Pace Lines  by Kathy Hoke

When I came to my first COP ride in the summer of 1997, I was as green as my Gary Fisher mountain bike. My tires were knobby, my T-shirt was cotton and I wore old sneakers to power the platform pedals. But I quickly met Gordon Renkes, who taught me the ABC check - air, brakes and crank. Ginnie Shaeffer straightened my helmet to the correct position, Gail Falkinburg offered encouragement and Sally Rader guided our small group of novices to the Dutch Kitchen, giving us safety tips, demonstrating proper signaling and shouting "car back" and "car up."

My newly chosen outdoor pursuit was off to a good start, thanks to leaders who enjoyed welcoming and assisting new riders. Many of us have similar stories about our first COP rides. Let’s make 2002 the year we rejuvenate our program for beginning riders. What we create for novices this year will reap benefits for many years to come. We will have more well-trained riders on public streets and roads, new folks coming to the faster and longer rides, new ideas and energy for the organization and more friends and acquaintances. Whether you’re fast or slow, a 10-year veteran or a first-year cyclist, consider offering your time and experience to help others get started in bicycling. We will train and support you. You don’t have to give up your favorite faster rides, week after week. Committing to just one or two Class D rides this season would be a big help for the program. You just might find that it’s fun and rewarding to watch your novices gain confidence and speed. Who knows? Maybe that green rider will someday be riding TOSRV’s 210 miles. That’s what I did last year. Thanks Gordon, Ginnie, Gail and Sally.

Thank You Kathleen

Old downtown Pataskala is about a half mile south of Rt 62 on the west edge of Licking County. The gravel parking lot is the site of the old railroad depot. Eighty years ago it was a thirty minute train ride to downtown Columbus. Not what the automobile has vanquished the iron horse, it takes forty five minutes.

The group gathers before nine. Art Crampton, unofficial assistant leader and official sub when Kathleen can’t make it, is always early. Being a week day, Tuesday, the group is mostly retired with a few shift workers. by nine there are usually five to seven folks, twelve tops.

At nine, the Linking County Bike Ride is off for brunch. The distance varies from 30 to as much as 50 miles and the pace, except up for down, is usually between 12 and 14 mph. At times the ride strings out to gather again at a corner. But, usually, the group stays together. The conversation is steady. Brunch is enjoyed at those small, owner operated, greasy spoons found in Hertford, Pickerington, Granville, Thornville and other metro centers.

How does this happen? Kathleen Boston decided to set aside six hours every Tuesday morning, April through October, to stand in a parking lot, greet arrivals, hand out maps, encourage new-comers, and generally provide the glue that holds a group of cyclists together. An infectious smile, warm greeting, and enthusiasm builds a comradery yet keeps the group open to new arrivals. Many pleasant day, and some not so pleasant ones, are spent on the still rural Licking County roads.

Thank you Kathleen.

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