Christmas day 2017-No biking adventures outdoors.  My biking routine consists of 3 days at the rec center and 3 in the basement on my trainer.  Getting pretty boring.  The good news is we got about 6 inches of snow yesterday making for a white Christmas.  Good news, bad news.  Good news-eventually got my snow blower working.   After clearing the driveway the snow continued accumulating another 3 inches.  Bad news-snow blower would not start so I had to use hydraulicsnow removal--my arms.  Prefer to snow blower!!  Already looking forward to spring!

 

So, I guess my prediction for outside riding was wrong.  Last Thursday I rode my 55 miler to Leroy.  While it wasn't my fastest time I considered myself fortunate to be able to ride outside at the end of November.  In addition I was able to ride the hills south of Carbondale as we visited Eric.  The temperature was in the mid 60's with a mild 5 mile wind from the SE.  That meant I would have a breeze on my return so it was a good day for biking in December.  Cold weather has set in and I think this time I am correct in my prediction of no more rides outside until spring.  But we will see.  Books sales have done well this year and looking forward to more book signings over the holidays.  More later

 

Gloom, despair, and agony.  Haven't been able to bike outside for two weeks.  Thought about last Tuesday riding to Champaign for my last century of the year.  The wind was good but just before I got "biked up" I checked the weather channel.  A huge mass of rain was moving into the area followed by a "wintery mix".  The temperature was in the mid 40's and dropping.  By the time I would have arrived in Champaign, the temperature would be in the mid 30's.  Therefore, sanity trumping foolishness I did my workout at the rec center.  Hopefully at least one more ride before winter sets in.  We'll see.

Haven't blogged for awhile.  Very busy.  Looks like riding outside is going to be finished for the foreseeable future.   My last ride was a week ago Monday.  Since then it has been cold and rainy.  That means my biking is indoors either on my trainer in the basement or at the Rec center.  I cannot believe there will be no more outside rides until the spring but the long term forecaste is not promising.  I was hoping for one more long ride to Champaign but the prospects look bleak.  No big rides planned for the future but I'm getting wanderlust so I will have to look into another adventure.  More later.

Fat Tire Ride completed.  Joining friends the ride around Lake Geneva WS was another success.  By that I mean, there were no accidents, bike breakdowns, punctures or any other incident that would distract from the enjoyment of the experience.  Brian, our first time rider was surprised at the amount of hills and their grade; especially the last hill where 90 percent of the riders become "walkers".  Only Roger and I from our group did not walk the hill.  But, of course, we have many miles of those type of hills in our past.  So, a good time was had by all. 
On another note, I just passed 4,200 miles on my new bike purchased in April. 

Almost 4,000 miles on new bike.  Couple of interesting rides lately but back in the saddle. Next ride will be the Fat Tire ride around Lake Geneva WS.  Will be joined by Roger,  Rick and newcomer Brian who is visiting from England.  This is the third year we have done this ride but while it is relatively short, 22 miles, it is fraught with thrills and adventure.  A bar about every 4 miles, hills to satisfy climbers and a steep near the end to challenge the best.  Roger and I are the oldest of the riders and two of the few that don't walk the final climb.  Also, not much drinking for us but the younger riders take advantage of the stops.  All in all a good time.

Back in the routine.  Biking 40 miles a day when the weather allows.  Its been hot and humid the last few days but if I get out early enough it is doable.  My new bike has just passed the 3,000 mile mark.  Not bad having purchased it in April.  Looking forward to the Fat Tire Ride in September.  Stay tuned.