Well, it's January again and I am well into my winter routine of inactivity and weigh gain. The dust layer on my road bike continues to get thicker as it hangs on the garage wall, where it has been since October. For me, it will probably remain there until mid-April. Not so for a number of COP leaders who are maintaining a regular schedule throughout the winter. Leaders Steve Hewitt, Dick Seebode, Steve Barbour, Dave Knight, Gail Falkinburg, Tom Davis, Roy Burnham and Bob Waddell have a full schedule of winter rides on the books for those who ride throughout the year.

For me, I think I will stick to weight gain as my primary activity. Adventure Cycling Bike News recently advised us to increase our calcium intake during the winter. Among other benefits, calcium turns more calories into heat than body fat. They also advise more fiber and whole grains along with always eating breakfast as methods of fighting the bulge.

Planning our tours for 2007 has been completed and listings, along with advertising, have gone to publishers. I am grateful to those who have stepped up to continue our Budget Tour schedule. New leaders Joanna Pallos and Nancy Betz will head The Ridge Runner Ramble. David Knight will head Ride The Darby and Bob Allen and David Hoodin will Co-lead SPOT. Thanks to these leaders and all others who are returning to complete our Budget Tour schedule. I especially want to provide volunteers to assist these leaders with their rides. Please contact me, or the individual leaders, if you can help.

I look forward to all our summer rides. But, XOBA continues to be one of my favorite weeks on the road. This year will be no exception, with a lighthouse tour from west to east across northern Ohio in the works. Between GOBA and XOBA I have experienced more Ohio scenery and history in the last five years than the rest of my adult life. Thanks to Julie Van Winkle of GOBA and Walt Williams of XOBA for a super job of directing these outstanding tours. Don't miss these rides in 2007.

As I stated a couple of months ago, I have resigned as Bicycle Activities Chair as of July of this year. My activities with other organizations are taking more of my time. If you feel you can assist COP in this position, contact COP President Glenn Beachy or me. Call me if you have questions. Experience is not necessary, just a desire to assist ride leaders in their activities and represent biking to the COP board.

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