Just returned from New York City.  Met with Harry and his fiance Paula.  Recalling, I biked across America with him in addition to the Champaign to Boston in 2017 and a few days of riding with Tom in Maryland a few years ago.  Well, as you can imagine it was a fantastic trip.  We had drinks and dinner in the Marriott restaurant.  The following day, the two of them did their tourist thing as Ronni and I did ours with a bicycle carriage ride through Central Park. That evening we met with Peter and his wife.  Another recall is that Peter, who lives in Manhattan, was in the group who rode the cross country trip.  The six of us had a wonderful dinner at a posh New York restaurant, the Garden Inn.  Unfortunately for the ladies, we three riders pretty much excluded them from the conversation as we recounted our biking experiences.  Peter, who is an exceptional artist, shared his involvement in the art community.  Another of the riders who was in the city Sunday, Willy, had to leave before I arrived so we couldn't make it a mini-reunion of eight.  Oh well, it is what it is.  And, to be sure, New York has some of the biggest rip-off people on the planet.  From paying 120 dollars for an "uber" ride from Laguardia airport to Manhatter to panhandlers "demanding" 20 dollars donation to their "charities it turned out to be a very expensive visit.  But, all in all, worth every cent.  On the third day, Harry and Paula went to Peters place for a luncheon while Ronni and I rode the Hop and Shop Bus to visit Little Italy and the World Trade Center.  Oddly enough, as I entered the area of where the twin towers were destroyed along with 2200 lives two emotions permeated my being.  First was the enormous sense of the people who perished at that location and the second was a profound sense of anger toward those who would do such a senseless act of violence.  That evening we ate at a little Italian restaurant.  Ronni and I attend the Buena Vista Social Club play with Harry and Paula seeing the Hells Kitchen production.  Afterward we met at a small bar for drinks.  It was determined that their wedding would see me and Ronni attending, invited or not!!  All in all a wonderful three days with fellow bikers.

 

Wow, can't believe its been this long since my last post.  Not much on the biking front.  A few out dooor rides but mostly indoor on the trainer.  Most recent was another 35 miler to Magnolia plus a few 30 milers locally.  I will admit the repaired knee and my hip are starting to be concerning.  Hopefully, I will be able to ride through the pain.  On a positive note, next Monday we will be meeting Harry and his new bride in New York.  This will not be a riding experience as Harry is doing the "tourist" thing.  An effort is being made to meet with Peter and Willy but nothing is certain at this point.  On a disturbing note both Harry and I attempted to contact Tom but to no avail.  Both texting, email or calling has not met with success.  That cannot be good news but time will tell and when we gather a group effort might give answers.  More later and it won't be this long between posts.

 

Typical March weather cold windy one day, warm windy another day.  The obvious commonality is WIND.... Usually 15 mph and gusty.  Last Saturday I was able to do NE route to Magnolia (35 miler) with thoughts of going to Spring Valley (50 miler).  Alas, time was short so the shorter route was preferred.  Now for the cautionary tale.  Last week, after a weekend, trip, on my training ride in the basement my repaired/replaced right knee began to hurt.  I thought I could just ride through it but that did not happen.  I shortened the time on the trainer, iced it and hoped for the best.  Fortunately, the next two days the pain was minimal but still present.  Then the Magnolia trek.  While it was not crippling, the outdoor trip was doable but I could still feel some discomfort.  Knowing I would take another two days off I was hoping the issue would resolve.  Well, as weather would have it, my basement trainer was the option of the day.  The knee was uncomfortable but I was able to complete my workout.  After icing, I am still experiencing swelling and a bit of discomfort.  Let's see what the next two days bring.  Hopefully, it is temporary but we will see.  My 100 miler is being planned and a friend declared he would like to join me this year.  We will see.  Later

 

Yes, Yes, Yes.  Outside rides two days last week.  Very windy both days so the second day was a 35 miler to Magnolia.  Wind was from the SW at 20 plus MPH.  Now for the better news.  Usually on rte. 89 north, the road is rampant with semis and farm implements.  The average number of semis passing me is between 12-15 along with the usual tractor, back hoe, or other John Deere farming machines.  Yet on this particular day I only had ONE, that's right ONE, semi and no farming vehicles.  However, as it was a Saturday, the auto traffic was vastly more than usual during the week.  After the ride all body parts were in fine working order including the hip, and repaired knee.  So, all in all, rewarding outdoor riding.  I looks like the season has started and am looking forward to another century soon.

 Well well, it's been awhile.  My biking has been limited to my basement on the trainer for the past month. Looks like next week may break the routine.  Low 70's in our area will allow outside biking.  Looking forward to it.  As of now, all body parts are working well but at my age that could change instantly!  More adventures ahead. 

Back to reality

granddaughter and us at disneyworld

Bike rental shop outside Key West.  Would never rent from a place with wrecked bikes out front

Preparing to leave for ride

                                                                         Family at DisneyWorld

 Just finished our annual Florida trip. First week was a fantastic time with Christopher, Annie and granddaughter Ruthie...her first time at DisneyWorld. It was a joy watching her reactions to the whole experience. After they went home and after a brief visit with our good friend Sue, Ronni and I made our way to Key West. Our entire visit the weather was perfect... Mid 80's, mild humidity and no rain, or hurricanes. Really glad about the no hurricane thing. Anyway, enjoy the pics.  Earlier this week I intended to ride across 7 mile bridge but decided to not do so. The amount of debris is unbelievable. Driving across on our way to Key West I noticed iron bars, large strips of aluminum, large 2x4s, glass, rubber tire remains and so much more that common sense overcame stupidity. Maybe next year.

How true

The time is near.....outdoor biking in the Florida Keys.  The first week will be near the Orlando area in a place called DisneyWorld.  Taking the oldest son, his wife and our wonderful granddaughter, we are all excited about the visit to the "Happiest Place on Earth". The next week Ronni and I will be in Key West on our annual trek to that area.  For the first time I will only have a two day window for biking.  Marathon to Key West via 7 mile bridge is only an option if the weather and winds are favorable.  But, can't wait as that is currently my favorite distance ride.   The shot in my hip and accompanying anti-arthritic drugs will allow for a comfortable riding experience.  Unfortunately, I see a hip replacement in the future and that will dictate my continued biking.  Time will tell.  Stay tuned for photos and descriptions.