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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, August 21, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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
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
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