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.