From the President
October was basically a warmer and drier month as a whole until it came time for our scheduled Halloween ride. A couple rigs moved into the special use area on Wednesday, the majority of us showed up on Thursday. For those two days the weather pattern followed the warm and dry trend. Saturday much cooler, temperatures and rain moved in to put a damper on the party. I did not count the trailers, but on Friday the special use area was full and several groups headed out to enjoy the trails. With the expected change on Saturday, several announced they planned to head home after their ride. A community meal had originally been planned for Saturday evening, but was moved up to Friday so the majority could participate. The camp cooks did not disappoint and a wonderful meal was enjoyed by all before most headed home.
Saturday morning rain as promised. It started right around sun up and lasted well into the night. The 4 of us that stayed over night dug in for the long haul. None of us rode, but found other ways to pass the time with a promise that Sunday the sun would return. On Saturday, part of us relocated to Jim Bo's in South Bloomingville for lunch and to watch the Buckeye football game. OH___. Sunday the sun returned and the saddles were back on the horses for one more ride before packing up.
Let me go back in time a bit to the second full week in October. Nineteen of us, all Fairfield OHC members but 2, traveled to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky for a week of riding and an attempt at having too much fun. The weather was perfect with moderate temperatures and the only rain came one night after all had gone to bed. The trails were well maintained and the campground super nice.
The camp manager (Bubba, picture included) could not have been more accommodating. But why not, it only took him 1 day to figure out our meal schedule and we ended up feeding him most of the week. In his defense, he did break out a guitar to play plus sang for us 2 nights. Nothing is free! Bubba was proof positive, don't judge a book by it's cover. There was a lot of talent hidden in his slightly ruff exterior. June organized a corn hole tournament that ran for two evenings Not saying any funny business went on, but the team of Shelly and June kicked everyone's booty and took home the hand crafted prizes provided by June. Some rode 6 days, all rode at least 4 day with an average of 20 miles a day logged for the club. I am sure most are familiar with the Goat Trail at Hocking. Well, the 18-mile mile loop we rode one day made the Goat Trail look like a beginners trail and we all agreed it was a great experience, but we did not need to ride it again any time in the near future.
Pretty, but lots of rock to negotiate. Throw in great meals every evening which each camper took a turn at providing and I am hear to announce, mission accomplished on having too much fun. Best news of the week, we all made it home safe.
Looking to our November meeting, we need to elect officers for 2020. I am told most are willing to serve again if nominated, but we do need to elect a new secretary. Tanna Rhoads has chosen to step down because of teenage sons and other outside activities that currently limit her available time. Nominations for all offices will be accepted at the meeting, but please verify ahead of time if your nominee is willing to serve.
The annual Christmas party is quickly approaching. The date is Sunday evening December 1st at 6 o'clock. The location is the same as last year, the Pleasantville Fire Department Community center. This is located on Coonpath Road at the corner of State Route 188. (North of Lancaster). Enter the parking lot off of Coonpath Road. The doors will open at 5 o'clock with appetizers available as you mingle with friends. For those that wish to participate, a gift exchange will take place after dinner. The way this works is all packages go in a pile and are passed out once a circle has been created. A Christmas story is read and the gifts are passed around until we come to the end of the story. At that point you open the gift you are holding. Again for those that wish to participate, please limit your gifts to under $10. Oh yea, I forgot, Santa will make an appearance during the evening. If you have a special gift you wish to give to a special person, Santa can handle that for you. The cost of the meal is $10 for adult members with kids under 13 free. The menu is not set in stone yet, but will include 2 choices of meat, a vegetable, a potato and a salad plus desert. You can't beat that at McDonald’s. I do need reservations sent to me by November 10th. You can email me at [email protected] or call or text to 740-703-7740.
Our last ride of the year is scheduled for November 15th-17th at Tar Hollow State Forest. Hopefully the moderate temperatures will hold up. If not, break out the long johns and heavy coat, load up some extra fire wood and get in one last camp out.
We will not have a meeting in December, but I will send out a newsletter to keep everyone in the loop of our activities. As you finish up your riding activities for the year, figure up your miles and send to Tom McGuire. Last year our club ranked 3rd in the state of all OHC clubs. I'm thinking we have a chance to move up. Super proud of how active our membership has been this year on the trails.
That's all I have for today. Hope to see a huge turn out at the Christmas party.
Chris
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