Mid February and the weather here in central Illinois, for the last three days, is in record territory....mid 60's.  However, since I am recovering from a nasty cold, I have been unable to take advantage of outdoor biking.  So, tomorrow with the temp to reach high 60's I will make a trek to Magnolia.  While it's a mere 35 miles, at least it's an outdoor ride in February, a feat rarely accomplished.  I will take it and while it may be a result of global warming I will do my best to take advantage of it. Now, here is the big question, will I be able to complete a ride with all the hills and valleys or will I give up because at my age it may be too hard.  Time will tell!!

Well it finally came about.  Yesterday, at my advanced age, I rode my bicycle from Marathon Florida to Key West a total of 50 miles across the notorious 7 mile bridge. While I have done this many times in the past, I was unable to do so last year. Why? Kudos to the Florida Department of Transportation. Many of my biking friends will recall last year I refused to ride across 7 mile bridge, one of the most dangerous bridges in America, because of the massive amount of debris (twisted iron rods, bunji cords, nails, old tires broken glass bottles and an assortment of other items) on what is a relatively narrow shoulder. I said at that time, "I might be ignorant but I'm not stupid. You can't fix stupid". Yesterday I checked the route and it was relatively pristine. Here's the good news. The FDT must have been responsible for clearing the shoulder. Additionally, none of the drivers cursed me, at least I couldn't hear) and no one attempted to run me off the road. All in all a great day to ride a bicycle in the sunny 78 degree weather in the Florida Keys in January

 

So, here is the plan.  Fly into Key West, get my bike from Eaton Bike Shop, pack it into the rental car and drive to Marathon about an hour east.  Next morning, do breakfast then Ronni drives to our cottage in Key West and I bike the 50 miles back.  However, wind direction is not the most desirable but it is doable.  Plan B.  Stay in Key West until Wednesday, then drive to Marathon with bike.  Ronni drives back and I bike back.  The wind direction on that day is perfect and the weather will be in the mid 70's.   Plan C.  Don't bike at all and spend all of our time on the beach and in the bars.  Ha!