Heat Heat Heat.  95 plus for the last week.  Not to be defeated, I repeated my 35 mile ride to Magnolia when it was 93 degrees with a 15-20 mph wind from the SW.  Was it hot?  Yep. But I tell people I have ridden in hotter weather.  My friends reminded me that I was much younger when I rode in those conditions.  I had to remind them my Europe ride three years ago was when they were in a massive heat wave and we rode in 100+ temps.  Nevertheless, it was hot and I looked forward to the air conditioned van that picked me up.  In the interim I ride on my trainer in the basement.  I might be the Goldie Locks of bikers.  "This day, it's too cold,  this day it's too hot...this day it's too windy and on and on.  Criteria for an outside ride goes like this.....wind less than 10 mph, and temps between 60 and 85.  Those conditions prevail probably less than 50 percent of the time.  I could always change the criteria especially if I were to bike earlier in the day in the summer and later in the day in the Spring and Fall.  So there it is.  I'm still wondering when my first century in two years will happen.  Stay tuned.

 

Two days last week were perfect for my anticipated 100 mile ride.  Last Monday the temp was a nice 70 degrees with the wind from the NW at 15-29 mph.  However, other situations happened where I was unable to do the ride.  So, last Sunday conditions were similar but church and other obligations prevented it.  I accomplished 4 days of riding outside so at least that was something.  In addition, I aggravated an old hip injury but I feel that would not substantially affect my ability to complete 100 miles.  I must now wait for conditions that will enhance my chances of completing the ride.  Unfortunately, the next week the temperature will be in the 90's and I won't do long rides under those conditions.  I will continue to wait patiently for the weather to improve and feel confidently that I will be able to complete the ride sometime this summer.  Stay tuned.

 

 

Labor Day ride today was a 55 miler to LeRoy along rte 150. Yes it was breezy, 15-20 mph from the WNW so half the ride was a severe cross wind. Having made this trek many times, this was the first in over a year. After reaching my destination I figured I has enough gas for another 45 miles to Champaign.  But I will save that for later.  Four observations that some of my friends may help explain. First, Bloomington constructed a great project known as the Constitution Trial for bikers and hikers. Why not maintain it so it can be useful? There are all sorts of debris including, but not limited to, acorns, tree branches, dead animals and large cracks in the in the path that are truly a danger to cyclists. Second, what is with all the tents under the viaducts and along the right of way near one of the cemeteries? My assumption they are homeless but on my previous rides, they were not there. Third, with all the excess money the state of Illinois supposedly has, why is the road from Bloomington to LeRoy in such horrible shape? It's like riding on 15 miles of railroad track. And finally, riding through the huge wind farm NW of Bloomington, with the wind as brisk as it was, none of the windmills were turning. My assumption is they are in the IWW union. (International Windmills of the World) Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, contractually, they don't work on holidays. Hummm, just sayin! All those matters aside, it was a great day for riding a bicycle across the hills, valleys and grain fields of Central Illinois and looking forward to my first century in nearly two years.

 

Got my mojo back.  150 miles in the last five days.  Today's trek was 35 to Magnolia.  Yes, I have ridden that route before.  High today was 85 degrees, wind was from the SSW 15 to 20 mph. Rain was predicted but I only encountered a few sprinkles which were quite a pleasant refresher for the ride.  Back to the usual passage of semi's.  It was back to 11 and each passed with respect and no drama.  Horrah!! A construction zone was set up just outside Washburn.  It reduced traffic to one lane but the stop sign holder allowed me to pass on the inside of the cones.  He did warn me to stay clear of the equipment trucks.  The heads up wasn't necessary as I was bound to steer clear of anything that might impede my ride.  So, another great day of biking in central Illinois. Still looking forward to my first century in two years and I'm bound to do it this summer.   Stay tuned.

 

 Road 35 miles to Magnolia.  Great day for a ride.  Weather in the low 60's, wind from the SW at 15 mph.  Usually an average of 12-15 semi's pass me.  With little to no shoulder it sometimes becomes precarious.  However, today, only 5 semi's passed and all gave me the entire lane.  To say that is unprecedented is an understatement.  Another great day to ride a bicycle some distance.  Still looking for that perfect day to ride my first century of the year.

As of a few days ago, the current CrossRoads group has begun it's journey across America.  I enjoy reading and seeing their posts on Facebook.  It so reminds me of my journey and brings back many awesome memories.  As such, for some odd reason good friend Hank "butt dialed" me last week.  We always have great conversations about how we are doing and how our families are doing.  It's always an enormous pleasure to hear from him.  

Now for an update from my "people" who live across the pond in England.  Received a call from old friend Brian who has lived near London about 10-12 years.  He calls once about every 3-4 weeks and our conversation covers a range of topics from Health to Sports teams.  Always good to hear from him.  And, the best news yet.  Wait for it......wait for it....Good friend and bicycling buddy for many distance rides in and across America, Harry is finally getting MARRIED.   Yep, you heard it here first.  Time and location have not been disclosed but I'm looking forward to the details.   More to come later.

 

 

Hooray, after many days of nothing more than biking on a trainer in the basement, I was able to ride outside.  Nothing better than a  beautiful day with temps in the 60's and a SW wind at 15-20 mph.  A 35 miler to Magnolia was my favorite route when those wind conditions exist.  And, I only encountered two semis which is about ten less than I normally see on route 89.  No close encounters of any kind which make the journey quite enjoyable.  One of the best of this spring.  Last week I was able to ride twice on my regular route around Tazewell county.  Having both front and rear lights in full brightness mode I was pleasantly surprised when a car actually waited to pass the car ahead of them until I passed.  Planning on complementing them on social media, alas, later another jerk pulled around a car and came into my lane heading directly into my bike path.  Taking evasive action, I gave the driver an uncomplimentary hand gesture.  In addition, coming into an intersection and have no stop sign in my lane, another idiot who had to stop according to the sign,  pulled out as I was in the crossing and forced me to brake and divert.  He was barraged with vile and vitriolic language that would make a sailor blush.  He apparently took no offense as he continued down the road.  Oh well,  it is what it is.  These are the conditions bicyclist endure on their rides so we must always be on the alert.  On another note, little Ruthie has removed her training wheels and will soon be riding like the big girls!  Still waiting for proper conditions to see if I am capable of a century.  Time will tell.  Later, so stay tuned.

 

Its going to be interesting tomorrow.  For the first time in a couple weeks the weather is going to be favorable for an outside bike ride.  My plan is to ride one of my favorite routes to Magnolis Il. It is 35 miles with many hills making it a good challenge.  Wind direction and speed are also favorable with a 10-15 mph wind from the SW.  Now, here is where it gets interesting. Tomorrow is "eclipse" day and around here there will be a 94 percent coverage.  I will try to ride before the max coverage as I'm not real interested in riding in the dark.  So, there in lies the challenge.  We will see how it goes but I'm anxious to get outside for a change. Always looking for adventure.  Check back soon to see how it went.