This has been a very interesting week related to my biking. It's not about the heat and humidity. It's not about the near misses with auto's or trucks. It's not about the horrible conditions of the newly graveled country roads I normally ride. It's not about the oppressive heat. (Hey I guess it kinda is). It is about some very positive happenings. First, on Sunday, Harry called from England. We had a very enjoyable chat. He, again, invited us to visit and I'm close to accepting. Ronni and I are tentatively planning a trip to Europe in late August or early September to celebrate our anniversary. I have a good friend, (yes, I actually have a friend) Brian, who currently lives in England. I would be able to visit both while there. I am looking forward to finalizing our plans.
Now, on a more curious note, I was having breakfast with good friend Luke (ok, so I have 2 friends) at the Galley. It is a small restaurant in East Peoria that locals (not crazy...hummm maybe so!) patronize for a good breakfast with friendly service. It is not the "chain" variety so there are not many tourists. But, as I was entering the establishment, I noticed a touring bike with heavily loaded panniers. My first thought was that whomever the owner was, they were going on a very long trip or were returning from one. Upon entering the Galley, I observed that the only person capable of owning that bike was a young man sitting alone in the corner of the place. So as not to intrude on his privacy, Luke and I had what for us was our normal Tuesday breakfast. Soon, media types showed up to interview the young man. Since his privacy was no longer an issue I went over to introduce myself and inquire as to his circumstance . It turns out his name is Teddy Herrera he is 24 years old and is currently riding across the country. Subway is sponsoring him and he is riding to bring awareness to childhood obesity. Now, while that might sound impressive, here's the rest of the story. He started his ride in Sacramento CA. (sorry Hank and Karen, he doesn't know you guys/girls) and is going to Boston. But then, he will be heading down the East Coast to Miami Fl. and ride back to Sacramento. That is over 11,000 miles. It is a totally unsupported venture; thus, the 35 pounds of equipment he is carrying on his bike. He indicated he was going to Washington Il. to Russell's Cycle shop to get a tune-up and acquire needed supplies before heading to Chicago. He is stopping in major cities along his route to address organizations and various groups to promote awareness of the problems of childhood obesity. After a brief chat whereby I shared I had ridden from LA to Boston, I wished him good luck and headed for my daily ride. Before leaving Washington, I rode up to Russell's to see if I would run into him but alas, he had not arrived. So, I went on my two hour sojourn (heat-96 degrees, humidity 80%-mad dogs and Englishmen-shout out to Magic Mike). After returning, I decided to check and see if he was still in town. The good people at Russell's told me he left about 10 minutes before I got there. However, a patron indicated he had seen a young man at the local Subway and he still might be there. I immediately headed to the Subway and lo and behold there he sat. Fortunately, I brought my camera and we took a picture. After a brief visit I left and pondered the irony of running into Mr. Herrera. What are the chances that one of the few people in the area that bicycled across the country (me) would encounter this individual who was doing the same plus more. The stars had to be perfectly aligned, with the moon in the 7th house. Now, to me, that was amazing. So, to sum up, I wish the young man a safe journey, hope he accomplishes his goal and raises a ton of awareness to fight childhood obesity. There is a video a local channel 25 made of his ride so far. I have tried to download it onto this blog but have been unsuccessful. Now there is more to the story. After learning he would be in town until tomorrow, I invited him to stay at my place for the night and he graciously accepted. The lovely Veronica had a meal prepared and it was greatly appreciated by me and Teddy. This morning I was going to direct him to the route he needed to take to get to Chicago. But, I went ahead and biked the first 10 miles to be sure he would not get lost. I then proceeded to do another 30 to finish my riding day. All in all a very interesting experience. Here is his blog site.http://acrossamericaforchildhoodobesity.wordpress.com/

About ready for my first century of the summer. Waiting for favorable winds and will be biking to Champaign Il. from Washington. Riders from the Cross Country ride remember will remember Champaign as a rest day in a university town. Bob, Tom, Hank and myself as well as Willie and his guests ate at Italian Inn. Later, many of the riders went to my favorite watering hole, Hubers. The wait staff still remember Harry and his "foreign" accent. They have asked if he plans on returning at some point. Apparently, Harry left quite an impression.
On another note, Ronni and I recently purchased a condo in Champaign so we will have a place to stay during our frequent visits. I am now officially "land poor" More on my century later.

Wow, it been awhile since my last post. On the biking front, governor Quinn just signed a law that makes it a misdemeanor to hit or intentionally hassle a bicyclist in Illinois. It could result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a year in jail. This is in addition to the "three feet law" that requires motorists must pass a bicyclist by at least three feet. I guess Illinois is getting serious with the "share the road" concept. Most of us who bike frequently understand that motorists who nearly hit us either don't know the law or choose to ignore it. Now, here is the ironic part. Yesterday, during my regular ride, (I still ride between 35-40 miles a day, six days a week) a car missed me by a mere half foot. There were no cars coming from the opposite direction. As he went by I glanced over and, of course, he was texting on his cell phone. After cursing him and, yes I admit it, I flipped him off, we passed a crossroad. The corn in this part of Illinois is at least seven feet tall and makes good camouflage for state troopers. Lo and behold, a troopers car was parked and the officer observed the entire episode. He immediately pulled out, put on his lights and pulled over the motorist. The guy in the car must not have seen the cop because he didn't pull over until about a mile down the road. I guess he was busy doing something. As I biked by, the officer had a big grin on his face, his ticket book in his hand, and he waved at me to keep going. I don't know if he ticketed the offender by I'm sure the motorist now knows the law.
Checking on the XC09 crew, it looks like Harry (England) is visiting California and he and the "Dalton Gang" are going on a very scary ride. Also, there is talk of a reunion ride in 2012. I hope I would be able to join them but we will see. Also, Ira, one of the faster riders from the XC09 crew, has purchased a new bike. It is awesome and I suspect Ira will now challenge Lance Armstrong for bike supremacy in the U.S. Good luck to the "posse" and stay safe on your ride.

Wednesday I got very ambitious and did a 55 mile ride to Leroy. Yes, there is a Leroy Illinois. My usual stop is at a local bar where eighty something Doris always welcomes me with a "recovery" beverage. That ride again shows the universe is composed of yin and yang that equalizes everything. For example, riding into Bloomington in years past, after entering MeClane county on route 150 the road is horrible. Well, Wednesdays ride coming into McClain county, the road had been resurfaced and I was elated that the ride would be smooth and even. And it was. After going through Bloomington, I saw construction signs. Lo and behold, the road from Bloomington to down, about 10 miles was like riding over railroad tracks. Absolutely terrible riding conditions this Yin/Yang. Can't avoid it. Had two flat tires in my last three rides. I wonder what is going on but even though I am quite capable of changing flats, nevertheless is is bothersome.

I will start with a shout out to Ira. You have ruined my biking protocol forever. There must be something inherit in bikers that, when they see a bicyclist ahead of them, they will attempt to chase them down. On my normal route today I saw a soloist about a mile ahead so I went from Clydesdale mode to racehorse. Soon, I caught up with the rider and as I galloped past, in an homage to Ira, I exclaimed "I come in peace"! We both laughed as I left him in my wake. (Okay, I'm mixing my metaphors again). Ira you rule!! "On your left" when passing a biker has been deleted from my biking protocol.
On another positive note, my intention was to meet with the XC10 riders in Champaign. But, because of other commitments it looked like I would not be able to do this. So, I drove to Springfield because I knew the current group would be there. When I arrived, I saw Tracy in her familiar role. She was in the support truck doing who knows what to be sure the riders needs were addressed. When she saw me we shared a hug that showed a genuine respect for our shared cross country biking experience. I inquired about her back, which she injured during last years ride and she indicated she was doing okay. I later found out that even after two surgeries she still experiences back pain daily. Of all the people I have encountered during my life experience, Tracy is one of the most committed professional individuals I know. Her positive nature and unbound energy are amazing. She also explained that this year's expedition was one of the easiest crossings her company has experienced. I explained that the XC09 group used up all the bad weather, brutal headwinds, and other negative karma so the yin/yang of the universe allowed the XC10 group to "gloat" about "great weather conditions", "strong tailwinds" virtually the entire ride, and other lamentations that the 09ers could only dream of. For all intent and purpose, the current riders should thank our group for their relatively easy crossing. To be honest, I would not trade our experience for the world because of all the obstacles we had to overcome; bike accidents, incessant rain, constant head winds (Delhart TX. is still embedded in my memory bank) cars (motorcycles) hitting bikers, food poisoning, hemorrhoids, broken bike parts, etc. to name a few. That which does not destroy us makes us stronger!!
On another positive note, after talking to Tracy, I waited for Barbie to arrive. When she saw me she greeted me with a big smile and hug. I remembered her from last years ride as an individual that exuded a positive attitude, a friend to all, and a very strong rider. While the XC09ers embraced Barbie into our group, the current riders had already formed their cliques when she joined them, and she indicated she would often have to ride alone. On this particular day, two riders actually rode from Quincy to Springfield with her. I met one of them (can't remember his name) and indicated there must be something wrong with people who would not like to accompany a pretty young woman on a ride across the country. (Hey, how sexist is that?!) Anyway, Barbie shared some of her current trip experiences and indicated she would be leaving after the Champaign leg, but would finish the ride to Boston next year. I wish her all the best. I also wish the XC10 folks continued good karma. Barbie, I pirated this pic from your blog. Hope you don't mind. Talk about a rose and a thorn! Those of you who would even question which is which need your eyes examined!! Enough for now, I rambled enough.

I'm following the xc10 bikers and it is like de ja vu all over again. Barbie is doing the best job with her blog and she started with the 09 riders
Just returned from 5 days in North Carolina. Wife and sister-in-law visiting their aunt on business matters. All they needed me for was to drive them from place to place. (Can you say driving Miss Daisy) So, I loaded up my bike and while they took care of business I was off biking the local back roads. Unbeknownst to me, most of central North Carolina is part of the App. mountain range. For three days I was reminded of the cross country trip and all the climbing. I must admit I have gotten better at climbing or at least I think so. On three separate rides I encountered two to three mile climbs of 10% or better. Day one was intimidating but by day three I had gained my confidence. I also have gotten much smarter when it comes to traffic. On 6 separate occasions, with virtually no shoulders on the roads, when a semi truck appeared in my rear view mirror I stopped and got off the roadway until the trucks passed. I like to remind people that while I might be ignorant, I'm not stupid!
I have decided to meet the xc10 folks in Champaign.

Okay followers. I'm officially jealous of the riders of the XC10 cross country bikers. They have not encountered any headwinds the entire trip to date. Their blogs exclaim riding at an average of 22 mph with tailwinds virtually every day. I think they can thank the XC09 riders for using up all the headwinds. In addition, they have not, as yet, had to ride through an all day downpour. Recall Hamburg NY to Canadiaga among others. We must have used those up also. Anyway, I hope this doesn't jinx their journey and wish them continued safety and success.
On another note, I have given the last of my bike program for the season. The Sierra Club at Forest Park Nature center was the venue. An overflow crowd attended but they didn't have the technology I needed (compatible computer, projector). However, I always bring backup equipment just in case so the evening progressed as planned. The highlight for me was the vegan treats following my program. I also received a recycled pen made from discarded materials. Sierra Club members who requested the Youtube site I have provided it on this post.
Today's local paper covered the Peoria bike clubs silent bike ride to bring attention to those bikers who were killed or injured in encounters with trucks and cars. The state of Illinois is making it a misdemeanor crime to hit a biker and a felony to hit and seriously injury or kill a bicyclist. It passed both houses and is awaiting the governors signature. The article also stated many bikers have had near misses while biking. I suggest ALL bicyclists fall into that category! I am traveling to North Carolina next week and taking my bike. Hopefully I can find interesting and challenging bike trails. More later.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW2i1yd3jR0