Still Fishing

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, I rode past the old stone quarry where people fish. When I noticed the strange looking bicycle there I scanned the shore. Sure enough, there was the man I had talked with earlier this summer. He was still tipping and still fishing. The high temperature Saturday was 27 degrees F. It was a wonder to me that someone could stand fishing for hours in that temperature. I guess it wouldn't be much different from ice fishing, except this man had no shelter. Thinking of possibilities, it occured to me that there might be other reasons for his activities than fishing. Perhaps the fishing was an excuse or a justification for escape from his other realities. I suspect the tipping of the bottle might enter into the equation. I wished peace for him and hoped he stayed warm and safe.

2009 Summary

2009 was a good year for our group. Often there were people from First English Lutheran and from the community riding together. Fellowship and good times were shared each week. We even saw some new riders and welcomed the time with them as they learned some of the dynamics of group rides.

Our average distance per evening ride was 16.1 miles. 12.5 miles per hour was the average speed we covered the routes with. The record shows there were twenty evening rides this season. I can see just two or three rides were a little quicker than the others. Probably only a few riders were present those evenings, and the pace was quickened when all agreed to.

Thanks to all who participated! Let's ride more next year.

Fall's Fall

October 20Th was a delightful day. High sixties for temperature and plenty of sunshine. A few of the riders rode 9-10 miles before our regular start time. Four riders started at the 5:30 pm time and completed 16 miles at 11.8 mph average. I only found one penny and had to catch up with the group after going back to pick it up. Just like life; we often depart from the group when an opportunity is seized.

Participants were kind enough to agree on my destination of "Blue Clay Falls," south or Richmond. I give thanks to my fellow riders for going where I wanted.

My goal is to obtain four seasons of photographs of Blue Clay Falls, and a Fall picture is not in my collection yet.

Our ride was nearly one and one half hours in length. The sun was down when we returned to the church. Since the time changes on November 1st we will only have one more week of daylight to ride. I look forward to some riders next week for the last weekday ride of the season.

No Fair

October 13, 2009. Last week was rainy and no one rode. 52 degrees F and overcast this week discouraged most of our riders. With no fair weather friends I was the only rider. It felt like early in the season when I was alone. Only 12.3 miles at a leisurely 12.8 mph average was my evening ride.


There was an interesting character who made the ride quite an experience. I first saw him, far ahead, after I made a turn onto the road he was on. As the distance between us diminished I could see a fishing pole stuck out the back of his bicycle. His winter coat, with the fur collar, was also evident. Several cars coming from behind made passing impossible for a few minutes. Then, as I began to go around, I announced, "There are lots of things passing you tonight." An instant and angry reply stated definitely that he did not care. A few more gruff statements and his final words were, "...I like to bicycle. "

I completed about the middle third of my ride and returned past where I thought he would be fishing. Sure enough, he was by the lake. I stopped to apologize for making him angry with my statement about passing. I assured him it was just an attempt to be friendly.

Almost right away he began to talk about his bicycle and I got the whole tour. It had a console full of switches for turning various lights on and off. There were fog lights, tail lights, head lights and more. It took two small twelve volt batteries to operate all of his accessories. I noticed, and mentioned, that he even had a light on his head. That launched him into stories about how unsafe this road was for bicycles, and how the light could get him back to town.

The light strapped to his head was going to help him in another way. He told me he was, "...going to catch one of those big catfish!" What an uncomplicated life this man had for the evening. He enjoyed his bicycle ride to the, "...old fishing hole," and his remaining tasks were to catch a fish, and get home safely. I thought I was doing well just to enjoy the bicycle ride. It probably did us both good to have a few minutes of conversation and recognize each other for what we considered important that evening. I don't think he was angry when I left.

Season End Scurry

This Tuesday 9/29/09 saw us scurrying to complete our ride before darkness and we were not the only ones active. Squirrels scattered swiftly, at our approach, interrupting their search for anything to eat. The duo of riders on the tour this evening saw a big fat groundhog scurry for cover. Finally, near the end of the ride, we noticed the sky full of a flock of swirling Turkey Vultures; chaotically sweeping past each other, seeking a shelter for roosting as the darkness approached.

16.8 miles at a pace of 11.6 mph were the statistics of our ride. I hauled in two pennies on the trip home from the start finish point.

We talked a lot and, of course, I thought the ride was great. Wind out of the northwest helped us home, since we rode out more or less against it. Temperature in the fifties encouraged us to wear a little more clothing. Turkey Vultures gathering for their eminent departure, the lower thermometer reading, and shorter days all promised the season would soon be over. We enjoyed it while we could and look forward to next weeks ride.

Equinox

Today is the Autumnal Equinox. Day and night length are the same. The dusk was creeping upon us as we neared the end of today's ride. Part of the darkness was due to clouds in the west, but it will soon be short evenings for riding.

I had to go back for a quarter on the road. Saw a penny embedded in the asphalt and left it there. The coins are reminders, to me, of opportunities and blessings. When the ride is over, I toss the picked up coins in a jar. I'll total them at the end of the year and think of all the blessings the year held.

Only three riders started and one had to leave early for Church Council. Two of us finished 13.2 miles at a 10.9 mph average speed. It was an enjoyable evening, as are most evenings on the bike. We hope for several more before the year ends.

Corn Canyons

The soybean leaves were turning as we rode through the corn canyons of Midwest farms. We commented on how good the year had been for growing crops. Late in the ride we saw four deer. The group was a mother and what appeared to be triplets. It has been a good year for many growing things.

We passed through an neighborhood west of town that was a first time experience for me. Both of us noticed that the folks dwelling there were just surviving. The cars in driveways and general appearance of the homes suggested just enough to live. There was no fixing up, fresh paint, or plush landscaping. This perspective allowed me to appreciate the relative abundance I enjoy.

We passed an old building, that was once a home, standing several yards from the road. I wondered, as we passed, what emotions the walls of that house would reveal if they could. What feelings might had been enjoyed at family meals inside? Were there arguments between those who once lived there? I imagined joys of newborn babies and gleeful shouts of growing children. Yet, now the grounds and the walls stood silent. Life changes around us all of the time. It would have been interesting to know what circumstances led to the house no longer being lived in.

There were only two riders and one coin was found. We noted a total distance of 21.4 miles and an average speed of 14.5 miles per hour. Even with the extended time for the ride, the sun was still above the horizon at our completion. I look forward to more nice rides as we end the summer and move into Fall.

First of September

September is here and we still see some good weather. 9/1/09 saw four riders and the distance was 20.1 miles. Our average speed was 11.5 mph. Only one penny found, but the ride was a treasure. Our time on the road was longer than the hour we started with earlier in the season. We are closer to two hour rides now.

A couple of us are looking forward to the "Fitness Fest" this coming Labor Day weekend. A late season sixty or one hundred mile ride will be fun, and the weather promises to be good. There are several other fitness events planned.

Split in Two

August 25, 2009 - Our ride this evening was a relaxed pace again. Two riders covered 13 miles at a gentle 12.5 mph average speed. We enjoyed good conversation and some of the best weather there is. Blue sky, temperature in the seventies, and very little wind made the trip great.

Only found one penny and we encountered one rider who had interesting stories to tell. It seems he smoked until two years ago and this year re-committed to riding a bicycle. He was a little discouraged with, "...one of those seats that splits you in two..." Patience and shopping had allowed him to find a bargain seat that was wide enough for his comfort. We gave him some hints on what to wear to help cycle into cold weather and wished him continued joy and safety with his riding.

A Few Relaxed

Just a few miles, compared to recent rides, and just a few riders. This August 18, 2009 saw only three riders cover 14.3 miles at a relaxed pace of 12 mph. One rider found one dime. It was great time to talk and enjoy the late summer countryside. The river near our route for a few miles, a gravel plant that no longer produces product, and corn canyons were all part of our conversations and the evening ride.

We encountered another rider, when our road intersected their route, and for a few brief moments managed to introduce ourselves and encourage participation in next weeks ride. Anyone new to town should join us for our weekly ride. Anyone should consider joining us and everyone is welcome. 5:30 pm each Tuesday we meet at First English Lutheran Church and just pick a route. Often the route develops as we progress.

Maps: http://felcbiking.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Two Finders

August 11, 2009 I finally got back to ride with the group after three weeks of missing rides for various reasons. We had five riders tonight and managed 19.5 miles at a 13.1 mph average.

Two riders found coins. Seven pennies were located by one and two pennies by the other rider. It is still a fun activity and humorous comments abound.

We rode the Cardinal Trail to Industries Road and then went west of town. I suspect I was not alone in my enjoyment of a beautiful sunshine sky. After the ride ended and participants were home it rained hard. It was great to get a good ride in with welcome weather.

We discussed continuing to ride at 5:30 pm each Tuesday until well into September.

Maps: http://felcbiking.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Warm Bugs

July 21, 2009 - One rider commented that it was finally warm enough to ride. It has been a cool year and tonight was a ride in the 80's. Eight riders enjoyed a 15.6 mile route at an average speed of 13 mph.

An interesting event on this evening's ride was the clouds of bugs we rode into. Most of us in the Midwest know of the bugs near corn fields that come out for just a few days a year. Our car windows quickly become coated with white splotches as the bugs spatter against them. We know not to turn the wipers on because they just smear a greasy mess over the window. These same bugs got into helmets and hair as we cycled into the flying swarm of them. It was almost as if the bugs were presenting us with a "critical mass" to disrupt our ride. Several of us were removing helmets to get the crawly creatures off of our heads. After passing the corn fields the situation improved.

There were a few hills and they spread the group out. Regrouping at the top of a hill was the norm for this evening. It was fun to ride in a double line on a flat section and converse with each other. The ending emotion was a pleased glow for a great ride.

Several admitted that they will not be there following week and it looks like the next ride will be more sparsely attended. There should still be four or more riders.

July 7, 2009 saw eight riders in our group. One was courageous enough to join us on a 3 speed just taken out of storage. Another new participant had fabricated his own disc to cover the rear wheel spokes for better aerodynamics. It is always interesting to see the varieties of equipment and the people who ride them. Bicycling is another way we celebrate diversity.

Our distance was 14.8 miles and the average speed 12.3 mph. The group kept spreading out as we encountered hills, but we frequently regrouped. Oh, I picked up a dime.

Right Past

I had to miss the ride on June 30, 2009. We were in Greenville baby sitting. I was told that they covered nearly 20 miles and the time was just under 1-1/2 hours. That suggests about a 13 mph average. When stepping out of my garage to mow the lawn, the group sailed past my drive. I counted at least five riders, and they were just finishing the route. I hope it was a good ride.

Longest

Tuesday, June 23, 2009, really wasn't the longest day of the year. That was Sunday. It probably was the longest day of the year that we will ride together. It was also the longest distance we have covered this year. We decided that temperatures in the eighties were ideal to dry us out from last week's ride. 19.6 miles at an average speed of 12.1 mph was the trip for Tuesday. Seven riders made a good group size. Other that traffic around the Wayne County Fair grounds, our ride was enjoyable. Again, it was nice to have additional riders and all are welcome.

We were told about a ride Reid Hospital has organized. Their website is: www.reidride.com Registration is available there and the online material should answer all of your questions.

Rain, Rain, go away

June 16, 2009 when the question was, "Will we get wet?" The answer was yes, at about the nine mile mark of the ride. Corn and soybeans were growing and I'm sure they liked the rain more than we did. One rider recalled he had not ridden in the rain for about two years. It was not a heavy rain yet, although there were "rooster tails" sprouting from tires. We completed the ride with good spirits and not much hypothermia.

There were six riders and the distance turned was 17.1 miles. An average speed of 13.4 mph was a little more in line with our normal ride speed. We seem to be enjoying longer rides because of the amount of daylight available.

At one point in the ride I noticed a small flying animal. At first it appeared to be a humming bird, and I almost called it that. Then it zoomed upward and flew directly overhead. Looking up, I could see it was a dragon fly silhouetted against the sky. It was fun to have it flying in formation above.

Ride for Cancer

Friday, June 12th, First English Lutheran Church hosted a group who are riding coast to coast for cancer. See their site at http://www.illini4000.org/. What a great experience! These young people were polite and enthusiastic about their adventure. They shared some of their experiences and were genuine with their interest about us.

It was a pleasure and honor to ride with them for a few miles Saturday as they made their way toward Indianapolis, Indiana for the next stop. I wish them safe bicycling, success with their cancer endeavors, and many new relationships and experiences. Thanks for letting us be a small part of the ride.

Four for Fun

Tuesday 6/9/2009 we had four riders. I saw four pennies on the roadway over the course of the ride. We were riding at a fast enough pace that I just left the coins where they were. I don't leave coins very often, and it was difficult for me to pass them. We pedaled a recorded 17.8 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph. The group took a mostly flat route going out, as we traveled a little north, on the Cardinal Greenway. Then we were west, on Industries Road, to Round Barn Road. We were trying to take advantage of the wind that would push us back. On the return route, after crossing on Main Street to the east side of the Whitewater River Gorge, the decision was made to go south on the Whitewater Gorge Trail. Up Test Road, over to L street, and back to our respective neighborhoods completed the evening ride. This was a little faster ride than we normally do, but the four riders set a pace that was comfortable for the group.

Hail and thunder

Hail! No we didn't ride. Too much thunder, rain and marble sized hail falling from the sky. Next week we'll give it another try.

Two Blue

The high point of today's ride, other than that hill, was a beautiful Blue Heron. The first riders to make it to the river saw this bird and then it left. Later, other riders had a chance to see the Heron in flight as we alarmed it further up the river. Overall average speed was 12.6 mph and we managed 14.5 miles. Eight riders participated and it was an enjoyable evening ride.

Touch and Go

This week's ride was another great one! Six riders, sunshine, temperature into the seventies, and a good pace. My recording was that we cranked 15 miles at a 12.9 mph average. Mostly south and west, the route included several hills and we got to see a helicopter practicing "touch and go" take offs and landings. At one point our lead rider frightened a large Turkey Vulture into a take off from its evening feast. Different wings, but glorious flight from man and nature.

Another peleton of riders passed us going the opposite direction. It was a thrill to encounter so many bicyclists on the road. There is always so much to see on a bicycle ride. I am thankful for each opportunity.

Thanks to the riders from the community who joined us. Of our six riders, half were new or relatively new to the group. Everyone is welcome. We will continue to start at 5:30 pm each Tuesday until the group decides another time would be better.

Coins again

Tuesday night's ride was enriching. Found two pennies and a quarter! Only three riders made the profitable tour this evening. I suppose the cool temperatures and wind kept riders away. We managed 16 miles at an average speed of 11.3 mph. The ride was longer than our usual hour. Lots of blooming bushes and the smell of the blossoms was quite strong, at times. It was a pretty ride and I had fun finding coins again. Three stops to pick up my new found wealth put me behind the pace each time. The thrills were worth it.

Road blocked

May 5, 2009 was, at last, a fairly good weather day. The temperature was near 70 degrees F, the sun was shining, and the wind wasn't blowing ninty miles an hour. Four of us cycled for 13.9 miles at an average speed of 11.1 mph. The apparent slow speed hides the fact that we managed a few ascents and it takes a while to get thru stop signs and traffic. We discovered that Liberty Avenue is closed at the bottom of a hill. The road was dug up and it required us to ride back up the hill we had just excitedly descended.

There were riders who were new to our group and we welcomed them gratefully. It is always nice to have new points of view and different stories to listen to. Thanks for joining us and we hope you come back and bring others who enjoy bicycling.

Two Won

Yesterday evening was a gamble for the two riders who completed the route. We were betting either wet or dry. We felt a few drops, but not enough to get wet. With 11.6 miles and a 12.6 mph average we fit into the pattern of previous rides. The Redbud trees were beautiful and one rider commented that if he had named them they would be, "lavenderbuds", or "purplebuds". We both agreed they aren't red. The rain threat caused me to turn back soon enough that we didn't quite get one hour. It was a good ride, we didn't get wet, and two riders won the gamble with rain.

Wet won the first one

The first ride of this year was not. The sky was full of clouds, wind and cold rain. Our parking lot meeting place was as wet as the roads. You can see by the group photo at right that there were no riders in it. We wisely stayed where it was warm and not wet. Hope the weather is better next week.

Start 2009

First English Lutheran will start our bicycle rides on April 21, 2009, at 5:30p.m. We will meet in the church parking lot. All are welcome for about an hour of riding.

A few of us have been meeting each week for about a month now. It has been so cold and windy that it wasn't very attractive to ride in. We hope the weather will be good for the first ride. Look forward to seeing you there.

Maps: http://kent-pnqd.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Adventure Cycling has a great bicycling site with lots of information available. The "How To Department" link is a good question answer place. http://adventurecycling.org

Warm Up for 2009

Two interested riders made an informal beginning to the 2009 season. The regular group has not started yet and we expect they will soon. This ride was into some strong spring winds. It made the return part of the ride more enjoyable. Our distance was 11.2 miles and the average speed was 12.7 mph. Saw a beautiful Redtail Hawk fly into a field just to our right. The opportunity to see such wonderful wild creatures is one of the reasons I like to ride. Looking forward to another good year.

2008 Data

We made a chart from the times and speeds recorded during the 2008 year, starting with April 22, 2008 and ending on October 14, 2008. There were several weeks that did not get recorded. The lower line, which is average speed, changed very little. There were a few peaks when we got a little crazy. The distance we rode (upper line) tended to become longer, ranging from a low of 10.1 miles to a long day of just over 24 miles. This can be attributed to longer ride times during the warm summer days. The highest average speed we had was 13.3 miles per hour and our lowest average speed day was 10.2 miles per hour. Over the year our average speed was 12.2 miles per hour.


Hope you are beginning to look forward to another great year! If we fit your speed, come join us as we put in some fantastic, friendly, and fun miles. It is always adviseable to wear a helmet and dress in bright colors.













Maps: http://kent-pnqd.blogspot.com/2008/03/httpwww.html

Bicycle parking rack in Germany

Interesting bicycle parking rack that we saw in Germany. It was artistic, moveable, could be used for advertising, and the stainless steel construction made it appear durable. It was limited to two bicycles. Perhaps it will give a designer in Richmond, Indiana an idea to build on.

Maps: http://kent-pnqd.blogspot.com/2008/03/httpwww.html