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!!

 

Here it is middle of April and my outdoor biking is at a minimum. A few 35 mile rides to Magnolia when the wind is right is about all I have accomplished.  Mostly biking on the trainer in the basement but looking forward to warmer less windy weather.  On another more positive note, many of the 09  cross country rides are inquiring into a reunion.  I think that would be great as I would love to get together again with that group.  I offered my help if anyone wanted to undergo the task of putting it together.  My first suggestion would be the meet wound be in Chicago.  It is centrally located as the riders came from all sectors of the country.  Hopefully that will come to being but I suggest I will be the one that will do the major logistic work it involves.  But I think I would up to the task.  Stay tuned!! 

 

Wow, time really does fly.  Update--my two favorite people when visiting Florida have now passed.  Two rides with Fred and Sue from Key Largo to Key West among numerous other visits always hi-lite our visits to that state.  Fred died four year ago and now his beautiful wife passed last Saturday.  Waiting for the announcement for Sue's funeral arrangements as Ronni and I will be going to Florida when we know for sure.  In the current environment, deciding whether to fly or drive is still up for discussion. With Trumps war, the cost of gasoline is over $4.25 per gallon.  Flights have increased 20% so either way will be expensive.  Going nevertheless!!  

Now for biking news.  While I am doing most of my biking on my trainer inside, I rode another 35 miler to Magnolia as the outdoor weather was conducive to achieve this distance .  I always start out with doubts that I can navigate over the 10% plus grades but am still able to do so.  Given that my repaired knee now has good days and not so good days, my goal for biking this year will be to do a century to Champaign.  Time and conditions will tell!!  Stayed tuned