Hello all,

I just wanted to tell you all that I am thoroughly enjoying my rides. Right now, I am fortunate enough that I have something called a veloway to ride on. I'm a little too timid to ride next to traffic yet. Plus, not only is the veloway just for cyclists and bladers, but it's surrounded by woods and animals. So, it makes it an even more peaceful experience. I love watching the animals as I'm going by. I usually see squirrels, deer, road runners, rabbits, etc. I once even saw a tarantula.

In any case, on the last ride, I got a wasp down my jersey! I guess I didn't have it zipped all the way. I had to stop on the side. He had gone all the way up my jersey sleeve. So, I had to force him out! But I kept riding after that. I guess that was not as bad as the time one of the squirrels did one of their run right out in front of me and then run back at the last minute tricks. That always get my heart going because I couldn't stand to run one of them over. Usually they stay out in the grass with the trees, but I guess sometimes they have to wander to the other side.

I am feeling pretty good about my rides because the veloway has some challenges, and each time, I feel a little stronger. I feel like I make small improvements. I would like to think that I might be able to do the MS150 next summer.

Please tell me any of your riding stories and successes. I love to hear things like that.