Completed my eighth century ride since April from Washington to Champaign..  It turned out to be a beautiful day and as I was riding I wondered if things would continue to be so good.  I don't know if I tempted fate by thinking negative thoughts but of course after entertaining those thoughts a bit of bad karma reared its ugly head.  First, my bike computer stopped working.  I always like to see a summary of my rides when they are over.  After stopping and trying to fix the problem, it still would not work.  And, at this time it is still inoperable.  No clue.  So a visit to the bike shop is in the near future.
Secondly, as I entered the last 15 miles of the trip I saw a sign that indicated the road was closed ahead.  This was a route that I have taken many times so I continued down the road assuming I would just walk through the construction zone as I have done many times at different locations on my many rides.  Another biker was coming in the opposite direction and I asked him if the workers let him through the construction.  He said they would not and I would have to take an alternate route.  I had to ride four miles out of my way to detour around the work zone.  The good news is that I made another biker friend in the process.  So, I concluded, that when doing my distance rides, keep those negative thoughts out of my head and not let bad karma enter my domain.

Great week of riding.  Started with my 35 mile ride on the hills of southern Illinois.  Then a 55 miler to Leroy at about 17 mph.  Wednesday was a speed ride of 40 miles followed by two day in the rec center due to bad weather.  Not bad for an old man.  Still thinking about doing the Champaign to Boston leg of the 2017 cross country group.  Remains to be seen but leaning in that direction.  More later.

Great week of weather for riding a bicycle.  200 miles with no close calls.  But just saw two instances where bicyclists got hit by cars and the authorities refused to cite the person hitting the bicyclists.  It's getting crazy out there.
On another note, I gave my book presentation to the Peoria Woman's Club.  Quite a delightful occasion with a luncheon to follow.  Still have two more book signings before the end of the year.  More later.

Fat Tire ride around lake Geneva Wisc.  Started late, around 10:00, due to he rain.  With Roger, an experienced biker, and Rick, still with rookie skills, we made our way around the lake. Many of the younger riders stop at every bar along the way, we made two stops.  One was about a mile from the start and the last was before the "big hill".  While it is very hilly it is interesting watching the youngsters struggle but they are there mostly for the party atmosphere.  The last major hill of the day is about a mile long and varies from 12-17 percent  incline.  Ninety percent of the riders wind up walking their bikes up the hill.  Roger and I are still able to bike it but Rick struggles.  But, I give him credit for attempting the ride and not giving up.  
Thursday book presentation is for the Peoria Womans Book club.  Should be quite interesting.

Finished my 7th century of the year.  Considering joining the CrossRoads group for the 2017 ride from Champaign to Boston.  Doing the Fat Tire Ride next week in Lake Geneva WS.  This is the 3rd year for this ride.  Will be selling books at the sign in desk.  Also, looking forward to the book presentation the the Peoria Womans's book club in two weeks.  Three more book signings before the holiday season. www.bikingwithchamp.com

Another 100 miler today.  Sixth of the season.  Looking at doing the 2017 CrossRoads Cycling cross country trip from Champaign to Boston.   Still looking into it.

Good week of riding.   Rode the hills of southern Illinois on newly paved road forty miles,  then speed day today in the heat and humidity,40 miles at 17 mph.  And tomorrow it's another 100 miler to Champaign.  Another book signing opportunity.  Preparing for the Fat Tire in Sept.  Three more book signings in Sept.