Good news.   Traveling to Key West where I will be biking every day for two weeks. Really looking forward to riding a bicycle someplace other that on my trainer in my basement. Unfortunately we are flying Southwest and hopefully we won't have a cancellation.  Rolling the dice. On another note, had a great Christmas with the family.  The highlight was when little 4 year old Ruthie preformed two song from frozen.  She had the Elsa dress complete with and knew all the words from her two songs she preformed.  Wonderful child.  Love her to bits.  Next posts will be from Key West.

 

 

 

 

Not necessarily a post about biking but I thought I would share anyway.  The day following

Thanksgiving with my family in attendance the neighbor decided to burn leaves.  Unfortunately it is still legal in our community.  Hard to believe in this day and age knowing the downside of open burning and the benefits of mulching, this practice still continues.  In our community one can open burn but there are stipulations.  No burning within 20 feet of any structure and the fire must be visible. This helps insure the fire is not smoldering.  As one can see from these images both of the regulations are being violated.  Aside from these obvious violations who does this to a neighbor?  It is not only rude but extremely disrespectful.  No house is airtight and even though the windows are closed and locked down, smell and some smoke will still enter.  The three year old couldn't get her afternoon nap even with a 103 temp.  And the daughter-in-law was having throat problems from the smoke.  Cops were called and the neighbor had to put out the fire.  I suspect he will do so again next year.  Just thought I would share

 

All indoor biking.  Took time to travel to Galena but biking has dropped off.  Back on regular schedule at least until Christmas.  Then, our yearly Florida trip begins.  Need to get my rental before long but they know me well enough the Eaton Bike shop will take care of me.  Until then, not much going on on the biking front.   Ha

 Outdoor biking finished for the foreseeable future.  20's and 30's predicted for the next two weeks.  So, it's back to the trainer in the basement.  The good news is I was able to do a long 50 miler prior to the recent bout of cold weather.  I also was off the bike for 4 days due to watching the beautiful granddaughter while the kids took a brief vacation to themselves.  We grand parented her for three days.  The weather was frigid and we had a three inch snow fall on one of those days.  Ruthie and I were able to make a small snowman. Picture to follow.  Looking forward to an occasional bike ride in the future but nothing yet.  Later

Weather changing rapidly.  It went from mid 80s down to 30's.  We got a reprieve the last two days and rain is forecast the next two days.  Knowing this I rode what I think is going to be my last outside distance ride of the season.  A 50 miler to Spring Valley was my ride yesterday.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virtually uneventful until I got about 5 miles from my destination.  At a cross road between Route 89 and route 71 is a four way stop.  Carefully checking the cross traffic and seeing no vehicles, I rode through the stop as is per usual for bikers.  Heading in the opposite direction a individual in a truck yelled "hey, that was a stop sign" implying I should have come to a complete stop even though there was no cross traffic.  I responded with something to the effect that "mind your own business, or something like that.  Ha.  Riding conditions were particularly busy primarily because farmers a taking their crop to grain elevators.  Therefore, I was dodging semis, and large slow tractors in addition to regular Saturday traffic.  But all in all, a great day for riding a bicycle in the great outdoors.

 Outside riding the last 5 days.  Total distance was over 200 miles.  Great weather....dry and not very windy.  Many in the area are complaining about lack of rain.  Ha, look for the good.  Great bicycling weather.  On a down note, within the last two weeks and twice last week, oncoming traffic has witnessed a driver passing another driver while I'm in the road.  If not for me taking evasive action it would have been disastrous. I will now purchase a front light to warn the idiots of their error and hopefully they will not intentionally pass with me in the road.  Time will tell.  Couldn't help post the above pic.  Not cycling associated but worthy, nevertheless.  Stay tuned.

 

Joined Jeff Alderman as he is nearing his goal for his fundraiser Childhood Cancer. Great ride as the trails around his house are as good as any I have ridden. He was motivated to ride a personal best and I was honored to present him with a copy of my book. I suggested he get a lighter bike, riding gloves for comfort, padded biking shorts and carry water when on longer rides in hot conditions.  I know many who don't address comfort issues and eventually quit biking but hopefully Jeff continues this activity.  RSRO....ride safely, ride often. 

  

I would like to thank all those who posted birthday wishes. It was really appreciated. I hesitated posting the following for fear many would view it as braggadocio. Well I suppose it is to some extent but I see it as an accomplishment. Yesterday's birthday ride.

  

An early birthday celebration with family. First bicycle ride with my granddaughter. It won't be long before she leaves me in the dust. Oops, I mean in her wake....no, no, I mean she will arrive at our destination long before me.  And speaking of a  gallows reference, an incident last week easily could have put me into the dust bin.  Riding to Magnolia on route 89 north two cars were approaching from the south.  About 200 yards ahead the trailing car began passing the lead car and came directly into my lane.  There is no shoulder and the only bailout is gravel, grass and cornfield.  Unfortunately, I was looking down at my bike computer checking speed, distance and time.  When I looked up the car was within about twenty yards and coming at me in my lane.  Just before a collision, he cut off the lead car and barely missed me as I indicated to him that his actions almost cost a life.  I'll let the reader imagine my response.  Yet another adventure biking in the USA.  Probably try a 75 miler this week to celebrate yet another birthday. Later.

 

What's the best thing to do after a 40 mile bicycle ride through the farm fields of central Illinois? Answer? Stop my the Washington Art Festival and eat a delicious, healthy, nutritious.........CORN DOG!! Ha, I suggest the health benefits of biking that distance are surly (I know, don't call me Shirly) negated by consuming that delectable food item. Need to be careful about how much pressure I put on the TKR.  Some rides the knee gets very uncomfortable.  Keeping an eye on it.

 

 

 Today a friend asked "With all the negative news, does anyone have a good news story?" Just so happens I had an incident on yesterday's bike ride that fits the bill.  Cruising along a local street I observed a young man cutting his grass using a riding mower.  As I got closer, the guy stopped his machine (not turning it off) and disengaged the blade ensuring it would not project any objects into my path.  After passing I gave him a thumbs up and he continued his mowing.  Now that's a good news story if I ever heard one.  I know all the doom and gloom news articles that permeate the media get all the attention so this may not seem like a big deal. For me it is as I often dodge "green ice" and other obstacles that litter the roads.  Restores my faith in humanity. Well....maybe a little but something positive nevertheless.  

As to my recent biking excursions, it has been probably been the best two week stretch of biking weather in a long time.  Winds were reasonable, less than 10 mph with temps in the mid to high 80's.  I average 30-35 miles with a couple of trips to Magnolia. Stronger winds require "destination" rides  while milder winds entail circuit rides.  All in all awesome biking weather.  Getting a little anxious to do another "century" but we shall see.  More later.

 Since this is my biking blog I shall defer from any political rants or other subjects not associated with my biking experiences.  Just finished a class reunion and thought I would offer to organize a 20 mile bike ride with former high school classmates.  As the date came closer it looked like it would not happen.  The reason?  My classmates have gotten quite elderly and most look as if they would not be able to ride that distance.  Let's face it.  Now in our mid seventies and seeing the condition of many of the people there, I decided it would not be worth the effort. So it wasn't to be.  While the weather had been quite warm, I reminded those who question my sanity I have ridden in heat and am quite capable of handling it.  Having a great time with my facebook memories of my trek across Europe 4 years ago.  What an experience.  Check out my previous posts.  More later

 

First hill biking since my TKR. 35 miles from Carbondale to Cobden and back mostly along route 51. Thought I would share a portion of the journey. My camera doesn't do justice to the degree of climb but for me, it's significant. My biking friends will notice I only record the down hills and almost no video of the uphill parts. Don't want to embarrass myself. And, as usual, there are those that give me plenty of respect and some that don't. After the ride I had a greater amount of respect for the older riders who I had the pleasure of doing several distance rides.  Jim and Hank were the age I am when they bikes cross country.  I was able to ride the steep hills without much more difficulty than before the tkr. Looking forward to more challenging rides in the future.

 

Today was my first "century" of the season and I'm dedicating it to good friend and cross country roommate, Hank Darlington. Why, you may ask? I am currently the same age as Hank when he rode his bicycle 3,415 miles across the U.S. I know the effort it takes to do a mere 100 miles so to ride an average of 80 miles per day with 16 centuries for 7 weeks at that age is, in my view, nothing short of a miracle. Another miracle was he put up with me as his roommate for that time period. So I hereby nominate Hank for sainthood. Saint Hankster has a nice ring to it. Yep...just sayn.

On another note the good news is people from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) put a 2 foot asphalt shoulder from Goodfield to two miles west of Carlock about 7-8 miles. Great for bikers to get out of the way of traffic. Oops, what's this" Oh great. Rumble strips down the middle of the new shoulder making them relatively worthless for bicyclist. I realize rumble strips are placed on shoulders so drivers who veer off the road because of dowziness, cell phone use or other distractions can be alerted and avoid crashing. Okay enough crabbiness. It was an excellent day to do a century bike ride and I had a great experience.

 

 

As the weather continues it's up and down cycles I'm reminded of the story of Goldilocks and the three bears.  "This weather is too rainy and cold".A reason for not biking outside in the Spring.  Then "This weather is to hot and humid" as this weeks temps reached 97 with heat index of 110.  So, again, another reason for biking inside.  I was actually able to bike outside Sunday as "this weather is just right".    However, about 15 miles into the ride the sun came out and I realized I hadn't put sunscreen on my arms.  Continuing my planned route and risk sunburn on my arms or head back to the hacienda were my options.   Discretion being the better part of valor,  I turned for home.  Still rode nearly 25 mikes...not much of a ride but better than nothing.  

As mentioned in an earlier post, friend Jay on his ride from D.C. had to suspend his biking until last Sunday.  The good news is we met him at the Klondike Park campground near the town of Defiance Missouri.  He described out visit best in his blog.  " We meet up with my friends Champ and Ronnie, from a previous cycling adventure across Europe. All four of us head out to find dinner. After a thirty minute drive to find the restaurant closed, we find our way back to the local motorcycle bar near camp. It was loud with ZZ Top tunes and had lots of colorful folks. We had an an entertaining dinner!" Thanks for the "shout out" Jay.  It was great to see him.  Let's hope this weather settles down as I'm looking forward to my annual 100 mile ride to Champaign.  Later

Rating: (0)

 

                                                     L-R Jay, Tom, Me

 Nothing special on the biking front.  Still no consistent weather for everyday outside biking.  Good news is we had the opportunity to meet up with Jay as he treks from Virginia to Denver.  As you may recall he organized the bike across Northern Europe  (EuroVelo 6 trail). We were to meet him in Edwardsville Ill. but it didn't work out so we met him in Klondike Park near Defiance Missouri.  He and his biking partner John were camping in the park.  The good news the shower and rest room facilities were near.  When we finally met him and after downing a brewski, Ronni and I took he and John out to eat. Since we brought the van there was plenty of room for everyone.   After driving about 25 minutes through hilly, forest like terrain, we finally arrived at the winery.  Looking forward to pasta dishes and wine, alas, it was not open when we arrived.  Actually, it closed 15 minutes before it's advertised closing time.  Therefore, we needed to find another eatery.  The closest place was Defiance.  It was ten minutes on route 94 and about 5 minutes from the park.  Oh well, it is what it is.  After a fine meal in a restaurant/bar that still allowed smoking we were back at the campsite.  I had forgotten that  Missouri still allowed smoking in their restaurants and I find it amazing it's still a thing.  Anyway, knowing they had a big biking day ahead with possible rain, we left them and made the drive back to Washington.  All in all a great time visiting with Jay.  And, of course, we forgot to take photos which is absolutely amazing in this day and age.  But still glad I had the opportunity to see him again.  Later

 

 

150 miles outside this week.  Rest of the time, again, trainer in the basement.  The crops seem to be behind but with all the rain they will catch up.  Rode to Bloomington last Tuesday and encountered construction between Goodfield and Carlock.  Good news, bad news.  The good news is the road work involves installing 15 inch paved shoulder.  Great for bikers avoiding having to ride on the road.  Yet, most likely, they will put rumble strips down the middle of the shoulder which will put the riders back on the road.  Let hope not but it seems it is being done on a regular basis.  On another note, a former student and two of his buddies are doing a 5 day 250 mile trek across Missouri.  The route they will be taking is flat and smooth.  Now, let it be known that Missouri is quite hilly but the path they are taking is transformed railroad path.  That will be really helpful to rookie distance bikers. I met with him for breakfast Tuesday.  He wanted some advice on what he should do for a successful ride.  Best advice to new distance bikers is to train enough so the saddle will be comfortable to complete the ride.  Chamois buttr of come kind is a must.  I wear two pair of biking shorts to ensure comfort.  My second point is to be sure to eat foods that provide lasting energy.  High carbs the night before and energy bars along the way.   As for the bike, chain should be oiled after each day, check for debris prior to the days ride and have confidence that changing a tire is relatively easy.  He stated he was going to use a pump in case of repairing a puncture.  My advice was to purchase  CO2 cylinders as they are fast and easy.  Ultimately is boils down to taking care of Body and Bike.  I wish him and his buddies the best and look forward to he sharing the adventure when he returns.  More on that later.

 

Finally, finally, finally...after a Spring where I was only to bike outside two or three times, after a three day Mothers Day holiday, the temperature was where an outside ride was possible.  Tuesday with a 15 mile southern wind I rode 35 miles to Magnolia.  Now the bad news.  The temperature hit the 90 degree mark.  Afterward I could really tell.  And,  since I had not much outside riding it really took a toll.  But, I finished in fine fashion and was glad I completed the distance.  So I was so jacked up to ride outside again, I planned a 40 miler for Wednesday.  The wind was under 10 mph so I would do my regular route to Goodfield.  Now the bad news.  I knew it would be in the low 90 degree temp so I decided on an earlier starting time.  As luck would have it I didn't get on the road until 11:00 a.m. During my warm=up mile I felt the temperature would  be manageable. As the miles past I started to question if I had made a good decision.  Since there was no way to acclimate to the high temperature I thought I should stop rest and maybe call for a ride.  As I have often stated, if you start something finish it.  So I rode on and by the end of the trek I was pretty well done.  Good thing for air conditioning.  The lovely Veronica informed me that the temp was 94 with a heat index of 107.  Not smart to bike in those conditions without conditioning but nobody ever accused me of such.  Obviously it took extra time for recovery and my repaired knee began to hurt.  Lesson learned....be smart before biking in those types of conditions.  I've got absolutely nothing to prove.  Tomorrow is a hot day, I will bike but not as far and with a rest.  More later

 

Wow.  Here it is the middle of April and I was only able to ride outside once in the last two weeks.  Maybe one of the coldest and wettest springs I have experienced in awhile. Looks like this week the weather will be more conducive to outside biking.  Lets hope.  Riding in my basement on the trainer is getting rather boring and mundane but I shall persist.  Looking forward to my first century and as soon as weather permits I will attempt it.  So, enough for now as not much to describe.

 

 

Not much outside riding the last couple of weeks.  Two outside rides last week included a 50 miler to Spring Valley.  As usual, 99 percent of the traffic were respectful but another idiot made a very dangerous pass.  It was a semi trailer with no attached truck.  With no on-coming traffic this moron passed by a mere foot.  And as it passed the buffoon layed on his horn.  What was his intent I wondered?  Was it to cause me to wreck?  Was it to try to intimidate me?  No idea!  But its things like this that really frost my jibblets.  Anyway, all biking has been on my trainer for the last week. Also, would weather reporters try to be more accurate in their predictions?  Sunday was supposed to be cold and rainy.  After my "ride" in the basement I looked outside.  It was sunny and the temperature was 60 degrees.  The wind was a mere 2 to 3 mph from the  WNW.  It would have been a great day to get in a 35 miler.  Oh well. It is what it is.  There are certainly signs that spring is near.  With all the rain we have been getting and robins abound, it can't be long before my outside rides will resume on a regular basis.  On another note, my brother is looking at getting an e=bike.  I will do my best to see that he gets good value for his money.  As another shout-out to my local bike shop-Russells Cycle... I'm sure Joe will get the best deal for the amount of money he intends to spend.  Stay tuned.

 

 

My first outside ride (except for my Florida vacation) of the season. Two observations during this segment of the trek. First, my bovine buddies are absent from their normal roaming area. It would be to the right of the video beside the barn. Logic would indicate there are only two reasons for this. First, it is too early in the season to turn them out. Or, they were on the Tuesday special at the Western Sizzilin..Yum, Yum. Secondly, even though we have had two consecutive days of 60 plus temps there is still plenty of snow along the ditches....as well as a full compliment of trash. Enjoy

 Fifties this week...Hopefully outside biking.  Can't wait

 

 

Two weeks in sunny Florida, specifically Key West.  Biked eight of the ten days.  The weather was great, a little windy at times but nothing I could not bike in.  And, of course, there must be a bit of drama.  My first three days I rode from Casa Marina on the south end of the island.  I took my normal route around the Smathers Beach area.  Highway 1 is the only entry and exit from Key West so there was not much diversity in routes while in the area.  We then moved into a cute little cottage near the center of the island.  During my first day from that location there is a sidewalk/bike path.  Heading east I noticed two riders coming toward me.  Approaching an intersection with a narrow path to traverse the curb the idiots remained two abreast instead of single file.  As I approached I had a choice.  Continue forward and crash into the oncoming biker, hit a light post near the curb or go into the oncoming traffic.  Neither option was good.  So, I cut to my right with the hope I could "bunny hop" over the curb.  Didn't work.  As I tried to lift the bike, I hit the curb.  I was thrown off the bike crashing onto the grass on the opposite side of the trail.  The front tire was split and both front and rear tubes flattened.  My injuries were relatively minor with bruised ribs and a jammed right thumb.  Not enough to prevent me from further rides but I needed Ronni to get me and take the bike to the shop.  Eaton bike shop did a great job.  Within 10 minutes they had replaced the front tire and replaced both tubes.  I was back on the road. After that, I took a different route leaving the island.  It was as fast and much safer.  All in all a great time biking in the middle of winter.

 Lets see...Obstacles working against my outdoor riding in Key West.  Airline cancellations, rental car cancellation, bike shop cancellation, improper clips, among others are some of the obstacles that might keep me from biking along the Florida Keys.  Hopefully,  not of these events will come to fruition and I will have a normal experience on my vacation.  As one who has traveled extensively my entire life, this "stay at home" attitude has resulted in Cabin Fevor.  Therefore, I am going to live life as normally as possible, with precautions, and hopefully avoid Covid.  Next entries will be from Key West Florida.

 

Outside biking very slim....Only on the trainer in the basement.  Had a wonderful holiday season, both Christmas and New Years.  Now we have a conundrum.  With the spread of the virus we need to decide ether to fly to Florida or drive.  Many factors play out here.  Can we rely on the airlines to not cancel?  Will a back up plan to drive down be a problem with the weather?  How can we avoid getting Covid if we fly?  How can we avoid Covid if we drive?  In Key West, how much can we enjoy the trip and avoid Covid.  All very intriguing questions to be answered very shortly. So, time will tell and of course I will be doing a daily bike ride when we arrive in Key West.  Such an interesting time.  Later