Christmas Eve 2021.  Going to hit 60 degrees today.  Winds from the South at 15 mph.  Therefore, it looks like a ride to Magnolia...35 miles.  Weather in central Illinois has been relatively mild with temperatures in the 40s occasionally hitting the 50s.  In fact, last Wednesday the temp went to the 70 degree mark with strong winds from the SSW.  At that time I rode to Spring Valley, a total of 50 miles.  It was my quickest tip that distance since my TKR.  I covered the distance in two and a half hours.  That is about 19 mph.  Not bad for an old geeser.  My facebook page had that information with the cravat it was the first time I have biked that distance in the middle of December in central Illinois. I guess that global warming thing is real so I will take advantage of the warm weather.

On another note, with the surge in Covid, I need to decide whether or not to take our Florida vacation.  We are to vacation in Key West and have all accommodations paid.  Riding along the Keys on a bike was something I was really looking forward to.  But, even though we are all fully vaxed and boosted getting Covid is still a possibility given the interaction with others who might be infected.  Airports, hotels, and restaurants are all places said to be prime areas for spreading the disease.  So, I have about a week to decide what to do before we can't cancel without penalty.  Time will tell.  Happy Holiday Season to all.

 

 

Well well, it's been awhile since my last post.  Weather has been on and off.  I'm getting about 200 miles of bicycling a week outside and the rest of my riding are in my basement on my trainer.  My biking distances outside still remain around 30-35 miles per outing.  I was able to make a 40 miler to Bloomington last week and a 40 miler to Magnolia.  The good news is that Wednesday next week the temperature is going to be near 70 here in the middle of December.  20 mph winds from the south will help push me on a 50 miler to Spring Valley.  I could check but I do not think I have had an outside ride of that length that late in the year.  Must be this global warming thing but the best bet is we are having another el nino winter.  As I ride and reflect, I am reminded that still traversing those distances at my age is something to be proud of.  Which reminds me that most of my riding buddies are as old or older and are still engaged in cycling events.  They are all and inspiration for me.  Next post will not be as long between entries.

                                                             Me and grand daughter

The best advantage of doing all your business with one cycle shop.  Sure, I could have ordered my bike supplies on-line and probably cheaper but my recent incident proves what an exceptional individual Joe Russell from Russells Cycle Shop is.  Coming around a turn on my recent ride to Goodfield, as I applied the brakes there was a distinct thump, thump.  Since I was only 5 miles from home I decided to press on.  After arriving at home I spun the rear tire and sure enough I could see where the rim was rubbing the brake pads.  Having that problem in the past I figured I would need another truing of the wheel.  Immediately I loaded into the van and drove to the bike shop.  The attendant looked at the bike and came to the same conclusion.  The wheel needed truing.  He stated I could drop the bike off and pick it up the next day.  That would be fine with me so I asked if Joe were around.  I always like to see him when shopping at his store.  The attendant alerted Joe of my presence and soon he met me in the front of the store.  After looking over my bike the showed me the spoke had cracked my wheel which meant I would need a new rim.  My first thought was it would be a few days before I got my bike repaired.  Instead Joe said, "if you would like to wait, I will repair it now".  That's what I call service.  As busy as the shop was, he moved me right to the top of the list and about an hour later I had my bike back in great shape ready for my next ride.  That's what I call service. Was it expensive?  Sure, but worth it.  The next day a 35 miler illustrated what I knew about Russells Cycle.  They take care of their customers.  I am grateful for that and will continue to give them all of my cycling business.  

As the weather is getting colder, it looks like my outdoor biking will be limited but I still will enjoy the time available an continue my cycling on my trainer in the basement.  So until next time RSRO...

 

Yikes.....a whole week and no outside biking.   I know it's the end of October but I would expect one or two days where outdoor biking is enjoyable.  Wind (15 mph NNW)and temperature (mid 40's) were the culprit but it looks like next week conditions will be more conducive to riding in the great outdoors.  Hopefully another long ride (50+) miles is in the offing.  But we will see. Until then, more riding the trained in the basement watching the Game Show Network.  Later

 

 Riding during the autumn season....the good, the bad,  and the ugly.  The good is the changing of the colors, the fantastic scenery and the ability to see forever since with the crops removed the fields are wide open.  The bad are the little caterpillars trying to cross the country roads.  My objective is to avoid running over any of them since they all seem to be on an important mission.  Whatever that mission is I will never know but they seem determined to cross the road so I won't interfere by crushing them with my bicycle tires.  The ugly are the semis filled with grain.  Using the county roads they have turned into my lane, passed me with minimal clearance and generally are extremely rude when passing a cyclist.  I will admit on state routes I get more respect.  On my recent trek to Magnolia, most truckers gave me a load of respect.  Often they would change lanes well before they were near me and if there were a car in the on coming lane, they would slow down a place on there emergency flashers.  Tractors and other farm implements make up the second part of the ugly.  They too take most of the road and present a clear and present danger. On another note for the first time in a long time, I actually passed a tractor; a rarity. So, there it is, the good, bad and ugly of bicycling during the fall season

 

 

                                                From my first century since my TKR

 More excellent days for outdoor biking.  Had two near misses on one ride.  My normal route, 35 miles, to Goodfield via Eureka was the first.  This time of year is the harvest season so there are many grain trucks, tractors and various other farm vehicles that occupy the country roads around Tazewell/Woodford county.  Coming to a T intersection the road from my left is controlled by a stop sign.  Me having the right of way with no stop, a semi-truck full of grain pulled into my lane from the left.  It made a right turn and headed directly for me making no attempt to avoid a collision.  Of course, I had to detour into the corn field to my right or get hit.  On my return along DeeMack road, two cars going into the opposite direction  approached me.  All of a sudden the second car decided to pass the auto in front of it which put it in my lane going into the opposite direction.  Once again I had to hit the ditch.  Two close calls on one ride is highly unusual.  Indeed I have it on my bike cam and unfortunately made a mistake of showing it to the lovely Veronica.  She was not pleased and suggested I might need to give up my biking.  I normally do not show my near misses and probably should have not done so here She's probably right but ain't gonna happen.  I can hit the ditch with the best of them.  Other than that many good days of biking with more to come. 

So it finally happened. Earlier this week I was able to attempt my goal of doing a century. After two days delay, because of the amount of rain in Champaign, I finally achieved my goad of riding a century post TKR.  My original plan was to ride on Tuesday but it rained all afternoon.  I should know because we drove over to take Ronni's mother to her eye appointment and it was rainy all afternoon.  Wednesday was the same with rain most of the afternoon.  In the meantime, I prepared my bike for the 100 miler.  Using a new cleaner/wax the bike was transformed into a prime riding machine.  New tires were applied and everything was ready to go.  Or so I thought.  Because I had not ridden for awhile I decided to do my routine on my trainer in the basement.  As I began, I was unable to shift gears.  I did everything to figure out what was going on but after awhile I knew I needed to take it to my local bike shop, Russell's Cycling and Fitness and have Joe Russell figure it out.  Fortunately as I entered the shop Joe was coming from his work area.  He immediately put it on a rack and determined the shifting cable had broken.  After about an hour it was repaired and I was ready to roll.  Now that's why I would recommend Russell's because buying a product is one thing but servicing it is just as important and Joe has always done an excellent job of servicing his customers.  All's well that ends well.

So last Thursday I embarked on my first century in two years.  To be honest, I had my doubts concerning by fitness to ride 100 miles.  But as it turned out it was easier than I thought it would be.  Planning on three stops instead of my regular two I did not follow that plan.  My first stop was to be in Bloomington.  LeRoy was to be my second but as I passed through town my energy level was good to I trekked on.  The weather was in the middle 60's and the wind was from the NW at about 10-15 mph.  Perfect conditions for my ride.  Stopping in Mahomet was my second stop and I used the Dairy Queen seating area for a well deserved rest.  The final 15 miles into Champaign was lengthened so I would crack the 100 mile barrier.  Actually the longer route was safer as there was a bike lane all the way to Larry's condo.  After completing the ride Larry, Ronni and I dined at a Bowling Alley....that's right a Bowling Alley.  Nothing to good for my people... Ha Ha.  So, I have accomplished my century goal an now I need to find another challenge,  When I do it shall be duly reported.....Stay tuned.

 

Today's birthday ride was an attempt to bike a mile for each year since my birth. Mission accomplished. At my age it is not an easy task. Seventy four and going strong.  Knee is holding up well but at times gets a little gingy.  Rode thirty five to Magnola the prior day so over the two days 110 miles.  Yesterday would have been perfect for my first century but other obligations prevented my from it. Wind was from the NW at a brisk 10-15 mph, the temperature just touched 80 degrees and the humidity was low.  A perfect day for a 100 mile trek but I settled for my age.  Next time it will be done.  I had my regular heart checkup today and all is well.  The doctor was so impressed that I now take no medications (knock on wood) and said to keep up the cycling as it appears to have real benefit.  Very encouraging so I guess I will continue that activity. On another note, even as often as I bike, I still need to remind myself to take a day off to recover.  Usually it's after 5 days but the weather has been so good lately I hate to not take advantage of it.  But I must do so and that's that. 

 Three perfect days of weather.  Rode 35-40 miles each day.  Saturday I stopped at the Washington Art Fair.  Saw two older cyclists resting under a nearby tree.  As I approached I noticed their bikes were two e-bikes.  They have been riding e-bikes for about 10 years and love them. My local cycle shop owner, Russell's Bike, recommended that I at least try an e-bike to see if I would be interested.  After talking to them at length I might consider trying one out if it means prolonging my ability to continue riding.  But, we will see.  Today's ride got interesting from the start.  The temperature was a steamy 90 degrees with a heat index of 102.  Now, I'm used to riding in those conditions but by the end of my journey I was done.  The good news was that the wind was from the south at about 10 mph.  With an open jersey, riding into it was quite refreshing and kept me pretty cool.  And once again, a near miss.  Coming to an intersection, where I did not need to stop, a car started into the intersection just as I was half way through.  At the top of my lungs I yelled at the driver or he would have hit me.  Another close call and, of course, I have it recorded on my bike cam.  More than ever, bikers need to be vigilant.  It's getting more and more dangerous out there.  Still waiting for proper conditions to my first century since TKR.  Stay tuned.

 

 Another week of almost perfect weather.  Low 80's and wind under 10 mph.  30-35 miles per day.  I need to be careful to not overdue.  It's easy to do so I need to remind myself of that fact.  Especially when body parts start "humming".  On another note, it looks like the pandemic has had another effect on social behavior.  The amount of trash on the roads is the worst I have seen in years.  Beer cans dominate with soda cans a close second.  I had the mistaken belief that with all the recycling available people would be more likely to deposit their trash in an appropriate manner.  Not the case!  One particular stretch of route 24 is littered with about two dozen Bud beer cans that were obviously tossed from a vehicle.  I wonder what the person or persons who tossed them is thinking.  Maybe they will just dissolve, some good smarian will stop and pick the up or work crews will remove them.  Hard to believe this but it is what it is.  Still waiting for my first century and it's coming up on two years since my tkr.  Sooner or later it will happen.  Stay tuned.

 

Five days.....yes, five days of almost perfect riding conditions.  Temperature in the low to mid 80's, light winds less than 10 mph, roads in good condition and body parts working makes for an extremely fine bicycling experience. My riding distances are down from pre tkr 35-40 miles down to 30-35 miles per day.  But, that's not bad so I'll take it.  Am still looking for the right conditions to ride to Champaign for my first century in almost two years but hopefully that will happen sometime before Fall.  I'm interested to see if I have the endurance to do a century but, of course, I will give it my best shot. On another note one of our cross country bikers, Barbie, just got engaged.  Best wishes Barbie. As one of our community, all your fellow riders wish you all the happiness you deserve.  Stay tuned for more updates

 

Biking update. Here we are in the middle of July and my biking, for the last four days, has been on my trainer in the basement.  The reason?  RAIN, RAIN, RAIN.  Complaints of a "drought" last month have been answered with over 7 inches of rain in the last two weeks.  Be careful of what you wish for.  On another note, their have not been any conditions all summer that would be conducive to me biking my first century since my tkr.  I have been checking the 10 day outlook on the weather channel and nothing appears to meet the conditions needed for me to  make the jaunt.  So, I'm still holding out hope I can do one before my two year anniversary since my knee replacement.  But, time will tell.  Speaking of the repaired knee, I feel it's as good as it is every going to be.  Not 100% but functional to the point I can ride.  It is what it is and I shouldn't have expected the new knee get back to perfect.  More later

                                                             Another friend met on bike ride

Rain, Rain, Rain....Most of my riding was on my trainer but I did get in a few rides outside.  Rode to Spring Valley and met this lady who was sitting on the steps outside the church.  We got our time wrong so I had about forty five minutes to wait for my ride.  Resting my bike on a brick column by the steps our conversation started as she inquired where I began my ride.  Surprised I had ridden 50 miles she wanted to know my age.  Again, she was surprised I was able to bike that distance at my age and informed me I looked good in my biking gear.  She and her husband rode motorcycles and she informed me she liked to read.  Inquiring where my book was available I gave her the sites it could be ordered.  Soon Veronica arrived and since I usually carry books in my vehicles I gave her one with a personalized autograph.  She was delighted and once again I met an interesting individual during my riding experiences.  

So, on another note, I am still looking for the proper conditions to do my first century since my tkr.  Hopefully it will be soon.  Stay tuned

 

Wednesday was a fine day for a bike ride.  Started out with mild winds and temps in the low 80's.  Heading south I noticed a storm cloud in my path.  I had four choices. First do I take shelter until the rain passes?.  Second do I attempt to out run the rain?  Third, do I attempt to "skirt" around the storm? or Fourth continue to ride through it?  Of course I choose to ride through it.  I have done that many times.  It reminded me of the time I rode across the Mohave desert and the temperature was 110 degrees.  People reminded me it was a "dry" heat which meant it was really not 110 degrees.  So riding through the rain I would like to remind people, with certainty, it was a "wet" rain and I got wet.  There you have it.  The above picture is my destination when I do the two day ride to Glen Ellyn Il.  Near hear is the Prairie Trail.  I rode a 20 miler and had to remind myself it is mostly gravel with a high amount of walking traffic and rookie bikers.  That takes an adjustment to my normal riding terrain but it was well worth the ride.  I was the only one with a bell to remind others I would be passing them.  Faster bikers just zoomed by without so much of a "on your left".  Again, I needed to remind myself to adjust to this environment.  But all in all it was good.  More later!

              I claimed these are our group at the start of our cross country ride.  It's been so long we might even look like this.

Good times have returned.  Four days of outside riding.  Temperatures in the low eighties, wind less than ten mph and humidity virtually non-existent.  So, I will enjoy these conditions and ride as often as possible. The usual close calls and disrespectful drivers but that has been the norm for quite some time.  It looks like the covid thing is quickly being brought under control so I can do longer rides to destinations where I will stay overnight.  Wife and I fully vaxinnated. The knee is doing well and I just got a clean bill of health from my annual physical.  Until next time keep the rubber side down and to quote the famous Jim Lyle....RSRO...Ride safely...Ride Often.

 

Outside riding combined with trainer indoors.  Particularly rainy season currently so indoor biking is the rule.  But I was able to ride to one of my favorite destinations, Spring Valley.  It is a 50 miler with challenging hills going into the town.  With a favorable wind I was thinking it was going to be a non eventful trek.  And, in fact, that was almost the case.  Coming into town and gearing up for the mile of climbing out of the Illinois River valley, I was a half mile from the end of the ride.  So, what event?  Chugging along in granny gear and riding on the extreme right, often through parking spaces on the street, a black hillbilly pick-up comes up behind me.  The driver passes me slowly and after passing guns the engine so black diesel smoke spews from it's tailpipe.  That is a tactic known as "dieseling.  It happened a few time in Carbondale.  I just wonder what kind of jerk would do this and do they know the potential disastrous effect it could entail.  Anyway,  other than that is was a great day for riding a bicycle in Central Illinois.

 

 Yesterday came close to being the end of my biking career.  Two blocks from my house, just finishing my 30 mile ride, a car came around the corner at the end of the block.  As it approached it stayed in my lane and was headed directly for me.  Looking for a bailout area there were no reasonable options.  A curb blocked a quick escape.  And the car was still heading for me in my lane.  I thought about just falling and let the car run over my bike.  And the car was still heading for me in my lane.  My only hope was to yell at the top of my lungs so the driver could hear me.  And the car was still heading  for me in my lane.  About 5 feet before contact the driver diverted barely missing me.  As it passed I noticed the window was half way down and I made the driver keenly aware of my displeasure in his idiotic driving.  Yes, I did use some unseemly language that I don't regret using.  You think the driver would stop?  Hell no.  It kept driving like nothing was wrong.  It was probably a good thing the driver didn't stop as I was not a happy camper.  Unfortunately, as I was close to home, my bike camera was not turned on so I could not record this.  But, that was about as close a call as I've had without actually being hit.  Another exciting adventure biking in the USA.

                                                                         Splat!!
 

Weather has permitted outside riding but it has, for the most part, been windy. I now have two distance rides depending on wind speed and direction.  Wind speeds more than 15 mph and I will engage in longer distance rides.  Anything from a southerly direction and I will ride 50 miles to Spring Valley.  Anything from the northerly direction and I will do a 55 miler to LeRoy.  Last Thursday was an interesting ride to LeRoy.  I encountered three road kills, two possums and a racoon.  And I ran over two of them.  Riding a small shoulder on route 150 I saw a dead animal in the road. A car was approaching with no oncoming traffic.  Just as I began an evasive tactic to my left, the approaching car blared it's horn at me and did not move over to allow me room to avoid the carcass.  Therefore, I had to run over it.  Fortunately, it did not through me from the bike.  A few miles up the road was another dead possum that I did not see until to late.  For some reason my eyes were looking elsewhere and before I realized it, it was to late and I ran over this one.  Wow, two in one ride.  And again it didn't cause me to crash.  Another few miles up the road and a dead racoon appeared on the shoulder.  This time I carefully avoided the dead animal and finished my ride.  Two hits and one miss and no crash.  A great ending to a great day of riding my bike.

 

 Two windy days back to  back.  Yesterday I rode to Spring Valley as that is my Northern route when the wind is blustering from the South.  A 20=30 mile "breeze" inspired the 50 miler.  Having arrived sooner than expected I called the "lovely" Veronica to inquired as to her location.  At 20 miles away, having just passed Varna, I suggested I start riding back and would meet here on the south side of the bridge which crossed the Fox river just outside Spring Valley. That meant I would ride into the 30 mile wind and climb a bridge at 12 percent grade.  Another challenge.  As I was attacking the bridge in climbing mode/granny gear I heard the blaring of a car horn.  It was my ride going in the opposite direction.  Startled, I slowed my ascent but was still able to climb.  Then, my ride passed me and stopped on the shoulder blocking my path.  Ronni thought I would like a ride but I had not  accomplished what I set out to do.  Stopping, I told her I would meet her at our proposed site on the south side of the bridge.  She drove off and now I was in quite a delima. How would I get enough power to begin my ascent.  Normally, when climbing mountains, after a stop, I would start our at an angle to get momentum.  At this point it was not an option.  So, grabbing the side of the bridge and pushing as well as powering my pedals, I was able to restart.  Coming down the north side of the bridge, reminded me of our climb into the Ortiz mountains north of Albuquerque a few years ago.  The wind was so strong in our face I used "granny" gear on the downhills.  Thus, I was in granny gear coming down the north side of the bridge.  The good news is that all ended well. 

Today's ride was a 50/50 ride with a strong 20 mile wind in my face half the time.  The other half was a severe cross wind.  As a result I only achieved a 20 mile ride. but it was quite arduous.   Two good days of outside riding, even with the conditions explained, is still better that riding in the basement.  And that it for now.

 

 On my bike ride today, I passed these two lounging in a pasture. While taking their picture they both came up to the fence expecting a treat. I didn't have anything and would not have fed them if I had. I'm sure the owners would not have appreciated it. So, of course, I had to inquire of them both......wait for it.....wait for it....hey fellas, why the long face

 

195 miles on the bike last week.  One locally-40 miles.  One trip to Magnolia 35 miles.  One trip to Spring Valley-50 miles and another trip to Ottawa-70 miles.  Wind conditions favorable until Friday's trek to Spring Valley.  Half way a cold front bringing rain came at me from the west which meant a severe crosswind. That just added to the adventure.The good news is I arrived at my destination before the rain has begun.  A good day of bicycling in central Illinois.  Two distance rides are in the near future.  I still plan on a two day from Washington to Glen Ellyn Il. That's about 20 miles west of Chicago.  And, shortly I will do my first century to Champaign.  I feel I have prepared myself enough to complete the journey.  That will be the first since my TKR.  Having no close calls and respect from the truckers makes these rides very enjoyable.  More later

 

70 miler to Ottawa, Illinois (not Ottawa Canada Tom!!) 45 miles of tailwinds but 25 miles of severe crosswinds....20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. The 45 were a "breeze".(Pun intended) but the other 25 miles were brutal. I also had to dodge 3 yes 3 oversized vehicles that forced me off the road. At my advanced age the one thing that keeps me motivated can be credited to all those with whom I have done distance rides in the past. You may or may not realize it but you are the inspiration that keeps me biking. And, you know who you are. When things get tough, quitting is not an option and you declare....."if this were easy everyone would do it." Looking forward to my first century since my TKR later this spring.

 

Only one good day of riding in last week.  A 35 miler to Magnolia was the only day of outside riding.  Good tailwind.  Looking at my peers, I consider myself fortunate I can still bike and remain relatively active.  Have received both shots, Madurna and should be immune. Starting to do breakfast again with my retired teacher friends.  The Busy Corner is still my go to place but it remains to be quite a distance for those who live in East Peoria.  Hopefully the next two days will allow me an opportunity to ride outside both days.  I plan to do a 35 miler around the county and Saturday do a 70 miler to Ottawa.  Let hope the weather accommodates.  

On the granddaughter side of things, that baby is growing like a weed.  We see her every two weeks and she seems to grow plenty between visits.  Stay tuned.

 

 Great day for biking outside. Rode 34 miles to Magnolia.  Thought the wind would be at my back as the weather people indicated the wind was coming from the SW at between 14-16 mph.  Yea right.  If that were a fact I would have a tailwind the entire ride.  As it turned out it was coming from the West at about that rate so I endured a cross wind for 34 miles.  Yet it was still an enjoyable experience since it has been over three months since I was able to bike in the great outdoors.  No great happenings along the way and that's a good thing.  Tomorrow will be a trip over 50 miles and once again I'm relying on the weather people to get it right.  The wind is supposed to blow from the south at about 15-20 mph.  We'll see. 

 

 Another cold one.  Temperature consistently below 0 degrees.  No thoughts about cycling outside.  But, that"s why it's called winter.  Haven't had one like this in awhile but have seen many in my lifetime.  It just seems the news media likes to embellish the weather conditions.  Yea, it's cold and snowy but it just means we will enjoy the warm, sunny weather just ahead.

 

Terrible weather this week so as usual my biking in on my trainer in the basement.  I need to back off as my good knee is getting a little sore.  Hopefully a little rest will rectify the situation.  And after getting my first Covid vaccine on Monday, with the second one March 1, I will be making a trip to Florida to attend the memorial for Fred.  (From last post pic). The ceremony is March 15 so we will be fully immune, or so we hope.  Otherwise we wouldn't have made the event.  We are staying an extra day so, hopefully, I can get an outdoor ride in West Palm Beach.   We will see. Looking forward to the end of this pandemic to get to some semblance of normality. 

 

Waiting for some warm weather.  Biking outside not happening and my rides on the trainer in my basement are getting boring.  Followers of this blog will note that I rode two rides with good friend Fred Hampton from Key Largo to Key West.  Two weeks ago Fred was taken from us as a result of the insidious disease Alzheimer's/dementia.  It took him relatively quickly which is somewhat good news so that it was not a lingering situation.  RiP Fred and thanks for the good times biking.  Thinking about doing a yearly memorial ride from Largo to Key West but we will see.  More later

 

 Ground hog day.  My biking consists of doing my routine on the trainer in basement....same time with different routine but it gets quite boring.  Because of the Covid our travel is limited as well as my biking options.  We just endured an ice storm which used resulted in the loss of two branches off two of our trees.  Amid all this a biker was making his way down the street.  All I could think of was there is absolutely no way I would ride in the conditions.  But to each his own.  Can't wait to be able to ride outside and get into a routine like that again, but it will have to wait. Later