TOSRV 2008 Wrap-Up

Frequent readers of this blog know that for most of this year, I've been training for the 47th Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV). There were about 2500 cyclists for this ride, which covers the 105 miles between Columbus and Portsmouth, Ohio and back (210 total).

This was my third and perhaps my strongest TOSRV. Though the first one I might have had faster days, I don't think I was as consistent throughout the ride. I think the preparation, particularly the long, steady distance rides, made the difference. I'll need to keep it up for the rest of the year. Having TOSRV as a goal helped...what's next?

Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself.

TOSRV began for me Friday night. I drove from Cincinnati to Grove City (about five miles from downtown Columbus), and checked into a Microtel, the cheapest place that was not totally devoid of activity. It was...adequate.

At their continental breakfast, I toasted a bagel, and put it back on my plate I took it back to my room, I discovered that it melted my plate. I stopped by Starbucks on my way to the start.


Saturday was a great day, and an epic ride. The weather was just perfect--not too warm or cold, with favorable winds. My speed was solid--I felt like I was flying at times. I stayed to groups who were going about my pace. In a way, it was just like a training ride on Route 8. There are no significant climbs. I still tried to be conservative--it was to be a long day, with another long day to follow.

TOSRV is a well attended and well organized ride. You are always at least in sight of other cyclist. Often, your passing someone, or being passed by a line of racers using TOSRV for training. Every few miles, there is a support vehicle--a law enforcement officer, or a HAM. The volunteers who make this ride possible are amazing--I appreciate all the work they put in.

I hit Portsmouth right around Four o'clock. I probably didn't drink enough the first day. But, I could see the hills of Kentucky on the horizon. Then the bridges. We crossed the Scioto river, and arrived.

In Portsmouth, I checked out the amazing new mural. There have been several along the floodwall for years, including one with a TOSRV rider mixed in subtlety. The new one is completely TOSRV themed. It was really quite cool.

Onward to Tracy Park, for the Saturday party. A cover band played, and cyclist chatted, met with their groups, drank and ate. Then, I hopped back on the bike for a quick ride--really, more of a coast, to Portsmouth High School, where I would be spending the night.

My bad was waiting for me. I found a place on the gym floor, and spread out my sleeping bag, putting my bike next to it. I was quite ready for a shower. There was plenty of time to go take a walk, eat something, charge my gadgets, and organize everything. Long, multi-day rides, especially this time of year, often create the need for a variety of clothes, to accommodate different weather.

I got homesick, like I often do on these rides when I don't have much to do. I bought a book last week, which helped. Eventually, I slept...

...at 4:45, I woke to the sound of the other gym occupants, emptying their air mattresses. I wasn't sure why they were getting up so early. The sun wasn't going to come up until 6:20, and the donut place opened at 6. At 5:30, I gave up, and got ready.

Sunday brought rain for the first couple of hours, and again for the last two hours. In a way, it made the day more memorable, getting through it. On the way up Friday, I stopped at Performance Bike and bought a Clear Rain Jacket, in yellow. For $15, it proved to be a decent investment for the rain.

At the Crispie Creme, the donut place, I had the following conversation several times, taking on either role:

Person One: "How do you like the Performance Rain Jacket?"
Person Two: "I don't know--I just bought it on Friday."

I can report that it kept the rain off and fit well. However, it was about like wearing a shower curtain: it was somewhat of a sauna, and my jersey was moist from perspiration. In the net, I was better for having it.

I hit Chillicothe, the midpoint, at around 10:30 AM. As I stood in line for lunch, an ominous wind came in. I found a place near a table to stand by, and pulled out my iPhone to check the weather. A wave of storms was just rolling in. I considered it, and realized that if I waited 45 minutes, not only would wave pass Chillicothe, but it would be clear to the three-quarter mark in Circleville.

So, I went to a tent where there were tables, and waited. A pair of ducks decided to wait with us. I kept checking my phone, making me a popular source of information. I think several groups based their plans on this. I have to say the iPhone was a great thing to take with me. It really worked like the commercials suggest. And, you can operate the screen while it is in a zip-lock bag.

I also discovered that a spontaneous decision to stuff a pair of socks in a zip-lock was really wise. Nice, dry socks...

All in all, it was a great ride. I definitely will do TOSRV again. Now, I just need to find my next challenge for 2008.