July 21 rides

I took off today to explore a new route. I started a bit later then I wanted for I had to be home by 1:15 for a 1:30 appointment. I checked the radar screen before leaving and all the nasty weather was way off in Illinois and was not suppose to arrive here until around 5:00 p.m. Off I went not knowing how hilly the new portion of this route would be and knowing that once I arrived at Harp Pike I had three nasty hills to climb. The new roads I explored were very scenic and peaceful. I passed a field of chicory what a sight - a field of beautiful blue flowers waving in the breeze. I pressed on watching the clock and jotting down mileage while painting the roads with yellow arrows. As I made my way down Harp Pike I flushed a couple of wild turkeys. They took to the sky and were a sight to enjoy. I stopped at my favorite store stop - the GameRoom. It really is not much but boy does it have character and the owner is so nice to me and my cycling buddies (she even opened for us yesterday). The hills were beginning to take their toll - my legs really did not climb but up I went one hill after the next. At about the 45 mile mark a very loud roll of thunder caught my attention and my pace quicken. However, I was not quick enough for the rain started falling - a gentle summer shower. I passed a field filled with cornflowers and they too made me smile - so pretty in the sunlight. The rain stopped but the sky did not look friendly so I made a bee line for home. Yet another good day on my bike. I love being a bike bum!

Wow your ride sounded absolutely lovely even with the shower!

BF was hungover :( so only did 15 miles over our usual route at a snore worthy pace but I did play with my new shoes and speedplay pedals & cleats. Getting over 34mph on a downhill where I usually get 29/30 was quite a rush! I cant wait to try some bigger hills! :)

Hmmmm... the only riding I've done (will do) today is going to get lunch, and then going to the grocery store (where once again I was met with strange looks when I filled up my panniers with groceries- I love it).
It's 100 and I'm a heat weenie, so inside I'll stay today. :(

Your shower sounds heavenly! :)

I too, took the day off of work. Did 60k rolling terrain. A bit humid and 31degrees C, but that kept me pedalling and kept me cool. Beautiful fields of golden hay, contrasting with the grey sky and just a bit of sunlight peeping through. I was cursing that I didn't bring my camera. Found a little side road with closely spaced conifers..smelled heavenly. I love smells! (the good kind) Did a short brick after ride and just as I finished stretching the rain began to fall. Perfect day!

I did about 12 miles tonight...planned on 35, but I just wasn't feelin' it...

30 mile ride though Orting up South Prairie into Buckley and back. Great ride except for the road crew I ran into at mile 9. They were resurfacing the road and I had to wait for the pilot car! :D Me and a line of cars and one motorcycle! It was an out and back so on the way back I had to wait again for the pilot car! Going back was all downhill. The new surface was still hot and oily but really smooth!

36 for me today. It was another new route, slightly flatter than we usually ride but still through the lovely pine scented country side that I hope to never take for granted. The pace was a little slower than normal and I'm sure the temperature was in the high 80's even at the start of our morning ride.

I wish I could say my brother's ride in North Dakota was as nice as mine. It was not...he was riding solo and speeding along somewhere between 16-22 mph and the next thing he knew everything was black and he was on the ground. It turns out that a delivery truck pulled out in front of him (it was probably a country road...I didn't get all of the details) and he hit the front left front bumper. Thank goodness the truck stopped. My brother has three compression fractures in the lumbar region of his back. They are still waiting the results of the cat scan. The good news is that there is no spinal cord damage and he should have a complete recovery.

I guess we won't be doing the bike tour together next month...not only is his back messed up but his bike is in pieces.

Oh - that sucks:( Sending many healing thoughts his way.

CA

luv'n sorry to hear about your brother!

I rode 17.5 miles today. I didn't get to commute to work because i had a medical appt. I took my bike and rode 2 miles before the appt and went in there and discovered it was the wrong day. I called raleighdon and we met halfway and rode back together to my car. Then we had dinner with our sons; who live in that neighborhood. lovely lovely ride nice dinner.

Luvn- Sorry to hear about your brother, we have had so many accidents in the news lately. :(

I thought about riding does that count? It was hotter than a chile pepper today, the AC at work, car and home couldn't keep up.

luvn: That stinks, I hope your brother has a quick and speedy recovery.:)

Wow, Luv'n. Sorry to hear about your brother. I, too, wanted to pass on my best wishes for his speedy, and complete, recovery.