Confession time. In this blog, I have often lamented the ignorance and inattentiveness of the motorist when engaging a bicyclist. However, today I almost nailed a biker. Coming out of the establishment that changes my oil in the "geezermobile Buick" the street I turn onto is usually quite busy. Having checked both directions and seeing no autos, I began pulling onto the street. But, much to my astonishment and chagrin, a bicyclist ran directly into my path from the left. Yes, he was riding on the wrong side of the street but I still should have seen him. With my 60 year old cat like quickness I applied the breaks and missed hitting him by less that a foot. I absolutely did not see him. He was not in my visual arena. I have been told and have, in fact, told many people to ride a bicycle like you are invisible. The lesson here is to realize most people do not try to hit bicyclists but when they do it's because they actually do not see them. I will now resolve to have more patience with those motorists who turn my rides into adventures.
On another note, last Friday I took several bikers on a twenty mile trip to nearby Metamora, had lunch, and returned in time to drive to Champaign to watch the Fighing Illini pulverize the lowly SIU Salukies. Okay, Okay, what are they doing playing a team two divisions below them. Hey a win is a win. But, I digress. The trip is sponsored by the Washington Park District. We had a great time on the ride and the Park District is having me lead a group on October 9th to nearby Goodfield for lunch. This should be about a 40 mile trek and, with novice riders, it looks to be a lot of fun. I set a leisurely pace and anyone who would like to turn it into a race, you win. More later.

Birthday today. Several people suggested I ride my age today. I did and it is was quite a long ride. I know some of the followers of this blog will suggest I rode a century!! Very funny. Not quite. However, I did ride a century last Friday. This is my second 100 mile ride this summer. I again rode to Champaign but this time it was to attend my class reunion. And, no again, it wasn't my 100th year reunion. Do they still have those? I doubt it. Anyway, I only made one stop in Bloomington. At the grocery store/gas station, while paying for my Gatorade and powerbar, the clerk asked if I purchased gas. I was mildly amused since I still had my biking helmet, biking gloves and spandex on. My assumption was the clerk could tell I was riding my bicycle but apparently not. In his defense, I imagine that response is so ingrained in his speech pattern it was a natural thing to ask. Nevertheless, I still found it amusing. This is the first time I only stopped once during a 100 mile ride. And, with a cross/tailwind it was the fastest I had ridden this route. I averaged 20.1 mph. While that might seem average to many, I had never ridden so fast for so long. I doubt I will attempt this again, especially at my advanced age.
The picture I post with this entry is my second grade school picture. Many followers are wondering if they, in fact, had cameras back in those days. Again, very funny!!! Enough ranting for now. More later.