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.

                                     Ha, Ha.  Thought I would re-post this during the winter

Back to the basement on the trainer.  Getting very BORING watching Game Show network and Comedy Central!!  Preparing for a biking experience once again in the Florida Keys with the big 50 miler from Marathon to Key West.  Have not reserved a bike yet because our stay in the Keys is limited this year as we are taking little Ruthie and her parents to Disney World for the first week.  Five days in Key West without staying at the little cottage we used the past three years will reduce my time I regularly spend on biking.  The possibility still exists and I would be vastly disappointed if I could not do the 7 mile bridge but with the time restraints we will see.  After a shot in the hip that contains 3 screws and the resulting arthritis. the leg is feeling much better.  Hopefully it will sufficiently recovered but that is another reason I haven't reserved a bike.  It's a bitch getting older, but time will tell.  The holiday season passed quickly and as each year passes we still enjoy them as much as we did in our earlier years.  I am very looking forward to the Spring when, I believe, our granddaughter will begin riding without her training wheels.  A ride on their nearby bike trail would be great before it is all over.  Well, enough and check in later to see how the Florida trip turns out

 

 December 27th is usually very cold, snowy or both around these parts. But today it was so nice, 50° plus and a light wind, I was able to do a 40 miler. At the end of December in central Illinois it is very unusual but I'll take it. My winter biking usually occurs when I go to Florida but if this continues I may have to forego my Florida trips. Yeah right not going to happen.