Nice article in today's Peoria Journal Star.  Promoting my book and my summer book tour stop at Washington Public library.  Arranging several book signings in the Chicago area.  More details later.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20160626/quest-for-alzheimers-cure-inspires-cyclists-cross-country-trek

Great week of riding last week.  Tuesday was a 100 mile trek to Champaign.  The '16 cross country group arrived and it was a rest day.  Rick was the mechanic and Mack was one of the support staff.  Both were on staff for the '09 ride. It was great seeing them.  Had dinner at a local establishment.  It was the first of two book signings for the week.
Saturday was the Mackinaw Valley Winery Bike ride.  An excellent event with 5 different distances to bike from a five miler to a 100 kilometer, a fine feast, music and wine and beer tasting.  In addition it was the second book signing of the week.  So, all in all a great week of riding.
www.bikingwithchamp.com

Weather finally got nice enough to ride outside all week.  Two hundred miles this week.  Back to normal miles and ride times.  Two bike rides scheduled this summer and 3 book signings.  Trying to find Barbie's address so I can send her a book.  more later

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.