New bike (Cannondale Synapse all carbon) arrived and I had my first ride on it.  Unfortunately it rained most of the day but I rode anyway.  Nice feel and look forward to my training rides when the weather finally permits

 

Gave the old Cannondale Snyapse to oldest son Christopher for his birthday.  Ordered a new one and hope it gets here next week.  Tired of doing the rec center workout as I need to get outside for better training rides.  Looking forward to better weather for my outside rides.

First 40 miler of the season and it's only Feb. 21.  Starting my training for the Champaign to Boston leg of the cross country trip.  Need to get to Russell's for my new bike.  Giving my old Synapse to oldest son Christopher.  Need to break it in before the trip.

Wow, middle of  February and it's 65 degrees.  Nice but until the wind gets below 15 mph I will continue to use 5 points rec center.  Starting my training for the eastern part of the cross country ride.  Looking forward to seeing old friends from the 09 ride.  Stay tuned.

Finished our annual jaunt to Florida to take a vacation from the frozen tundra of Central Illinois.  Over 200 miles of biking in what was mostly bright, sunny (80 degree) days.  Only one day of the two weeks were not bicycle worthy.  35 mph winds and storms.  And yes, I did ride that day.  Like I said in my facebook post,"one windy, rainy day in south Florida is still better that any day on a stationary bike at the rec center."  One of the oddities of my rides was a sign outside a construction zone that actually deterred me from walking my bike across the area.  Located above it read "NO TRESPASSING......anyone who trespasses on this property commits a FELONY!  That was a first for me and inspired me to take the five mile detour.  All in all a great vacation.
On another note, it looks like I will be doing the Champaign to Boston segment of the cross country tour this year.  I tried to talk Hank into joining me and he might do it if all things work out.  Hopefully he will be able to so.  We can get the band back together.  Stay tuned.

 

Very successful book signing Tuesday.  Over 350 people on the Christmas Annual Tour of Homes  toured the house.  Many books sold, many inquiries about the ride and inquiries as to when I would be giving another book presentation.  Finished for the year and looking forward to the new year.  Hope everyone has a great year.  And, I will be signing up for the Champaign to Boston section of the cross country ride after the new year.  Also, I will be posting pictures from Naples later in January.

 

My last book signing of the year is Tuesday Dec. 13. at the Zinzer House in Washington.  It is in conjunction with the annual Christmas Tour of Homes.  Looking forward to seeing the folks who attend this event and hopefully purchase one of my books.