The spring weather has continued to be favorable to our rides. The Top of Ohio One Hundred was well attended with 254 riders. Ron and Catherine Doran did a super job of planning and mapping this route. After assisting with registration, I rode the upper portion of the tour. I was especially impressed with the beautiful hilly route and the four covered bridges I encountered on the flats.

Donna Bush reports over 130 riders on The Heart of Ohio Tour. Donna stated there was great weather, and a great day. Thanks to Donna and Al Moore for another well planned HOOT. We would like to apologize to those riders who encountered some vandalized road markings. Riders indicated that they started to have fun working together to use the map to verify the route as they encountered the altered markings. We hope you enjoyed the ride despite the vandalism. Al and Donna have a plan to circumvent these little deviants for next year.

It is unfortunate that people sometimes get a kick from sabotaging bicycle tours; TOP also encountered some altered markings this year. I can't say enough about the efforts of our ride leaders in putting our tours together, and the excellent maps they produce to offset these infrequent glitches. Producing our tours take major volunteer efforts by our leaders and are expensive. I have encountered several riders on many tours who do not register or pay to ride. Our Budget Tour fees are low, but are absolutely needed to provide support for these tours. Please register and pay.

What a great weekend for TOSRV this year! I had a great time by altered my normal routine. I stayed off the bike for extended periods and was able to get some photos that I normally miss while taking shorter breaks. I was pleased with the contacts and conversations I had with riders I have met on numerous other Columbus Outdoor Pursuits tours.

Bruce Meyers is still in need of someone to assume leadership of the Columbus Fall Challenge for this year. His schedule will have him out of town during the CFC dates. We need a 2007 coordinator to keep this popular ride going. Route preparations are well under way. Bruce needs someone to help line up volunteers and coordinate the food.

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