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