TOP started with 45 degrees and cloudy skies and a light wind from the south. By 2 PM the sun was out and had warmed to the high 60's. There were 262 registrants; 72 of those leaving from the Milford Center registration point. Having elected to not do a full century, I rode the top of TOP from Milford Center. For those not opposed to a hilly ride, this is certainly a very scenic area of Ohio. I found the climbs rewarded by long vistas on the down hills. There are many lakes, woods and beautiful homes overlooking the valleys. I'm happy to report that I was able to pull Cork Screw hill with out stopping. I talked to several riders who consider this their favorite hilly tune up for TOSRV. I definitely want to get back to the area again this year. Thanks to Ron Doran for this excellent ride.

With close to 500 miles ridden prior to TOSRV, I was as well prepared as ever before. The prep turned out to be a blessing since this year's TOSRV came with weather living up to its reputation. Saturday had a slight headwind all the way to Portsmouth. By the time I got to Waverly, I felt as if I had been climbing all day instead of riding rolling hills. It must be the age and the legs. I was worn out by Waverly, but as in prior years I met Bob Waddell and a group there on their way back to Columbus. I am in awe of those that ride the entire 210 miles in one day. To my knowledge 120 is about the max I have ever done. A good meal at the Portsmouth Cornerstone Church, a super overnight at the SOMC Center, and I was in great shape for the Sunday return to Columbus. Aside from rain during most of the last 40 miles, Sunday was a beautiful day for riding. I made the trip back in almost an hour and a half less than the trip down. TOSRV is a must for me. It lets me know that I am still alive and well and able to grind out those super scenic miles in my old age. I can't say enough about Charlie Pace and his support crew. They continue to make TOSRV the standard to meet.

Aside from tours, we in COP Bicycling Activities have also been busy helping with a local Cub Scout Bicycle Rodeo, manning a booth at the Governor's Fitness Day on the State House lawn and appearing on WOSU radio's Fred Anderle show. I also recently had the opportunity to learn about Ohio House Bill 389 relating to the Ohio Revise Code on bicycles. As a non-profit and recreational organization our charter restricts what political or advocacy issues we can become involved with. If you have bicycle advocacy questions, John Gideon of the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition www.cobac.org can answer them.