Despite near perfect weather, we opted for a local ride on the Alum Creek Trail to check out the newly opened section from Easton Fields to Brittany Hills. Good decision. Lin, Scott (new hip) and Gene (bad summer head cold) decided to ride. We rolled south from Westerville with David in the lead. He promptly got lost. (Tradition!) Setting a casual pace, we gave plenty of room to Scott so as not to endanger his still healing new hip, and to Gene so as not to share his cold. The new section from Easton Fields to Brittany Hills is lovely with five bridges and a sixth and seventh coming with the Ohio Dominican University connector scheduled to be opened this fall. This will give us an unbroken run from Westerville to Three Creeks Metro Park. The Dawn Patrol can then take a new route north. David is already planning a Tour de Bexley + pizza ride. A note on the wetland boardwalk between Champions golf course and Innes Park. If there are any loose bolts on your bike, this will show them. The boards appear to be weathering unevenly and can be slippery after a rain. The return ride was pleasant and uneventful. Scott and Gene faired well. Good ride! We retired to the Banana Grill for post-ride chow.