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.