Trying to get in as many miles as possible until the weather turns.  Biked 7 days straight and I usually get a rest day after 6.  The wind is non-existent so they are easy rides.  I started last Tuesday with a ride to Champaign=100 miles.  This was followed by two days of 40 milers and on Friday I did my usual "Friday 50".  Saturday I had a function in Highland Il. was so I only rode 30.  Sunday, my usual rest day was so nice I did my regular 40 and today, Monday, I was back on schedule.  So in the last week I rode 340 miles.  Not bad for an old man.  Now the down side.  I had several close calls and the one on Sunday involved a teenie bopper making a left turn right in front of me.  I thought for sure I was going to hit her in the driver side.  I yelled at her to stop and the look on her face was one of shock.  Fortunately, I was able to avoid the collision but by doing so rode over a hard curb.  The best I could hope for was two flat tires and maybe two bent rims. But fortune smiled on me and even though it was rough, no damage to the bike.  Yea!! Next major ride is the Fat Tire Ride in Lake Geneva in a couple of weeks.  Check back then.

Great week of riding.  Rode to Champaign a week ago, LeRoy twice.  Bad news.  When I ride to LeRoy, a 55 miler, I always stop at DJ's bar to rehydrate.  My favorite bar owner Doris would always have a beverage waiting upon my arrival.  I have mentioned her before in this blog.  This wonderful 70+ lady even called to make sure we were ok after the Washington tornado.  I first met her during my training for my cross country event.  Yesterday I decided to ride to LeRoy.  Ronni was waiting for me with the van.  I began changing and she went to the front of the bar.  It was closed.  We thought it might just be a temporary thing and drove home.  Ronni called and her daughter answered the phone.  Doris died about a week ago.  She fell and hit her head leading to her demise.  She was a fine lady and always found time to talk with us when we visited.  Doris will be missed.

Just returned from a ride with Tom and Harry.  Two day ride in Ocean City Md.  First day we rode with Tom's friends.  They ride three times a week and were nice enough to let us join them.  That's the good news.  Now for the downer.  Riding along the shoulder on a roadway, one of Tom's friends ran over a stick and wrecked.  Harry, Tom and I were behind him when he went down.  The person right behind him ran over his wheel but didn't fall.  Somehow Tom was able to divert to the left, Harry braked hard and just miss hitting him and I hit the ditch to the right.  Tom, Harry nor I were injured or had any bike damage.  Unfortunately for the guy who crashed he scrapped both elbows and skinned his knee.  Lots of blood.  So, here's the thing.  As we were riding Harry looked over at me and said in his best British accent.  "You know you are responsible for that guy crashing".  I started laughing as he describe how, given my history of disasters on bike trips, just be being there meant there would be some kind of mishap.  So, once again the blame falls to me.  But, my shoulders are broad enough to carry the burden so I accept the blame.  Ha!!

Finally. This is my new bicycle. After realizing I was destroying the environment with my excessive breathing while biking, I now will ride this vehicle, with the flowers, to absorb excess CO2 emissions. Also, note the location of the flowers. Another environmental safety feature. Any inadvertent methane emissions not only will be destroyed, but the smell of fresh flowers will be the only odor emanating from this practice. Life is good!!

Just returned from my second trip to Florida this year.  Looked into rental properties for January in the Naples area.  Found a great place and in the meantime rented a bike from the local Trek bike shop.  Biking the area I found it to be very bike friendly.  Not only were there trails but most roads had a specific bicycle lane.  Even the very busy Rt. 41 had a bike lane.  Looking forward to spending January there and avoiding the miserable winter weather in central Illinois.

http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/03/02/state-lawmaker-says-bicycling-is-not-good-for-the-environment-should-be-taxed/
Two negative comments from politicians posted on facebook the last week.  One was from ED Orcott from Seattle Washington who declared that bikers were causing environmental problems.  His reasoning was because bikers exhale excess CO2 we are destroying the Ozone.  Because of this he advocates having a bike tax.  He is obviously an idiot.
And, Limburger, the radio ranter stated that older people should not bike.  His was a reaction to John Kerry falling and breaking his leg.  Another example of complete stupidity.  However, I'm still trying to do my daily 40 knowing it is destroying the environment and occasionally I will let flatulence stream behind me.  This is also known to destroy the environment as studies from cow farts seem to produce the same effect.  Oh well!
On another note, I will not be meeting with the cross country people this June in Champaign.  I will be out of town but wish the riders and Tracy well.  More later.

                                                               Riding buddy...Flat Stanley
The 2015 cross country tour begins Sunday.  Can't believe it is 6 years since my adventure.  And yes the book is completed.  Waiting for permission to use pics of riders.  Good luck to this years riders.  It will be an adventure...guarantee.