally flying through the air.
The part thought the park along the Rocky River was scenic and the rest of the ride (mostly rolling hills) were also pretty nice. Lunch was served at "Lager Heads" (see picture).
The route can be seen at: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/10152579
Tomorrow is the hardest day 105 miles /168 km and a little more hilly they say…..
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hours of fun provided by airlines..
Anyone wonder what you get for paying extra when you fly with a bike (by airplane that is...)
Hours (if not days) of fun !
They arrange all kinds of fun activities for you, their own version of musical chairs so to speak.
First of all they are so nice that the do not care how heavy or big the bike case really is, they will offer the fun (for a fee $50 to $200) just because it is a bike.
Now of course they do not take away the pleasure of dragging the bike-case through miles of airport corridors - that's all included for the fee.
They do not even make you disappointed by immediately giving you the bike after the flight. They make sure that the bike is sent to another part of the airport, making it "lost" and (as they are a service company) they try their best to make you late for your connecting flight and that when the real fun starts.
For no extra charge (apart for the original fee of $50 to $200) they also offer a dance called "Left in Canada". This intricate game makes you enter US immigration with your luggage (in Canada you enter US in the Canadian airport...), because lugging large cases around in an airport is fun ! If they are really good, they give you the "lost" bike-case too, again to add to the fun ...
Then (the timing is perfect) they make drop off the luggage on a conveyer belt and then make you miss the flight, let's say with 2-3 minutes. What happens next ? You are now technically in the US, so now you have to "return" to Canada (mind you, all this occur in a Canadian airport). This means you are "invited" to pick up your luggage again and go through Canadian immigration, tell me if you do not think this is fun.
The advanced airlines make sure there is no representative in the arrivals (where would the fun be then...). So getting a hotel and transport thereto, is part of the bonus package which includes you paying for it all. Isn't this great !
The good news is you do not have to be a member or anything, they offer this service to everyone... as long as you can provide your own bicycle.
Their motto is: "We get you there eventually at a higher cost (for an extra fee)"
Hours (if not days) of fun !
They arrange all kinds of fun activities for you, their own version of musical chairs so to speak.
First of all they are so nice that the do not care how heavy or big the bike case really is, they will offer the fun (for a fee $50 to $200) just because it is a bike.
Now of course they do not take away the pleasure of dragging the bike-case through miles of airport corridors - that's all included for the fee.
They do not even make you disappointed by immediately giving you the bike after the flight. They make sure that the bike is sent to another part of the airport, making it "lost" and (as they are a service company) they try their best to make you late for your connecting flight and that when the real fun starts.
For no extra charge (apart for the original fee of $50 to $200) they also offer a dance called "Left in Canada". This intricate game makes you enter US immigration with your luggage (in Canada you enter US in the Canadian airport...), because lugging large cases around in an airport is fun ! If they are really good, they give you the "lost" bike-case too, again to add to the fun ...
Then (the timing is perfect) they make drop off the luggage on a conveyer belt and then make you miss the flight, let's say with 2-3 minutes. What happens next ? You are now technically in the US, so now you have to "return" to Canada (mind you, all this occur in a Canadian airport). This means you are "invited" to pick up your luggage again and go through Canadian immigration, tell me if you do not think this is fun.
The advanced airlines make sure there is no representative in the arrivals (where would the fun be then...). So getting a hotel and transport thereto, is part of the bonus package which includes you paying for it all. Isn't this great !
The good news is you do not have to be a member or anything, they offer this service to everyone... as long as you can provide your own bicycle.
Their motto is: "We get you there eventually at a higher cost (for an extra fee)"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Going for a great start
Bike went missing, I went sad, flight left without me. Oh well, I get there tomorrow ....... maybe.
Mobile Blogging from here.
Mobile Blogging from here.
Two days left
Hm, two days left and travel starts today with the flight down to Ohio. Weather looks reasonable good for the ride. I am running out of excuses. Maybe I shouldn't had told anyone ..... too late.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Less than one week to Pan Ohio
Soooooo..... it's only 6 days until Pan Ohio starts, next Friday I would hopefully look back at day two and say "That was easy !" or..... "Why, why, why did I ever start this, I want my mommy !".
Anyways, the bicycle is ready, checked by a professional and found to be in perfect condition.
"I can't do much about the rider" was his last words before he choked on a torque wrench and a tire around his neck.
Did I write that out loud ?
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