A Northeaster

Not very often does the wind come at us from the Northeast. Today it did, and we got to ride roads we seldom go on. It is still more fun to have the wind behind when returning on the last half of a ride. Four regular riders started together, we covered 15.7 miles, and the average speed was 12.9 mph. It was a three penny ride, but I left one on the ground. When there is too much traffic, the coin just has to lay there and know it was seen. Our route today was over several hills and that managed to stretch us apart. Although it is difficult to keep the group together on a long hill, it is nice that the faster riders wait for slower ones at the top. Most of the time we are able to ride together and have good conversation. The thought arose that one rider, who had no clipping system for his pedals, may have been slightly slower because of that. A good ride to New Paris, Ohio made it a two state trip. We look forward to next Tuesday and another good ride.

Hawk and Cat

Tuesday 8/19/08 was another exploratory ride. Five riders went north and west of town. Our average was 12.4 mph and we covered over 23 miles. A highlight of the ride was a Red-Tailed Hawk. It flew from a power line and was a joy to watch. Shortly after we spotted what looked like a cat sitting on the road. Automobile tires that come apart assume some interesting shapes. We returned past where the hawk had been and it was there again. It was good to watch a second flight. It was noticed that the air was cool in the shade and the sun sets sooner. No coins found, but good conversation was present. We manage to keep the pace just slow enough to talk. Made a mechanical adjustment to one rider's brakes. The rubbing sound was enough to make him stop, and tightening a bolt was the solution.

Blue sky - high pressure

August 12th ride was with three riders. We went a little farther with a ride nearing 24 miles. Our average was 13.3 mph. The blue sky, mild temperature, and high barometric pressure combined to make everyone feel it was perfect riding weather. One of our stronger riders said, "the longer I ride, the better it feels." The thought that crossed my mind was to wonder how far one would have to ride to make it orgasmic. We usually ride slow enough to carry on conversations. It's great to be able to solve all the problems of the world with our discussions.

Found two pennies and a quarter. I will admit that I left one of the pennies on the ground. It was passed in a busy intersection with two riders right behind me. Another missed opportunity. I still feel that the coins are representative of opportunities or blessings. It is important to "pick up" on opportunities we encounter, and a blessing is always welcome. The three coins encountered made a nice addition to an already fine ride.

Nearing the end of our ride we passed a group going the opposite direction. Those riders maintain a consistently faster pace than ours and leave from the local bike shop each Tuesday. There were lots of riders in the group and it was great to recognize familiar faces and exchange waves.

Into the wind

August 5, 2007 - Four riders and we covered 19.5 miles. Average speed was 11.9 mph. Two pennies. It seems as if we make a different route each week. Today we went generally west and then north. The goal is often to head into the wind for the first part of the ride. We managed to get our Richmond, Indiana section of the Cardinal Greenway under our wheels. The pace was slower, but we enjoyed some conversation as we rode.