The Annual Tri State Cohen Classic

Photos by Donna, Wallis Sands before 8

2010-08-02T12:48:00.001-04:00

Jack checks out the Pig Roast

2010-08-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

Breakfast at Cafe Espresso

2010-08-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

Nubble Light (Sort of)

2010-08-02T12:43:00.000-04:00

At the Finish, North Hampton

2010-08-02T12:40:00.000-04:00

18th Annual Cohen Classic Ride Report (2010)

2010-07-26T17:38:00.000-04:00

It was one of the coolest Cohen Classics to date. Better known for heat and humidity, we really lucked out with a nice sea breeze and no real head wind. Six riders headed out from North Hampton Elementary School. Lisa, Donna, Sheldon, Jack, Tammy & Kathy who really was riding a 50 lb mountain bike, no exaggeration! Kathy pumped up her tires and Lisa reversed her front tire to get the odometer/speedometer going again and away we went.

We hit the coast and headed north. We rode thru the morning fog. Made it to Wallis Sands before the official 8:00am opening. No signs of the monster jellyfish. The workers were nice enough to take group pics for us, even before 8:00am. Lisa rode ahead of the pack as a rabbit and discovered a man roasting a pig at Odiorne State Park. We chatted and he lifted up the lid for an official viewing. He was preparing it for an afternoon wedding.

We made it to breakfast and enjoyed a nice meal at Cafe Espresso. The waitresses were very accommodating to us. From there Tammy & Kathy headed back. Kathy riding "the Beast". Lisa, Sheldon, Jack and I continued north. Before we hit the store a white van drove by us and I heard, "Donna?!", with a giggle. It was my friend Liz who lives in Nahant. Her parents live in Maine and she frequently visits. A few years ago the same thing happened.

We continued north and waved and rang our bells at a peloton of bright pink clad SeaCoast riders. Lisa made it up near Nubble Light but the bridge was closed and there was a detour. She looped back to let us know. At that point we all decided to turn back. No Nubble Light this year..... maybe next year.

The Portsmouth Bridge went up as we approached. At that point I had a flat so we took the time to change it. Thanks for the help Jack & Sheldon! We made it back and Tammy was waiting for us. Thanks Tammy! Sheldon, Tammy and I enjoyed lunch at Not Your Average Joes in Newburyport making it a TriState ride. : )

Thank you to all who showed up to ride and kept the tradition going. It really is a beautiful route and a delicious breakfast. Next year-- two weeks before the PMC again.

Group Shot at Wallis Sands

2010-07-26T16:10:00.001-04:00

Pig Roast!

2010-07-26T16:09:00.001-04:00

Near the Finish

2010-07-26T16:05:00.000-04:00

17th Annual Tri-State Cohen Classic Ride Report

2009-07-23T12:22:00.005-04:00

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

Photos by Donna!

2009-07-21T20:38:00.001-04:00

2009-07-21T20:35:00.005-04:00

Ethan's Posse

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2009-07-21T20:33:00.002-04:00

2009-07-21T20:33:00.001-04:00

Waiting at the Bridge

2009-07-21T20:27:00.002-04:00

Good Samaritan, CCM

2009-07-21T20:26:00.000-04:00

The Queen is Injured!

2009-07-21T20:25:00.003-04:00

Frisbee's/Captain Simeone's General Store

2009-07-21T20:25:00.002-04:00

Ocean View on Detour Route

2009-07-21T20:24:00.000-04:00

16th Annual Tri State Cohen Classic Ride Report (2008)

2008-07-21T19:18:00.001-04:00

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

Photos by Donna!

2008-07-21T10:19:00.002-04:00

Smiley Before and After

2008-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

On the Road

2008-07-21T10:16:00.002-04:00

Ethan ready to Ride - Little Dave takes a break

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At Cafe Espresso, Portsmouth

2008-07-21T10:14:00.000-04:00

Ethan's Belgian Waffle

2008-07-21T10:13:00.000-04:00

Newburyport Bridge

2008-07-21T10:10:00.000-04:00

The 15th Annual TriState Cohen Classic

2007-07-22T12:40:00.000-04:00

15th Annual Tri State Cohen Classic Ride Report (2007)

2007-07-22T12:39:00.003-04:00

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

Photos by Donna

2007-07-22T12:33:00.001-04:00

Photo Ops on the Road

2007-07-22T12:31:00.000-04:00

Hampton Beach

2007-07-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

Back from Belarus - Monster Pancake

2007-07-22T12:21:00.000-04:00

Pics from The Meany Toast

2007-07-22T11:38:00.000-04:00

Donna Strikes a Pose

2007-07-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

Captain Simeones General Store/Frisbee's

2007-07-22T11:24:00.000-04:00

The 14th Annual TriState Cohen Classic (2006)

2006-07-29T13:35:00.002-04:00

The 14th Annual TriState Cohen Classic The Novel
July 29, 2006

20 riders set out from the Port Plaza in Newburyport, Mass. My buddies from the Cape, Ellen and Mike, came up to ride. There were some new faces too. Meg brought her friend and photographer, Ken. Ethan brought his posse. And Bruce brought a new rider, Janine. Weather reports were for a very hot day. We all hoped that staying along the coast would keep us cool. Away we rode, of course not all together. The group quickly separated into smaller groups. Many of us regrouped at the Salisbury Beach turn, then continued north into New Hampshire and a quick stop at Hampton Beach. The lead pack was ready to roll by the time I arrived. I was able to snap a few quick pics.

Again, we got on our bikes and pedaled north along the coastline. The crowds were few and traffic at a minimum so early in the morning. The air was dry and the temp cool. The ocean extremely calm and a very low tide. Many surfers sat anxiously on the sea wall waiting for waves to arrive. Next stop Wallis Sands. So far so good. 22 miles behind us and more ahead. We continued on our scenic journey northward. The ocean scenery breathtaking. It really was a beautiful day. I enjoyed riding with new Cyclopath "Cape Cod Mike" who had yet to ride over 40 miles.

As we approached the Portsmouth bridge at mile 30 we regrouped and headed down the street to our breakfast stop--The Friendly Toast. Along the side of the road were fans waving and cheering and taking pics! It was Cyclopath-Tammy and her two sons Andrew and Will. (They arrived much earlier and did not have a good experience at the restaurant. Andrew renamed the restaurant "The Meany Toast"). Thankfully, we were all able to be seated quickly. Drew, the wonderful event organizer that she is, called ahead and gave fair notice. We sat at three different tables. The place was fun, with lots of funky decor. We sat on seats from an old bowling alley with a kidney shaped formica table reminiscent of one I grew up with. The food was VERY GOOD. Most of the help tattooed. The restaurant was recommended by a local bike shop and also a friend I know that lives in Portsmouth.

Back on the bikes and heading north. Over the bridge, but as usual, we had to wait for the bridge to go up and back down again. Another photo op for us. Meanwhile, the lead group had not stopped for breakfast. And Little David headed back. Across the bridge we went into Kittery, Maine. It was now officially a TriState ride. WooHoo! Just another 5 miles to Captain Simeone's Country Store in Kittery Point, Maine. That was my turning back point. Most others continued north. Some wanting to complete a 75 mile ride. Others opting to get up to the lighthouse making it 90 miles. I was content with a 70 mile ride. And as it turned out I was glad I did. Melissa Paley and David Batchelder were launching their boat at the dock. So I got to say hi and chat a bit. A nice coincidence, and great timing. Melissa said David went riding in the morning and said he saw the Cyclopaths but did not recognize anyone. Melissa asked, "How did you know it was them?" Answer: "They were riding all over the place and chatting." : ) There were lots of riders along the coast. I received lots of PMC cheers from other riders and a few cars passing by.

Sheldon, Michael Kelleher, Cape Cod Mike and I headed back (south). It was heating up now. Not a cloud in the sky. And the traffic, both cars and pedestrians, had grown tremendously. It was a real beach day. Over the bridges and through the heat we went. Eventually most of us caught up to each other. We regrouped at Wallis Sands. The hose never felt so good. And they sold cold water. We even got the parking attendant to take a group pic. By now, the beach was full and the parking lot almost full to capacity. If I wasn't pedaling back I would have LOVED to have taken a swim in the ocean. Water temp was posted at 66 degrees.

Back we went heading south. Yes, the headwinds were strong as usual. The lead group-Lisa, Drew, Ellen, Kathy and Michael Kelleher formed a pace line and off they went. Shelly, Cape Cod Mike and I rode sweep. The riding was a challenge due to the heat and the constant traffic of cars and pedestrians. Soon Jack Gould appeared. Apparently he somehow got lost along the way?! Another stop for a cold drink and more pedaling over the Hampton Beach Bridge and back into Massachusetts.

Soon the lighthouse group pedaled by. Bruce with his "battle wounds". He had taken a spill and was treated by EMTs up in Maine. All bandaged and bruised he continued to ride. Reports are that Ed had a flat tire. Steve-Bob lost his pump. And Drew had a near collision with a pedestrian. Thankfully, everyone made it back safely.

I was feeling fine until the last 5 miles. I got a stitch in my side that I could not get rid of. My legs felt fine. I could not take a deep breath. So, I rode at an extra slow pace. Cape Cod Mike and Sheldon were right there by my side. Thanks guys!

We made it back to the Port Plaza, before nightfall! Then headed over to Not Your Average Joes in Newburyport for a late lunch with Drew and Lisa. I was still not feeling 100%. I got better as time passed. I ended up with a bad cold, so it must have been brewing in my system. I plan to be better by Saturday!!!!

And that ends the saga of the 14th Annual TriState Cohen Classic. A piece of history: The 1st TriState Cohen Classic took place in July of 1993. There were 4 riders: myself, Barry Carver, Dwayne Marshall, and Jon Peck.

Thank you to all that participated. It has been decided that next year we will begin earlier. Pics will be posted soon! -- Donna