Hyde Park to Findlay Market ride


I woke up this morning to the sounds of a lawn mower. "No-one could possibly be mowing at 7am - I've missed my alarm!"

As I gained consciousness, the sound of the mower faded away.  I realized I had dreamt it - it was 6:57 am, my alarm went off three minutes later.

There's a weekly group ride from the Hyde Park coffee emporium to Findlay Market, and I've been joining the group every other weekend recently.

It's a slow paced ride, usually led by Frank Henson, president of Queen City Bike.  I chose the ride because of the easy pace, the on-the-street but mostly bike lanes route, and the destination.  That chipotle sponsors the ride and provides goodies for riders (such as a shopping bag made from recycled vinyl billboard, water bottles, 2 for one burrito coupons, and - $5 'wooden nickel' good at most market merchants ) is a awesome bonus.

Also, the ride 'features' Gilbert- not the steepest hill in the city, but long and something of an accomplishment to climb. It was one of the first regular hills I rode.

I bring my portable stereo and provide music, usually classical music or orchestral movie soundtracks on the way there, the Rocky theme (Eye of the Tiger - Survivor) on the Gilbert ascent, and then I take requests or pick a Pandora station on the way back.

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