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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
