The Final counts for the Top of Ohio Hundred showed 300 riders on a cool and breezy day. Many riders expressed a dislike of the headwinds to Bellefontaine, but loved the tailwind on the trip back. Tour leader Ron Doran had planned open-heart surgery the day after TOP. He is recovering well and planning for next years ride. Intense home building and traffic congestion in the Hilliard area will cause Ron to search for a new starting point for 2006.

Gridlock traffic problems and danger to cyclists in the Zoo-Powell area led to the discontinuing of the Zoo's Cycling Safari last year. I have received many communications from members who were regulars on this ride. Because of concern from you and others I and other cyclists John Gideon, Ira Weiss, and David Roseman recently met with Zoo planning officials to discuss the future of that ride. Gerald Borin the Zoo Director and his planning staff advised us of the problems in the area and plans for the future. Powell Road is due to be rebuilt and rerouted in 2006. The new route will take the road south of the Zoo and is schedule to include a bike path on the North side of the road. With Powell Road no longer crossing and splitting Zoo property there are major expansion and relocation plans in the works. Zoo officials have agreed, if traffic conditions improve, to seriously evaluate reinstating the Cycling Safari, possibly in 2007.

Traffic on Route 104 north of Circleville led to the rerouting of TOSRV this year. The new route to Circleville was well received. We appreciate the efforts of Bob Allen and Steve Barbour for their work in establishing the new route. I personally enjoyed the new way, especially the Walnut Creek Pike and Canal Road sections. Thanks also to the more than 300 volunteers who make TOSRV possible.

Several hundred riders attended this year's Ride of Silence organize by John Gideon and Jeff Stephens along with support from the City of Columbus. This national ride, www.rideofsilence.org, honors bicyclists killed or injured by motorists. Among those being remembered locally were Garrett Wonders, Robert Bachtel, Michael Schnegelsberger, and Andrew Starinchak.

E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.