Fifties this week...Hopefully outside biking.  Can't wait

 

 

Two weeks in sunny Florida, specifically Key West.  Biked eight of the ten days.  The weather was great, a little windy at times but nothing I could not bike in.  And, of course, there must be a bit of drama.  My first three days I rode from Casa Marina on the south end of the island.  I took my normal route around the Smathers Beach area.  Highway 1 is the only entry and exit from Key West so there was not much diversity in routes while in the area.  We then moved into a cute little cottage near the center of the island.  During my first day from that location there is a sidewalk/bike path.  Heading east I noticed two riders coming toward me.  Approaching an intersection with a narrow path to traverse the curb the idiots remained two abreast instead of single file.  As I approached I had a choice.  Continue forward and crash into the oncoming biker, hit a light post near the curb or go into the oncoming traffic.  Neither option was good.  So, I cut to my right with the hope I could "bunny hop" over the curb.  Didn't work.  As I tried to lift the bike, I hit the curb.  I was thrown off the bike crashing onto the grass on the opposite side of the trail.  The front tire was split and both front and rear tubes flattened.  My injuries were relatively minor with bruised ribs and a jammed right thumb.  Not enough to prevent me from further rides but I needed Ronni to get me and take the bike to the shop.  Eaton bike shop did a great job.  Within 10 minutes they had replaced the front tire and replaced both tubes.  I was back on the road. After that, I took a different route leaving the island.  It was as fast and much safer.  All in all a great time biking in the middle of winter.

 Lets see...Obstacles working against my outdoor riding in Key West.  Airline cancellations, rental car cancellation, bike shop cancellation, improper clips, among others are some of the obstacles that might keep me from biking along the Florida Keys.  Hopefully,  not of these events will come to fruition and I will have a normal experience on my vacation.  As one who has traveled extensively my entire life, this "stay at home" attitude has resulted in Cabin Fevor.  Therefore, I am going to live life as normally as possible, with precautions, and hopefully avoid Covid.  Next entries will be from Key West Florida.

 

Outside biking very slim....Only on the trainer in the basement.  Had a wonderful holiday season, both Christmas and New Years.  Now we have a conundrum.  With the spread of the virus we need to decide ether to fly to Florida or drive.  Many factors play out here.  Can we rely on the airlines to not cancel?  Will a back up plan to drive down be a problem with the weather?  How can we avoid getting Covid if we fly?  How can we avoid Covid if we drive?  In Key West, how much can we enjoy the trip and avoid Covid.  All very intriguing questions to be answered very shortly. So, time will tell and of course I will be doing a daily bike ride when we arrive in Key West.  Such an interesting time.  Later

 

 

 

 

 Christmas Eve 2021.  Going to hit 60 degrees today.  Winds from the South at 15 mph.  Therefore, it looks like a ride to Magnolia...35 miles.  Weather in central Illinois has been relatively mild with temperatures in the 40s occasionally hitting the 50s.  In fact, last Wednesday the temp went to the 70 degree mark with strong winds from the SSW.  At that time I rode to Spring Valley, a total of 50 miles.  It was my quickest tip that distance since my TKR.  I covered the distance in two and a half hours.  That is about 19 mph.  Not bad for an old geeser.  My facebook page had that information with the cravat it was the first time I have biked that distance in the middle of December in central Illinois. I guess that global warming thing is real so I will take advantage of the warm weather.

On another note, with the surge in Covid, I need to decide whether or not to take our Florida vacation.  We are to vacation in Key West and have all accommodations paid.  Riding along the Keys on a bike was something I was really looking forward to.  But, even though we are all fully vaxed and boosted getting Covid is still a possibility given the interaction with others who might be infected.  Airports, hotels, and restaurants are all places said to be prime areas for spreading the disease.  So, I have about a week to decide what to do before we can't cancel without penalty.  Time will tell.  Happy Holiday Season to all.

 

 

Well well, it's been awhile since my last post.  Weather has been on and off.  I'm getting about 200 miles of bicycling a week outside and the rest of my riding are in my basement on my trainer.  My biking distances outside still remain around 30-35 miles per outing.  I was able to make a 40 miler to Bloomington last week and a 40 miler to Magnolia.  The good news is that Wednesday next week the temperature is going to be near 70 here in the middle of December.  20 mph winds from the south will help push me on a 50 miler to Spring Valley.  I could check but I do not think I have had an outside ride of that length that late in the year.  Must be this global warming thing but the best bet is we are having another el nino winter.  As I ride and reflect, I am reminded that still traversing those distances at my age is something to be proud of.  Which reminds me that most of my riding buddies are as old or older and are still engaged in cycling events.  They are all and inspiration for me.  Next post will not be as long between entries.

                                                             Me and grand daughter

The best advantage of doing all your business with one cycle shop.  Sure, I could have ordered my bike supplies on-line and probably cheaper but my recent incident proves what an exceptional individual Joe Russell from Russells Cycle Shop is.  Coming around a turn on my recent ride to Goodfield, as I applied the brakes there was a distinct thump, thump.  Since I was only 5 miles from home I decided to press on.  After arriving at home I spun the rear tire and sure enough I could see where the rim was rubbing the brake pads.  Having that problem in the past I figured I would need another truing of the wheel.  Immediately I loaded into the van and drove to the bike shop.  The attendant looked at the bike and came to the same conclusion.  The wheel needed truing.  He stated I could drop the bike off and pick it up the next day.  That would be fine with me so I asked if Joe were around.  I always like to see him when shopping at his store.  The attendant alerted Joe of my presence and soon he met me in the front of the store.  After looking over my bike the showed me the spoke had cracked my wheel which meant I would need a new rim.  My first thought was it would be a few days before I got my bike repaired.  Instead Joe said, "if you would like to wait, I will repair it now".  That's what I call service.  As busy as the shop was, he moved me right to the top of the list and about an hour later I had my bike back in great shape ready for my next ride.  That's what I call service. Was it expensive?  Sure, but worth it.  The next day a 35 miler illustrated what I knew about Russells Cycle.  They take care of their customers.  I am grateful for that and will continue to give them all of my cycling business.  

As the weather is getting colder, it looks like my outdoor biking will be limited but I still will enjoy the time available an continue my cycling on my trainer in the basement.  So until next time RSRO...