May 9th Arcola ride

[Patrick]

The weather forecast suggests a NW wind - meaning a ride to Columbia City.  To attain at least 25 miles, the ride will start by heading east on Arcola Rd to O'Day Rd, turning left and riding to Leesburg Rd and turning left again.  Leesburg becomes Old Trail on the north side of US 30.  Then, Old Trail to Hartman and a ride back on Raber Rd. before turning left on 400S and heading back to Arcola.

[Steve]

I like the route but would suggest doing it in reverse:

• Straight west on 400S you get a cross headwind  rather than a direct NW headwind.
• Defers crossing US30 until later in the evening after some of the motor traffic has died down.
• Angle of Old Trail means motorist do not have setting sun directly in their eyes.
• If there is a mechanical or slower rider they can cut the route short before sunset by returning to Arcola on Felger Road.