Here we go again.  Nov. 26 and hoping for one last ride before "winter" really sets in.  But as you can see, it looks like no biking outside until the spring thaw.

Well it looks like the outdoor biking season is over.  I was hoping to turn over my computer mileage number to 9,000.  I'm about 50 miles short. Temperatures are in the low 30's with significant wind.  Maybe sometime in December the weather will be adequate enough for me to break through the 9,000 mile mark.  My biking workouts consist of riding at 5 points rec center, ICC gym, or on my trainer in the basement.  At the end of the year I am moving my workouts exclusively to ICC gym.  The equipment is vastly superior to 5 points and I get a much better workout there.  Also, the rec center is $400 annual membership while ICC is free due to the Silver Sneakers program.  I know I'm not the brightest light in the shed but $400 is more than free!!   The only drawback is that the rec center is two blocks away and the ICC gym is 7 miles.  It is an easy drive though.  Enough for now so stay tuned for more exciting biking adventures.  Ha!!

Biking in cool weather.  Hope it warms up before the winter weather sets in.  Rode to Leroy last Wednesday and on my usual route the semi-truck traffic was the most I have seen in years.  I suppose they are trying to avoid the construction zones along interstate 74.  Makes it a bit dicey on parts of 150 without a shoulder or rumble strips on the shoulder.  But it was a great day of riding and no mishaps to report.  Getting wanderlust to find another distance ride.  Probably not before next spring but we will see.  Also, got the knee checked.  It's not in real good shape (bone on bone with severe arthritis).  Doctors want to treat it with steroid shots before having it replaced.  We'll see.  Later

Bike is in prime condition.  New brakes, tune-up and general cleaning put the bicycle back to great condition.  Thanks to Joe Russell.   Last Wednesday did my first century since coming back from Europe.  Conditions were favorable and my times were good.  Six hours from my house to Champaign  with two 15 minute rest stops. Not bad for an old guy.  No big plans for my next ride but be sure to stay tuned

Yeah, finally got my bike back from Europe.  It should be prepped and ready by Tuesday.  Thanks to Joe Russell's hospitality here I am with the loaner bike he let me use until mine finally arrived .  Notice it has fenders.  I can't remember the last time I rode with fenders, but it was still a nice ride.  Notice the shifter is at the bottom of the drop bars.  Since I don't normally ride in that position changing gears was a bit odd.   Still have not been able to get comfortable on the loaner bike saddle but  my old one awaits.  Good to get back to my old bike..

Two weeks since the Europe ride.  Been very busy and still able to get in some biking.  My bike is still in Europe so Joe Russell Cycling and Fitness extended me a loaner.  Trying to get used to the saddle but still uncomfortable.  Hopefully my bike arrives soon so I can get back on my own saddle.  Fat Tire ride this weekend.  I will not participate this year but look forward to next years ride.  It's not very long, a little hilly but a fun ride. 

Last day in Europe. Vienna Austria is one fabulous city. Those who prefer pics, this is a pictorial depiction from central Vienna. These buildings and statues reflect Vienna history. Google for details.

                                              That's me testing the water for my bath

                                             Balcony where Hitler announced German annexation of Austria

                                               Original Roman ruins

                                                         Yes!!

                                         Largest church in Austria   St Stephen

                                          Mozart apartment

                                                        Oldest church in Vienna-6th century

Day 28 of the EuroVelo6 ride across Europe. Today's ride was from Durnstein to Vienna Austria a total of 60 miles. This is the end of the ride for me as we had planned to go from St. Nazure France to Vienna Austria. It originally a 1,400-1,500 mile adventure but with the heat and rain days it was shortened to a mere 1,200 or so. But still not bad for an old guy. One thing I noticed traveling through five Western European countries is that we did not need to show our passports for any border crossing. And, when we crossed into another country there were no signs like "Welcome to Germany" or whatever country we traveled into. There certainly were no WALLS to keep anyone out. But, that is another matter. Again today, we had a great ride along the Danube River Valley. The first part of the ride reminded me of Chicago going into the city by train. Industrial Austria is much like any other industrial area worldwide. After about 10 miles we were again on a trail alongside the Danube. Our morning espresso stop was a nice little cafe and as Jay, Tom, and I sat there realizing this would be out last ride together, we contemplated the beautiful mountains that adorned the area. We were again on the road. Our lovely wives met us for lunch at this neat little park and provided us with a feast fit for a king. Can't say how much their efforts are appreciated. With about three miles to go we stopped for an ice cream bar to celebrate me finishing the ride. Again thanks for following my adventure biking across Europe and I hope you enjoyed sharing the experience with me.

                                                       Scene from Danube

                                                 Restroom entrance good to know H is for Herman

                                                Discussing mountains

                                                   White Swan farm

                                                    Lunch from the ladies

                                                        Relaxing after the ride

Day 27 of the EuroVelo6 bicycle ride across Europe. Today's journey took us from Ruprechtshofen to Durnstein Austria a total of about 60 miles. We started the day in a dense fog with the temperature at 51 degrees. But after about 7 miles the fog had dissipated and the temperature began rising. The roads for the most part were excellent which allowed us to enjoy, once again, the scenic beauty of the Danube River valley. One notable aspect of today's ride is we saw many castles high above the river. I suggested they were toll castles like the ones in Germany along the Rhine but could find no reference to any in Austria along the Danube. However, they are spaced far enough apart at strategic locations that one could indeed infer they were toll castles. But I need to do more research to confirm that info. Anyway, another great day riding a bicycle across Europe.
                                              

                                            Our route along the Danube

                                                      Toll Castle?

                                                     Melk Abby

                                                   Grapes for winery-best in Austria

Day 26 of the EuroVelo6 riding a bicycle across Europe. Today we rode from Obermuhl to Ruprechtshofen Austria a total of about 54 miles. It was raining at our usual departure time so we delayed our start about an hour. But, after we got on the road, the early part of the ride was a continuation of yesterday's beautiful scenery along the Danube River valley in Austria. On a side note, speaking of Austria, I am announcing that Tom has never seen the Sound of Music. That's... right Tom, I'm ratting you out. Okay, back to the ride. The temperature at the beginning of today's journey was in the 50's and never got much higher than the low 60's. Not complaining, especially after all the heat we rode through in France and Germany. Plus, we had a very nice tailwind. Road surface for the entire ride was perfect. No rough gravel/rock to contend with. Again today, just like yesterday,the trail came to an abrupt end we waited for a ferry to advance us down the trail on the Danube River. I didn't mind and actually enjoyed the break. Linz was the largest city we rode through and we stopped to have lunch with our lovely wives. Now, some fun facts about Linz. First, it is the third largest city in Austria. Johannes Keppler the famous mathematician lived here and also the childhood home of .......wait for it.........Aldoph Hitler. (Google for more info) After lunch, to test our resolve, mother nature paid us a little visit with a smattering of rain. Good news is it didn't last long and didn't disrupt our biking. We arrived at our destination at about our usual time and had to carb load for tomorrow's ride.

                                                   Morning view from our window rainy

                                                         Me driving the boat.....Not!

                                                       City of Linz

                                                        The thinker

                                                 Wooden tub in our room-can actually use it.