Christmas 2023 is over.  And, for the first time ever, I was able to do an outside bike ride on Christmas Eve in central Illinois.  Temperatures hit 60 degrees and while the wind was a brisk 10-15 mph I was determined to head to the open air on my bike.  Glad I did.  Doing my normal summer trail I rode my ususal 30 miles at my 15 mph.  What a treat.  Weather today was back to mild winter temperatures so I was back to my indoor routine.  Still a great time for bicycling in this neck of the woods.  Looking forward to other days like this but if not I will still be doing my annual visit to Florida Keys and ride two weeks in great weather.  I will definitely describe that after the vacation. Later

 

Christmas season is upon us.  Still biking on the trainer in the basement.  Very busy week and didn't bike for three consecutive days.  Don't like to do that as I feel it is too easy to make excuses for not doing my workouts.  Temperatures are supposed to be in the low 50's the next few days.  Maybe I will try an outdoor ride but it will all depend on the weather.  I think I can forget about doing a century until the spring. Later.

 

Another long drought in terms of bicycling outside.  Three inches of snow last Sunday squashed any hopes of doing a ride on the open road.  Now,  the snow is gone but the temps are still below my biking threshold so it's back to the trainer in the basement. Such is the life of a bicyclist in the Midwest during late Fall/Winter.  For the first time in several years it looks like I will not be doing a century this season.  Looking forward to my yearly jaunt to Key West in sunny Florida.  Perhaps I will ride the 50 miles from Marathon to Key West, crossing the 7 mile bridge as a "make-up" for no century.  Oh well, stay tuned.  Who knows?

 

New computer.  Trying to make sure both will be able to publish on this site.  My cycling currently consists of the old trainer in the basement.  Doing the yearly century before winter looks to be a very remote possibility.  But, one can still hope.  In addition, since my eyesight has improved considerably, I am looking forward to seeing how it affects the longer rides.  So later.

 New eyes.  Yep finished cataract surgery on both eyes.  Good news.  Vision is vastly improved.  Bad news was I was instructed there would be no physical activity for two weeks.  Well, I was good for one week and decided I could do a modified ride on my trainer.  So I rode less and at a slower pace on my basement trainer.  Besides, the weather for outdoor riding wasn't especially favorable.  Next week looks like better conditions so I will do modified rides as long as it takes.  Hopefully I'm not overdoing it but I don't think so.  Tough at this time in my life to have to back off what I am accustomed
to doing. And still thinking I can get a century in before winter season.  Later

 

Great rides last week.  Longest one was to Magnolia a total of 35 miles.   Since this is the season for farmers bringing their crops to market the route I take was inundated with more traffic than normal.  The biggest obstacle for me are the tankers, grain haulers and other semis.  Normally I can count on 13-14 semis passing me. During my ride last week there were 30,,,of those monsters.  As stated in the past, route 89 north has a minimum amount of shoulder so when approaching vehicles get near, I ride as near to the white line as safety allows. Of the thirty truck 28 passed showing a vast amount of respect. With no vehicles coming in the opposite direction the respectful 28 would change lanes and give me plenty of room.  Yet there are always some idiots that have some kind of dislike for bikers.  The first was a tanker. While passing it came within a foot as it rolled by and produced a long, loud blast from its horn.  I figure the only reason for doing that is to do personal bodily harm to me.  A startled cyclist, or a startled anyone,  will react in a manner that is reactive and defensive.  These actions often result in crashes and injuries.  I witnessed it many time on my various rides.  Fortunately for me neither of these occurred but I was not very happy someone would try to do that. 

The second episode was far more dangerous.  In previous posts I mention a maneuver I call a doubler.  I can ride for miles and miles and not encounter any traffic.  Yet, more often that I care to remember, a vehicle will be coming in my direction on the opposite side of the road.  Not normally a problem but for some odd reason a vehicle will be approaching from the rear.  And, both will pass at exactly the same time as they are passing me.  Very odd indeed.  Thus a doubler as I'm being double passed.  On this particular ride a semi was approaching from the front and low and behold another semi was closing from behind.  Normally the one from behind will slow, put on their flashers and wait until the oncoming truck passes.  Well, this jerk didn't.  And as it passed, the other  oncoming semi passed at the same time.  Less that six inches was the space between me and a multi-ton truck moving at at least 55 mph. I gripped my handlebars tightly, looked straight ahead and held on for dear life.  Unfortunately my bike camera was not on so I could record this near catastrophy.and I certainly dodged a bullet.  But all in all a great week for riding a bicycle across central Illinois.  Still looking for proper conditions to do my first century.  Later

New computer.  Checking it's ability to continue this blog.  Just purchased new Continental Gator tires.  My Alitia are very difficult to change when I get a puncture.  Snapped two pry bars attempting to place the tire on the rim.  Never had that problem before so new tires is the default remedy.  As far as biking since my last entry no outside rides due to weather and other interruptions.  Like many of my fellow riders I contracted squamos cell carcenoma. Surgery was last Tuesday and I was instructed to do no activity for a week.  I was a good boy for three days and biked on my trainer in the basement.  So far, no diverse effects.  This week looks like great weather for outdoor cycling so hopefully I'm back.  Still looking for conditions for my first century of the season. More later.

 

 

     Second try.   Half a page and hit a wrong button and lost the entire post.  So, here we go again.  Last weekend while visiting Eric for his birthday event we were joined by Christopher, Annie and our sweet grand daughter, Ruthie, for a three day visit.  Knowing there would be plenty of down time, I brought my bike to ride the route I trained on for my cross country ride.  The good news is I handled the hills and distance quite nicely.  I did notice one major change.  Garbage and trash littered the shoulder and right of way along route 51.  Very disappointing considering the amount of information given to discourage such behavior.  Well, some idiots just don't listen or just don't care. It was the worst I have seen in all the times I have ridden that route.  After the hard riding heading south with a S.W wind I looked forward to the "easy" ride with the wind at my back and mostly downhill.  Karma steps in and shows me to anticipate any and all circumstances. Crusing downhill hitting between 20 and 22 mph. and avoiding as much of the debris as possible, I experience that familiar feeling I have had so many times.  Tire Puncture.  This was supposed to be my relaxing time.  Not to be!  I could have taken the time and changed the tube but I called the lovely Veronica to come and pick my up.  End of the ride.  Since that ride I have had to suspend my outside rides as per instruction from the doctor who preformed Mohs surgery to expel the squamous skin cancer.  It was all removed but any strenuous activity was discouraged until my follow up visit next week.  I will indeed follow his instruction but I have begun my biking on the trainer in my basement.  However, I am looking forward to riding after my dr. visit.  Hopefully the weather cooperates as the outdoor season is rapidly coming to an end.  Enough for now.  Stay tuned.

 

 Mojo is back.  Great riding weather with mild winds and moderate temps.  After a few setbacks, Saturday ride was my best of the season.  Forty miles at 17 mph.  Hope to build on that and am more confident in my ability to do a century.  Just looking for the right conditions.  Later

 

Just finished my" see if I can ride my age" bicycle trek .The weather today was almost perfect with low 70s and very little wind. ideal riding conditions. I'm finding the distance to be longer and more difficult each year. Wonder why that is. Some of the best bicycle riding of the year. One of the odd things I noticed more this fall are the number of drivers that cause near misses.  Last Thursday were two close calls.  First was a truck that cut in front of my as it turned a corner.  After narrowly avoiding me it almost crashed into the ditch.  I have that one on my bike camera.  The second one was another event where two cars coming toward me, the front one is being passed and the passing auto comes into my lane.  Avoiding being hit I had to ride into the corn field and the truck being passed actually pulled half way off the road to avoid hitting me.  This, even though I have a bright flashing white light on my front frame.  Unfortunately, that one was not recorded on my camera.  And once again another exciting adventure riding a bike around central Illinois. Still waiting for proper conditions for my first century of the year.

 

 About time for another entry.  I can tell it's Fall season.  It seems like the motorists are less concerned for bikers on the road than earlier in the year.  Many near misses the last two weeks are concerning and two local bikers were hit and killed recently.  In fact, earlier this week a cyclist was hit and killed and the car that hit him did not stop.  Fortunately enough people got the tag plate and he was apprehended some time later. Today's ride I encountered not one but two close calls.  The first came an the entrance to Eureka Lake road.  As I crossed the intersection a truck crossed right in front of my and almost drove off the road, squealing his tire and he barely missed me.  Of course I showed the driver my displeasure but he kept driving down the road. That incident is on my bike cam. Soon after as I made a turn on 24 coming in the opposite direction was a truck pulling a trailer.  It is a two lane road with a small shoulder.  About 100 yards the truck following the tandem a pickup started passing coming into my lane.  He made no attempt to pull back behind the trailer and, in fact, the trailer pulled off the road to allow the passing vehicle room.  But it never did.  I do ride with a white front blinking light so I had to be seen.  I was on the small shoulder about ready to ride into the corn and the passing car barely pulled in as he passed.  A lot of idiots on the roads these days.  Unfortunately I did not have this on my bike cam.  So much about ranting about idiot driver.  On a more positive note, I road my first somewhat distance ride going 40 miles to Bloomington earlier last week.  Still, hopeful I can do a century by the end of the outdoor season.  I should also mention the lovely Veronica and I celebrated our 53 wedding anniversary last Wednesday.  Other than that, it was a great day for riding a bicycle on the back roads of central Illinois

 

The biking gods were very kind to me last Thursday.  You mean, there are such things?  If not biking gods then guardian angles.  Here's the story.  On my thirty miler, half way between Eureka and Goodfield, I came to an intersection I have ridden through many, many times.  Proceeding cautiously, as the cross traffic had the stop sign. I briefly checked and could see no vehicles.  Yet, as I passed the crossroad, a black vehicle of some type flew by and missed me by mere inches.  It never slowed down and definitely didn't stop. This is not particularly unusual as these are rural, country roads where traffic is sparse.  I stopped soon after crossing the intersection as I realized if that vehicle hits me, it's the end of the line.  The auto had to be traveling between 60 and 65 mph.  As I regrouped my senses a van pulled behind me.  Two nice ladies stopped and asked if I were okay.  After assuring them I survived they said they were traveling the opposite direction and saw the whole event.  They were amazed the car didn't hit me.  One of these gracious ladies asked if I knew how close the car came to hitting me.  I responded I felt it as it passed and knew it was very close but didn't see it.  She then held her thumb and forefinger about and inch apart and showed me it was that close.  Wow!!! As I stated at the start of this post someone was looking out for me as it wasn't quite my time to be leaving this existence. As far as outdoor biking, the weather conditions the last 3 days were perfect for biking outside.  Mid to low 80's, light winds less that 10 mph and low humidity.  Perfect.  And, as the yin/yang of the universe prevails this week temperatures will hover at in the high 90's with high humidity.  But it is what it is.  Another great week riding a bicycle in central Illinois.

 

                                                           Coming back from Eureka Lake

After a brief respite from the Canadian fire smoke smog in our area the weather the last three days was unhealthy to the extent outdoor activity should be limited.  So, it was back to the trainer in the basement. During a normal summer, I would have already ridden my annual century to Champaign and taken a number of 50 milers to either Spring Valley or LeRoy.  Half the summer is over and I haven't ridden over 35 mile at one time.  I hope I'm not losing my mojo.  During my 30 miler last week I looked into my rear view mirror and noticed a biker behind and gaining on me.  As per my usual method, I increased my speed so as not to be caught.  17-18-20 + and it was still gaining  It wasn't long before it pass me quite easily.  And, yes it was an E-Bike.  Another example of me trying to outrun a n E-bike and losing.  I did notice though three things about the cyclist.  First he had no helmet.  Second he had no lights.  And third, he wasn't even peddling.  Just sitting on the bike like it was a scooter.  I wondered what, if any, benefit he received from this type of exercise.  But, oh well.  It is what it is.  To end, today was one of the best riding days of the summer and I certainly took advantage of it.  72 degrees, wind less than 5mph and air quality acceptable.  Still looking forward to some distance riding this summer.

 

First time ever.  I have ridden in most weather conditions. That would include high winds, rain both severe and light, high heat, cold weather and such.  Rarely have I ever not ridden due to poor weather conditions.  But, two days last week, I did not ride outside due to the amount of pollution in the air.  Thats correct, the air quality ranged from moderate to poor and as such it was recommended people with health conditions and elderly stay inside.  Well, I rode two days in that soup and could tell it was not a good idea.  Apparently the air is being polluted from the fires in Canada whose smoke is oozing into the U.S. causing bad air.  Maybe there is something to this Global warming thing.  

On another note, this is the first year I am using a front light on my bike thinking it would make me more visible to oncoming traffic.  Ha, Ha.  You silly boy.  Cars still pull head on into my land to pass another car regardless that I am in that lane.  Thought maybe a flashing front light might make me more visible.  Oh well, "and this too will pass".  Looks like it will be awhile before I make a century ride to Champaign this season for many reasons.  Not the least is that I am on a diuretic that is devestating my endurance and energy level.  Shouldn't be on it much longer so we will see.

 Well, I suppose it was bound to happen. Due to the lack of flexibility with my new knee I have changed my spinning method.  As a result, I am finally getting pain on the inside of my ankle on the right side.  Hopefully, I can ride through this but if not I will just put up with it as long as I can.  Its tough getting old I suppose.  Anyway, it's been excellent weather and biking has been great. Looking forward to some distance rides but we'll see.

 

Trying to get my stamina back.  Off the road too long. Good weather so outside ride are the rides.  To mix it up I still alternate inside rides with outside.  Unfortunately, I tried a ride into a 20 mile wind last week.  It was a disaster. I could only manage 8-9 mph.  It took the fun out of the ride so I have to be smarter about those things.  As mentioned earlier I now ride with a front flashing white light.  It didn't do much good as a car passed another into my lane.  Wonder what they are thinking because obviously see a flashing white light.  Oh well, that's how it goes.  Can't wait to do longer that 30 milers and get my mojo back.  Looks like this years cross country group have begun.  I enjoy following them as it helps recall our adventure riding across America.Later

 

Aaah.  Back outside on the road.  With the weather unseasonably warm the last week I was able to get in 3 good days of riding.  First was a short 20 miler to Eureka and back.  A short lunch with the lovely Veronica.  The next day was a 35 miler to Magnolia. A 20 mile wind at my back made for a nice ride.  Then the next day my 30 miler around the area.  Unfortunately, the weather this week is back to cool and windy so its back to the trainer in the basement.  On another note, we traded up a size to our granddaughters bike.  It looks great and she loves it.  Can't wait to do a ride with the little one.  Looking forward to biking this summer.

 

 Still no outside biking.   Horrible cold the last two weeks and have been on the bike only twice. Still looking forward to some spring riding but getting impatient.  It will be here at some time. Later.

 

Try again.  Ever hit a wrong button and wipe out a complete entry?  Just did. GRRRRR. I hate that. I was lamenting that my current riding situation is biking in my basement on my trainer.  There is so much Cash Cab one can watch.  Next week it looks like weather conditions may be favorable.  Upper 50's and mild winds.  On another note a friend is doing the "Brag Ride and asked if I would like to join the group.  No thanks.  Did two days a few years ago and most of my fears were realized.  Overcrowding, drunk bikers, amatures with no knowledge of group riding protocol make accidents with injury a reality.  So, no thanks.  Maybe my next entry will include outside riding info.  RSRO. 

 Waiting for winter to end. Getting impatient since coming back from the Keys. Lets go spring. Biking in the basement is getting old.  Maybe this week.

 

 

 

Just returned from a two week vacation in Key West. The weather was a perfect 78 degrees the entire time we were there with light and variable winds.  I rented a road bike from Eaton bike shop.  It is the best place for bike rentals in the keys.  The owners and workers are very knowledgeable about bikes and biking routes around the keys.  Rode over 250 miles in my time in the keys.  A great time to bike in mid winter.  On another note, I have a huge respect for friend Fred.  As a novice biker he and I rode from Key Largo to Key west twice.  It hadn't occurred to me before because I had ridden miles and miles in heavy traffic.  But, I haven't ridden in traffic in over a year.  County roads and state highways were the riding areas for my trips.  My first encounter with all the traffic and it took a while to get used to all the attention needed to ride safely in those conditions.  Then and there the realization that those conditions existed in Fred's world when he and I rode enhanced my respect for what he accomplished. The last day of my daily rides was a 55 miler from Marathon Key to Key West, Florida. I would like to dedicate it to good friend Fred Hampton. He and I rode this distance twice. Fred is no longer with us in person but his spirit always will be. I would also like to dedicate the first 7 miles to biking friend Mike Sorn. Mike is legendary for his affinity for bridges. Ha, ha. This distance is on a two lane bridge with a relatively narrow shoulder, short restraining barrier and nothing on the right except the Gulf of Mexico and nothing on the left except cars with people who are in a hurry to get off the bridge. Just so my biking friends don't freak out Fred and I, obviously, wore biking helmets but took them off for the picture.  All in all an excellent two weeks biking in the Florida Key.