Healing.  After 6 weeks I am down to one crutch and can walk without crutch as the body tolerates it.  My workouts at the rec center involve 30 minutes on the seated stepper and 30 minutes on the recumbent stationary bike followed by lifting on the pulley machines.  I did cheat last Saturday by doing 10 minutes on he upright stationary bike.  The PT's encouraged me to NOT do that until the rehab process is complete.  Hopefully by the middle of next month I will be back on the bike as that is when we will be in Florida.  Let's hope.

Off the bike for over a week. Getting "stir crazy".  Hoping to get back before the 4-6 week time I was told it would take to repair the damage in my hip.

Yes, I did it again.  Another ride in an ambulance to treat me for a bicycle mishap.  Traveling down a local street finishing my forty mile ride, I was within half a mile of my house.  Approaching a stop sign I noticed a car to my left that had the right of way.  Hard breaking and hitting a wet spot on the road resulted in me being flipped off my bike.  I landed on my right side.  When the ambulance arrived I was hesitant to go because I felt the pain would subside and I could be on my way.  But, as luck would have it, I was unable to stand on my right leg as sharp pain tore through the area.  After the x-ray it was determined I had cracked the head of the femur.  The good news is they only had to put in three pins through a small incision.  The surgeon said it was the easiest of all hip injuries to repair.   So once again another biking mishap. I will be off the bike for from 4 to 6 weeks. Wondering if I should retire from that activity.  Later

Finished riding the hills of southern Illinois and lo and behold I did it again.  Another turnover on my bike computer. If I go another tenth of a mile it reverts to 0.  Doesn't have a 10,000 mile number.

Rode my last century of the season today.  Washington to Champaign il. 102 miles.  A very odd thing on this ride.  Two stretches of rt. 150 that used to have comfortable shoulders now have "rumble strips" carved into them. The first runs from Bloomington to LeRoy and the second is from Mahomet to Champaign.  What is that all about. Perfectly fine shoulders where bikers could ride safely now have rumble strips grooved into them.  The only reason I can see for this phenom is it is for distracted drivers.   That is, because the law will not stop drivers of vehicles from texting and using their cell phones, to keep them safer, rumble strips will alert them when they wonder off the road.  To hell with anyone else who might use them.  What that does is it forces me to ride on the road instead of the shoulder.  Cars who now pass must give me at least 3 feet and I am entitled to the entire lane.  I could use all county roads on my ride,  but I would be accused by the "moron from Sunnyland" of being an "Isis of Rural Roads.
Closing in on another 10,000 miles recorded on the bike computer.

Finished Fat Tire Ride in Lake Geneva WS.  The ride around the lake is short, 23 miles, but quite hilly.  1,700 feet of climb in that short a space involves several severe climbs.  The last major uphill was a 16% grade.  While it was only a mile long it was challenging.  And, it is the only bike ride I do where I will have a beer.  Starting at the Mars bar, Bloody Mary's were in order.  The second stop was with no alcohol.  Stop three I had one beer.  Stop 4 a brat and a beer.  Then the "climb".  Stop 5 one beer.  The actual riding time was only an hour and a half but with all the stops it was around 5 hours. So, the beer consumption was not a factor.  My friend, Roger, and I were probably the oldest riders of about 2,000 bikers.  Many, of course, were novices and few made it up the "climb" biking but most walked.  Roger and I were one of the few who actually rode the entire hill.   Looking forward to next year.
    As it turned out we were very helpful to fellow riders.  At the beginning we put air in the tires of 7 people who did not bring anything to fill their own.  During the ride we fixed the chain of one of the bikers who did not know you should not shift gears when climbing hills.  Another had a very low tire and stopped to ask if we had an air pump.  All I carry is CO2.  So I used one to fill her tire.  She was very grateful. All in all a great time was had by all.

Trying to get in as many miles as possible until the weather turns.  Biked 7 days straight and I usually get a rest day after 6.  The wind is non-existent so they are easy rides.  I started last Tuesday with a ride to Champaign=100 miles.  This was followed by two days of 40 milers and on Friday I did my usual "Friday 50".  Saturday I had a function in Highland Il. was so I only rode 30.  Sunday, my usual rest day was so nice I did my regular 40 and today, Monday, I was back on schedule.  So in the last week I rode 340 miles.  Not bad for an old man.  Now the down side.  I had several close calls and the one on Sunday involved a teenie bopper making a left turn right in front of me.  I thought for sure I was going to hit her in the driver side.  I yelled at her to stop and the look on her face was one of shock.  Fortunately, I was able to avoid the collision but by doing so rode over a hard curb.  The best I could hope for was two flat tires and maybe two bent rims. But fortune smiled on me and even though it was rough, no damage to the bike.  Yea!! Next major ride is the Fat Tire Ride in Lake Geneva in a couple of weeks.  Check back then.

Great week of riding.  Rode to Champaign a week ago, LeRoy twice.  Bad news.  When I ride to LeRoy, a 55 miler, I always stop at DJ's bar to rehydrate.  My favorite bar owner Doris would always have a beverage waiting upon my arrival.  I have mentioned her before in this blog.  This wonderful 70+ lady even called to make sure we were ok after the Washington tornado.  I first met her during my training for my cross country event.  Yesterday I decided to ride to LeRoy.  Ronni was waiting for me with the van.  I began changing and she went to the front of the bar.  It was closed.  We thought it might just be a temporary thing and drove home.  Ronni called and her daughter answered the phone.  Doris died about a week ago.  She fell and hit her head leading to her demise.  She was a fine lady and always found time to talk with us when we visited.  Doris will be missed.

Just returned from a ride with Tom and Harry.  Two day ride in Ocean City Md.  First day we rode with Tom's friends.  They ride three times a week and were nice enough to let us join them.  That's the good news.  Now for the downer.  Riding along the shoulder on a roadway, one of Tom's friends ran over a stick and wrecked.  Harry, Tom and I were behind him when he went down.  The person right behind him ran over his wheel but didn't fall.  Somehow Tom was able to divert to the left, Harry braked hard and just miss hitting him and I hit the ditch to the right.  Tom, Harry nor I were injured or had any bike damage.  Unfortunately for the guy who crashed he scrapped both elbows and skinned his knee.  Lots of blood.  So, here's the thing.  As we were riding Harry looked over at me and said in his best British accent.  "You know you are responsible for that guy crashing".  I started laughing as he describe how, given my history of disasters on bike trips, just be being there meant there would be some kind of mishap.  So, once again the blame falls to me.  But, my shoulders are broad enough to carry the burden so I accept the blame.  Ha!!

Finally. This is my new bicycle. After realizing I was destroying the environment with my excessive breathing while biking, I now will ride this vehicle, with the flowers, to absorb excess CO2 emissions. Also, note the location of the flowers. Another environmental safety feature. Any inadvertent methane emissions not only will be destroyed, but the smell of fresh flowers will be the only odor emanating from this practice. Life is good!!

Just returned from my second trip to Florida this year.  Looked into rental properties for January in the Naples area.  Found a great place and in the meantime rented a bike from the local Trek bike shop.  Biking the area I found it to be very bike friendly.  Not only were there trails but most roads had a specific bicycle lane.  Even the very busy Rt. 41 had a bike lane.  Looking forward to spending January there and avoiding the miserable winter weather in central Illinois.

http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/03/02/state-lawmaker-says-bicycling-is-not-good-for-the-environment-should-be-taxed/
Two negative comments from politicians posted on facebook the last week.  One was from ED Orcott from Seattle Washington who declared that bikers were causing environmental problems.  His reasoning was because bikers exhale excess CO2 we are destroying the Ozone.  Because of this he advocates having a bike tax.  He is obviously an idiot.
And, Limburger, the radio ranter stated that older people should not bike.  His was a reaction to John Kerry falling and breaking his leg.  Another example of complete stupidity.  However, I'm still trying to do my daily 40 knowing it is destroying the environment and occasionally I will let flatulence stream behind me.  This is also known to destroy the environment as studies from cow farts seem to produce the same effect.  Oh well!
On another note, I will not be meeting with the cross country people this June in Champaign.  I will be out of town but wish the riders and Tracy well.  More later.

                                                               Riding buddy...Flat Stanley
The 2015 cross country tour begins Sunday.  Can't believe it is 6 years since my adventure.  And yes the book is completed.  Waiting for permission to use pics of riders.  Good luck to this years riders.  It will be an adventure...guarantee.

First century (101.2 miles) bike ride of the year from Washington to Champaign. I was going to wait two days until April 15 but thought the ride would be....wait for it......wait for it..... too TAXING!! Ha. And, if you didn't like that one how about this. I had to lean my bicycle against my brothers garage because after the ride it couldn't stand alone.It was...wait for it..........two tired!! I know, I know too much time on the bike. The video is coming down Freddies Hill located between Goodfield and Congerville. Lance Armstrong speed without the drugs!!
Two rides planned.  Hopefully, in July,  I will be able to meet Harry in New Jersey and ride with Bob and Tom before they do the Anchor House ride.  Then in Sept. I am doing the Fat Tire Ride in Lake Geneva.  I did that last year and had a blast.  Still in the planning stage for the Great Alaska Highway ride.

Biked outside 4 days last week.  Rode 200 miles with a trip to LeRoy...55 miles.  This week looks like it's back to the rec center as the temp will only be in the mid 40's and very windy.  Yea, I know I should not be so particular.  But, Spring is approaching and I will have plenty of time to do the outside thing.  Also, since Harry is coming to the states to do a ride with Bob and Tom, I may decide to join them.  The pic above is from my recent trip to Key West riding across 7 mile bridge.

Finally got out this week.  Three days 40, 40 and 50.  It's good to be back! If I were to ride cross country again the bike in the above pic would be my ride of choice!!

Winter doldrums setting in.  Tired of the daily ride at the rec center or on my trainer in the basement.  Come on Spring.  Let's get here soon!!

                                                     7 mile bridge Marathon Key Fl.
Just returned from my annual trip to Florida.  Rode from Key Largo to Key West with good friend Fred.  While Fred is a novice in terms of distance riding he did a great job.   It was a mere 107 mile trek and we took two days to ride it but it was fun nevertheless.  The big challenge was crossing the 7 mile bridge.  It has a relatively narrow shoulder with no room for error. Any mistake by auto or bicyclist would result in a plunge into the gulf of Mexico.  Cars passed without moving much but we made it.  Fred now owns a shirt that declares he survived crossing the 7 mile bridge on a bicycle. On another note Harry notified me he was going to be in the U.S. to do the Anchor Ride with Bob and Tom.  He inquired if I would be interested.  After consulting with "the boss", if my schedule allows it I will try to join them.  Hopefully this will happen.  Looking forward to riding outdoors since most of my cycling is on the stationary bike at the rec center.  It looks like it will be awhile.

Done with editing my book. EFI-One Mans Adventures Riding a Bicycle Across America.  Now the real work begins.  Talked with my publisher today.  Two problems need to be resolved.  First, the cost of publishing with all color photos will have to be worked out.  The cost of the book may be prohibitive if I insist on keeping them.  Options include black and white pics or take them out completely.  The editors say the photo's really enhance the story.  The second is getting permission from people in the pictures.  That shouldn't be much of a problem because when I contact those people if they choose to not be in the book it will be easy to delete those pics.  Also, if they want to see what picture I used they are all in this blog.  And, proceeds from the project will be given to the Washington Tornado relief fund.  So, after much encouragement, cajoling, pleading and various other forms of persuasion I am near the end of this project.  Another two months and it should be finished.  Stay tuned!!