PLYMOUTH-OMO RANCH-PLYMOUTH

RIDERS; Steve H, Paul, Chuck, Larry, Steve M, Karen, JR

MILES; 64 - 82 (Larry)   

HIGH TEMPERATURE; 108 ( I think !)

ELEVATION GAIN; 7470' (Larry)

 

Not to be outdone by the oldest Classic of them all , LEIGE-BASTOGNE-LIEGE in Belgium,  Erma Country has a pretty good one of its own ....PLYMOUTH-OMO-PLYMOUTH.  Unlike the Belgium classic, which is frequently rained soaked, the P-O-P  classic was sun soaked today. According to SWH's computer the high temp reached 108 ! (footnote; he told me the temp in the parking lot but I'm now guessing what he told me .....the heat made me forget !)  In our attempt to beat most of this heat the ride started an hour earlier and I'm sure it helped a bit. Steve M rode to the ride and deserves a medal for his endeavor. Unfortunately he had to abandon the  P-O-P  at the school in Omo Ranch thanks to a "meltdown" of some sort at his work ....now that he's the boss he had to cut his ride short. No warmup miles leaving Plymouth and all went well until Chuck's rear tire decided to go flat on Steiner Rd..SWH rode on to catch up with Paul who had started a bit early and would be waiting for us in Mt. Aukum. The SBC also started a ride in Plymouth and in Mt. Aukum Karen got to see a REX that is similar to the one she'll be riding in a few months. If you think she's strong now, "you ain't see nothin yet" !!!  As we gained elevation the temperature along with the scenery improved. At the school in Omo Ranch we got some delicious mtn. water and even envisioned putting up a hammock and relaxing in the cool shade. Dream on, there's a lot of work left in this classic ! Because of the scenery, despite the required effort,  the next 10 miles up to Highway 88 are always enjoyable. Paul and SWH's idea to turn around at 88 and head back down seemed like a good idea to most of us. However Larry, who is on FINE form and will be riding Tioga Pass this Friday, needed a little more climbing and headed up 88. Phoned Larry later in the day to check on him and he had a "good ride". He even came across some snow !  When he got to Mt. Aukum and got a soda , the owner/manager told him  he "looked like he was dead". Glad the COKE brought him back to life ! Our good effort for the first half of the P-O-P was rewarded by a good downhill most of the way back. One note, because of some issues with the pavement, it's a good idea to really keep your eyes on the road. Water stop at the school in Omo in anticipation of hot stuff to come shortly. Gatoraide stop in Mt. Aukum before the last good go at it back to Plymouth.  Great ride, rather classic, and we finished before it got too hot. We were all glad it was not the Ione-Omo-Ione Classic or we would have all been jumping on the broomwagon ! We'll save that ride for the fall.  "Keep on the sunnyside". (JR)

THE WHY WE RIDE , RIDE

Players Grapedoctor, Don Paulo, Bros Kevin, Styleman, Larry J.R.
Loquacious Al
Route: Reverse Wilderness with Butte mt. Daffodill Hill Shake plus
Lockwood Ione etc
Miles 39-77
Elevation Gain 3900 ft -5000 ft

(Played to the opening theme from Desperate Housewives.) There are
many reasons why we ride. Some ride for the fun of it, other ride
thinking it will bring them good health or they will live to be 105.
Others ride for getting more miles thinking that is the first thing St
Peter will ask on Judgment Day. Others ride for virtuousness in hopes
of finding the 67 virgins. And some ride because they can talk to
others who have no escape from listening. But we all ride thinking
it's better than being at work.
Larry & J.R. met us at S.C. after beating it up from Ione in near
record time. It was supposed to be very hot but the temperature did
not go above 90 most of the way. Going up to Martell and Jackson we
fueled up at the park in downtown Jackson. There is no question that
doing this route in reverse seems harder-it.s the rapid elevation gain
stupid. We took the loop around Butte Mt where the grass is still
green for a few more days and then up Tabeau which was not that hot
yet. Aqueduct was it usual pleasant ride but you have to watch coming
down into Volcano for cars-that is one fast downhill. We now have our
own picnic bench in Volcano away from all the smokers and such-great
place to sit down and share stories.
Going up Ramshorn was not enough for the GONZO boys as the equation
of gasoline used divided by the power to exertion ratio times the
miles ridden times elevation gain divided by the MPG was insufficient
for Pasquels Law (Don would understand) so they headed of to Lockwood
and points north. Loquacious Al and the author tried to catch Don
Paulo down Shake but he would not let us catch up to talk to him. till
we got to the base. Then it was back home where chores awaited us all.
See you Sunday at 8 a.m. SWH

MOTHERS DAY MADNESS

Miles 60 -67

Elevation Gain 5900 ft.

Riders: Grapedoctor. Don Paulo, J.R, Anita n  Andy, Doug N.,Bros Kevin, Lee Grandpa Hayes, Chuck

Route: Plymouth, Old Sacramento, Grelich, S.C. Vo;lcano, Lockwood Fiddletown and dissolving in to three groups.

 

`As we gathered together in beautiful downtown Plymouth Don Paulo added a new meaning to Jim Greys term  of "half bike" He brought the back half but forgot the front half i.e.: wheel.  This happens as our neurons mature and we focus on more important things in life. We met back up at the start of Grelich Rd.where we passed by Mrs. Grelich herself waving to us. Much to discuss as Anita discussed her new employment opportunities that are opening up. Grapedoctor offered her a job working in his vineyard but demurred when she wanted to know about the 401k. health plan , profit sharing, bonuses car allowance,etc.

    After Willow Creek and Sutter-Ione Rd we rested at Sutter Creek fueling up for the next leg. Larry pushed all the way up for which he would pay on the next leg. At Volcano we compared our bikes to the Harley folks there, comparing weights and physiques of the bikes and riders. particularly dimensions of gluteus maximus. No contest-we are far behind.

    Now the hard part-going up to Lockwood where we waited as firepersons and EMT.s were running down Fidllotown Rd. We followed promising to not go fast. Promises, promises and that's all they were.  Cool breezes as we were going down at forty+ mph-great ride. Who won? Wasn.t there to find out. Now the inevitable split as Steve went Ostrum some went  into Plymouth and some went to Mt. Aukum. Great ride: Our mothers would be proud! SWH

CUATRO DE MAYO (replaces cinco de mayo)

 5/4/08

What a great day to ride your bike!  After taking off work Friday to ride (thank you Paul and John for staying with me) I was ready to ride on Sunday.  The plan was Mt Aukum and beyond for some.  I knew my limits...with Larry Hayes coaching me all the way to Mt Aukum, OK just on Shenandoah School Road, but it felt like more I managed to get my heart rate up and keep my stomach down!  Thanks Larry!!!  Michael A and Tanya V joined the group, along with my main squeeze Steve Mc, Dr Steve, Doug, and Chuck.  We regrouped in Mt Aukum, and as Larry lobbyed hard for company to ride Omo Ranch, Chuck and Michael bit.  I think I heard Michael say as he rode away, I am looking for verticle.  The rest of the sane ones headed back to Ione, via "smooth as a baby's butt" Tyler Road.  After I got my teeth back in my head, was chased by a bitting dog and tasted some wonderful exhaust we were in Fiddletown.  It was a short ride to Plymouth and back to Ione for Mexican food!  As I raced across Irish Hill as lightning speed (in my head) I occassionally saw Dr Steve with Doug, Steve Mc and Tanya on my heels.  The only sad part of the day was seeing the darkness in the Mexican food restaurant where light should have been!  Thank you all for a great day!  Carolle

HALE OR FIDDLETOWN

ARRIP Wednesday Ride 5/7/2008
Riders: Don Paolo, Fireman Dave, Larry H, Kevin from Stockton,
Styleman, Doug and, soon to be from Washington DC, Don S
54 miles
4400 feet of climb

Sometimes the best routes are the ones spontaneously decided on in the
parking lot. Such was the cas today. With imput from everyone, the
group headed to Sutter Ione Rd for an early morning, somewhat cool
descent to Hwy 124. From there to Tonzi Rd to Willow Creek Rd to Hwy
16 and Grielich Rd. and over to Old Sacramento to Plymouth. As usual
the ride from Sutter Creek to Plymouth was filled with the type of
conversation and laughter that has become the norm for the AARIP ride.
Topics ranged from politics, sex, theology and old movies. Everyone
fueled up in Plymouth and gathered up again in fiddletown. At Hale Rd
the group split. the (use any adjective you would like here) group
went up Hale to shake Ridge and the ( use any adjective you would like
here) group proceeded up fiddletown Rd to Lockwood Junction. Some
where on Hale Rd Larry got the second of his two flats . We all met up
at Daffodil Hill for the descent down Rams Horn to Volcano . In
Volcano the group sat at the foot of Caesar for a long entertaining
conversation about San Francisco and the crucifixtion of Christ.
From Volcano it was the typical exhilarating pace line back to Sutter
Creek.. The only bummer of the day was that Don informed everyone that
his wife was accepted for an internship at George Washinton University
and that he was in fact going to move to Washington DC. sometime
around July 1st. . We hope to have a few more rides with him before he
moves
Don Paolo

POST WILDFLOWER KONINGINNEDAG

Riders:Grapedoctor, Don Paulo, Prof. Strahan, Styleman Ray. Bros. Kevin, Rev Dave Fireman Brian

with special sporadic appearances J.R. & Larry

Route Stoney ,Comanche, Coal Mine, Ione, S.C.

70 KM

Elevation Gain 1127 meters

    Since most of us had done the wildflower century Sunday this was to be a cool down ride but no one told Kevin who was fresh from the Tour of Georgia.and wanted to show us a little more. The ride is named after Queens Day in the Netherlands.30 April which is widely celebrated in this bicycle crazy country. Everyone dresses in  orange and goes to fairs and such where all the merchandise is tax free for one day.Even Queen Beatrix gets on her bike for the occasion. Ah- a city outside of S.F. where Queens ride bikes and no one cares.

    Much discussion on the ride about the Tour of Georgia and the Wildflower both great events. Kevin told of riding up Brasstown Bal which is comparable to Charleston outside of Volcano but steeper and longer. After pedaling up to Sutter Hill we reassembled at the top of Stoney and off we went-no flats, no stops or problems. Regrouping at Pardee we went to Comanche Blues where Kevin thought we needed more strange stuff (too much time in Georgia) and we detoured on Reservation Rd. This was after we ran into J.R. and Larry doing their own secret ride but the shadow will always find them.  Up over Coal Mine and back past the fireworks we headed. Refueling at the Standard station we headed home up S.C.-Ione rd where lo and behold there were our secret riders again. They all were invited for camaraderie and coffee but off they went. Come back and visit us sometimes-riding is more than miles. This weekend it's more centuries with the Delta, GPC and Wine Country (Ed. Note I think they mean NAPA-Is that where they make car parts?)See you next week. SWH

HEY, WHERE'D EVERYONE GO ????

RIDERS; CAROLLE, STEVE M, LARRY, KAREN, JR   

ROUTE; IRISH HILL, WILLOW CREEK, IONE-SUTTER CR, STONEY, CAMANCHE BLUES

MILES; 60

 

Carolle was today's "route pickerette" and she planned a good one .  Too bad , due to difficulties beyond her control, she couldn't ride the entire route. After almost suffering a career ending neck injury in the parking lot, Carolle led us out of town and we set a good pace on Irish Hill and Willow Creek before heading up Ione-Sutter Cr.. Today was our first really HOT ride and Chuck was the smart one as he downed a Gatoraide in SC.On Ione-Sutter Cr.Rd. we got split up a bit . Carolle told KR, JR, and LH that she was taking the bypass but the before mentioned 3 needed to head for the "facilities" in  SC. We agreed to meet at the Italian Picnic area. Good plan but unfortunately Chuck did not get the message.  At the picnic area we waited and then made phone calls but finally gave up and headed for Argonaut High where we thought we'd find the MIA's. None of our gang there so we pushed onward and downward. Karen asked a rider coming up Stoney if he had seen 3 riders  and he had. Cool ,let's head for Pardee and we'll find them  . We were wrong. By this time we knew our pals were now AWOL and we were on our own. JR checked his cellphone for messages and there was one from CM informing us that SM had broken a chain. Steve you're too strong . Carolle headed back to Ione to pick up the Dodge/sag wagon and then headed for home.  CM did not mention the whereabouts of Chuck and we later learned he was in "no mans land" .....in between the McGraths and us three.  Chuck was probably wondering "where the #$%^&* are they?". We thought possibly he'd headed back with Carolle.  Found out  later from Chuck that he had ridden the planned route, except for Camanche Blues and was just ahead of us . Sorry about the confusion and Karen said the group should never split up again. Good idea.  At the wishing well we took a left turn and headed for Camanche Blues where the temperature suddenly climbed and we all were feeling the heat.  This was indeed a hot "Cool Hand Luke Ride " along with the "failure to communicate". (JR)

WILDFLOWER WONDER RIDE

Riders Grapedoctor. Rev. Dave , Don Paulo, Prof. Strahan

Seen riding Louise, Allegedly Ed. Hensley

Ride Chico Wildflower 100

6500 FT  of Climbing

 

    Our hardy band had decided to do the Wildflower Century as the weather was perfect and we had not done it for a long time. Dave was

to make reservations at the Ritz Carlton but got confused and we ended up at the motel 6 in Oroville.at 1/10th the price. Pushing through the crack heads we were able to register after showing multiple forms of identity and pledging our first born to eternal servitude. It's easier getting through Bulgarian border guards than getting a motel 6 room. We planned to eat at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co but it was a 1 1/2 wait but there was plenty of diversions as it was prom night in Chico. The Iranian Morals Police would have gone crazy there.

    We did hit the road by 7:20 doing some out and back loop before heading up to Paradise (That's Paradise CA-not the Paradise with 65 virgins) The narrow road all the way up, Honey Run is blocked off at the top so no traffic at all. This is a scenic shady ride all the way up to to 1500 feet. Great road and the author even passed people. Speaking of which there are more "talented" young women riding here than I have seen in my lifetime. I saw Louise who was doing just great and expecting Ed to catch up. After filing bottles it was time for a great descent to Oroville. A truly Gonzo descent to 60 ft elevation. An interesting observation by all of us- No police presence CHP.Sheriff, Locals at all but the ride was very safe. Now we climbed up Table Mountain  named after the famous Mountain in Cape town S.A. Nice and warm 96 degrees with no shade but it was fun watching people push their bikes and puking by the side of the road-gives a little local colour.

    Descending to the lunch stop it's apparent that these people (Chico Velo) really know how to feed people well and efficiently. Great veggie sandwiches all premade with no dirty hands in the lettuce. and good drinks. Now for the somewhat boring part, miles and miles of farm land with peach trees, plum trees apricot trees with roads that go on forever. Paul Steve and Don took turns on who had cramps as the thermometer rose to 100 degrees. We were happy to see the sign to Chico loom into view.  Again they had a great feast ,well organized with great root beer, ginger ale, ice cream -all the basic food groups. Bike Hikers take note on the efficient way to feed 4000 people. Great ride for all of us. SWH

 

   

Pedaling Through Passover

 

Riders: J & k Rovane, Grapedoctor, Chuckie, Prof. Grey, Larry,Musciman

Route: Stoney Creek Butte Daffodil Hill etc

Miles 50 , 75 for the Gonzo Boys

    Just as the Israelites celebrated their liberation from slavery Ermas also made an Exodus though it was only to Stoney Creek which welcomed us with it's unrelenting climb though it was preferable succumbing to the tenth plague. We did miss some of usual folks but we did see Dave Rodgers descending with his fire friends showing off his bike skills. As we climbed to the top, Musicman took the lead as he may sign up for Climb to Kaiser. Authors note: This will be a true test. of endurance

    Once we were at the top Jimmy remembered he had to go home and continue to work on his PhD or suffer the consequences. Fueling up at the restrooms we went around Butte where there was very little traffic. Much indecision on the route but K & J had a family situation to deal with and the author had a well that was leaking everywhere so most of us headed home. The Gonzo boys Larry and Musicman were last seen heading up to Kirkwood or somewhere high. A nice uneventful ride home before having to do difficult tasks at home.   Shalom SWH

JESUS MARIA!

JESUS MARIA It,s Tax Time
Miles 70-75
Elevation Gain 7900 ft
Riders Grapedoctor, "Lothario" Molinelli, Larry Hayes, Don Strahan,
Bros. Kevin, Spiritual Advisor Rogers Music Man Dave
M.I.A Mike DeMicco and Joyce
Assembling in greater Buena Vista we got word that two of our
number would be MIA and Paul would be joining us on the way back.
Heading out toward Pardee the lead of four went a different route
unknown to the author and kevin. We took the shorter route (we are not
dumb) and waited for them at the horse entrance to EBMUD. We waited
and waited,used the bathrooms (separately please, Senator Craig) till
we could finally hear them coming up the hill noisily scaring away all
the wildlife.
The ride to Paloma was beautiful with intensely green meadows lining
the route. Passing the vineyard we went down hwy 26 to the Mokaleme
Turnpike and rested in the park on Main St. After turning on Jesus we
were pleasantly surprised that Jesus was newly paved going all the way
down to the creek. No more spare parts falling off your bicycle. The
creek and meadow looked like they all had been fertilized because of
the colorful intensity-photo op.
Unfortunately the climb is no less steep but the cool weather really
helped as opposed to the Sunday ride. No one home at the fire station
so Rev Dave had no one to exchange best fire stories with. Going down
Railroad Flat Don would start to have derailleur problems which would
plagued him the rest of the ride. By the time we got to Moke Hill it
was apparent that Don had depleted his vital fluids on the Sunday ride
and would not continue. Paulo was waiting for us at Moke Hill where
Dave got us frosties. Never knew these could taste so good! Paulo had
talked the Board of Supervisors into a monster increase and only had
20 miles so he was smoking us on the way back. Great ride down from
Paloma to Pardee and then home base. The author went back up to pick
up Don at Moke Hill where Don was napping after finishing off a giant
omelette with all the trimmings. See you on the weekend. SWH p.s
photos coming to the Cc folks