2009 Ride Reports
December 6 - CCCC
No ride. Sunny 32 degrees, 15 mph west wind. Chill factor too high; trace of snow and ice on the roads.
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November 29 - CCCC
Forty-two degrees and climbing under sunny skies at our 10AM start. Light SSW winds. We liked last weeks' route so much
that we repeated it exactly today. Temperature was fifty-three degrees by our break at 20 miles, and held there through
our post ride patio (can you believe it?) lunch. A very nice ride indeed. 30.7 miles.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
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November 22 - CCCC
Yet another great riding day. 10AM temp 48 degrees and climbing, blue skies, and single digit NE wind. We headed north
on Goodrich than worked our way over Martin, Strickler, Lapp, Salt, Crego, Berghorn, Kelkenberg, Burdick, Ton. Crk.,
Fletcher, Moore, Meahl, Draper, McNeeley, Hake, Jackson and up Rt.93 to a break at McD's at just under 20 miles.
No traffic to speak of; add in the warm Fall sunlight and it made for a very nice ride indeed. We returned via Skyline
past the park and over State St. for an nice long downhill run into the Village of Akron down East St. and over to the
bike path. We picked up the pace (aided by a slight tailwind) for a 7 mile sprint along the bike path all the way to CCCC.
Lots of bikers taking advantage of the pre Thanksgiving riding opportunity. We lunched in the sun on the CCCC patio.
Can our luck this Fall hold out? Probably not, but you never know. 30.7 miles.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
(guest appearance Susan Eilenberg, unable to ride today)
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November 15 - CCCC
Dry with temps in the low 50's throughout the ride despite overcast skies. Taking advantage of the continued good riding
weather and looking for a change, we headed down to the Village of Alden, generally using our Tillman WMA route, but
heading south on Millgrove to a break at the Alden Town Park. A low front expected to come in around 4 PM came in early
and we were hit with some significant gusts on our return trek. Wunderground confirmed they were 22-24 mph just for
the short period we were into the headwind. Other than that hour or so the winds were single digits. After the ride we
enjoyed what very well may be the last patio lunch at the CCCC this year, joined by Susan's pup Sascha who received a
lot of attention.  40.2 miles
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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November 8 - CCCC
Riding weather doesn't get much better than today, regardless of the month. 57 º at 10AM start, and reaching 67º
by rides end; wind as low as it gets. To take full advantage, we again drove to a remote start from Rapids Vol. Fire.
Co. We did a  new route today, a huge clockwise circle: Wisterman, Kinne, Simms, Miller, Singer, Bulmore, Hollenbeck,
Mill, Rte. 77, to a quick break at Royalton Ravine Park at 11.7 miles. Then onto Mountain Rd where the bare trees
allowed a great view over the escarpment on our eastward trek. South on Peet, Graham, east on Chestnut Ridge, Griswold,
and Johnson to Salt. A run through the Tonawanda WMA via Meadville and Bartel (quick break at 24 miles), and a final
run back over Fisk, Mann, Foote, and Rt. 93. We stayed in northern Erie County all the way back to Rapids, over
Tonawanda Creek Rd, Burdick, Kelkenberg, Rapids, Tonawanda Creek (portage at the closed bridge) and into Rapids over
Goodrich. As stated, a perfect biking day, appreciated more as we realize that any week now could be the last of the season
(last year's was Nov. 2nd, the year before the end of December). This was ride 26 for the year, maybe we can reach 30
Sunday rides for 2009.  40.2 miles
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
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November 1 - NOTL
This should be our "first annual" Niagara-on-the-Lake November ride. The extra hour sleep with the change to EST
was icing on the cake along with perfect riding weather for a super ride today. Upper 40's to low 50's, single digit
west wind,  and sunny blue skies. The only delay at the Canadian border was because the inspector wasn't busy allowing
him time to inquire about the recumbents and recumbent riding. The route was simple -- the bike trail from Ft. George
to the Falls and back. We added some bonus miles by taking a loop around the Dufferin Islands near the Horseshoe Falls,
and at the end of the ride through the tourist laden NOTL streets up to the mouth of Lake Ontario (with a couple stops
at shops ourselves for Cadburys and dog treats). Yes, the foliage is "past peak", but it's still a great time to do this run
as the lack of leaves affords a great view of the gorge the full ride. The trail was mostly clear, and one spot that was
deep in leaves on the way out had already been cleared by the Parks crews by our return trip!  Memories of today's ride
will include Chinese tourists trying out the Susan's bike at the cable car overlook, a trail blocked by a beaver felled tree
(where else but Canada!), and the world's friendliest 120 lb Newfie puppy at the McFarland house. 35.7 miles
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich
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October 25 - CCCC
Great weather for the final October ride! Temperature at 10AM rollout was in the high forties and climbing, with a bright
sun in the cloudless sky. With WSW winds in the low teens, we headed north on Goodrich. At Wolcott Rd we began a westward
trek, planning to get the bull work out of the way the first half of the ride. West Phalinger, Tonawanda Crk South to cross
Transit onto Tonawanda Creek North. We joined the Canalway Trail off New Rd., enjoying the beautiful Fall foliage on our
way to a stop at Amherst Veteran's Park. We then continued the trail to the the Creekside Rd entrance to Ellicott Creek Park,
19 miles out. By now the temp was into the upper 50's; for the second week, perfect Fall riding weather. Tailwind assisted, we
traveled through the park and along the Amherst Ellicott Trail to its N. Forest terminus. From there it was through the burbs
back to the Clarence Center bike path at Transit and into the CCCC. A very enjoyable ride. 35.7 miles.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
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October 18 - CCCC
Still a bit brisk at 34 degrees for our 10AM CCCC gathering, but the day held the promise of a beautiful Fall ride with
single digit north winds and bright blue skies. So promising that we decided a special remote start from the hamlet of
Rapids was warranted. After the short drive 6 miles north, we pedaled eastward on Tonawanda Creek Rd, north on Riddle,
then Moyer, Sims, Block Church, Rt. 93, Grove, Dewhirst, Bunker Hill, Ernest, Arnold, Rt. 77, Chestnut Ridge and S. County
Line/Freeman to our most northeast point just south of Middleport at Mountain Road and Freeman, approx. 19 miles out.
The ride had been very enjoyable to this point, with little traffic, good roads, rural scenery, and continuously rising
temperature. Things promised to be even nicer on the return lag with a predominate tailwind. The return began with a run
westward on scenic Mountain Road (nice views over the escarpment) to Rt. 77 and a sunny snack break at Ravine Park. We
then  explored a few new roads and included some favorites, enjoying what had indeed become perfect Fall riding weather.
The final leg included Mill, Hollenbeck, Bullmore, Singer, Miller, Simms, Kinne, Sanders, and finally Rapids Rd. south into
"downtown" Rapids and the fire company parking lot on Plank Rd. Just a quick auto parade from there south on Goodrich
and we were soon enjoying our well deserved post ride refueling at the CCCC. There are definitely three great riding seasons
in WNY, the riding year is not over yet. 35.6 miles.
Paul Bigelow - Lynx
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
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October 11 - CCCC
A great looking Fall day, with bright sun and blue skies. Unfortunately when you stepped outside it was a bit more
brisk than desired, with 42 degrees and a substantial West wind making it seem much colder. We were eager to ride,
though, since the chance of rain was nil for once. We headed east on the bike path to Akron Park, then did the downhill
run on Crittenden Rd heading north on Scotland to the county line. From there we zig-zagged SW to the CCCC.  The
forecast 10-15 mph west wind was more like a steady 18 mph with gusts well into the 20's. On the plus side, there wasn't
much traffic, especially on the bike path on the final run in. The after ride nourishment was inside the usually too warm
CCCC, which helped us regain feeling in our limbs. Still, a good workout and not a bad ride. Rich debuted the latest addition
to his stable, a very impressive new Rans X-Stream.  29.3 miles.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - X-Stream
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September 27 - CCCC
We got to the planned start in Wolcottsville at 10AM with the trailing edge of rain showers still falling.
Rather than sit in the cars waiting for the rain to stop, we headed for some brighter skies to the northwest,
for an impromptu start in the historic (aren't they all?) canal town of Gasport. The rain had stopped before
we rolled from there; now it was bright with patches of blue sky. Mid-60's, mild SW winds -- a dreary ride
day had turned into an enjoyable outing. It was northeast out of town on Quaker Rd, past Becker Farms, then
east on Rt. 104, then over Wruck, Pearson and Carmen to cross south of the Erie Canal through Middleport. We
rejoined our originally planned route at Mountain and Freeman (detailed in the 10-05-08 report). This took us
through Shelby Center east to Bigford Rd, than wrapped around south to return though West Shelby. Instead of
heading to Wolcottsville, of course, we diverted back to Gasport by heading west from West Shelby, north on
Graham and Peet, a scenic escarpment run west on Mountain Rd, and a well deserved extended downhill finish into
town on Rt. 77. Once again, we found these roads well worth heading to --  horses, ponies, cows, sheep, llamas, alpacas,
cacophonies of migrating geese, historic architecture, babbling brooks with abandoned mills, rolling fields of all kinds
of crops, bucolic family farms, and friendly canine escorts. We had a combined vertical climb of almost 800 feet on
the 39 mile route, well more than double that on our usual flatter routes. None of the hills seemed excessive, though,
and plenty of fun downhills and sweeping curves made for a fun ride. Having worked up a good appetite, an after ride
stop at Becker Farms capped a very nice ride on a day that, based on forecasts, we had almost written off. 38.9 miles.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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September 20 - CCCC
Super riding weather with negligible SE winds, bright blue skies and temps into the low 70's after a cool upper 50's 9AM start.
Next week ride starts will move to 10AM allowing a bit more warmup before we roll. Sunday we drove the bikes north 6 miles
for a Niagara County start from Rapids Vol. Fire parking lot. We headed up to Royalton Center via Wisterman, Kidde, Sims,
Miller, Rt. 93, Grove, Dewhirst, and Royalton Ctr Rd. Then south on Rt. 77, then Graham, Griswold and Johnson eastward to Salt.
From there it was a tour through the Tonawanda Game Mgt area via Bartel and Fisk to a break at 22 miles in Wolcottsville.
We finished by heading west on Fisk, Ertman, Sims, Moyer, Riddle, and Tonawanda Creek Rd to the cars parked at Rapids.
34.4 miles. Then a quick 10 minute transit back to the coffee house where lots of bikers were out enjoying the (very) late
summer day.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
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September 13 - CCCC
Blue skies and 64 degrees, mild WSW winds at 9AM start. We did a big clockwise circle today, starting up Goodrich
then over Martin, Strickler, Lapp, Salt, Miland, Berghorn, Crego, Fletcher, Moore, Downey, Dye, McNeeley, Hake and
Clarence Ctr Rd.  and into Akron Falls Park just under 16 miles. After a break, we continued over Crittenden, Stage,
Nice, Hiller, Jones, Tillman and then the bike path from Shisler west to Wehrle. Finished with a nice downhill run on
Shimmerville, than Maple, Thompson and Curry and a final run in on the bike path. Temps hovered in the upper 60's, low
70's when the sun was out. Very nice riding conditions. The woolly bear caterpillars (well, two anyway) are crossing the
roads looking for winter nesting -- mostly brown with just a little black, indicating a long biking season still ahead. 36.4 miles.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - V2 Formula 26
Rich Mapel - Strada
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September 6 - CCCC
Gorgeous day for our Labor Day Weekend ride. Mid 60's at start to mid 70's by ride's end, with low ESE winds and blue
skies. We took the Thompson Rd. bike extension of the bike path then up Thompson, Old Goodrich, and Goodrich to Rt. 5
to make our way to the WS bike path and through Tillman WMA, then our usual route along the Thruway to McDonald's
for our deserved break at 16 miles. From there it was over to Tesnow Hill run for our hit of downhill adrenaline. Then it
was up Scotland and over the newly paved (finally!) Koepsel Rd. and a southwest zig zag from Rt. 93 to the bike path run
into CCCC. Lots of activity around Clarence Center with a Labor Day Fair, an unveiling of a new community clock dedicated
to those lost on Flight 3407, and plenty of bikers getting in their last "summer" rides. For us, very nice 40 mile ride.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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August 30 - CCCC
A nice riding day despite an ominous forecast for high winds and a likelihood of showers. The winds weren't bad at all,
and the temp was 66 degrees from start to finish; bright enough for sunglasses, too. We headed northwest today, out
the bike path then up Stahley, Smith and Hopkins to Tonawanda Creek. We transited to the Pendleton bike path via
Iris, Bear Ridge, and Meyer Rd. We took the path to it's new terminus at Lockport Rd, then turned east to head home
over East Canal, Tonawanda Crk South, Westphalinger and Wolcott. Although we had expected a tough slog today, it
was a pleasant ride, so we extended it east over Delaware, Salt, Croop, and Strickler and the bike path to come in with
35.7 miles. We almost stayed completely dry today, but in accordance with some inexplicable rule for summer 2009 rides,
we had a few minutes of misty rain while we lunched on the patio at the CCCC.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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August 23 - CCCC
A comfortable 68 degrees at 9AM roll out, with single digit NW winds. There were scattered dark clouds in the blue sky,
with the forecast calling for  widely isolated AM showers.  The moderate temperature, light winds, partial sun and clouds
(as well as the quickly passing last full month of summer) called for a longer ride today. We headed north on Goodrich,
looped over Delaware, Salt, and Tonawanda Creek to cross into Niagara County at Rapids. We enjoyed the scenery along
Wisterman, Kinne, Riddle, Moyer, Simms and Mille to Rt. 93, then it was Grove, Hasely, Royalton Center, March and Mann
to a break at 21 miles at the shelter behind the Wolcottsville Vol. Fire Co. After the break we headed back south over Mann,
Foote, Brunning, Skye, and Scotland, then west over Conner, Rapids, Miland, Salt and Keller. With light traffic, we stayed on
Keller all the way to our turn onto Herr, and joined the bike path only for the last 1/4 mile to Railroad St. and the CCCC.
We totaled 40.5 miles, with only a few drops of rain here and there along the way. We lunched on the CCCC porch again.
The skies finally made good on their threats as a 15 minute downpour arrived along with our food orders. Be it comedy or
bike riding, timing is everything.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
Susan Eilenberg - Leprechaun
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August 16 - CCCC
Hot and humid was the order of the day. Already 76 degrees at our 9AM roll out, virtually no wind, and no clouds in the sky.
We basically ran last week's route backwards, cutting short the run to the shelter in Akron Falls Park by going up Hake and
Clarence Center Rd. from the bike path. One other variation being staying south of the thruway from North Millgrove Rd to
Ransom Rd on Genesee Rd. just for a change of scenery (for the record Nice, Hiller, Billo, and Jones north of the thruway are
nicer bike roads). Temps were in the mid-80's shortly into the ride, but there were a lot of bikers of all types out today.
Today the porch at the CCC was shelter from the hot sun, not the rain. 34.5 miles
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Longbike
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August 9 - CCCC
72 Degrees and overcast at 9AM start, SW 13 mph winds. Headed east on the bike path, then turned back SW at the
junction up the escarpment to cross Main St and work our way over to Tillman WMA. Then it was back east via our
usual route until N. Millgrove where we crossed south of the thruway, then east over Buckwheat, S. Newstead, and
Steiner. North on Crittenden across Rt. 5 to Skyline for a stop at the shelter at the falls in Akron Falls Park.
After the break it was west on Skyline to a nice downhill run on Rt. 93 into the village of Akron. Temps were in the
low 80's and humidity much higher than usual as we completed our ride back to CCCC via the bike path. We completed
the ride rain free, the storms that had had us keeping an eye on the sky came just about the time our lunch was served
on the patio.  A quick change of seats to the covered porch gave us a front row seat for some impressive downpours as
we enjoyed our after ride refueling.  33.8 miles.  Despite the forecast, we managed to get a good ride in.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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July 26 - CCCC
A break in persistent rainy weather let us roll at 9AM with 67 degrees, blue skies, some clouds, and a WSW wind in
the teens.  We headed east on the bike path, then north on Clarence Ctr and Dye. We transited to the Tonawanda Indian
Reservation via Meahl, Rt. 93 and Carney. A nice run up Scotland and Brunning, into Niagara County at Cedar. From
there we looped back into Erie County at Block Church over Foote, Mann, March, Hasely, Dewhirst, RT. 93 and Ertman.
The run back to CCCC was into the wind over Burdick, Rapids, Berghorn, Miland, and Salt to the bike path. There were a
lot of other bikers taking advantage of the morning blue skies and trying to beat the forecast afternoon showers. We
did catch some sprinkles coming in on the bike path, but managed to avoid all the isolated downpours throughout the area.
We chose the CCCC porch to protect us against possible showers, but they held off anyway. Temps had reached into the
mid-70's before dropping some with the approaching cold front. In all, though, very nice riding weather and an enjoyable
ride.  34.4 miles.
Paul Bigelow - Lynx
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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July 12 - CCCC
Once again blue skies and perfect temps, with mid-60's at start to mid-70's by ride's end. Except for the west wind
being a bit high (in the mid teens), close to optimal conditions. We decided it was time for a change in scenery, so we
drove the bikes to a remote start at Wolcottsville Vol. Fire Dept. lot, about 15 minutes from the CCCC. It was very
nice to again get up into the rural roads just south of Gasport, Middleport, and towards Medina. We ran the route
that is fully detailed on the Oct. 5th 2008 Ride Reports as a super route reference source. That ride is 32 miles, we
added a few extra today. Anyone who wants a really nice 30-35 mile ride should check this route out. You will not be
disappointed. Super rural scenery. Bucolic farms with horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, alpacas plus wildlife too -- herons,
hawks, vultures; add in rushing creeks, babbling brooks and historic houses -- this route has it all. Top it all with very
little traffic (one car passed us  in the first 24 miles), good pavement with some rolling hills with nice descents but no
killer climbs and you've got yourself a nice outing that should be done Spring, Summer, and Fall. After the ride today
we joined the two wheel fray at the CCCC for a nice shaded lunch on the porch, eager to replenish all the calories we
had burned. Reminder: no ride July 19th -- join us on the 26th!
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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July 5 - CCCC
Super riding weather for a change. Temperature in mid-60's at 9AM start, with bright blue skies and negligible
SW wind. We headed west on the bike path, then south on the extension and made our way to McD's via Thompson,
Roll, Old Goodrich, the bike path toward Tillman WMA  and along our usual route for the break at 16 miles. We
then decided a long ride was needed to take full advantage of the perfect riding weather, so we cut over Skyline
from Rt. 93 and headed for the Tesnow downhill. Today the stones from a few weeks ago were no longer an issue,
but we kept the speed down a bit just in case. We cut through the reservation and then headed north on Scotland
to Brunning, and zig zagged back west over Ton. Crk. Rd, Greenbush, Rapids, Miland, and Salt to the bike path.
Lots of bikes out today on the path, but light traffic on this holiday weekend. Lunch at the CCCC was on the shady
porch, we had already had 39.8 miles of sun.
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
NOTE:  There will be no ride July 19th due to other commitments of our primary riders.
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June 28 - CCCC
Overcast mid sixties and light southwest breeze. Headed out on the bike path passing a lot more people than I expected
to see this morning. There were the usual joggers and dog walkers. There were also numerous groups of cyclists. Maybe
they all had the same idea as myself; get some miles in before the rain comes. I was never more than six miles from the
start at any point of my ride, so when it started to sprinkle, I was able to get back in less than 10 minutes. Had the bike
loaded up before it really rained. Ended up with 20.3 miles.
Paul Bigelow - Lynx
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June 21 - CCCC
This Fathers Day ride was solo so I decided to keep it short and stay on the bike path. I left the Coffee Shop and
headed to Akron, then turned around and went to Clarence Hollow. I passed a group of 18 hikers with walking sticks,
camelbacks and backpacks. I saw these folks three times and they were having a blast, laughing and singing each time
I saw them. I returned to the coffee shop following the same route for a 28 mile ride. The path was not too busy for
a Sunday and it was enjoyable.
Rich Jurkowski  H.P.Speedmachine
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June 14 - CCCC
RIDE START JUNE 21 IS 9AM!
Gorgeous day for a bike ride with starting temp in high 60's, single digit winds, and blue skies. One new recumbent rider
(Marty) and one recumbent curious (Gordon) met us at the start. We rolled east on the bike path to Hake, then up to
Akron Falls  through the park. From there it was out Indian Falls Rd to the Tesnow downhill. Some extra excitement
today on that already exciting downhill run. Half way down the hill (at the Genesee/Erie county line) they had laid the
annual treatment of loose stone on Tesnow, which we encountered already in the high 30's, still gaining speed. No disasters
occurred, just a slight fishtail and a pair of soiled undergarments. Definitely an adrenaline rush, though. From there it was
east on Bloomingdale and the return home over Martin, Scotland, Koepsel, Ton. Crk Rd, Fletcher, Rapids, Sandhill, Keller,
and Salt to the bike path. The route was largely determined by taking roads NOT treated with stones this week, and it
turned out to be a very nice one. Temp by the finish was in the upper 70's. We covered a lot of area but kept it to 31.1 miles,
a route we will take again.
Marty Braun - EZ Tomahawk
Susan Eilenberg - Ti-Rush
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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June 7 - CCCC
Despite the forecast of likely showers, it turned out to be very nice ride weather. Cloudy bright (on the Kodak scale),
single digit winds, and temps in the 60's to low 70's by ride's end. We headed east on the bike path to Clarence Center Rd,
then headed up to Wolcottsville via Dye, Draper, Meahl, Carney and Cedar. Stopped by the Tonawanda Wildlife Mgt Area
to check out the sights, which included eight Turkey Vultures enjoying a Raccoon road kill brunch, and nearby a good sized
Wild Turkey. We were disappointed to learn that AJ's Delicatessen is no longer open - a real loss of a traditional rest
stop for bikers of all types. We returned via Haseley, Rt. 93, Ertman, Burdick, Kelkenberg, Berghorn, Cedar, and Salt to
the bike path. Medium sized crowd enjoying mid-day at the CCCC. 36.1 miles, a nice "open country" ride.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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May 31- CCCC
A gorgeous looking day, bright sun, bright blue skies and puffy clouds. Unfortunately those clouds were moving quite
rapidly as there were steady 20-25 mph WNW winds, with gusts into the 30's. We countered them with a route
designed for strong WSW (not WNW) winds, but it worked out reasonably well. We enjoyed the company of two
new riders today, and one additional "occasional" recumbenteer. The wind WAS daunting, but no guts, no glory.
So we rolled west on the bike path with 52 degrees and a significant wind chill. From the bike path it was NW on
Stahley, crossing Transit to Smith (at Swormville), and crossing Millersport to the "closed"  Hopkins with its one
lane wash out along Black Creek. That gave us a chance to break single file as we trekked toward the Canal Way Trail
at Tonawanda Creek. Took that bike path west to Amherst Veteran's Park for a break (ever feel like you live in a
Flomax commercial?), then continued on to the west end of Ellicott Creek Park, about 15 miles out. We were all grateful
for the "payoff" tailwind assisting our return eastward through the park, along the Amherst Ellicott Trailway and
though the burbs to the Clarence Bike path trailhead on Transit. The temp was in upper 50's for the run to the finish,
and for lunch on the sunny (albeit still gusty) CCCC patio. A nice ride despite the less than optimal conditions. 31.8 miles
Don Dehoff - Rans Rocket
Susan Eilenberg - Ti Rush
Jerry Hanley - HP Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - HP Speedmachine
Dan Sharpe - Rans Force 5
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May 24 - CCCC
Scattered morning showers scattered before the 10AM start, so we were left with very nice riding weather. With
20-25 mph hours winds the previous two weeks, it was good to be out on a Sunday again. Upper 60's, sub-10 mph
winds; from overcast start to blue skies by the end of the ride. We went north on Goodrich, west on Wolcott, up
Westphalinger to Tonawanda Creek. The repair on Tonawanda Creek Rd between Transit and Westphalinger is almost
complete, so it will be carrying through traffic very soon. We went east anyway, however, to Salt where we went
down to Cedar and up Berghorn to avoid the OTHER Tonawanda Crk. Rd. portage. Truth be told, we were shadowing
the creek checking out water levels and kayak launch sites. We went up Rapids into Niagara County (good launch site
there), back into Erie at Block Church and back to the bike path via Greenbush, Sandhill, Miland, and Salt. Lots of folks
on the bike path and ball games at the athletic fields on this holiday weekend. Lots of foot traffic around the CCCC
due to a memorial for Flight 3407, but we got quick service for a shady post ride snack on the porch. A very nice ride
on this 3 day weekend. 32.8 miles
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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May 3 - CCCC
Sunny skies and 61 degrees at 10AM roll out. Headed up Goodrich, east on Delaware, then headed north on Salt to
Tonawanda Creek portaging at the closed bridge and working east via Kelkenberg, Burdick, Block Church and Ertman
to Rt. 93.  Back into Erie County returning westward via Tonawanda Creek back pretty much the way we had headed
out.  Crossed Goodrich, though, adding some mileage via Wolcott, Kenfield, Green Acres, County, Connor and Stahley
for a tailwind run eastward to CCCC via the bike path. Winds were 10-13mph SW, temps in the low 60's and blue
skies the whole ride. Scenery much more green than a few weeks ago, a nice mid Spring ride, 29.7 miles.
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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April 26 - CCCC
Sixty-one degrees, overcast, and a fairly strong east wind at the 10AM roll out. The "rare" east winds seem less rare
lately; we took advantage of them again by duplicating last week's route for the wind assist up the escarpment. The sky
alternated between sun and threatening rain, and the temperatures varied accordingly, down to the mid 50's at times.
We did have a slight rain shower while stopped for our break at McDonald's. That shower led us to shortcut to the bike
path via a descent on Rt. 93  to the Akron trailhead. Once there, though, the sky turned blue, the temp climbed, and we
had a very nice tailwind all the way back to CCCC on the bike path. Temp was in low 70's by the end of the ride (and
reached 80 later in the afternoon). The sunny patio was again the choice for our post ride repast. 28.8 miles
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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April 19 - CCCC
Bright blue skies with high clouds and gusty 15 mph ENE winds at the 10AM start. Temp in the upper forties. Rich had yet
another new ride, a sweet eBay acquired yellow HP Speedmachine. We headed east on the bike path into the wind, then
switched back SW onto the West Shore Line trail for a wind assist up the escarpment through Clarence Hollow to Shisler Rd.
From there it was back east through Tillman WMA and over Stage and Rt. 5 to McD's for a break at 20 miles. The ride back
to CCCC was downhill through Akron Park and into the village to the bike path for a straight run home, with the still substantial
wind at our backs most of the way. Very nice payoff for our laborious eastward trek into the gusts. It was sunny and upper
fifties, although still breezy, for our lunch on the patio at CCCC.  29.7 miles, a nice spring workout.
Paul Bigelow - Lynx
Jerry Hanley - Streetmachine
Rich Jurkowski - Speedmachine
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March 15 - CCCC
Clear blue skies and single digit ESE winds. The forty three degree temp was very comfortable in the bright sun. Nothing
adventurous today, it was just nice to get out for a spin after no Sunday rides since early November. East on the bike trail
to Akron for a turn around and return. The trails are in very good condition, clear of mud and debris. Continued past Clarence
Center to the western trail terminus at Transit, then another turn around and back to CCCC, with a short excursion off trail
to check out the McMansions. Temps had reached low 50's not far into the ride. Lots of dog walkers, joggers, and families out
on bikes (especially at the western end of the trail), with everyone enjoying the almost summer like day. 22 miles, a very pleasant ride.
Jerry Hanley - HP Streetmachine
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2008 Ride Reports
2007 Ride Reports
2006 Ride Reports
2005 Ride Reports
2004 Ride Reports
2003 Ride Reports
2002 Ride Reports