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.