Very successful book signing Tuesday.  Over 350 people on the Christmas Annual Tour of Homes  toured the house.  Many books sold, many inquiries about the ride and inquiries as to when I would be giving another book presentation.  Finished for the year and looking forward to the new year.  Hope everyone has a great year.  And, I will be signing up for the Champaign to Boston section of the cross country ride after the new year.  Also, I will be posting pictures from Naples later in January.

 

My last book signing of the year is Tuesday Dec. 13. at the Zinzer House in Washington.  It is in conjunction with the annual Christmas Tour of Homes.  Looking forward to seeing the folks who attend this event and hopefully purchase one of my books. 

 

Middle of November and still biking outside.  While it's in the mid to lower 50's the wind is reasonable so will continue riding outside until the weather finally changes.  Two more book signings the rest of the year.  Looking at some next spring but during the winter I will be on hiatus. 

Todays ride was my typical 40 miler.  While it was cool, 50 degrees, the wind was a mild 6-7 mph from the NNW.  However, for the first time in my riding experience I encountered a first.  Looking ahead on the country road I saw an object that I couldn't immediately identify.  As I got closer I was surprised to see a cow in the middle of the road.  Hoping it would not turn and charge me I turned on my bike camera.  Fortunately, the animal turned and began sprinting down the road.  I have never seen a cow run full speed.  It was hilarious.  When it reached the end of the fence line it turned and ran into a barn.  While I have encountered many animals on my many bike treks, this was my first cow.  All ended well and I went about my business.
  On another note, it looks like I will be buying a new bike.  It is a newer version of my Cannondale Synapse.  Looking forward to the new ride.

Completed my eighth century ride since April from Washington to Champaign..  It turned out to be a beautiful day and as I was riding I wondered if things would continue to be so good.  I don't know if I tempted fate by thinking negative thoughts but of course after entertaining those thoughts a bit of bad karma reared its ugly head.  First, my bike computer stopped working.  I always like to see a summary of my rides when they are over.  After stopping and trying to fix the problem, it still would not work.  And, at this time it is still inoperable.  No clue.  So a visit to the bike shop is in the near future.
Secondly, as I entered the last 15 miles of the trip I saw a sign that indicated the road was closed ahead.  This was a route that I have taken many times so I continued down the road assuming I would just walk through the construction zone as I have done many times at different locations on my many rides.  Another biker was coming in the opposite direction and I asked him if the workers let him through the construction.  He said they would not and I would have to take an alternate route.  I had to ride four miles out of my way to detour around the work zone.  The good news is that I made another biker friend in the process.  So, I concluded, that when doing my distance rides, keep those negative thoughts out of my head and not let bad karma enter my domain.

Great week of riding.  Started with my 35 mile ride on the hills of southern Illinois.  Then a 55 miler to Leroy at about 17 mph.  Wednesday was a speed ride of 40 miles followed by two day in the rec center due to bad weather.  Not bad for an old man.  Still thinking about doing the Champaign to Boston leg of the 2017 cross country group.  Remains to be seen but leaning in that direction.  More later.

Great week of weather for riding a bicycle.  200 miles with no close calls.  But just saw two instances where bicyclists got hit by cars and the authorities refused to cite the person hitting the bicyclists.  It's getting crazy out there.
On another note, I gave my book presentation to the Peoria Woman's Club.  Quite a delightful occasion with a luncheon to follow.  Still have two more book signings before the end of the year.  More later.

Fat Tire ride around lake Geneva Wisc.  Started late, around 10:00, due to he rain.  With Roger, an experienced biker, and Rick, still with rookie skills, we made our way around the lake. Many of the younger riders stop at every bar along the way, we made two stops.  One was about a mile from the start and the last was before the "big hill".  While it is very hilly it is interesting watching the youngsters struggle but they are there mostly for the party atmosphere.  The last major hill of the day is about a mile long and varies from 12-17 percent  incline.  Ninety percent of the riders wind up walking their bikes up the hill.  Roger and I are still able to bike it but Rick struggles.  But, I give him credit for attempting the ride and not giving up.  
Thursday book presentation is for the Peoria Womans Book club.  Should be quite interesting.

Finished my 7th century of the year.  Considering joining the CrossRoads group for the 2017 ride from Champaign to Boston.  Doing the Fat Tire Ride next week in Lake Geneva WS.  This is the 3rd year for this ride.  Will be selling books at the sign in desk.  Also, looking forward to the book presentation the the Peoria Womans's book club in two weeks.  Three more book signings before the holiday season. www.bikingwithchamp.com

Another 100 miler today.  Sixth of the season.  Looking at doing the 2017 CrossRoads Cycling cross country trip from Champaign to Boston.   Still looking into it.

Good week of riding.   Rode the hills of southern Illinois on newly paved road forty miles,  then speed day today in the heat and humidity,40 miles at 17 mph.  And tomorrow it's another 100 miler to Champaign.  Another book signing opportunity.  Preparing for the Fat Tire in Sept.  Three more book signings in Sept.

Book presentation and signing went very well. A good sized group and very attentive.  Only one cell phone went off during the program.    The presentation lasted longer than I planned since many great questions were asked.   Book sales following the event were great.  All in all a tremendous night.
Three more book signing scheduled so stay tuned.  On another note, the weather is quite hot and humid so my riding is done earlier than usual.  But I still get in a 40 miler before the weather is too brutal.  Check back later.

Good friend Harry Crampton sent this jersey from England. I am now the envy of all the cyclists in central Illinois and have moved it to number 1 in my jersey rotation.

Another century to Champaign yesterday.  That make four this spring.  Book tour continues with next one at the Washington District Library on July 21.  Sales going well with signings in Champaign, Chicago and on at the Mackinaw Winery Bike Ride.  Hope to have some people at the Library.

Nice article in today's Peoria Journal Star.  Promoting my book and my summer book tour stop at Washington Public library.  Arranging several book signings in the Chicago area.  More details later.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20160626/quest-for-alzheimers-cure-inspires-cyclists-cross-country-trek

Great week of riding last week.  Tuesday was a 100 mile trek to Champaign.  The '16 cross country group arrived and it was a rest day.  Rick was the mechanic and Mack was one of the support staff.  Both were on staff for the '09 ride. It was great seeing them.  Had dinner at a local establishment.  It was the first of two book signings for the week.
Saturday was the Mackinaw Valley Winery Bike ride.  An excellent event with 5 different distances to bike from a five miler to a 100 kilometer, a fine feast, music and wine and beer tasting.  In addition it was the second book signing of the week.  So, all in all a great week of riding.
www.bikingwithchamp.com

Weather finally got nice enough to ride outside all week.  Two hundred miles this week.  Back to normal miles and ride times.  Two bike rides scheduled this summer and 3 book signings.  Trying to find Barbie's address so I can send her a book.  more later

Observations after my first 100 mile bicycle ride of the season from Washington to Champaign. To begin, a big shout out to brother Larry for allowing me to use his abode to rest, recuperate and re hydrate. Next, kudos to the motorists who passed me today. There were NOT ANY close calls, near misses, obscene hand gestures or vulgar language hailed in my direction during the entire ride. I appreciated it very much. On another note, the farm fields do not need any more rain at this time. Field ponds were so numerous many had small geese and ducks frolicking like those visiting Walden Pond. And, I suppose it was because of all the excess water, the road was littered in places with smashed frogs. I found that phenomena very.......wait for it...WAIT FOR IT............ riveting (ribit, irbit). I surmised these amphibians finally......wait for it......WAIT FOR IT............CROAKED!! Just sayin. I know, I know. Too much time on the bike. I need to get a life.

First 55 miler to LeRoy.  Hip felt good but my time was slower than usual.  No close encounters or mishaps.  Therefore, a successful trip.  Doris' bar is still closed so I assume none of her people will continue to operate the establishment.  Too bad.  I really like the place.  Book sales going well and I have 4 presentations scheduled all the way into December.  www.ridingwithchamp.com

Finally got outside this week.  200 miles and counting.  Near miss with a school bus.  Tried to contact administrators but no response.  I will post the video later.  The 2016 cross country trip starts in about three weeks.  It will be interesting to follow the blogs of those riders.  After reading my book many of the 09 riders talked about doing the cross country ride next year.  That remains to be seen.  Book sales going well.

Maybe one of the worst springs for riding outside.  Have only been out 3 times in March.  When the temp is up the wind is howling 15 to 25 mph.  When the wind subsides the temp goes into the 30's.  It's got to get better soon!  Book sales going briskly.  See previous blog posts.

Book sales going well.  Much support by friends, family and community.  Check back for book signing dates and book presentation dates.  Refer to previous post for more information.
www.bikingwithchamp.com

The book is completed and for sale.  EFI-Every Foot and Inch
                                   One Man's Adventure Riding a Bicycle Across America
                                          330 pages which includes 120 color images

Book website- www.bikingwithchamp.com

To buy the book you can order it from the website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble
or contact me for the author discount. I will autograph the book personally.

e-mail-walkecha@hotmail.com

My profits from the book will be donated to the Central Illinois Alzheimer's Association

Rode outside today.  Even though it was only 30 miles, I still felt like I got a good work out.  While the hip is still a little bothersome I was glad I could get in the miles.  But, it looks like it's back to the rec center  for the forseeable future.  My book is out and the real promotion won't begin until March.

This rec center biking is getting very boring.  Can't wait to get outside.  I think my hip is going to co-operate and by early spring I will be ready to get back into my regular riding routine.  On another note, here is the front cover of my book.  More information will be forthcoming.

Vacation in Naples Fl.  Before leaving I had a Drs. appointment to assess my hip injury.  I told the Dr. that I would be biking in Florida.  He suggested I should wait a few more weeks and discouraged any biking until my next appt.  Then he correctly determined I would not follow his advice and wished me well.  Since I've been here I have biked every day except one.  I have been especially vigilant for cars and other impediments that may cause any type of accident/  So far so good.  My trips have been mostly in the 20 mile range.  This is probably my last outside biking until Spring so I had to take advantage of it.
One another note, my book is nearly finished.  They sent me a hard copy and when I get back I need to see if there are any changes I need to make.  Also, I will have a book  website and that information will be forthcoming.  More on all of that later

Off crutches.  Back on the bike, at least on my trainer in the basement.  With the rehab and workouts at the rec center I'm about 80%.   Am planning a 25-30 mile ride in Florida in about two weeks.  Hopefully the PT's give me the go ahead.  Looking forward to being back!!