Of all my biking jerseys, this is the one motorists show me the most RESPECT. With oncoming traffic, 78% give me the entire lane when passing and when t...raffic approaches in the opposite direction 82 % slow down and pass very carefully. On another note, today's 40 miler was quite interesting; perfect weather with 90 degree temps and mild winds. Now, here is the interesting part. Starting out the wind was blowing from the SE, which was the direction I would do my first 20. No problem, I would have it at my back on the return ride. Leaving Goodfield on the return section, the wind shifted so it was coming from the North; the direction I would be riding. So, most of the 40 miles was against the wind. Now, I have ridden further into stronger winds but I had not anticipated this.
Pondering the situation, I came to the realization the "wind fairies" were doing me a favor. Realizing at my advanced age I should probably not ride in 90 plus degree temps (mad dogs and Englishmen, you know who you are- Harry and Tony) they changed wind direction so I would not overheat. I can image the bewildered look on their faces as they queried "What the _ _ _ _ is that fool doing?" " He needs our help." Therefore, they made sure I had wind in my face the entire ride. There, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Biking season in full swing finally.  The weather has been co-operative the last week and a half.  The only problem is the weather people can't quite get the wind speed correct.  5-10 mph predictions turn out to be 15-20.  I rode three days last where the wind was significant.  Rain days were spent at the rec center.  Looks like when my membership ends I will go to another facility.  They removed all  the Magnum equipment even though they were in perfect working order. And those were my favorite machines where I set up my workout regiment.  Anyway, I'm back outside doing between 35 and 40 miles per ride with the occasional 55er to Leroy.  So, life is good on the biking front.  Now, the knee is another issue. 
On another note, looking forward to visiting my friend and cross country roommate Hank in Oregon at the beginning of June.  One of my favorite people. 

Ahhh.  The weather has finally turned to spring.  Since my ride to Champaign  I have begun my daily routine, including a ride to Leroy (55 miles) last Friday.   Good wind but not very strong-5 to 10 mph from the NNW.  On particularly windy days I still use the rec center to get my daily exercise.  No big rides planned but who knows, I'm getting "cabin fever".   Maybe a ride through Europe would be a welcome addition as my next adventure but who knows.  Stay turned. 
On another note, my cycling pictures shows me with a wrap around my knee.  That has been a routine since my distance rides began in 1996 following knee surgery.  Riding has never really bothered it.  In fact, it often relieves the soreness and stiffness.  After each ride I give it a thorough icing.  On occasion I have given thought to having knee replacement but after a ride the knee feels better so I don't give it a second thought..  Until, last Friday.  The knee did not respond as previously described so I may look into the possibility of replacement.  However, I hope it won't happen until after the summer season.  Time will tell.

Finally, got a chance to ride outside.  Took advantage of an excellent day and completed my first century of the season-Washington to Champaign.  Wind and weather cooperated, at least at first.  The first 77 miles were uneventful but as I was leaving Mahomet, the wind changed.  From the north for the first third to a nice WNW the next third I looked forward to the last 20 miles.  But, while resting in Mahomet at the gas station, I noticed the large flag across the street was blowing from the SW.  I hoped I was wrong but as I made my turn onto Rising road, I began riding into a 15-17 mile wind. Wouldn't have been so bad but it was the last stage of my ride which made it more difficult.  The good news is that, while it took longer than expected, I finally rode into Champaign at around 4:15 pm.  Still not bad since I began the trip at 10:00 am.   All's well that ends well.  Hopefully, the last of the frosty weather has ended and we can start a normal spring.