JackFlash

I have some ideas. Go get something to drink and come back and sit down. Relax. Here we go. There were numerous comments about what a long day it was. And it was, for many. Also, there were numerous comments about what a long ride it was, both, to get to Logan, and to get back home. In addition to all that, many mentioned their ride home, in the dark, and about the chill in the air. Even I put the liner back in my jacket before I took off for home. It was only an hour's ride for me, but for others, it was a long, cold, and lonely ride back home. In spite of it being a great day with beautiful weather, and a very successful event, there are those issues that possibly cause some to reconsider their decision to participate. The whole day, for many, is hurry up and get there, ride the ride, hurry up and get home, without much of a break for leisure, or socializing. Even to get a bite of food is a challenge for those with a time table to meet. If I had to design from scratch, an event, that more riders could enjoy, and would be willing to attend, I would add shorter, multiple rides of various interests, and make the event appealing to a much larger segment of the motorcycling world, over an entire weekend. Riders could begin to arrive as early as a Friday, and depart as late as a Monday, without feeling pressured by time constraints. They could arrive on their own timetable and depart on their own timetable. There could be camping or nearby lodging, and places to eat. People could trickle off to tourist attractions, but return for the rides they are interested in participating. We could have a campfire at night, with socializing, a nightly wienie roast or whatever. The possibilities are endless. A much more relaxed day, a more relaxed trip, to, and from the event, and rides of various interests may attract a larger variety of people that would love to be a part of what we find so appealing about the Ohio Riders community. One person doesn't have to do it all. We have enough people to spread organizational responsibilities among, but yet, still allow them to fully enjoy as many offerings the weekend will allow. I, myself, would be more than happy to organize a few rides through the woods. Even a night ride (safely, of course) would add an extra thrill that many may wish to enjoy. I know I would. What say ye? I'm excited about the idea of an event, with a more relaxed atmosphere, and one that would appeal to a larger crowd, to riders from the four corners of the state, and beyond. We don't have to do it all at once, but over time, several new ideas could be implimented and tried out to gauge their success. A night ride? Really? Yes! Really! Not fast, but fun. Gentle and easy. It would be a new experience if you've never ridden through the woods at night. Chime in. We can do it. The possibilities are endless. .

Who you jivin'? For the good time you had, you'll be there. The long ride will be forgotten, but the excitement will live on. .

Oh, now you've done it, Josh. I just had to click that link. Now, I'm going to refer to Grokked, as The Borg, and to southeast Ohio, as the Delta Quadrant. Don't know why that entered my head. .

As for Tonyblaze, Last night, at 10:24 pm, Tony PM'd me and expressed his excitement about the ride. He mentioned his ride home through farm country, in the dark, as being an adventure at the least. Whenever there is another ride, he seems eager, and mentions that he is available for future rides as he has days stored up so he can take off work for them. He asks that he is contacted when other rides are formed. Being that he is north, you NEO guys feel free to buzz him up when you are making a trip south and into the hills. Cool little Triumph he has. Of all the returned PM'd that I had sent out, his was dripping with the most excitement at the whole day. He was definitely stoked. Cool guy, that Tony. I sent everyone I could think of that was at the ride, a PM. If I missed anyone, my sincerest apologies to you. I enjoy making new friends, and reconnecting with old ones, even if our reconnections are limited to only every year or so. If I can get away from work, and ride with you, I would love to link up. I'm just a PM or Phone/Text away. I had a great day, and I have no doubts the rest of you did, too. As we ride the twisted roads, our skills improve. Happily, no one took a spill, or scuffed up their bike. Let's do it again! Happy trails. As for Tony (Tpoppa), I haven't received a response. . .

I've come a long way, with only three seasons of riding. My confidence has gone from feeling like I'm flying, at 45 mph, to, can't get up to 85 fast enough. I'm always willing to help, when I can. I was happy to fill a useful role in this event. I had fun. I hope everyone else did, too. Until our next great and "Epic" ride... ~ Jack .

C'mon, James. That's what those reminder settings are for on your phone's calendar. Don't miss the next one, mate, or we'll come lookin' for ya. .

Nivin, your presence was missed by many. Sadly, your absence was noticeable. Still, you'll be back, and we'll all be here waiting for you. The twisted roads are not going anywhere, and neither are we. Hurry back. .

Home now. Great ride. Great riders. Great friends. Great time. Great bikes. Great day.

I just started using the Tap-a-crap App. I'm still trying to figure it out. .

My earlier post said I was meeting the NEO group in Newark.

I'll do that. Keep in mind, I may be in the slow group, which means either you can wait for me at the meet point, or I can come to the restaurant and find you. Which do you prefer? .

When I got new tires put on at Iron Pony, I rode straight home on the freeway, to Newark. That's 30+/- miles. I was actually surprised how little of the shiny surface there was, left at the extreme edge of the tire, when I got home. My next ride was with the fast boys from NEO, to Hocking Hills, riding like it was on fire. The freeway ride home scuffed them up enough to take any worries away. Since my mornings are always rushed, I have all my clothes and gear laid out in a manner that photo reminds me of. Tank bag is on the table so that I can throw stuff in and dash off. I'll be out of here like a bullet. .

Okay, new plans. Since I have to work this weekend, I'll be leaving from Port Columbus, instead of Newark, IF I can leave work early enough. So, don't expect to see me at point "E" after all. I'll jump in with Helmutt's group at Groveport, if I can get there in time, otherwise, my plan is to run down to Nelsonville and jump on the bus there. Where is the fuel stop in Nelsonville, in case I have to wait around? .

I don't know if I can make Groveport by 9:15, but I'll be at the Get Go, if at all possible since I'll be coming from Port Columbus, and not Newark. I have to work this weekend, but if I can get my work done early enough Saturday morning, I may make Logan before everyone is gone, otherwise, I'll cruise down to Nelsonville and join in there. What is the fuel stop in Nelsonville, in case I have to wait for groups to get there? .

It looks like I have to work this weekend. Maybe, and only maybe, I can finish my work early enough to meet you guys in Nelsonville. If I can make Logan before everyone leaves, it will be a miracle.

I do have a very nice pair of riding pants. I wear them when I get cold, when I ride like a hooligan with the fast boys, and on the 2nd Tuesday of each week. Basically, when I feel like it. If I'm planning on riding hot, then I'll definitely put them on for the protection. I wear them in cooler weather. Yesterday was a relaxed day, for the most part. It just got colder as the sun started sinking below the treetops and the valleys darkened. That's why I wore them home from McConnelsville. I almost stopped and put on a sweatshirt. I was quite chilled by the time I pulled into the driveway. . .

At 8:00, and 75 miles later, I pulled into the driveway with 9394 on the clock. I started with 9207. 187 miles for today. I'm tired and I'm cold. Things to know about: Mulberry Street is OH-93 in Logan. Turn right to go south when leaving Logan for the ride. It's not well marked and I've passed it by more than once. On OH-56 E off of OH-93, we will approach Coonville. Right at the Coonville sign, there is also a sign indicating a traffic light ahead. Just as soon as you see that sign, let off the gas, because hidden around the very next right hand curve is the traffic light. It's easy to approach it too fast and be caught off guard. You don't want to slam into the back of your buddy's bike because you wasn't ready for it, and it will surprise you. After that, there is a left hand curve where construction equipment is located. It was a clean curve, today. But that kind of equipment can dirty up a road quickly. Be weary of that curve and expect it to be dirty. It was, on one of my other rides. Also on OH-56 E, if just beyond a rise in the road, there appears to be a green sign that says, "Mineral", the road turns sharply left, just out of your sight. For the most part, the roads were nice and clean. I did come upon the occasional patch of gravel in a turn, but I rode them through even though my wheels slipped a little bit. No worries. See you guys on Saturday. . .

The shadows are getting long, and the valleys are getting cooler. The "Bucket" will have to wait for another time. I gassed up in McConnelsville at 6:00. It was 75 miles from Logan. I went through Nelsonville, just to refresh my memory for the route. It's time to head home. I can feel the chill in the air. It's been a good ride, today. I'll sleep well tonight. Time to put on my riding pants and get moving. I've been fine in jeans, all day. .

Left Newark at 2:00pm. Pulled up to the Kroger gas pump at the Logan meet up spot, at 3:12. OH-664 may have been a little quicker instead of 668. It was 51.8 miles from Newark. A restroom stop at Dairy Queen, a drink of Gatorade, a bite of beef jerky, heavily peppered, and a hand full of trail mix will get me back on the road. Next stop, Nelsonville, about 52 miles fryom here, I think. I'm glad I took the time to write down the directions. That accounts for my late start. As for road hazards, just a dusting of small stones , here and there. Nothing worth making note of. NEO guys, watch for tourist traffic, possibly at Flint Ridge State Park, south of OH-16, on Brownsville Road (OH-668). It will be a sunny, warm day. Could be some tourist traffic there. Leaves don't look to be turning colors yet, so maybe traffic will be fairly light for the ride. Off we go. It's 3:46pm. Forgot to mention I'm glad I put the liner in my jacket. It's 70 degrees in Logan, at this time. . .

Late start. Took freeway to Cedar St. Just got gas. Chill in the air. Putting liner in my jacket. Then off we go, once more. Currently 65 degrees.

Haha! Thanks, Chris. Sorry for the rest of you poor suckers that have to work on a day that is obviously meant for riding. Doesn't it suck how earning a living actually gets in the way of living? Air pressure ... Check. Oil................... Check. Clean face shield....Check. Fuel? I'm heading for the gas station as soon as I suit up. A full tank is good for about 200 miles, but I start looking for a gas pump when I hit 100 miles. Gatorade.....Check. Trail mix.......Check. Beef Jerky? I'll get it when I get gas. Heading out. No takers, huh? Sorry for the short notice. Too bad I work weekends and can't get in on some of your rides. I'm starting at point "E" on the route the Northeast Ohio guys are taking to Logan. http://tinyurl.com/n5bebaz Off I go. More later. .

I have the day off. I'm going to leave Newark around noon, from the way it looks. Come with me. I know it's short notice. All my rides are like that. It's hard for me to plan ahead. I think I'll ride the Epic Ride route. When I get to McConnelsville, I'm going to branch off and go see the Big Muskie Bucket. I've never been there and it's not too far from that nice shady picnic shelter on the river in McConnelsville. I'll let you know how the roads are and what you might want to watch out for this coming Saturday during the Epic Ride. Got the day off? Live somewhere in Central Ohio and want to take a nice ride today? I'll check back here before I leave. I'm flexible. I don't have to be on the time clock until 6:00 tomorrow morning. So what if I don't make it back home before work tomorrow? No worries. Late notice, I know. Post up if you want to go. I can wait. Leaving around noon if no one says anything. .

I'm a probably. I'll ride slow to medium. It doesn't matter to me. .

If I can get off work..... I'll jump in line as you enter the ramp at point "E", for OH-16 E. I'll be there by 9:15, unless you can give me a better time. It will be an hour ride from there to Logan. .