Observations after my first 100 mile bicycle ride of the season from Washington to Champaign. To begin, a big shout out to brother Larry for allowing me to use his abode to rest, recuperate and re hydrate. Next, kudos to the motorists who passed me today. There were NOT ANY close calls, near misses, obscene hand gestures or vulgar language hailed in my direction during the entire ride. I appreciated it very much. On another note, the farm fields do not need any more rain at this time. Field ponds were so numerous many had small geese and ducks frolicking like those visiting Walden Pond. And, I suppose it was because of all the excess water, the road was littered in places with smashed frogs. I found that phenomena very.......wait for it...WAIT FOR IT............ riveting (ribit, irbit). I surmised these amphibians finally......wait for it......WAIT FOR IT............CROAKED!! Just sayin. I know, I know. Too much time on the bike. I need to get a life.

First 55 miler to LeRoy.  Hip felt good but my time was slower than usual.  No close encounters or mishaps.  Therefore, a successful trip.  Doris' bar is still closed so I assume none of her people will continue to operate the establishment.  Too bad.  I really like the place.  Book sales going well and I have 4 presentations scheduled all the way into December.  www.ridingwithchamp.com

Finally got outside this week.  200 miles and counting.  Near miss with a school bus.  Tried to contact administrators but no response.  I will post the video later.  The 2016 cross country trip starts in about three weeks.  It will be interesting to follow the blogs of those riders.  After reading my book many of the 09 riders talked about doing the cross country ride next year.  That remains to be seen.  Book sales going well.

Maybe one of the worst springs for riding outside.  Have only been out 3 times in March.  When the temp is up the wind is howling 15 to 25 mph.  When the wind subsides the temp goes into the 30's.  It's got to get better soon!  Book sales going briskly.  See previous blog posts.

Book sales going well.  Much support by friends, family and community.  Check back for book signing dates and book presentation dates.  Refer to previous post for more information.
www.bikingwithchamp.com

The book is completed and for sale.  EFI-Every Foot and Inch
                                   One Man's Adventure Riding a Bicycle Across America
                                          330 pages which includes 120 color images

Book website- www.bikingwithchamp.com

To buy the book you can order it from the website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble
or contact me for the author discount. I will autograph the book personally.

e-mail-walkecha@hotmail.com

My profits from the book will be donated to the Central Illinois Alzheimer's Association

Rode outside today.  Even though it was only 30 miles, I still felt like I got a good work out.  While the hip is still a little bothersome I was glad I could get in the miles.  But, it looks like it's back to the rec center  for the forseeable future.  My book is out and the real promotion won't begin until March.