Seems like this is becoming an annual event.  Smoke from wildfires either from our western states or our Canadian neighbors are creating havoc on my biking routine. And, I don't like it.!!!  Nothing to do but decide on whether to go ahead and ride outside or back in my basement on my trainer.  The older I get the smarter I get.....maybe.  I could use a mask or my neckerchief  to catch the nasty smoke, but a ride with those barriers would be very unpleasant. The basement it was! Had a heat wave where the temp was in the mid 90s.  I rode outside when it was 91 and decided that was enough of that.  Now the smoke.  It seems like my outdoor ride opportunities are getting more limited.  I considered a ride to LeRoy was to happen recently as the wind was 15-20 mph from the NW.  Did not happen.  I'm getting to a point where a 50-55 miler is not doable since my training is inadequate.  Riding a century seems like a small probability. Maybe the second half of this summer is better that the start. Stay tuned  

 

 

Another post for my friends in general and biker friends in particular. No rant, angst or other notes of negativity. Good, Better, Best. That's how I rate my bike (bicycle} rides. But during today's 30 miler there were several areas that exceeded all those designations. It actually reached the P.R.C Perfect Riding Conditions. So what would criteria be for that designation? Well here it is.

1. Perfect weather. Moderate temp and humidity with intermittent clouds providing cooling shade.

2. Smooth roads, no traffic, no one trying to run me off the road and/or swearing at me.

3. Wind at my back

4. Going downhill

Other cyclist, and indeed non cyclist, might disagree and inform me that the perfect ride is when you are napping on the couch watching reruns of Rockford files dreaming of such condition.  Still waiting for favorable  conditions for my first century of the season.

 

 Mad dogs and Englishmen.....Yep, I rode from Washington to Magnolia, a trip of 35 miles I have done many times.  The wind was favorable but not as brisk as I anticipated prior to the beginning of the ride.  Hills that I have conquered many times, somehow, seemed steeper and more difficult. Hummm wonder why.  After the particularly steep hill about three miles from the end I was struggling. Finished the journey strong and the lovely Veronica awaited with refreshments and a tide back to town.  I actually needed to rest on the van before preparing to leave.  Ronni then informed me that I had competed the ride in 94 degree temp with a heat index over 100.  While I had ridden in conditions similar to this, the last being my ride across Europe, I had not acclimated to the temperature and my age now must be considered.  It was no wonder why this vessel I call my body reacted the way it did.  That was not particularly smart and I will make sure it doesn't happen again. Again, mad dogs and Englishmen. Still awaiting weather conditions conducive to my first century of the season.  Later!

 

Rain, rain, rain.  After reported drought conditions, the last week certainly last week relieved it.  7 inches of rain took care of the dry conditions.  Good news for farmers, bad news for bikers.  Most of the week rides were on the trainer.  Now the good news.  Fathers Day was a perfect biking weather day.  Along with son and granddaughter we completed a nice ride near our apartment.  It wasn't particularly long (about 5 miles) but great fun nevertheless. The last three days I rode close to 200 miles.  Still looking for those conditions that I can attempt a century.  Time will tell.  Later

 

 After a series of issues I am finally able to access by blogspot account and continue these posts.   Weather the last few days has been great for outdoor biking. Almost 200 miles with less than 10 mph winds and mid 70's.  And as usual there are still quite a few imbeciles that do stupid things.  Returning from a 30 miler with no oncoming cars a pick up truck slowed behind me.  After awhile he started to slowly pass and just when he got beside me he floored his diesel truck. Black smoke blew from this exhausts and temporality obstructed my view of the road. A very dangerous situation if there were other vehicles nearby.  But, that is usual these days.  However, that will not deter my biking and I will strive forward until the end.  Still looking for that perfect day for my first century of the season.

 

Finally, a whole week of bicycling outside.  Different routes each day and the beginning of another season of biking in and around the county/state roads of Tazewell/Woodford counties here is luscious Illinois. Setting goals for the season would include more cycling up north in Dupage county, and certainly a century between Washington and Champaign.  I was able to ride on the trail near my apt. this week in Glen Ellyn.  Still trying to get used to the mostly gravel surface of the trail.  In addition, the amount of people on bikes, walking and and families with children that litter the trail contrasts with my normal riding environment.  My distances are shorter, between 25 and 30 miles, and my speed is slower, between 14-15 mph but considering my age I think I'm doing okay for a "cinderblock".  Looking forward to a great summer with my biking experience. 

On yesterday's 40 miler bike ride I came across this beautiful equine.  He initially came to the fence.  I suspect he wante some sort of treat.  So our conversation MAY have gone something like this.  I asked "What are you doing out here in this windy meadow?"  "Just horsing around" he replied.  Then I asked "are you ready to return to the barn?"  He responded "neigh".  And of course I had to ask.....wait for it....wait for it.  "Why the long face?"  Ha, ha.  With a disgusted look he returned back to his grazing!!