3rd Annual Brandy Winfield ride on June 2

Weather permitting, this Saturday I will be riding once again in the 3rd Annual Brandy Winfield Run in Marion Ohio. The proceeds from this ride will benefit Concerns of Police Survivors Kids Camp and Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School Law Enforcement Program.

On October 14th, 2004 Deputy Brandy Winfield was murdered in the line of duty. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to his community while assisting a disabled motorist. He died doing what he loved. Brandy was also a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend to anyone that had the pleasure to meet him.

Today, Monday, is a celebration of those who have served and are serving. Many of us are simply relaxing working around the house, and some praying. Many are in or watching parades all around the country - in small towns and large cities. Others are in a ride called Rolling Thunder, an organization working to publicize POWs and MIAs issues, and support our veterans and troops.

No matter what you do today, remember those who are not as lucky as us, who have dedicated their time, their health, their sanity, and some their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life.

Weekend Rides

Ended up putting over 400 miles on the bike this weekend. Had to go to Theil's for them to look at the bike to determine that the air shock that won't hold air was not the result of abuse. They are ordering the part, and should have the part in sometime next week. That part of the ride is in red.

Had a real idiot in a pickup screw with me on one of the backroads outside of Upper Sandusky. He was going 40 in a 55, so I passed him. Took me longer than I had anticipated, and looked down at the speedometer as was going 75mph, and he was right behind me! The SOB had speed up to keep me from passing him! Within a half mile, he passed me, having to be going close to 80. Then got infront of me, put on his brakes, and dropped back down to around 40,.

Fine....so I backed off even more, and go onto the expressway on-ramp after he passed it by. Guess it takes all kinds.

Then on a seperate trip, headed to Hudson's Leathers via Toledo. There is probably a shorter way, but who is looking for shorter when you are on your bike! It was an interesting day, with the cold and rain making a miserable morning, but the sun coming out about mid day.

I made some new "lowers" (like little windshields for the bottom of the bike). They are made out of plexiglass, and make the ride a LOT nicer. They keep the wind from coming up over the gas tank and hit under the helmet. You can check out more on my webpage.

Approaching 1000 miles in under 10 days

Over the last two weekends, I have had a great opportunity to ride:

April 28th and 29th - rode over 500 miles as I tramped around from central ohio to Findlay for dinner at a local eatery, to NW corner of Ohio, to Sandusky. It is spring time in Ohio. And the trees have taken on flowers which will be short lived, but beautiful none the less. Tried to find an old road-side attraction called Blue Hole. But to no avail. Road all over the place with no luck.

Then tried to visit one of the local Great Lakes Winery that the area is known for. I made a

stop at Firelands winery. But alas, no luck. Closed on Sundays .

Last Sunday, I made a trip to Norwalk to visit family. On the way, I just HAD to find that Blue Hole again - this time, armed with knowledge. The attraction had actually closed down in the 90's, a casualty to the mega resorts like Cedar Point less than 12 miles away. The small trout farm the owner had built as a side line, along with the oxygen free, cold, clear waters of Blue Hole has been purchased by the state and is now a thriving hatchery.

Another 250 miles spent in visiting the fish farm (closed weekends!) and family.

Then tonight, a friend called and wanted to go for a ride. Another 100 miles!