Lake Erie Run

What a ride! It was just over freezing when I started out this morning. Buddy was sound asleep allnight. And when it was so cold outside, we talked it over and decided to wait until it was mid 30’s. Buddy went back to sleep, hogging the entire bed. By 10:15, he was STILL asleep. Finally got him out of bed, and we uncovered the bike, packed up all the clothes, etc.

It was cold…No, it was COLD! But I had purchased a pair of winter Olympia cycle gloves. They have gortex, and cover the sleeves of the heavy leather jacket. In addition, I now fit into my insulated heavy leather chaps (thank you, yes I HAVE lost weight). With all that, I was actually warm. So off I went to into the cold. I stopped for a quick bite to eat, coffee, and to catch up on my blackberry email from work. When on the road, I ONLY eat at the best places, and have the best to eat. This is way too familiar of a sight – fast food, hot coffee, and a map to circumvent the ever-present Ohio construction.

The first stop, after getting lost REPEATEDLY, was Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The wind pushed me around on Route 2 until I ducked into the Refuge. A beautiful place right along Lake Erie. There are some wonderful hiking trails, but they will have to wait until next summer. Today is a day for riding, staying warm.

As I continue east along Lake Erie, I run into a landmark that anyone will recognize who has spent an afternoon walleye fishing in Lake Erie- The Bessey Cooling Tower. Those who live in the area often forget that we have a Nuclear Power Plant in our back yard. For those who travel east to Cedar Point, or across Ohio on the turnpike there is often amazed that here, right on the Lake in the Mid West is a Nuclear Power Plant. The cloud from the cooling tower can be seen for many many mile, especially during when there is a large steam release.

I continued east as the sun warmed thing up. I passed Port Clinton, and opted to go toward Catawba Island. I stopped at Mon Ami, a restaurant and historic winery.It is purported to be one of the oldest wineries in the region. I imagine that I present quite an image…6’4” in full biker gear, carrying buddy. But DJ was very helpful in picking out a few wines that meet my palette for a dry, white wine. And both she and Margaret were more than happy to greet Buddy with a couple bottles of bubbly at the tasting bar.

Back on the bike, I ride over Sandusky bay. Again, buffeted by the winds, but such a wonderful view of the water. In just a few months, ice will start forming in the area, and the ice fisherman will take over the area. But until then, it is still riding time. I continue on to Castalia. The first stop there is Firelands winery. The last time I was there, I bought a bottle of Ice Wine – a great treat of a very sweet wine made with grapes that remain on the vine until after the first frost. The sugars concentrate to form a very sweet desert wine.

I also picked up a bottle of Chianti. Deep taste, but still light enough for a heavy dinner. Jody was working the wine tasting. Buddy could not resist pushing his luck with this blond wine expert. Buddy was able to solicit a few giggles and a big smile from Jody as I took their picture.

On the way back to Columbus, Buddy opted to ride with the wine stash. I started out from the Firelands Winery with four bottles of wine. I am not sure if any of them are left! I have to admit, it was really my fault.

I decided to stop at a historic scene, at least for the many people that drove across Ohio from the early 1930’s to 1990 – Blue Hole. It was a tourist attraction which boasted a spring fed lake whose waters held no oxygen, and as a result no life. In PT Barnum style, the owner claimed that the Blue Hole was bottomless with all efforts to measure its depths failing.

Families would come to Blue Hole, look deep into the pond, and then picnic along side the oxygenated creek that held fingerling trout darting amongst the vegetation.

But time progressed, and tourists were more interested in the high-energy, heart throbbing excitement of Cedar Point, just down the road. Faced with low visits, and increased costs to meet new government regulations, the owner decided to close the doors.

Blue Hole is now a Ohio Fish Hatchery. Only open during weekdays, it is difficult to visit. However, it is still worth the effort. The quiet hush of babbling brooks, fish breaking the surface, and large grassy areas prime for a blanket and picnic are still there- maybe even better than before. There are hundreds, if not thousands of fish ranging in size from fingerling (an inch or two in length) to lunkers. And the former star of the area remains- Blue Hole. It shows it age, but remains as mystic as it was in my youth.

As I ride the bike back past all the canals, I could still feel the emotion, the excitement, and the near reverence of that quiet area. Blue Hole has not disappeared, but has retired to a serene life that can be still shared with a little dedication.

I left Castalia with a little tear in my eye. I stopped, visited my mother, and then rode on home to the Columbus area. It was growing dark, and the cold was reclaiming its hold on all. By the time I got home, temperatures were down to 40’s.

Planning next ride

Taking Monday off work for what may be one of the few last rides of the season. I hope to get in another couple weekends, but we are closing in on November... Anyway, the plan is for Sunday to go meet up with some friends to watch the Brownie football game. Depending on how long the game goes, and how much beer I drink I will get a room in Findlay or Toledo.

Then on Monday morning, I will take off for a run around Lake Erie. checking out the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Port Clinton, Firelands Winery, the former Blue Hole. After visiting family in Norwalk, grab an espresso at Sheri's Coffeehouse, take some pictures of the Murals in Bucyrus, maybe a world famous Bologna Sandwich in Waldo, and eventually make my way back home to a soft recliner.

Anyway, that is the Plan! Lets see what REALLY happens! Probably a hangover on Monday, and just go home ---- :-)

Just under 500 miles

This weekend was a 500 mile ride. Thursday evening, I packed the bike. I made sure I carried plenty of layers as the weather was supposed to range from low 40’s to low 70’s. And given the length of the ride, I wanted to make sure I had my GPS and Radar detector, tools, and all the other things you need to take “just in case.” The bike is here on the side of the road, ready to go!

Friday evening was cold, crisp and night fell too quickly. I had already made arrangements to be in Fort Wayne, including getting a Hilton Room right downtown for $45 (typical room price $109!). I rode along the Maumee river on River Road, through Waterville.

It never fails to amaze me how friendly people are in the mid-west. Whether I was resting at a gas station, truck stop, restaurant, or Hilton, people would come up and talk about their desire to be on a bike, to run away on the road for a few days, or feel somehow compelled to share part of their lives.

On the way back on Sunday, Grand Rapids (Ohio) was having their Applebutter Festival. Hundreds of people from all directions enjoying the arts, crafts, and most of all apple-based foods. http://www.applebutterfest.org/applebutter-festival.htm

On the way to Fort Wayne, I stopped in Napoleon to put on a heavy shirt under the leather jacket, rest my weary rear end, and drink a bottle of water. Standing at the counter, paying for my water, a voice behind me said “Are you going to be winning all the money at this rally too?” I turned around, and it was one of the guys from the September West Unity rally. What a great surprise! The only time I met this guy was at that run, and ½ month later, he still picked me out of a crowd. He proceeded to tell me about the rally they were holding across the road at the Harley Davidson's dealership, a Toys for Tots Ride. But not for me this weekend - I had reservations.

I spent time riding around Fort Wayne, visiting some of the “old areas” from when I used to live there. Spent a lot of time riding in the outskirts as well as in the city. Heading out on Route 30, I stopped on a side road to take in the view, remember the people I knew there, and to check my blackberry. The family is always just a call away, and unfortunately work is too. This time, I spoke with my daughter, wanting to go clothes shopping with her mom. Of course, she needs some new clothes!

Hilger’s was having a huge – no, HUGE Halloween activity. They had a sun flower maze, story telling giant, rides for the little ones, and some fantastic hay bale statues. And pumpkins and more pumpkins. And of course, their typical great farm foods and pumpkins of every type and size. And did I mention the pumpkins?

For meals, there is nothing better than The Rib Room on State. The ribs were better than I remembered, the beer cold, and the old style club restaurant from the Rat Pack days. A true meat and taters kind of place – Ribs or Steak, baked potato, salad optional, no veggies. Listening to music like Amore, How Much is that Doggy in the Window, I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Goody Goody, etc. You could almost imagine Frank Sinatra sitting in the dining room eating one of their T-Bones.

On Sunday, before I start the ride back, I just had to have lunch at King Gyros. If you are every in Fort Wayne, stop and have one of the best, original Gyros. But beware, the portions are huge, and the flavors strong. You wont need to eat again for days!

I made it home Sunday night before the sun set. My rear end was sore, but I felt revitatilzed by the weekend of good people, good places, fresh air, and time to be alone to think and contemplate my navel.

Run away...Run away...

Time to take a ride and forget all about the pressures of the job and home. Who said escapism is a bad thing? I have decided to take a ride in Northern Indiana and Ohio, and stay in Fort Wayne for the weekend. The plan is taking 1/2 day vacation on Friday (already scheduled), ride all day Saturday, and return on Sunday.

The goal is to ride amongst the changing colors of all the trees. The best rides are those where the leaves are just turning, but are not covering the road making it slippery. So I have a hotel in Fort Wayne expecting me, and a rough route to follow the Fall Foliage map.

But like any ride, there always seems to be a challenge. Last ride, it was temperatures moving toward 90 degrees or more. This time, just a few days later, it is the cold! Temperatures will drop near freezing at night, and only reach the low 60's during the days.

Normally, I would consider this perfect riding weather, but I am not sure the body has had time to acclimate yet. So I will be wearing the heavy leather jacket, chaps and of course the full face helmet, boots and gloves. Under the gear will be heavy shirts, jeans, neck protection. On the bike, I have larger lowers and engine guard chaps to deflect the bone-numbing windchill.

Hang in there. I will be back on Sunday and should have a couple pictures of blazing color and people I meet along the way.

Short ride before the heat hit

I got up early enough to beat the heat, taking off in high 60's. By noon when I returned, it was already in the 80's. With average high supposed to be around 70 degrees, it looks like this will be another year where we will go from Summer to Winter with no fall.

I decided to run down to PepBoys to pick up a couple common items that most larger autoparts would have; Fuseblock, Auto alarm, and dielectric grease (stuff that keeps water out of electric connections). Zero for three!!! I could not believe it. But I did find a couple small relays that will fit on the bike for future wiring projects.

Decided to take a more scenic route back, running old route 40. All along the road you could see signs of a once major roadway that has fell victem to the Mega Highway of Route 70. I went to take a few pics, but found that I had taken out my card out of the camera. On the way, I also stopped at Darby Creek Park, a beautiful little park out in the middle of nowhere. But again, no pics.

It was good to get out, but the temps are rising and the Brownies are on the tube, so I am glad to be back.