The 17th Annual TriState Cohen Classic took place on Sunday July 19, 2009. Meeting in Newburyport were: Cape Cod Mike (Who awoke at 3:00 am to make it. A VERY pleasant surprise!), Donna, Drew, Lisa, Ed, Queen Kathy, Steve-Bob, and Arthur. Ethan & Jim arrived a few minutes late of the official start. New Dave, Tam and Margie met us enroute.
The weather cooperated for a change. It was a spectacular day weather-wise. We pedaled over the Newburyport bridge along the coast to Hampton Beach. Steve-Bob got a flat. New Dave, Ethan and Jim went to assist. We all met up at Hampton Beach. A few traditional pics were taken. Never of the scenic ocean because of the sun rising. But McDonalds and arcades as the backdrop. Up the coast we pedaled taking in the surf, surfers, sunshine and blue sky. Next stop Wallis Sands where we met up with Tam and Margie. Our group became 13. Pics were taken.
There was no regrouping at the bridge. We all made our way to Cafe Espresso for breakfast. It was great. A woman at a nearby table offered to take a group pic. How nice was she?! Our waitress, Emily, was wonderful. Very efficient and accommodating. She also gave us separate checks!
From there, Ethan and his posse, Jim and Arthur, headed home. The rest of us headed north over the bridge. We had a bit of a wait as a huge freighter was crossing. The bridge stayed up for quite a while as the Clipper Star, assisted by many tugboats, made its way through.
Across the bridge, CCMike noticed a boy on the side of the road. His parents were with him. He hit a tailpipe in the road and took a spill. CCMike stopped and assisted. With a backpack full of first aid gear the wound was cleansed and dressed. The parents were most appreciative. Mike performed his mitzvah for the day.
We continued north to Frisbees. Then it was time to turn back. We all headed back together. The lead group quickly got out in front. We regrouped and Steve-Bob led us on an inland route. Queen Kathy took a tumble. Thankfully, a few folks outside their home offered assistance and provided a bandaid.
We all regrouped and then ended up back on coastal 1A since New Dave and Tam had parked there. At a bathroom stop we met a woman doing her 5th PMC. She will be riding for Team WOW. It was hairy riding back through Hampton Beach. With smoke, fumes, crazy drivers, and crazy pedestrians and surfers. And grated bridges to cross. We made it back to Port Plaza safely.
Next year may be a Bi-State ride with lunch in MA making it Tri-State. The option will be to begin further north and avoid the craziness of Hampton Beach.....
And to think..... we used to ride Saturday mornings to Hampton?!?
This ride also caused tension between the speedy riders and the back of the pack. (For the second week in a row.) I realize it is no fun waiting around when you are out biking. The North Shore Cyclopaths always look out for each other and everyone is accounted for when we ride. If someone wants to take off, fine. Just inform someone in the group. If there is too much waiting around for speedier riders, they can add on a loop or circle back so the group stays together. The back of the packers also need to rest, get out of the saddle and find some shade every now and then. We've never been about speed or racing. It is all about the breakfast first off, and the camaraderie secondly. Above all else safety first.
--Donna
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 21, 2008
16th Annual Tri State Cohen Classic Ride Report (2008)
Donna's Wrap-Up for 2008!
It was another hot day for the 16th Annual TriState Cohen Classic. Thankfully not as hot and humid and miserable as predicted. Nine riders showed up to ride. A few after the 6:00am start so the start time became 6:20 am.
The morning ride along the coast was cool and the sky full of clouds. Just a few rays of sun shown thru the clouds.
We stuck together and made our way to Portsmouth to Cafe Espresso for breakfast.
The ride thru Portsmouth was a bit treacherous. We passed the Meany Toast which had a line out the door. Breakfast at Cafe Espresso was very good. Our waitress, Sue, was exceptional. She even offered to give us separate checks!
After breakfast, Ethan and Little David headed back. The rest of the crew made it carefully over the bridge into Maine. Lisa, Lynda and Steve-Bob continued on to Cape Neddick and Nubble Light. Tammy, Sheldon, Mike Meehan and myself (Donna) made it to Captain Simeone Store in Kittery Point and headed back.
We made it thru hot, hectic, Hampton Beach and made a stop for ice coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Then one more stop for a Powerball ticket.
It was hot on the return ride. No shade in sight. But we made it back. All except Steve-Bob???? Lisa and Lynda somehow got separated from him.
Drew met us for lunch. Lynda, Lisa, Drew and I enjoyed our traditional lunch at Not Your Average Joe's in Newburyport.
No flats, No crashes, No problems this year.
Steve-Bob--Let us know you made it home!
Donna
It was another hot day for the 16th Annual TriState Cohen Classic. Thankfully not as hot and humid and miserable as predicted. Nine riders showed up to ride. A few after the 6:00am start so the start time became 6:20 am.
The morning ride along the coast was cool and the sky full of clouds. Just a few rays of sun shown thru the clouds.
We stuck together and made our way to Portsmouth to Cafe Espresso for breakfast.
The ride thru Portsmouth was a bit treacherous. We passed the Meany Toast which had a line out the door. Breakfast at Cafe Espresso was very good. Our waitress, Sue, was exceptional. She even offered to give us separate checks!
After breakfast, Ethan and Little David headed back. The rest of the crew made it carefully over the bridge into Maine. Lisa, Lynda and Steve-Bob continued on to Cape Neddick and Nubble Light. Tammy, Sheldon, Mike Meehan and myself (Donna) made it to Captain Simeone Store in Kittery Point and headed back.
We made it thru hot, hectic, Hampton Beach and made a stop for ice coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Then one more stop for a Powerball ticket.
It was hot on the return ride. No shade in sight. But we made it back. All except Steve-Bob???? Lisa and Lynda somehow got separated from him.
Drew met us for lunch. Lynda, Lisa, Drew and I enjoyed our traditional lunch at Not Your Average Joe's in Newburyport.
No flats, No crashes, No problems this year.
Steve-Bob--Let us know you made it home!
Donna
Sunday, July 22, 2007
15th Annual Tri State Cohen Classic Ride Report (2007)
Donna's report:
July 21, 2007. Thankfully, a fairly uneventful ride this year. The weather was ideal- partly sunny, in the 70s, and only a light breeze. 14 riders set off from Newburyport, Port Plaza and headed north. Most adorned in their Cyclopath kits. Ethan arrived a bit later than the 6:05 start (the 5 minute rule was in effect). The core group began on time and a few riders waited to ride with Ethan. That allowed a few of the speedier riders a chance to put their pedals to the metal and catch the rest of the group in time to regroup in Salisbury.
Ed's chain took a jump, but was quickly put back in place. Up the coast we rode. Hampton beach was very calm and quiet. A few walkers were out and some surfers on the water. We stopped at the traditional rest rooms along Hampton Beach and recruited a man named Steve to take a group pic or two. A few more pics were taken. And Tammy somehow disappeared?! With no sign of Tammy's bike and Grandpa-Michael saying he saw her ride off, we continued on. Within moments we found Tammy. She was standing in the street with her camera ready, snapping away.
Next stop Wallis Sands. The view along the coast was spectacular: wispy clouds in a blue sky and a cool blue calm ocean beneath. Lots of fishing boats completing their daily chores. And walkers and runners along the path. We regrouped at Wallis Sands. We met with some of the Cystic Fibrosis riders. They were doing a 75 mile route along the coast as well. They were very friendly, from North Carolina, and took a few group pics for us. : ) No other Cyclopaths in sight. We thought a few might meet us at Wallis Sands. Note- the parking lot opens at 8:00am. Which worked out perfectly; we arrived at 8:00am. And also it is 21 miles from Newburyport to Wallis Sands.
Northward we pedaled enjoying more of the coastline as we went. "The A group" formed a paceline and speedily made its way about 20+ mph up the coast. The "Muggles" among us rode at a social pace and stopped for pics along the way. A good ride was had by all. We regrouped at the base of the bridge. Bruce, Ethan and Ed skipped a sit down breakfast and continued north. The rest of the group- Me, CC Mike, Tammy, Grandpa-Michael, Lisa, Drew, Lynda, Steve-Bob, Pedal-Pete waited at the bridge for Sheldon and Glenda. We met up with a man named Jim from Marblehead. Yes, he pedaled up from Marblehead 56 miles. We had gone 30. Jim is a PMC rider and knows Ethan and knew Sue. We all chatted with him for a few minutes. A bit past the 5 minute rule I telephoned Shelly and found out he and Glenda were already at the "Meany Toast" waiting for us. We rode through parking lots and one way streets and arrived at "The Meany Toast". There was a line out front, but there were two tables ready for us thanks to Glenda's reservation.
Service was slow, the food was good, the decor fun, and the bill at our table added up to various amounts... long story. Needless to say, next year new breakfast spot! Sheldon had a monster pancake. And we received a phone call from Bruce & Ethan that somehow they lost Ed?! It seems impossible on an out and back route?! We were told to keep an eye out when we rode up the coast. Everyone accounted for.
We got riding again toward the Portsmouth Bridge. This time Sheldon's chain took a jump. He was able to repair it. Half the group crossed the bridge and a few of us did not make it in time. We were halfway across when the bells and whistles began. I think in the 15 years I've done this ride 14 out of 15 times we had to wait for the bridge. We all walked our bikes across safely. Back on our bikes and into Kittery, Maine. Yes, it was official. A TriState Ride! And all 14 riders made it this year! YAY!
We continued up the coast to Kittery Point. Grey clouds were rolling in and the wind picked up a bit. I was a bit concerned of rain, although forecasts did not call for it. We stopped at Frisbee's convenient store. The woman working there was very friendly. She asked if I knew Ed. I said yes and asked if he is OK. She handed me a half eaten bag of chips with a note "From Ed" on it. I asked if he was OK. She said Yes, they all ate out front. Then she continued- they were talking about an accident. I said- Oh No. Then she explained- it happened last year. I shook my head and thought "Bruce". I was glad to know everyone was safe.
Sheldon and Glenda arrived at the store. Most of the group was up ahead putting on a few more miles. Pedal-Pete, Grandpa-Michael and I continued on as well. The road narrows at this point and it is very rolling. A few miles into the ride CapeCod Mike came pedaling back waving and smiling at us. He banged a u-ee and continued back uphill for a bit. Soon the lead pack of our group pedaled by on their way back. The rest of us banged a u-ee and headed south. At Frisbee's Market a white van pulls aside me and asks- Donna?! I was very surprised to see Liz from the JCC, a Cardiokick and Spin instructor. She lives in Nahant but was up visiting her parents. That was fun. Last year I bumped into Melissa Paley and family at Frisbee's.
A few pics were taken. Cold beverages and bars consumed and we were on our way back. Back to the bridge. This time it was down. We all walked across safely. Getting through Portsmouth was trecherous but we made it. On the return route we avoided New Castle due to some construction and gravelly roads. This route was more direct, a bit shorter, and did involve a nasty grated bridge. We walked across safely. There was another PMC rider walking on the opposite side. We gave him the PMC cheer and See you in 2 weeks. Ethan called to say he made it safely back to Port Plaza. We had another 25+ miles to go.
The skies were clearing and the sun shone brightly. Temps remained in the high 70s. Very comfortable. It was very unusual not to have a strong headwind or 100+ degrees on this route. There was a cross wind but not bad at all. We all stayed together too. It was delightful! We regrouped at Wallis Sands. By now the parking lot was pretty full. And then regrouped at Hampton Beach. It was not so hectic pedaling through Hampton Beach although we all remained on guard for pedestrians, car doors, mopeds, dogs, etc. Back to Salisbury and then back to the Port Plaza. WooHoo! 14 started and 14 finished. 11 of us gathered for a closing nondenominational prayer by "Rabbi Shelly" in front of the "Quasi Conant" statue.
Cape Cod Mike, Drew, Lisa, and I went for our traditional late lunch at Not Your Average Joe's in Newburyport. It was a great day! Kudos or maybe a therapy session for Cape Cod Mike for commuting at 3:00am from the Cape to join us! It was a wonderful ride.
FYI- The original ride took place in 1993 by Barry Carver, Dwayne Marshall, Jonathan Peck, and Donna Cohen.
---Donna
July 21, 2007. Thankfully, a fairly uneventful ride this year. The weather was ideal- partly sunny, in the 70s, and only a light breeze. 14 riders set off from Newburyport, Port Plaza and headed north. Most adorned in their Cyclopath kits. Ethan arrived a bit later than the 6:05 start (the 5 minute rule was in effect). The core group began on time and a few riders waited to ride with Ethan. That allowed a few of the speedier riders a chance to put their pedals to the metal and catch the rest of the group in time to regroup in Salisbury.
Ed's chain took a jump, but was quickly put back in place. Up the coast we rode. Hampton beach was very calm and quiet. A few walkers were out and some surfers on the water. We stopped at the traditional rest rooms along Hampton Beach and recruited a man named Steve to take a group pic or two. A few more pics were taken. And Tammy somehow disappeared?! With no sign of Tammy's bike and Grandpa-Michael saying he saw her ride off, we continued on. Within moments we found Tammy. She was standing in the street with her camera ready, snapping away.
Next stop Wallis Sands. The view along the coast was spectacular: wispy clouds in a blue sky and a cool blue calm ocean beneath. Lots of fishing boats completing their daily chores. And walkers and runners along the path. We regrouped at Wallis Sands. We met with some of the Cystic Fibrosis riders. They were doing a 75 mile route along the coast as well. They were very friendly, from North Carolina, and took a few group pics for us. : ) No other Cyclopaths in sight. We thought a few might meet us at Wallis Sands. Note- the parking lot opens at 8:00am. Which worked out perfectly; we arrived at 8:00am. And also it is 21 miles from Newburyport to Wallis Sands.
Northward we pedaled enjoying more of the coastline as we went. "The A group" formed a paceline and speedily made its way about 20+ mph up the coast. The "Muggles" among us rode at a social pace and stopped for pics along the way. A good ride was had by all. We regrouped at the base of the bridge. Bruce, Ethan and Ed skipped a sit down breakfast and continued north. The rest of the group- Me, CC Mike, Tammy, Grandpa-Michael, Lisa, Drew, Lynda, Steve-Bob, Pedal-Pete waited at the bridge for Sheldon and Glenda. We met up with a man named Jim from Marblehead. Yes, he pedaled up from Marblehead 56 miles. We had gone 30. Jim is a PMC rider and knows Ethan and knew Sue. We all chatted with him for a few minutes. A bit past the 5 minute rule I telephoned Shelly and found out he and Glenda were already at the "Meany Toast" waiting for us. We rode through parking lots and one way streets and arrived at "The Meany Toast". There was a line out front, but there were two tables ready for us thanks to Glenda's reservation.
Service was slow, the food was good, the decor fun, and the bill at our table added up to various amounts... long story. Needless to say, next year new breakfast spot! Sheldon had a monster pancake. And we received a phone call from Bruce & Ethan that somehow they lost Ed?! It seems impossible on an out and back route?! We were told to keep an eye out when we rode up the coast. Everyone accounted for.
We got riding again toward the Portsmouth Bridge. This time Sheldon's chain took a jump. He was able to repair it. Half the group crossed the bridge and a few of us did not make it in time. We were halfway across when the bells and whistles began. I think in the 15 years I've done this ride 14 out of 15 times we had to wait for the bridge. We all walked our bikes across safely. Back on our bikes and into Kittery, Maine. Yes, it was official. A TriState Ride! And all 14 riders made it this year! YAY!
We continued up the coast to Kittery Point. Grey clouds were rolling in and the wind picked up a bit. I was a bit concerned of rain, although forecasts did not call for it. We stopped at Frisbee's convenient store. The woman working there was very friendly. She asked if I knew Ed. I said yes and asked if he is OK. She handed me a half eaten bag of chips with a note "From Ed" on it. I asked if he was OK. She said Yes, they all ate out front. Then she continued- they were talking about an accident. I said- Oh No. Then she explained- it happened last year. I shook my head and thought "Bruce". I was glad to know everyone was safe.
Sheldon and Glenda arrived at the store. Most of the group was up ahead putting on a few more miles. Pedal-Pete, Grandpa-Michael and I continued on as well. The road narrows at this point and it is very rolling. A few miles into the ride CapeCod Mike came pedaling back waving and smiling at us. He banged a u-ee and continued back uphill for a bit. Soon the lead pack of our group pedaled by on their way back. The rest of us banged a u-ee and headed south. At Frisbee's Market a white van pulls aside me and asks- Donna?! I was very surprised to see Liz from the JCC, a Cardiokick and Spin instructor. She lives in Nahant but was up visiting her parents. That was fun. Last year I bumped into Melissa Paley and family at Frisbee's.
A few pics were taken. Cold beverages and bars consumed and we were on our way back. Back to the bridge. This time it was down. We all walked across safely. Getting through Portsmouth was trecherous but we made it. On the return route we avoided New Castle due to some construction and gravelly roads. This route was more direct, a bit shorter, and did involve a nasty grated bridge. We walked across safely. There was another PMC rider walking on the opposite side. We gave him the PMC cheer and See you in 2 weeks. Ethan called to say he made it safely back to Port Plaza. We had another 25+ miles to go.
The skies were clearing and the sun shone brightly. Temps remained in the high 70s. Very comfortable. It was very unusual not to have a strong headwind or 100+ degrees on this route. There was a cross wind but not bad at all. We all stayed together too. It was delightful! We regrouped at Wallis Sands. By now the parking lot was pretty full. And then regrouped at Hampton Beach. It was not so hectic pedaling through Hampton Beach although we all remained on guard for pedestrians, car doors, mopeds, dogs, etc. Back to Salisbury and then back to the Port Plaza. WooHoo! 14 started and 14 finished. 11 of us gathered for a closing nondenominational prayer by "Rabbi Shelly" in front of the "Quasi Conant" statue.
Cape Cod Mike, Drew, Lisa, and I went for our traditional late lunch at Not Your Average Joe's in Newburyport. It was a great day! Kudos or maybe a therapy session for Cape Cod Mike for commuting at 3:00am from the Cape to join us! It was a wonderful ride.
FYI- The original ride took place in 1993 by Barry Carver, Dwayne Marshall, Jonathan Peck, and Donna Cohen.
---Donna
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