BY: Melissa Hall
"You have to motivate yourself with
challenges. That's how you know you
are still alive."
Jerry Seinfeld
I have been keeping an eye on the weather because the motel for the Tour de Mad Dog overnight requires 72 hours cancellation. I see it is not supposed to rain and we decide to hold the ride. Or maybe it is more accurate to say nobody mentions canceling so we don't. Then the weather prediction begins to worry me as the weather forecasters begin predicting heat in the 90's that will have a heat index of over one hundred. Poor Thomas has to stoically endure email after email from me as I worry about the upcoming ride.
The TMD always used to have an overnight, but somehow it got lost along the way. When I sent out a survey earlier this year, surprisingly, at least to me, respondents wanted to revive it. Personally, I always thought it was a shame that it was discontinued. I have so many fond memories of past overnights. Some were tour stages and some were not. I guess a favorite memory was the year Jim "Grizzly" Moore brought his guitar and song sheets for a sing along and we sang "Mad Dogs in the Sky." Not one time, but repeatedly;-) There was just enough alcohol involved that people participated fully. I can still hear Jim Tretter pounding the table and yelling, "One more time." And there was the year when we arrived Mike "Sparky" Pitt had provided Halloween masks for everyone. Or the year Steve Royse arrived too late for the sag. We stopped for clothes for him at a Goodwill near where we were staying. For anyone who is interested, Larry has a video memory of some of these events on Youtube. Somehow overnight adventures seem to accentuate the group bonding of the Mad Dogs.
Thomas Nance was kind enough to volunteer to captain but requested a co-captain. I waited hoping someone else would step up to the plate because each year I doubt my ability to do back to back centuries at this stage of my life plus I tend to be rather bossy and at 69 I am not going to change, but when nobody does I bite the bullet. Once we decide on a destination, I plan a route there and he plans the route home.
This was before knowing it would be scorching hot. Thus far I have always been successful on multi-day trips. Hopefully this will not be the year that changes, but if it is there are lessons we learn from failure. How little we would progress without the occasional failure. It is good to challenge yourself occasionally, to try new things or hard things or different things, to, as Seinfeld notes, know you are alive.
I think you miss a lot in life if you only do those things you are sure you can do successfully because it means limiting yourself and not really knowing for sure if you could or you could not. Sometimes it is good to put yourself outside your comfort zone. I have thought that about Lance Armstrong and his drug use. Could he have won once or even repeatedly without cheating? Neither he nor anyone else will ever know. Looking back, many of the things I regret are those things where I didn't accept a challenge or stretch myself a bit. But that does not mean that making the decision to take the plunge is always an easy one. I am, after all, a chronic worrier with an over active imagination.
Because of the hot weather prediction and worrying about how people will do, I sleep only a couple hours at best the night before, restless to the point where even Tom, the cat that always sleeps at the head of my bed, arches his back, stretches, and heads for the floor to sleep alone and undisturbed by the inconsiderate human who keeps tossing and turning. Everything is laid out and waiting for morning to arrive. Bottles half filled with water in the refrigerator waiting for last minute ice cubes. Clothing that is lighter in color. Sign in sheets and sign out sheets. Wallet. The preparation all made easier by knowing that there will be a sag vehicle and we will not be riding self-supported.
So at this point I want to give a few gigantic shout outs. Bob Evancho, I hope you realize you won the lottery the day you asked Molly to marry you and she accepted. Thank her again for being such a wonderful and dependable sag. Not many people would be willing to devote two entire days to carrying luggage, ice, and water for a group of dirty, smelly, sweaty cyclists. A huge shout out to Janet Bolen as well who also offered to provide some sag services if necessary. It was a huge relief knowing we had someone we could call if a rider needed assistance or a ride in. Not everyone has a spouse who is supportive of their hobby. These two ladies are and I hope their husbands appreciate it. Another shout out to Thomas Nance who was the first to agree to captain this throw back ride. Without our TMD ride captains, the TMD would cease to exist. And Thomas can always be counted on to captain rides as needed with the patience of Job himself.
Morning comes and I am surprised as car after car rolls into the parking lot. There are seventeen of us: Larry Preble, Bryan Holden, Tom Askew, Keith Baldwin, Jon Wineland, Bob Evancho, Glenn Smith, Thomas Nance, Jason Willis, David King, Tim Getloffuge, Fritz Kopatz, Joe Bolan, Ed Scharfenberger, Jeremiah Westendorf, Carilo Molina, and me. Four are not LBC members. I am surprised. Even without the heat, I did not expect this kind of attendance.
The parking lot fills with nervous anticipation as each of us nurses our hopes and fears for the coming days. I know that Jeremiah is only riding with us part of the way and is planning on turning around. Jon Wineland and Jason Willis are opting to go self supported: Jason because he is planning on a solo self-supported trip later this year and Jon because he is weird;-) (I can say that because Jon is a dear friend, because he IS rather off, because I have said it to his face many the time while also claiming the title as my own as well). Perhaps we are all weird, getting ready to ride two hilly century rides over two days in extreme heat without being acclimated and when most people are planning to be inside under the air conditioner or outside in the swimming pool. And then we have two who plan on riding there and back without staying all night. Of those two, only one will be successful: Bryan Holden.
One rider, and I am not sure who, has trouble with his brakes in the parking lot. I assume they get fixed because he rolls out with us into the already warm air at 7:00 a.m. heading for the Red Barn. But maybe not. I don't know Tim and never hear of or from him the rest of the ride. So perhaps it was him. But when we finish, the parking lot is empty so he evidently is not dead and forgotten somewhere out on the side of the course.
The route today is one that I planned. I have driven most, but not all of it. What I did not drive, I "thought" I knew and had taken roads from other rides going in that direction. But more on that later. I called Amos a couple of weeks ago telling him I would be bringing a group of riders in and he has promised to have Gatorade. I normally ride and don't drive my routes ahead of time as this tells you more about dogs and terrain, but this route is an exception as it would have involved an overnight stay.
The group stays together for longer than I expect. As we head for the first hill, a hill I have warned them about and that is shortly before the first store stop, the chatter begins. Everyone is in a good mood. Fritz and I chat a bit about the TMD jersey and other things. I speak with Bryan Holden for a bit recommending he consider PBP in the future since he apparently is comfortable with riding at night and with distance riding. Keith and I find that we have something in common besides a love of cycling. Both of us had siblings that were in accidents that caused them to be in a coma for a long period of time before awakening: his brother and my sister. Keith, Larry, and I talk a bit about loss and how hard it can be at times. In the end, you have no choice but to move it, but it is never easy if you have loved someone who is gone.
As we talk, groups begin to form and my group is the last to arrive at the Red Barn. I had thought I would be at the back alone most of the ride as my strategy was to ride even more slowly than usual, and I can no longer keep up with many of the riders. But this never materializes. Nobody stays long at the Red Barn as we want to make use of the cooler air. No, it is not cool, but we all know it is cooler than it will be in the afternoon. I do warn them of the hill ahead, the one Larry remembers that Cathy Hill named "The Wall," and I also warn them of the hills after the last store stop as we pass Paoli Peaks. While I have not faced them on a bike, they appear to be quite punchy when in a car. (I later find I am not incorrect).
On the long descent following our departure from the Red Barn, I notice someone's bottles flying out of their cages and spinning out across the road. It turns out to be Bob Evancho's bottles and Tom Askew, who was behind him, is dodging them. Fortunately, for we are flying due to the steepness of the descent, Tom and I both miss them. Bob has to turn around to retrieve his bottles and I wait. Today is not the day to not have water bottles full and ready. Hydration will be key. It reminds me of Medora one year when it was hot. Bernice lost her water bottles and did not stop because she did not think she could get them and catch the group or that the group would wait. I retrieved them for her. She would have definitely been in bad shape had I not done so. But having aged and slowed, I better understand her reluctance.
When we arrive at "the wall," I am with the group. By the time we finish the ascent, however, I am not. It was a huge decision for me whether to take the Lynskey with my triple or the Calfee. I chose the Calfee. I have climbed this hill numerous times on the Lynskey and it is one hard hill, but I have never done it on the Calfee. I am amazed at how hard I am struggling when my wheel turns a bit bumping my toe. And I am finished. It is clip out or fall. No way am I descending to start again and no way can I restart. So I walk cursing myself for hitting my toe, for being weak, and for bringing the wrong bike for the job. I also worry about the hills to come. At the top I notice that I was attempting to climb the hill in the big ring and relief washes over me. Tom Askew has waited for me at the top and we take off toward lunch together.
Shortly thereafter, what do we come to but......drum roll.......a gravel road. This is not supposed to be on the route. I have no idea how bad the gravel is or for how long. I have Dieseled the other riders telling them there is no gravel on the route when there obviously is. Fortunately the gravel is easily ridden and is only for only a short stretch, but as I am cracking up imagining the ribbing I will receive while simultaneously I worry if there will be more. Actually, as it turns out, there are very few comments about the gravel, maybe because it isn't bad, but I think how lucky I am that Diesel isn't there after the teasing we gave him. Diesel is, when people ask, per Jon Wineland, adultering this week-end. From what Jon told me, what he meant to say was adulting, but of course once adultering was mentioned it could not be dropped or let go of without a thorough teasing. There isn't more gravel, but I don't recognize these roads. The other routes that use these roads must use a different part of them. I ride and enjoy them and the company.
The orange day lilies are blooming as are the daisies and black-eyed Susan's. Despite the heat, everything is still quite green and lush from the recent rains. And I adore being on roads I do not ride regularly. Tom Askew tells me about different things throughout the ride as do others. While I knew he was in the service, I did not know that he played tennis and represented them at times.
We arrive at Orleans to find that the Dawg House is no more and the pizza place does not open until noon so everyone but Dave and Jon decide to eat at the Mexican Restaurant. I don't think the overnight riders stopped either or Joe Bolen. Tom and I arrive after the others and they originally want to seat us in another room but we end up sitting with Bob and Molly. The food is good and quicker than I expected. When they bring the checks, however, she does not take my credit card and obviously doesn't understand English well enough to understand that she put my meal on Tom's bill. Tom is fluent in German and knows some Spanish, indeed he ordered in Spanish, but decides not to press the issue. I try to give him money for my meal, but he declines. As we leave, I see Jeremiah on the street and he tells me he is turning around. Since the restaurant in about 60 miles in, he will get a century in today, but not one that counts toward the TMD. I bid him safe travels and later text him to ensure that he arrived back safely.
Seven of us basically ride together the rest of the ride. When a few get ahead of us, they wait for us and we regroup. It reminds me of the old days, no dog left behind. I don't remember if it was the first or second day, but at one point while re-grouping, we ride up to find the group conversing with a young, overweight young man on a bicycle. The boy is obviously flabbergasted that we have ridden our bikes there from Scottsburg. I wonder if he is trying to decide if we are lying. He is also seeing a bunch of adults riding bicycles. As a child, I never remember an adult on a bike: only children. I wonder if it will expand his perspective or give him ideas he might not otherwise ever have growing up in a rather small, rural, Indiana town.
A few streets later, this or another boy makes sure to show us up by riding in an area next to the road and passing us. Of course, he has a motor on his bike, but he is obviously quite proud of himself. Thomas and I talk a bit about bikes when we were kids. Thomas said his group was fascinated with Evel Knievel and would build ramps to jump on their bikes. To be young is to think one is invincible to harm, but what fun those exploits were. Perhaps, by choosing to ride today and face these harsh conditions, a little of that remains alive in us even as we age. I like to think so.
The next store stop is only about ten miles from the motel, but with the heat and the upcoming hills I recommend that everyone stop and top everything off. Fortunately, they listen because the heat is getting pretty intense. Dave was quite distraught at the previous store after finding they did not have ice cream. and I was in the dog house;-) This store, however, does not disappoint. I can feel the heat is beginning to tell on me. Earlier in the ride,when Keith has a flat, we begin to joke about others getting flats for a chance to stop and rest. ( At least I "think" it was day one. I find it hard to remain chronological on multi-day rides) At one point, Keith helps me out loaning me a tool to fix my loose water bottle cage. As lose as it turned out to be, I am lucky I noticed and stopped. Frankly, I would have continued to the next store before tightening it not wanting to hold up or lose the group, but they all encourage me to fix it now. Losing use of that cage due to a lose screw could have been disastrous. I am thankful I listened to them and owe them big time.
Luckily, there is also a fairly strong head wind that helps keep us cool enough the rest of the day. Not cool enough for comfort though, just cooler than we might otherwise have been. It is blazing hot and little of this part of the route is shaded. Each of us is coated with a shiny layer of sweat no matter how much we try to hydrate. I know there is no way we can adequately replace the sweat that is covering us. Time to begin monitoring urination. A weird topic, but one the is appropriate for distance riders who need to monitor color and frequency to best judge dehydration.
I walk portions of a few hills on those last miles into the motel only to always find the others waiting and we finish as a group other than a few riders that went ahead riding at their own pace. When we arrive we find that Camilo, who originally intended to ride back with Bryan, is done and trying to find a way home. Eventually, he does. Finishers for day 1 are as follows:
Jon Wineland: 3:23 Group of 1
Camilo Molina 4:00 Group of 2
Bryan Holden 4:00 Group of 2
Ed Scharfenberg 4:00 Group of 3
Fritz Kopatz 4:00 Group of 3
Glenn Smith 4:00 Group of 3
Melissa Hall 4:44 Group of 7
Larry Preble 4:44 Group of 7
Bob Evancho 4:44 Group of 7
Thomas Nance 4:44 Group of 7
Keith Baldwin 4:44 Group of 7
David King 4:44 Group of 7
Tom Askew 4:44 Group of 7
Jason Willis ? Group of 1
When we arrive, Fritz and Glenn are already in the swimming pool having gotten in before us. Jon Wineland has already showered and dressed as has Jason. A few of us walk to Dairy Queen for a post-ride milk shake, or, in Jason's case, blizzard. We agree to meet to walk across the street for pizza at 6:30 to give everyone time to shower and rest for a bit. At dinner, we don't all get to sit together but the service is fast and the pizza is good. When we order the pizza, Tom is ahead of me. The woman asks if we are together. This causes us to laugh as we avoid a repeat from lunch. Then when they bring the pizza the same thing happens. They ask if Tom and I are together. It appears this is going to become a joke on this ride.
A few of us order enough to have the extra for breakfast the following day. The others will pick something up at the store. At dinner Jon tells a funny story about the day. Ed was riding and being chased by a German Shepherd, first in the yard but then in the road when the fence line ended. When he realized Ed was too fast and far ahead for him to catch, he paused not knowing Jon was coming up behind him. Jon yelled and the dog jumped about three feet into the air before skedaddling back to his yard. Keith's wife has joined him and it was delightful to meet her though we were at separate tables so never got a change to chat. I wish we could have all had a table together and that the restaurant was less noisy, but at least we got fast, filling food.
After dinner, we decide that we want to leave earlier than scheduled to beat more of the heat. Bags are to be in the car by 6:00 and we ride at first light. I rather expect Jon to object as he did on my Montgomery overnight, but he does not. We walk to Dollar General to pick up a few more things for our rooms for breakfast as the breakfast places do not open until 7:00. After that, I don't know what anyone else does because I am tired. My head hits the pillow and I sleep. While they might have gone out dancing and partying once I departed, I strongly suspect most did the same.
When we gather in the morning, it is cooler than it will be but already in the seventies and quite humid. Thomas announces he is taking a bit off the route where we go past the hotel. This will mean we reach the climbs earlier. We head out into a misty morning and the worst of the climbs. The climbs are challenging but I don't ever struggle like the previous day. Sleep has restored me. The scenery is fantastic.
Keith later tells me that the mist made him feel as if he couldn't breathe for a bit on the hills and I understand where he is coming from. We hit two significant climbs almost immediately leaving French Lick. The air is so moist it is almost cloying. I suspect most of us feel the same. But the mist also accentuates the early morning beauty giving everything a haunting, mystical feeling. For some reasons it makes me think of a couple morning rides rolling out on TOKYO, a four day tour Steve Rice used to put on for the club. Those that did that ride will always share a bond, and I hope that we all end this ride feeling the same, that we look back on this trip with the pride of accomplishment and a shared adventure.
I actually feel much stronger than I did the prior day. Ed passes me on his recumbent going UP the hill, and I tease him about my shame at being passed by a recumbent going up a hill as if he has not been ahead of me the entire ride. I think how much I love overnight or multi-day trips, particularly in the mornings when everything is so fresh and roads are new and unknown. As I am contemplating this, I notice something. I crack up when I realize that Tom has on the same jersey I picked for the day. I later tease him that all we need is a tandem since on this trip everyone that does not know Tom is happily married to a wonderful person seems to think we are together.
I am really enjoying the new roads we are on and am so grateful to Thomas for putting this route together. We reach Marengo almost too quickly it seems despite the climbs. Not that I complain when Thomas tells me the major climbs are behind us. We follow Jeremiah's suggestion to stay on the highway as it is not busy this time of day. The official stop is Dollar General, but most of us opt for the gas station. When I go to us the restroom in the back, it is occupied and I find a group of old men gathered around a table drinking coffee. I ask them if this is the Liar's Club. They find this amusing and we engage in chatting for awhile. I giggle when one says he wishes he had legs like mine. I figure in ten more years, which I guess is about his age, I will wish I had legs like mine as well.
The second stop is in Palmyra. A couple of people on the ride begin to develop leg cramps that will hound them the rest of the day. They are offered Rolaids and Electrolytes and other fixes. These help but never completely remedy the problem. At lunch I notice Fritz has metal water bottles. I ask about them and he says he got them at Bob's. He said they really keep things cool. Someone asks him how they are for squirting dogs and he admits they don't work for that, but I still like the idea of no plastic and may pursue it in the future. I see Jason outside the lunch stop and he tells me he stopped at the grocery and is going on. I hug him and send him on his way asking that he text me when he gets back so I know he is in safely. I later learn that Jon missed the lunch stop and just rode on finishing with Jason.
At Salem, the third store stop, the day is telling on everyone, yet they are all positive and in a good mood. There is still joking and laughing and very little moaning or groaning even among those cramping. Everyone is determined to see this ride through, and remarkably they do. And seven of us finish as a group, encouraging, regrouping, making this happen. This would have been a demanding overnight without the unexpected heat. The hills both days were challenging and many. The fact that the heat just happened, slapping us in the face, made it tougher as nobody had been able to even begin to acclimate as you normally do with a few shorter rides. We return as proud conquerors of the hills, the heat, and ourselves. A few say it is the hardest ride they have ever completed. NO DOG LEFT BEHIND! A few had finished before our group. I hope they also had a joyful finish and not a "Thank God, it's finally over finish." We ARE still alive.
Tomorrow I will wake with part of me glad for the rest day that I see in my future, but there will be a part of me that is sad that I will not be swinging my leg over the top bar onto the bike for another day of adventure. WELL DONE DOGS~WELL DONE.
FINISHERS ON DAY TWO: FRENCH LICK TO SCOTTSBURG
Jon Wineland 1:47 Group of 2
Jason Willis 1:47 Group of 2
Fritz Kopatz 2:49 Group of 3
Glenn Smith 2:49 Group of 3
Ed Scharfenberger 2:49 Group of 3
Thomas Nance 3:22 Group of 7
Bob Evancho 3:22 Group of 7
Larry Preble 3:22 Group of 7
Melissa Hall 3:22 Group of 7
Keith Baldwin 3:22 Group of 7
David King 3:22 Group of 7
Tom Askew 3:22 Group of 7
See the May 2025 Newsletter HERE.
By: Melissa Hall
"I get the news I need on the
weather report. And I have nothing
to do today but smile."
Paul Simon
One of the worst things about ride captaining can be making decisions about whether to have or to cancel a ride due to weather. There are those days where it "might" rain or it "might" storm or there "might" be winds strong enough to knock a telephone pole. If you cancel, particularly if it doesn't rain or hail or storm or there is not a tornado, someone is always upset. If you don't and someone gets hurt or doesn't ride due to potential danger, you shoulder blame. But today is not one of those days. I have been holding my breath all week long waiting for the ax to fall, but it does not. Despite all the recent rain and wind, today is predicted to be partly sunny with light winds and a high of around seventy degrees; in other words, perfect cycling weather.
Story Century holds many memories for me. It is where Matt "Pocket Chicken" Tindal, someone who used to ride with us, got his name because he carried his lunch in his pocket. It is the century Mark "Deacon Dog" Rougeux and I rode one day when it literally poured buckets of rain all day long after we had assured ourselves before starting that the rain would stop. It was chilly that day, and Mark, on his recumbent, had to deal with finding that his riding position allowed rain to enter the sleeves of his rain jacket puddling in the arms. It was the century where Bill "Cisco" Pustow and a small group actually took the time to eat breakfast inside and how we laughed when the waitress was handing out bills and literally sang "William." It was the century where a man I didn't know showed up in new white shoes training for the RAIN ride and got so upset when we reached the gravel section even though it was advertised on the ride description saying, "You've got to be kidding me." (That section has since been rerouted by popular demand;-) And of course it is the century Jon "Lunchbox" Wineland and I rode just under two weeks ago to check the route arriving to find that the grill was not going and we would have to ride twenty two extra miles to find nourishment. I was NOT jovial by the time we reached Brownstown as the man who stopped to try to talk to us while we were searching for food found out when I did not respond to his bantering. And I could bore you and go on, but I will not.
It is a large crowd that gathers for the ride on this glorious day. Amelia Dauer, Tom Askew, Steven Sarson, Fritz Kopatz, Bob Grable, Larry Preble, David King, Harley Wise, John Dippold, Jon Wineland, Steve Rice, Bob Evancho, Keith Baldwin, Mark Rougeux, Jerry Talley, David Frey, Steve Puckett, Michael Kamenish, Terrell Brown, Ben Simmons, Jeremiah Wertendorf, and Glenn Smith all fill the parking lot. I ask Jerry if Sharon is coming today because, while I only see the back side of her riding off in the sunset, it is good to have other women riding. Sadly, he says she is not. And the parking lot is full. Any other riders would have had to park in the spill over lot. Dave King surprises me by not pulling into the parking lot with squealing tires about one minute before the ride start. Instead Glenn Smith and another rider are the last to arrive.
The parking lot fills with the sound of chatter, laughter, and bicycle sounds: brakes tested, front wheels put back on, bikes being tested. Meanwhile, the sky is blue with a few clouds. The air has a bit of a bite in it, but it is one of those days when one knows the chill is quite temporary and will be tempered quickly by the sultry the sun. I tease Mark Rougeux when he is talking about something and says, "Just call me stupid." I announce that a new Mad Dog is born. I warn everyone not to go out too fast, that the hills are almost all in the middle of the ride, and to stop at stop signs as they are there for a reason. I also ask embarrass myself, as usual, by not recognizing Ben. Ben loses the ability to gain a point as a new rider when he admits to having ridden with us previously.
Of course, we all disregard my warning, at least about going out lickety-split, and the fun begins. Amelia is the first to notice that we are going 17 to 18 mph, a pace the front riders will probably hold but those of us in the back will not. Being sensible and not wanting the end to turn into a death march, she reels some of us in the back to more sustainable pace. I am grateful for this. While nobody bonks on the ride today, this may be one of the reasons. Even the back of the pack today averages 15.4.
When we reach the Shield's covered bridge, of my group, only Steven Sarson and I ride through the bridge. The others take the new road. Steve Puckett stops to take a photograph and I wait. It does not take us long to catch up. Shortly thereafter is the first climb. It is not much of a climb, but your legs do know it IS a climb and after all the flat tend to protest. After we crest, we near the first store. I think of how many stores there were when I first put this route together. Three no longer in business.
Jokingly, I ask the group if I should announce Mark's new Mad Dog moniker: Stupid Dog. Steven tells me that Mark is now appearing on television locally and Steve P. also has seen him. He is dressed in his religious attire as a Deacon. Steven suggests calling him Deacon Dog. Later I will make the announcement only to be reminded that Mark has two other Mad Dog names; Rocky and Ass Whisperer. You can ask him about those nicknames;-) Oh, my memory. Isn't old age wonderful?
There are two possible first stop stops in Freetown: Dollar General and Denney's. Normally, unless I have to use the bathroom, I like to stop at Denney's supporting what is an old country store, not the restaurant. But because of the bathroom, everyone stops at Dollar General. It is a long stop as a woman beats the group to the restroom and is in no rush to depart. One bathroom, 23 riders, and one woman who is having issues. You do the math.
I laugh at John when he tells me he was about to pop on arrival as there is no place on the first of the route to stop. And there isn't. It is mostly flat farmland other than the one hill mentioned previously and there is no forest. While I have always asserted it is easier for a man to relieve himself during a ride than a woman, (other than France where they don't seem to care if you pull your pants down at the side of the road) it is not easy for either without the cover of corn fields or trees. Earlier, before the ride started, I failed to recognize John. It is odd how different people look without their helmets on. Once again, I know who he is.
We head onward toward Story. This is where the hills begin. I forgot to remind everyone that the hill we used to have to walk because the road had cracked and slid halfway down the hill and they had closed it placing gravel at the top had finally been mended. It is not a terribly long hill, but it is a terribly steep hill, as Joe Ward used to say, a "gut buster." Now, with the road being open, there is no excuse to walk. Everyone clambers up only to face the hills that will assault us until lunch. Still, this middle section is my favorite part of the ride. I notice daisies in the fields for the first time. Some of the fields have the yellow flower cover. I even see a few corn plants that are showing themselves.
When we arrive at Story, a group of five, most of the others are there. There are a few that have not stopped, but the majority have. We order at the grill and sit outside chatting and listening to the guitar player. He looks to be a few years older than me and many of his songs are from my younger years. Lunch at Story is never cheap, and I forewarned riders in the ride description, but something happens this time that has never happened on our prior visits.
Some of us order potato chips with our meal. In the past, they have always given us a bag of chips. Amelia gets her food first and there are about 5 potato chips. When I get mine, there are "maybe" five, four or which are crumbled into small bits. Others have the same experience. I later joke about at least there were five since nobody can eat just one. (Older readers will get that). I am told that Keith had the good sense to complain and received more. The rest of us eat our four or five potato chips, our sandwich, and move on. As we are leaving, I notice that the people that ordered after us got full bags of chips. I joke to Amelia that it really wasn't fair as those people had not ridden sixty miles to get there and didn't NEED a whole bag of potato chips.
We leave with smiles on our faces ready to meet the worst and last hill a few miles down the road. It is long and is one of those hills that rather than having the steep part at the bottom and flattening out, has the steeper part near the top. But we climb with the knowledge that once this hill is properly vanquished, there will be no more until Brownstown. After all, Garmin tells us so.
By now it is Tom Askew, Amelia Dauer, Bob Grable, Steve Sarson, Steve Puckett, and myself. I joke with Bob that he is going to lose his first place in the standings if Larry finishes with a large group. Bob banters back that maybe one of us could have a flat tire and he could stop and help. We make it to Brownstown. The middle group is just finishing when we arrive. Some of us go to Dairy Queen and some to the gas station before heading back out and making the last significant climb of the day. It is a short but very steep scarp, one of those climbs that somehow looks easier than it is. But everyone makes the climb for the last flat stretch toward home.
I assume that we must have had at least a light tail wind just from the speed with with we finish those last few miles. Somewhere along the way, we pick up Glenn who went off course and picked up a few miles. I later learn that Jeremiah also went off course and added quite a few miles. Not even the normal stampede for the barn accounts for our increased speed.
When we arrive, most have left but a few are there and spend time chatting before heading out, some to join me for dinner at Cracker Barrel and others for their homes. Diesel sticks the water bottles he borrows in the pockets on the back of my jersey and everyone laughs when he teases that he is playing with my jugs. It is always good to end a ride with jokes and laughter. No known mechanicals on the ride. No known flats. No spills or accidents. No bonking or DNF's. It was a good cycling day. Thanks, all, for your great attitudes and coming out to play!
Steve Rice: 3:30 p.m. Group of 2
Mark Rougeux: 3:30 p.m. Group of 2
_________________________________________________
John Dippold: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3
Fritz Kopatz: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3
Jerry Talley: 3:55 p.m. Group of 3
_______________________________________
Bob Evancho: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Larry Preble: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Jon Wineland: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Keith Baldwin: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Harley Wise: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
David Frey: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Michael Kamenish: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Jeremiah Westerdorf: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
Ben Simmons: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
David King: 4:14 p.m. Group of 10
____________________________________
Glenn Smith 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Terrell Brown: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Tom Askew: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Steven Sarson: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Steve Puckett: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Melissa Hall 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
Amelia Dauer: 4:37 p.m. Group of 8
"The hardest part is over. You showed up." ~Jess Simms
When I step out the door to put my bike in the car, it feels chilly but not uncomfortably so. I make sure I have a jacket and vest thinking I will use one or the other. I debate between shorts and knickers, and thankfully decide on the knickers. But when I arrive at the ride start, it seems like the temperature has dropped significantly and I will end up wearing both.
Most of the riders are having the same dilemma. Larry is sorting through riding apparel he keeps in his car. I notice a new rider, Zeke, age 16, I believe, in a short sleeved jersey. I shiver looking at him. I end up offering to loan him my spare arm warmers and he accepts. Larry loans him long fingered gloves. Meanwhile, Harley is talking about whether to change to long pants rather than his shorts. Amelia struggles with how to dress so as to be warm yet not overdress. Only a few riders seem comfortable with the choice they made leaving home. All of us have ridden enough to know that we should be chilled at the start to be comfortable while riding, but it is hard to know just how chilled because it is not much fun having to ride faster than your preference to stay warm and still being cold. Oh, well, misery loves company. And there is lots of company today.
Despite the bite of the air that seems too sharp for this late in April and is enhanced by the dampness, everyone is laughing, smiling, and chatting as they do when they are a tad nervous but anticipating a good ride, a good course, and good company. The hardest part is, indeed, in some ways over because we made the decision to roll out of bed and come out to play. I briefly think of how seldom that I regret the decision to ride. Occasionally, but not very often. There is just something about a good bike ride that makes me happy, and I know this is a very scenic course, particularly the first half. By the time spring rolls around each year, my eyes and my soul have been starved for green and color and there is just no better way to absorb it than on a bike ride. I am always glad when God grants me another spring on the bike.
Cars continue pulling in even as we near start time. Bob begins to fret about whether there will be enough parking. Twenty one riders show up: Bob Grable, the ride captain, David Frey, Glenn Smith, Amelia Dauer, Larry Preble, Zeke Ledford, Joe Bolen, Harley Wise, Jerry Talley, Steve Rice, Tom Askew, Dave King, Bob Evancho, Glenn Smith, Mike Kamenish, Jon Wineland, Keith Baldwin, Vince Livingston, William Gillen, Sharon Jeter, and Jeremiah Westendorf. It is nice to see two other women riding, though I don't actually see Sharon Jeter except at the start and driving off in her car. Sharon is very strong and fast. And it is nice to see Vince Livingston come to a century. Again, as with Sharon, I see him in the parking lot. I do not see him driving away. In fact, I suspect he has reached home and showered by the time I come in;-) It is also nice to see Southern Indiana Wheelmen joining us again. There are two riders, Joe Bolen and Jeremiah. I also have the pleasure of meeting Joe's wife, Janet, before the ride begins.
Bob gathers everyone for the pre-ride speech and I later tease him about whether he is trying to take the record for the longest pre-ride speech. (The record is probably held by Kirk Roggencamp but Bob comes very close this morning;-) Bob is concerned because just this morning, he was looking at the course and noticed Google has marked a road we are to ride as being closed. It wasn't closed when he drove the route a few days prior, but we all know that can change overnight. He has everyone put their phone number on the sign in sheet just in case and tries to tell everyone a complicated work around that I know I won't remember and I doubt many others will either. I know I will be in the back with Bob, so it is not so very important to me anyway. And if I am not, my GPS has a "reverse route" button on it. It won't be the first time many of us have faced an obstacle on a century ride. He also is concerned that some of the roads may have water on them from all the rain. But they don't other than a few puddles here and there and water lining the sides of the road. The road he was concerned about does not end up being closed either.
While it is cold at first, the beauty of the scenery soon steals one's attention. Everything is turning green. Traffic is light to non-existent in places. The yellow flowers of spring fill some of the fields. Bob says he has learned that some are wild mustard (this I knew) and some are wild beets (this I didn't know). Whenever I see wild flowers that I can't identify on a ride, something that happens quite often as I never was good with names and am worse now), I think of Duc Do. Many of you have never met Duc as he no longer rides with the LBC, but he once was a member. If you are into flowers, I recommend you check out his web page on flowers he has found wandering the roads of Indiana and Kentucky: https://www.kywildflowers.org. Anyway, they are beautiful and like daffodils, a sign that summer and warm weather is knocking. Soon arm warmers, knee warmers, balaclavas, and long fingered gloves will be forgotten and put away and shorts and jerseys and bandanas will rule.
At the first stop store, most of the riders are still there but a few have come and gone. I don't see Jerry or Sharon or Vince. There may be one or two others that weren't there. Someone tells me this is their favorite country store of all the stores we frequent, and I agree that it is a great store. In front of the store sit two liars benches, one labeled for Republicans and one for Democrats that always amuses me. The people that work there are nice. Amelia and I share a glance when a non-rider chides the checkout girl for putting his full order of biscuits and gravy in a small rather than a larger container because neither of us can see what it would matter. David Frey introduces himself and says he rode with the group once last year. It is just so good to see new faces taking on the challenge. One of my dearest wishes is to see the tour continue and grow.
The group takes off for Corydon where the lunch stop is. By this time I am riding with Dave King, Steve Rice, Bob Grable, and Amelia. If you know Dave King, you know that he takes great pleasure in eating, so much so that it is fun to share a meal with him, so I ask where he wants to eat and he says Culver's. After the long climb up the hill we arrive and find that Mike Kamenish and Jon Wineland have chosen to eat there as well. They ask about others and Amelia said she saw bicycles at Subway. Mike and Jon surprise me by waiting for us and we head out together. Everyone is groaning about the headwind, but it does not turn out as bad as I thought it might and we reach Palmyra to find most of the other riders there. The sun comes out and most of us have stripped a layer or two, but it is still nippy and there is not much danger of overheating unless one really overdressed.
We all head out afterward except for one abandon, but the faster riders pull gradually ahead. Near the end we find them waiting for us and we all finish as a group of 15. I try to remember when a stage finished with a group of fifteen. What is unusual now was once the norm and it was rather nice. Zeke has finished his first century and since the course is a bit short, signs in and rides it out. Thanks, Bob, for a pleasant course and thanks to all the riders for a pleasant day. And thanks to all who came out to play. It was a great day!
Finishing groups are as follows:
Joe Bolan 3:19 group of one
Vince Livingston 3:36 group of one
Jerry Talley 3:53 group of three
Jeremiah Westendorf 3:53 group of three
Sharon Jeter 3:53 group of three
The group of 15 which finished at 4:09:
Larry Preble
Mike Kamenish
Jon Wineland
Zeke Ledford
Tom Askew
Keith Baldwin
Bob Evancho
Harley Wise
Steve Rice
Amelia Dauer
Glenn Smith
David Frey
Bob Grable
David King
Melissa Hall
See the April 2025 newsletter HERE
By: Jessica Lawrence
I’ve always loved being on my bike—whether it’s mountain biking, road cycling, or touring. For me, cycling represents freedom, independence, health, and happiness.
In 2013, I cycled 4,200 miles solo on my Road to Rhode trip from the Oregon coast to Rhode Island. Now, as I approach my 50th birthday this summer, I feel incredibly fortunate to be healthy and able to take on this journey again!
This time, I’ve added a new purpose to my ride—raising funds for the LouCity & Racing Foundation, an organization I’m proud to serve on as a Board member. The LouCity & Racing Foundation is the charitable arm of Louisville’s two professional soccer teams, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC. Their goal is to make soccer accessible to all youth, regardless of financial barriers, by providing programming, scholarships, and equipment across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. I’m deeply passionate about this mission, which is why I’ve chosen to dedicate my ride to supporting the Foundation. My role as a Board member is the perfect blend of my professional mission—helping young people thrive—and my love for the game.
Starting in Simsbury, CT, on May 18, after the Louisville City FC May 17 match versus Hartford Athletic, means a lot to me. I will attend three home games on the way back through Louisville early June, and off to Kansas City to see Racing Louisville FC play June 14. From KC, I’ll head to Colorado Springs to watch Louisville City FC take on Colorado Switchbacks, heading west to California and ending in San Diego to watch Racing Louisville FC play San Diego Wave FC August 24.
You can follow along here, donate here, and learn more by going to my website here!
Kick off National Bike Month by joining us for Bike to the Game Night!
In conjunction with my trip, I’ve been passionate about supporting people cycling in their communities. Having lived in Portland, Oregon, for 20 years before moving to Louisville, I regularly cycled to and from Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer matches. When I arrived in Louisville and joined the Board of the LouCity & Racing Foundation, I started conversations with Soccer Holdings, the Foundation, and Metro to bring an event to life that encourages people to cycle to the stadium. And now, it’s happening this May!
Meet at: Trellis Brewing, 827 Logan St., Louisville, KYRide Starts: 6:00 pm, 2-mile ride (Kick-off 7:30pm)Game: Louisville City FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SCDate: Saturday, May 10thSpecial Offer: Free tickets to the first 50 riders!Fellowship: Cyclists are welcome in the Seltzer Garden portion of the stadium starting at 6pm for pre-game $2 happy hour beers and networking time!
The Louisville Bicycle Club and Bike Louisville are leading a group ride to and from the Louisville City FC game, arriving in time for a pre-match happy hour and returning after the final whistle.
This event combines my love for cycling and soccer while bringing the community together in an active and meaningful way. I’d love to see you there—whether you’re riding alongside me for part of my journey, cheering from the stands, or simply supporting the LouCity & Racing Foundation in your own way.
Let’s ride for a cause, celebrate the sport, and make a difference together!
"The most difficult thing is the
decision to act, the rest is mere
tenacity. The fears are paper tigers.
You can do anything you decide to do."
Amelia Earhart
It was one of those days when it was hard to force myself to go out and play. It would have been easy to talk myself out of it with the wind prediction and the cold. I weary of the cold. All week the temperature prediction kept coming down and the wind prediction kept going up. Plus, the winter has not been conducive to activity. Weather along with cataract surgery impeded fitness and made me soft despite hiking when permitted. This was not just any century. It was a 107 mile century with somewhere between four to five thousand feet of climb. Lastly, I would need to start to the ride in the dark. Like any human, I use excuse after excuse to justify laziness, but experience has taught me that while there is always the weird exception to the rule, I am almost always happy that I forced myself out the door and rode. Today would turn out to be no exception.
I arrive and am the first in the parking lot, but it is not long before others join me. Thomas Nance, John Dippold, Fritz Kopatz, Larry Preble, Mike Kamenish, Bob Grable, and Dominic Wassserzug are there as well as the ride captain and course designer, Jon Wineland. Shivering, we sign in, and then make our final decisions as to what to wear. There is only supposed to be about a 10 degree temperature change throughout the day which makes it easier, but I still opt to carry a light backpack for possible shedding. Larry heads off into the wind for a pre-ride check for clothing accuracy. The others, like me, seem to be adding and shedding before making a final decision.
Soon we are off. Shortly after our start, the sun comes out which makes a huge difference, both mentally and physically. And with the first hill, we all warm up. The group quickly splits into two groups with Larry Preble, Thomas Nance, Fritz Kopatz, Mike Kamenish, and John Dippold pulling ahead. Thomas rides quite a bit with the Ridenfaden club throughout the winter and is always strong, thus his Mad Dog Name of Thomas the Train. And I know Fritz does Zwift. When I first met Fritz, for some reason I thought he would be a slower rider. Instead, as people talk about later in this ride, he is one of the strongest riders in the club. I'm not sure how John trains or how he rides. I can't remember if this is the rider who came to Medora late or not. Mike later reveals he also has been Zwifting and Larry reveals he has just re-started outside rides after being off due to personal tragedy. Regardless, they are all three quite strong.
Most of the climbs in this ride, the major climbs anyway, are in the first part of the ride. The Garmin shows three climbs,, the Wahoo shows eleven. The climbs that Garmin shows, are all before the first store stop. Shortly after one climb, Bob Grable comments on our "blistering" pace of a bit over 11 mph. I just giggle having expected this. You can't put the bike away when it turns cold and not train inside and expect to have fall legs. And we do pick the pace up so that we end with over a 12 mph average. I am not sure what the average turns out to be as I struggle with my new Wahoo and lose my mileage and data half way through but someone said it had risen. Regardless, my goal is to finish and hopefully finish without it becoming a death march where I begin to hate cycling and myself for coming. I have no illusions of finishing with speed. Indeed, I have my daughter on call in case I am unable to finish.
The last climb before the first store stop is voluntary. It is a descent down to the bridge and then back up the way you came. I toy with the idea of not doing it, but someone mentions the bathrooms at the park there and so I descend making straight for the facilities. Despite the hours sign on the door, the door is locked and the park office is closed. I turn around to go to the store telling the others and momentarily blaming it on Trump forgetting that it is a State park and not a National park. Jon reminds me of this fact and I laugh at my quickness in accessing blame. My laughter dies during the climb but remains in my head because we humans are so weird, myself included. Indeed, at one point during the ride someone, I think Bob, is talking about someone (not a rider) being strange and it strikes me as hilarious as I point out to him that most people are not out here riding 107 miles with a headwind for the first half in cold weather and that many might find this activity strange.
We hit the first store stop. I playfully tease Mike about us now having a jump on Dave King who is not here today. (Mike, Dave, and I are the only three riders who have completed the tour every year since its inception in 2004). After a quick feed, I head out ahead of the others as I am starting to chill. No need spending energy on goosebumps. Bob goes with me. Soon the others, minus Dominic, show up. When asked, they said they could not find Dominic and Jon tells me Dominic said he was not really feeling up to par and might bail. The assumption is that he either left before all of us and we will eventually catch him or he went home. I feel a bit sorry for Jon as I know it is worrying to lose riders when you are captaining. Believe me, I know. I think I am the only LBC captain that once lost ALL the riders on her route. (While chasing a group that went off course and never catching them, the front group went off course. I thought I was chasing them, crossing flood waters while carrying my bike,, and ended up at the ride ending alone. I had just gotten in when I received a phone call from one of the riders asking where I was. I felt so badly about it but also saw the humor. Not sure about the riders.
Anyway, when we reach the first covered bridge, Busching Bridge, Larry and Mike are waiting for us. They say that Thomas, John, and Fritz have sprinted ahead. Larry said he had wanted to spend some time photographing the bridge. Mike and he will ride with us the rest of the day. I enjoy this as I rarely ride with either any more and Mike is cracking me up with the occasional off color joke as he used to do. The only time we will see Thomas, John, and Fritz again is at the lunch stop. They are getting ready to leave when we arrive. They sign in as finishing an hour ahead of the rest of us.
Before lunch we pass Otter Creek Covered Bridge and Westport Covered Bridge. I don't stop with the others and keep pedaling as I am really starting to feel worn out and beginning to worry about finishing. We never catch Dominic and Jon does not have his phone number. We talk about it over lunch. I had warned Jon prior to lunch that I intended to eat quickly and leave before the rest so as not to slow everyone down, however, it turns out everyone but Jon eats quickly and is ready to leave. Right before we finish, however, Dominic walks in. Somehow Jon missed seeing his bike when he left the store. Dominic then went a bit off course. Evidently a dog came out and caused him to miss a turn. (Lots of dogs on this route as is often the case in Indiana). Jon stays to eat with him. The rest of us take off.
I find that lunch has revived me and determine to stay with the others who assure me they want to ride with me and are okay with a slower pace. I find that while I was in the store, I lost the direction arrows on my Wahoo. This and only this keeps me from heading out and letting them catch me since they were all using the facilities and I am not. I end up having to end the ride and restart and reload the route, but I do get my arrows back, a huge relief. The others tease me for my dependence on the arrows. I don't apologize. Mentally, I go back in time to when we rode before GPS with just a cats eye and a written cue sheet, or in my case, occasionally with a pocket full of sidewalk chalk so I would know my return route. How hard I often pedaled to be sure that I was not left somewhere in the middle of nowhere not knowing where to go. But oh, how fun those days were.
When we reach the third store stop, Dominic and Jon come in before we have finished and we all leave together. Prior to this, an old woman stops her car in the parking lot, waving her finger at us and telling us to be careful. Okay, Mom. I am fine with this. As I told the others, it is a refreshing change from being yelled at for being on the road.
Soon after leaving, I realize that Jon and Dominic are not with us. Someone tells me that Dominic was starting to cramp. I have feared cramps the entire ride. They are still not the norm for me, but I do get them more than I used to and I know I am asking a lot of my muscles today. We have been riding long enough and are tired enough that chatting is beginning to fade and everyone is thinking of the finish. My knees are achy and I am so glad there are no long climbs before the end. I can't say I am unhappy to see the end, but I find I am glad that I rode. I don't feel like doing a jig, but I also feel better than I anticipated feeling. Despite my lack of training, I have felt worse following other rides. We sign in and shortly thereafter Jon and Dominic pull in. Dominic said he ate something and it seemed to take care of his cramps.
For this ride, as is often the case when conditions are too hot, too cold, too windy, just not ideal, the hardest part was getting out the door. Fear is, indeed, a paper tiger. Tonight I will rest with my fear of not being capable of finishing assuaged. Until the next hard century. But, oh, how happy I am that riding season is back. Another spring. I am blessed.
By: Steven Sarson
The Louisville Bicycle Club has the rides!!
I would like to take a moment at this time to Honor John Fong. John returned to his Heavenly Father on February 22, 2025. John was an avid cyclist and friend to many in the cycling community. He had a positive impact on everyone he met and always had an encouraging word for you as you worked to become better. John could ride with the best of them - but he also had the patience and subtle encouragement to sweep a Tour De Mad Dog century and ride with the back of the pack. And all of this with a smile on his face!!
We will miss you John!
Rest Forever In Peace
Thanks to a number of dedicated Ride Captains, and in spite of the miserable weather, who seemed to be able to sneak in a ride anytime there seemed to be a window of opportunity. Thanks to those Ride Captains who challenged Mother Nature and snuck in some rides on those good days. Our LBCz (Zwift) group has kept a number of members riding as well. The Tour De Mad Dog has already completed stage 1. Stage 2 is scheduled for March 29th. Overall mileage totals may be down for the winter months, but there is a lot of enthusiasm and a ride schedule that continues to fill. A full ride schedule of local, out of town and fundraiser style rides are already on the schedule. There is a partial list at the end of this article. Let me know of any additional rides that should be on our schedule
As we enter our busy riding “season”, I would like to see more of the riders who come to rides do the actual ride that is on the schedule. The Ride Captains work hard to provide great routes and sweep them during their rides. It is extremely difficult to sweep a route when riders are not on it. Let's ride together in 2025 and encourage everyone to be their best.
Time to get the bike and rider ready to do some miles. Here are some simple pre-ride tips and some suggestions for a great riding season
- Always check your bike before you head out to a ride - The ABC-Quick check gets you ready to ride
- Encourage the new riders and those around you
- Be aware of the traffic around you and ride with it
- Be courteous and obey traffic signals
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Signal your intentions
- Communicate with your group
- Help the rider on the side of the road with a problem. You could be their hero and save someone from a long wait or even longer walk
- Support someone who is doing a Charity FundRaising ride with a donation - any amount helps and adds to the total
- Volunteer to help with club activities, local rides and events and fundraisers for the LBC
- ENJOY THE RIDE!!
Here is a partial list of the upcoming 2025 Rides and Events that are on our schedule. Join us for one or all of them. Have a safe ride in 2025!
Tour De Mad Dog - 20 stages scheduled, Time Trial TBA
Tour de Lou Training Rides - Sundays at Noon until April 6
Tour de Lou - April 19
Five Boro Bike Tour aka Bike NY May 4
Three Steeples Ride - School fundraiser
Bike MS - Bluegrass Bourbon Ride June 14-15 Join The LBC Team or Please Make a Donation
Tour de Pork - Turtle Run Winery August 2
OKHT - August 9
Bike To Beat Cancer - Sept 13 - Join the LBC Team or Please Make a Donation
Harvest Homecoming - Sept 27 - Support the Southern Indiana Wheelmen
Bourbon Burn - September 26, 27, 28 KY Horse Park
Crawdaddy’s LBC Christmas Giving Ride - December 6
The twentieth Tour de Mad Dog begins soon: March 1, 2025. But don't worry if you are not ready then. You have plenty of chances through the end of November to ride your ten centuries and earn one of the coveted finisher jerseys.
First, a short history of the tour. The Tour de Mad Dog is not to be confused with the Mad Dogs or being a Mad Dog. The Mad Dogs were started by Tim “Choo Choo” Chilton, Mike “Sparky” Pitt, Bill “Cisco” Pustow, Anong “Mrs. Mad Dog” Pustow, Eddie “Waldo” Doerr, and some man named Jay who never rode with the club again but did that first Mad Dog Century, BMB, with the founders. The group's goal was to help people complete their first century and to emphasize group riding. If you completed one century, you were considered an official Mad Dog.
Tim Chilton was responsible for designing the Tour de Mad Dog which grew the group in ways nobody imagined. This was is 2004. This year will be the twentieth anniversary of the tour as for two years it was not held because of the Pandemic that swept the country. The tour has changed in many ways since its inception, but continues to be a challenge and to encourage group riding.
The current rules for the TMD are as follows:
To be an official finisher, one must successfully complete 10 stages. This year there will be 21 stages. There will also be a time trial that will be organized by David “Bam Bam” King that will count as a stage.
Anyone who is an LBC (Louisville Bicycle Club) member who finishes 10 stages will be a finisher and will earn one of the coveted finisher jerseys. When enough sponsorship is obtained, the jersey is provided free. At other times it is provided at a minimal cost. Please let one of the Tour Directors know if you are aware of a business that would be willing to sponsor the tour.
There will be a male and female “winner” each year, but winning is limited to every third year. Since this is the first year for this change, last year's winners are eligible to win in 2025. The winner will be determined by points at the end of the season.
The points awarded are as follows:
To receive credit, you MUST sign in legibly and be an LBC club member. No attempt will be made to determine who you are if your signature is unreadable. If you forget to sign in following the ride, please notify us within a week to receive credit. Also, to earn credit for bringing/being a new rider, you must email the TMD directors at Tourde...@LouisvilleBicycleClub.org within one week. Same thing for stopping to help a rider with a mechanical issue or who is having problems with heat, etc.
Stages may be anywhere from 95 to 110 miles in length unless approved by the Touring Director with the exception of the overnight. This exception is for if the overnight is the traditional Mammoth Cave which has higher mileage but is a longstanding Mad Dog tradition. (68 percent wanted an overnight this year).
Cancellations will be announced a minimum of TWO hours prior to the advertised start time. The cancellation announcements are the responsibility of the ride captain and will be at their discretion. The cancellation should be announced on the Mad Dog email list https://groups.google.com/g/tour-de-mad-dog and on the LBC calendar. In the event there is a conflict of information between the Event Calendar and the ride calendar, the ride calendar will be considered correct.
All canceled stages will be made up. This make up should be the next day or the following free Saturday. The Ride Captain should let the Directors know his/her preference. If this won't work for some reason, the Ride Captain should let the TMD Directors know immediately.
All stages of the tour will have a Ride With GPS file, a cue sheet, two rest stops, and a lunch stop. Rides should be swept by the ride captain. If a rider feels he/she cannot reasonably keep the pace advertised by the ride captain, he/she MAY leave early after obtaining permission from the ride captain. If the ride captain says no, you will receive no credit for the ride if you leave early.
The Current TMD Schedule is as follows and should be available on the club ride calendar along with the GPS file:
Challenge yourself. I can't promise it will always be easy. I can't promise that it will always be fun. But I can promise you that you will feel a sense of accomplishment if you stay the course and that you will meet people whose company you will enjoy. Most things in life that are worthwhile do have a degree of difficulty. As Nike says, “Just Do It.” Come out and play!
See it here: January Newsletter
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