After a late start, middle of May, due to poor riding conditions this spring, I just completed 4,000 miles.  Plans are progressing for riding the AlCan highway next spring.  Above video was taken on Friday.  Saw the truck in my rearview mirror.  He wasn't changing lanes so I got him on helmet cam. Just an example of what we all have to endure as bicyclists.

Trying to post a video from helmet cam.  Apologize for the language but there was no way the car could see around the corner and still crossed the double yellow line.

 

I  was hesitant about sharing this information because it sounds so preposterous. In the past I have shared my many bicycle mishaps. But this one borders on the unbelievable. This is not hyperbole but an account of my recent bicycle ride. Doing my Friday fifty I observed a crop duster spraying corn fields in the distance. Its normal routine was to spray, climb, turn and descend on the next section of the field. As I approached the field being sprayed, it banked, turned around and dove directly toward me!! It was not spraying corn because I was on the road between two bean fields. And, when spraying the corn it was never near the road. Flying over me was it was no higher than 15 feet above the ground. And, that's being generous. In fact, it was so close that as it passed overhead I actually ducked hoping the landing gear wouldn't hit me. If his intent was to impress me by showing how close he could fly to the ground I was, indeed, impressed. If his intent was to scare the bejesus out of me it worked. I hope Karma is kind to him when it's time for payback!!

Riding my bicycle to Champaign earlier this week (102 miles) a couple of observations. First, it appears the Asian Beetle infestation in the corn fields of central Illinois is over. Those kamikaze dives into my face and various other body parts were non-existant; much to my delight. Secondly, it's good to see some traditions are still alive. Empty bottles still litter the sides of the county and state roads. Coke remains the soft drink champion and Budwieser products remain number one in the alcohol division. Tradition, gotta love it. For my non-literate readers that last statement was sour cazm (sp?!)
On another note, a friend from Chicago talked me into doing the Fat Tire Ride in Geneva Wisc.  I have ridden across the country, biked from Portland Maine to Daytona Florida,  logged 10,000 miles last year and yet believe this will be the most difficult of any of my previous endeavors.  It's a 20.5 mile trek around Lake Geneva with a stop every two miles.  There is a bar/tavern at each stop.  I believe the only person I know who could reasonably accomplish this feat is Harry Crompton.  But I will do my best and drink water or tea at each stop.  Perhaps another example of sour cazm!!

                                            
                                          Maybe this will be my new biking helmet
Need to quit relying on the weather channel for weather information. Sunday rain wasn't predicted until 8:00 pm. Started my ride at 5:30. By 6:00 I was riding in a torrential downpour. Last Monday's rain I was able to stay ahead of a storm until I reached the small town of Deer Creek. Stayed at a local bar until the rain passed. And no, I didn't imbibe.  It was only 10:00 a.m.  While I'm not adverse to such things, that violates my biking protocol.  I do not drink and ride at the same time.  When I drink I drink.  When I bike I bike.  To dangerous to combine the two. 
On another note, I am recovering quite nicely from the hit and run incident a couple weeks ago.  They still have not found the bastard who knocked me off my bike at an intersection and then quickly departed the scene.  I suspect Karma will deal with that individual.  My face doesn't scare small children anymore.  Well, wait a minute.  People say it scared them before I landed on it and turned me into a zombie.  Anyway all's going well. 

After last weeks mishap, this was a very good week. The CrossRoads crew moved into Illinois and arrived in Champaign Tuesday. Got a phone call last week from Hank to inquire as to my availability to pick up Carol in Chicago. I would have been insulted if he had not requested my help. So of course Ronni and I retrieved Carol and drove her to Champaign. She is joining the support team as because one of the the crew had an emergency and had to leave early. Carol will assist to Erie. When we arrived in Champaign, Tom, Robin Rick, Jan, Ronni and myself had what is becoming a tradition....a fine dinner at Biaggis. Then some drinks in the Walker Suite. All in all a good time. Still haven't found the person who did a hit and run on me but I am recovering quite quickly. I am in the market for a helmet cam as was suggested by a few of my friends. Rode 250 miles last week and didn't get nailed by a car. Again a very good week!

Well, it happened again. About a mile into today's ride, going through an intersection, a vehicle making a left hand turn across traffic clipped my rear wheel sending me onto the sidewalk. The person who nailed me didn't stop. Just kept on going. I landed on my head and they ambulanced (I know that's not a word) me to the ER with multiple abrasions, concussion and split lip requiring stitches. I am seriously considering taking up a safer sport. Perhaps being a javelin catcher!!