This week showed me how much conditioning and flexibility I lost since the knee replacement.  While I completed two 40 mile rides in the last two weeks, this week I completed four rides. Monday was another 40 miler but I did not have to contend with any negative wind conditions.  Wednesday was a 35 miler on what  I consider my regular route.  But the difference was I had to contend with a 12-15 mph wind from the SE.  On the ride back into the wind it took a great amount of effort to finish.  But finish I did.  Friday's ride was another 35 miler and I was totally out of gas when I returned.  I am no where close to the speeds prior to the new knew. So, Saturday with the wind down somewhat, I did a "quick" 25 miler and was pleased with the result.  Therefore, in the last 8 days I rode 135 miles.  This is my realization at this point.  Conditioning is not coming as quickly as I hoped.  I still need to work on more flexibility.  Hopefully I will overcome these inadequacies and regain the ability to ride greater distances so hopefully complete a century by the end of summer. Stay tuned.

                                                         11 years ago-Cross country ride.

Good week for a bicyclist.  Weather for the most part was acceptable for outdoor riding.  I am still in the testing the knee mood.  Aside from my normal basement on the trainer routine, I rode outside on two occasions.  My first was a 40 miler to the east side of Bloomington.  Because of traffic diverted from the interstate, my usual route along 150 was a bit more crowded than normal.  But, thank goodness, there were no close calls or obscenities directed at me.  After arriving at my destination, I felt I could have finished in LeRoy, 15 miles for a total of 55 miles. I decided to not overdue it.  The knee was feeling pretty good so why push it?  The following day I tacked on another 35 miler so I rode 75 miles last week.  All in all a good week for bicycling but it appears the weather for the next week is not favorable.  The knee continues to improve but is not 100%.   Just a reminder, this week begins the eleventh year since my cross country ride.  Amazing.   I still keep in touch with many of my fellow riders from that adventure.  Razed at his ability to accomplish that ride at that age.  Stay tuned.