Adding To NA Confidential's Post: Why Not Here Down At Loop Island Crossing Of Silver Creek

This is in addition to RAB's post on his NAC article titled 8664: On bridges (real & imaginary) and vision. This photo was taken by me in Mishawaka, Indiana in 2004. Why can we not get our leaders on board to do something this nice?

Myself(red jacket) & Terry Rusboldt In Potrero Hill - May 2006

How we operate: Beercycling in Central Europe, 2006.

As discussed here previously, in recent years, I've become joyously initiated into the wonderful world of beercycling, generally (not always) in Europe. The core beercycling gang began these trips in 2000 (Belgium) and 2001 (Belgium and Germany), both times renting bicycles locally. In 2003 (Germany and Austria) and 2004 (Belgium) we took our bicycles with us, as we will again this year.

Here's the updated prospectus for the forthcoming trip. I offer it here in the hope that some readers might be able to join us in the years to come.

(Cross-posted at the Potable Curmudgeon)

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Here’s updated information about the forthcoming beercycling trip to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

Six participants and their arrival schedules.

Craig Somers
Craig will be in Bamberg by August 25.

Graham Phillips
Graham flies into Frankfurt Airport on Sunday morning, August 27, and he plans to proceed to Bamberg by train.

Roger A. Baylor and Kevin Richards
We’ll be arriving in Frankfurt on Monday, August 28, at 09.20 (Delta Flight 20 from Atlanta). We plan to take the train from Frankfurt to either Schweinfurt (57km from Bamberg) or Nurnberg (62 km from Bamberg) and do a first-day ride into town.

Bob Reed
Also arriving on the 28th, but specifics currently unknown.

Tim Eads
Mysteriously vowing to be in Bamberg by the evening of the 30th.

Our accommodations in Bamberg will be at the Bamberger Weissbierhaus, which is located a couple blocks down the street from Spezial (which unfortunately closed during the period of our stay, although the Spezial-Keller on the heights presumably will be operational). The Bamberger Weissbierhaus is a short walk from the train station.

See: Bamberg Beer Guide.

I’ll be faxing the Weissbierhaus accommodation some time before the week is out. Now that both Bob and Craig have been ticketed, here’s the requested rooming situation at the Weissbierhaus:

Aug. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30
Craig Somers, single room

Aug. 27
Graham Phillips, single (becoming a double on the 28th)

Aug. 28, 29, 30
Graham with Bob Reed, Kevin Richards and myself, in two doubles.

Aug. 30
Tim Eads arrives and sleeps on someone’s floor.

Budget: Any way we cut it, the rooms should cost each of us less than 30 Euros a night, or close to it.

Of course, I’m hoping for a Schlenkerla brewery tour on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Matthias asks that this be a last-minute confirmation owing to the work they’ll have to do following the weekend Sandkerwa street festival (August 24-28; take note, Craig and Graham).

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Thursday, August 31 remains the transfer day from Bamberg to Prague. I have contacted Maria Beer, owner of the Bavarian travel agency I used for the group trip in 2004, and asked for her advice and help in arranging the train tickets.

Here’s the scoop:

I have checked availability of the trains with German Rail this morning. Unfortunately the both trains you have figured out are not allowed to be used with bikes.

The most suitable connection with the possibility to bring bikes at the same time is as follows:

Bamberg – Hof
Dep 09:41am
Arr 11:24am

Hof – Dresden
Dep 11:40am
Arr 02:41pm

Dresden – Praha
Dep 03:55pm
Arr 06:27pm

This means – I’m sorry about this – two transfers, one in Hof and the second one in Dresden.

But it is definitely the best available connection for travellers with bikes.

The rate is total for the party of 6 travellers 189,60 EURO plus 10 EURO per person for the bike.

Total 249,60 EURO, which is per person 41,60 EURO.

At this time the bike transport for these trains is on request, please reply as soon as possible if I should confirm this booking.

Thanks

Maria

That’s open and shut.

Budget: I’m booking the tickets and paying. You can pay me back once we’re there.

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Prague accommodations still are at the Drusus campground (in cottages or bungalows) for the evenings of August 31, Sept. 1 & 2.

Budget: 300 Czech crowns per night, per bed; less than $15 a night per person (22 CZK to a dollar).

Also, I’ve heard back from Mike of Mike’s Chauffeur Service:

Dear Sir, here I am finally with the info about hop fest in Zatec: It will start on Friday the 1st of September (afternoon) but the main programme will take place on Saturday the 2nd: 17 different breweries from all over the Czech Republic will offer their beer, there will be music of various styles being performed from Czech singers in the evening. Could be fun to be there. I look forward to hearing from you again. Sincerely, Mike.

This now appears to be on for Saturday, as in a follow-up, he suggests departing at 10.00 a.m. for the drive (1.5 hours each way). That leaves a full day Friday for Prague sightseeing.

Also: Zatec Brewery, and Czech hop history & museum.

Budget: As relayed previously, Mike has quoted a price of 4,500 Czech crowns for a minibus (8 seats + driver), which comes to about $35 per person for the day trip to the hop festival (payable in dollars, crowns, Euros).

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Note: Craig will be headed back westward and will not be accompanying us on the biking segment in Czech Republic and Austria.

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Mr. Stanek at Camp Drusus has indicated that it’s about 7 km from his camp to the trailhead of the Prague-Vienna Greenway, and that’s close, according to the maps Kevin received. Further information (in Czech) is at the CykloServer website.

Camp Drusus to Znojmo is 270 km/167 miles. Granted, this takes no account of terrain, but that’s only a bit more than 40 miles per day for 4 days to arrive there on Wednesday.

If we begin biking on Sunday morning, Sept. 3, it’s probably a bit far to make it all the way to Tabor (circa 120 km). At Tabor, the train could be used for Bob and Graham to go to Ceske Budejovice (and Cesky Krumlov), or they could bike there from just south of Tabor (roughly 60 km).

At any rate, whether we go together or separately, and get there by bike, train or a combination of the two (Ceske Budejovice to Znojmo is roughly four hours by train, with at least one change), we should meet at Znojmo on Wednesday. I’ve booked an apartment in Havraniky, which is a few clicks away from Znojmo, astride the trail, and adjacent to the National Park Podyjí:

Pension & Restaurant Ham-Ham

That would leave three whole days to ride toward Vienna via Mikulov (160 km/circa 100 miles) through the South Moravian wine country, so as to arrive by Sunday evening (10th).

My initial effort to arrange the brewery tour at Hostan for afternoon on Thursday has met with indifference (i.e., language concerns), but I’ve asked the owner of the pension for help. He also offers to advise guests on local wine cellar visits and the like.

Budget: No less than 350 Czech crowns per night, per bed; less than $15 a night per person (22 CZK to a dollar).

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The remainder of the trip will be winging it in route to Vienna, where I have a room for the evening of the 10th, and will be meeting Diana on the 11th. Bob’s wife Ellen also is coming into Vienna on the 11th. I know that Graham will be training it to Brugge, Belgium, following his Vienna stay.

Central Europe’s New Breweries
Czech Beer FAQ
Czech Breweries – Style, History, Beers
Greenways Travel Club (Vienna to Prague)
Vienna Pub Guide

Debbie wrote about the view ...

Here it is, from Skyline Drive (later in the afternoon today).

I started at my mom's house in Georgetown, went down Corydon Ridge Road to 62, then cut across Quarry for the normal Knobs run, eventually descending at Mosier Knob. No deer today, but I peddled up into the Villas of Lafayette so as to cut across from Old Hill to Scottsville Road, and the scene was so monstrous that I couldn't take photos.

Ended just shy of 50 km, and felt good. Yesterday in Bloomington I visited the Bike Garage for a tune-up, and had them install a new, heavier-duty rear wheel specifically for the upcoming Tour de Czech.

Hey, that wasn't so bad!

Guess what I did this morning? I rode up Corydon Pike. And it was easy, I tell you, easy! Sure I was in my granny gear and went 5 mph, but this road is set at such a slight grade that I just got into my zone and just pedaled away up the hill. What a great day to do so too. So for the first time we were able to start at our home and also ride out in the Knobs. No burning of fossil fuels at all.

Started at our home off County Line road, down to Chapel Creek subdivision where we cut through to take a left on Chapel Lane, then a right on Kamer-Miller, and another right onto Carver Street (right across from Graceland), left onto St. Joseph for a second and then a right onto Greenfield Drive to cut through another subdivision to get to Klerner Lane, right on Klerner to IUS, through IUS to Hausfeldt. Hausfeldt to Green Valley.

Then took Green Valley into New Albany, crossed State street and went on to Cherry, then took West 7th up to Main, and on to Corydon Pike.

After we climbed Corydon Pike, we turned at the Korner Kitchen and went up North Luther road and stayed on Luther road until we turned at HWY 150, then down the little hill to stop for coffee at the Hob Knob. We did a ride last sunday and stopped there too, now my husband always wants to end up at a coffee place somewherre in our rides. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I get the smoothies.

So after a rest, our group of three went down Scottsville road, turned at St. Mary's road, right onto Campion, right again onto Mosier Knob road (a short but steep hill here, much worse for me than Corydon Pike, though it's much shorter, but I have to really fill up my lungs for that hill).

Then we turned onto North Skyline Drive and enjoyed the view. GREAT view today, not only could you see downtown Louisville, but you could see the hills behind it, as you go into Bullitt County. It's rare to see the hills past downtown, today was a real treat up there.

Dropped our friend off at the top of Fairview Knob and then John and I headed down Fairview knob (Barrel Shoot). Wowsers! I wore out my brake going down that sucker. It's so steep I felt like I was going to fall off the front of my bike! I will bow at the feet of anyone who actually climbs that cliff (and then I'll call you crazy).

Then right on 111, left on Chapel, to Bugaboo, to county line and back home again. Total ride 34.12 miles. I feel good about this ride.

I am woman, hear me roar!

What A Difference A Day Makes

So the lyric is penned and how true it was this Saturday. After we all have been melting like candle wax and breathing who knows what in the air, it was like a dream when I headed out to get the newspaper up at the street this morning.

After a hardy breakfast I took off on my bike and headed to Clarksville on the Lewis and Clark, up Hwy 31 to Sellersburg and then continued Hwy 31 North before taking a left on Perry Crossing Road. Cruised past Fuzzy's Covered Bridge and then back in towards IUS via Hwy 111/Grant Line Road. Took the same route that the Tour de Garde did last week through IUS, Hausfeldt Lane and Green Valley Road before heading up Cheery Street Hill to the house.

Great ride and will add it to my rotation of growing routes in the never ending NICE roads of Clark County. Will try and ride in the morning before me and my bride take a day to Indy to enjoy life for a change instead of working so damn much.
b

Hot

It has been a killer seven days for me with the work gig. I did ride on Monday for twenty five miles and paid the price of too much HHH in one day. Have not ridden since, but will get up early and ride before six or seven on Saturday morning for two hours and then see how it goes for Sunday.

Roger, Kevin, Tim and Grahmn are in training for the Euro ride and this is a killer time to be training, I know from last year trying to get ready for my 2005 California trip that was in August. Please be careful so as not to burn your bodys resistance up doing the big over do thing.

Cheers all......
Ed

Bastille Day ride a success!

Yes, it was hot, but we enjoyed a fun ride yesterday prior to the belated Bastille Day dinner at Bistro New Albany. Here's an example of Ed's sharp signage:

Here we're sagging at IUS:

See also Freedom of Navigation Exercises and Recap: Bastille Day Bieres de Garde dinner at Bistro New Albany.

Yes Dear, There Is Fine Dining In New Albany!

My afternoon consisted of a 12 mile bike ride (some of which I had to walk uphill) followed by an absolutely scrumptious meal of French cuisine and even tastier French beer at the Bistro New Albany!

I can't remember the last time (if ever) that it took me three hours to complete a meal. There were hor/d'oeuvres, celery soup, (Amy you have competition) salad, an entree, and desert with a specific beer to go with each.

There was a breeze through the courtyard which allowed us to eat outside in relative comfort, and the serving staff would rival any worldwide!

Kudo's extrodinare to Roger, the two Daves, Richard, Angie, Vickie, and all others who may have had a hand in this most enjoyable Sunday afternoon & evening! My hats off to you all.

I'm looking forward to the next such event already. My only regret was that Ed was unable to attend. Next time, just don't answer the phone.

By the way, if any one says fine dining is unavailable in New Albany, they are absolutely mistaken! Thanks again guys!

Longmont,CO

Zefal Cyclop Mirror

Finally after looking at many possible choices in mirrors, I found one that will be right for me. The Zefal Cyclop Mirror can be purchased at almost any bike shop, either via the web or locally, which is where I bought mine. It is sturdy and shock resistant and easy to install. After riding this evening, I wonder again how I rode without this important and helpful piece of equipment that eliminates looking over ones shoulder.

Rode this evening up a familiar but wet path; the Old Vincennes, Quarry Road, Corydon Pike and back through downtown NA, out to Sam Peden Park and then back downtown(stopping by my friend of Faith's house) and then up Cherry Street hill to the house.

July

Have ventured out in the July heat and humidity the last two afternoons for two rides that have totaled fifty two miles. Monday evening I rode to Utica's newest playground for the rich, Quarry Bluff and then back. Tonight was a cruise around NA just before the rains came.

*Note: If you plan to ride to Quarry Bluff and desire newly paved roads, go past the first entrance sign and at the Utica gate for the old Indiana Arsenal complex make a hard left and climb the hill to spectacular views of the Ohio River and also the old quarry. Well worth the leg burner.

French Cusine and Beer to Match---Yum!

Looking forward to next weekend's festivities. I plan on joining you for the ride and the meal. Maybe we'll get lucky and have another nice weekend like this one to do it!

By the way, is Graham going to join in the fun??

Anyway, all have a good week and I'll see you Sunday!

Bike Louisville

Bike Louisville
What a banner day of weather we have had here locally. I was watching the clock at work and hoping we did not have trouble and require me to stay on and work. We did not. Came home and tossed the bicycle in the back of my pick up, drove to Clarksville and parked at one of my companies substations located on Clark Blvd. Yeah I cheated, but I could not deal with any traffic or idiot drivers on this beauty of a day. Cruised over to the Clark Memorial Bridge and then took Louisville's Riverwalk Trail all the way to the end at the end of Broadway and Shawnee Park. Got out on Southwestern Parkway and rode past Chickasaw Park and then out to Algonquin Parkway and the Shawnee Expressway, turned around and rode back to my truck.

*Note - If I would have had a map with me, I could have stayed on Algonquin Parkway and it would have been shorter for my return trip back to downtown, via 4th street. There would have been more traffic and not as scenic.

I really enjoy Louisville's Riverwalk Trail, because it is just so damn relaxing and private. Only passed three people the whole time on the Riverwalk after getting past the Portland section of the path. What a great place to clear your head and enjoy nature.

4July,2006

Took a ride at 7:30 this morning out to Utica and back, ran into Roger,Kevin and Tim at Kye's where I was supposed to meet them for a ride to Louisville, but being the slug I am did not check my email to get the invitation in time. My bad.
My legs are feeling pretty good, even though the heat and humid work conditions are taking there toll. It has been good actually to take a break from riding everday, it appears my legs feel stronger. Strange how the body heals itself.

38 Miles this morning

But we stayed below the Knobs today. Started at our house, up St. Joe Road to Sellersburg, took a right on the road at Essroc Cement Factory's back entrance, headed north on various country roads until we reached Henryville. Stopped at a gas station near the I-65 interchange, then crossed I-65 and headed South on various country roads, past Fuzzy's golf course and back home.

Tomorrow we tackle the Knobs again.

The Hills Are Alive

with the sound of me sucking in air. Went for a ride up in the Knobs today. The weather was great (we were finished with the ride by 9:45 or so). There was actually a breeze blowing. Total ride was about 28 miles. Here's the route:

Start at the intersection of Fairview Knob Road and North Skyline. No, I did not climb Fairview Knob. One of the riding partners lives right there. Ok, so out of his driveway (we can see down the Knobs going down his drive) and turn left onto North Skyline.

L on Renn Road.
Cross Atkins Road, then it turns into Balmer-Fenwick Road)
Right on Banet, L onto Roberts Road (actually you really just go straight but again the road name changes
R onto Starlight Rd.
L onto St. John, past all my relatives, the Huber's
L at Stumler's Orchard/Restaurant (but again I don't think the road name changes there)
L onto Greenville Borden Rd.
L onto Jersey Park
L onto Navilleton
R onto Chapel Hill
L onto Scottsville (for a block or so)
R onto Hanka
R onto Starlight
L onto Roberts and back the way you came.

Caution, there are a couple of inclines on this route. :) What a workout, I feel great!

Debbie

Mark Your Calendars: Tour de Garde Ride July 16th, 2006

On Sunday July 16th there will be a scheduled ride departing from the New Albany Farmers Market located at the corner of E Market Street and Bank Street. Starting time will be available later. Below is the route that will be followed. There will be ample signs marking the route along the way. This is a very easy ride, please make plans to come and join us. Please RSVP either Edward Parish namur97@yahoo.com or Roger Baylor istanbul85@yahoo.com
Thanks Ed

Start at NA Farmers Market

R- Third St.

L- Main St.

L- Silver St.

R- Elm St.

L- Beharrel Ave.

R- Slate Run Rd.

R- Old Mill

Continue across Charlestown Rd to Klerner Ln.

Klerner Lane into IUS (Follow signs through IUS Compound) to Hausfeldt Ln.

R- Hausfeldt Ln.

L- Green Valley Road

Continue across State Street to West St.

West Street to Cherry Street

R- Cherry St.

L- W 7th St.

L- Market St.

Back to NA Farmers Market

H.H.H.

Went out this morning real early trying to beat the heat and humidity, did 15 miles around NA and was actually glad to get home. The air was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Today will be a good rendition of typical summer weather here in the Ohio Valley; HHH.