One of the imponderable questions often asked and evaluated around our home concerns the debate about urban or rural. If given the choice to live somewhere; would it be rural or urban. I have found myself re-thinking along these lines over the last few weeks.
There are parts of the urban (really sub-urban) existence that I enjoy, primarily proximity to so many choices of places to work, things to do, buy, and see. Where I find fault with this attraction is that exposure to choice creates its own problems; the opposite of “out of sight, out of mind.” I find myself being amazed with the size of the Twin Cities. The number of miles that can be ridden on a bike without ever leaving the metro often stuns me!
Outside of being impressed with the scale and convenience offered by life in the city, I think that is where the fascination ends. I would much rather take the peace and pace of a quieter place like the open road in the country.
We are suburb dwellers, feeling like urban farmers… tending to flowers and landscape on what would be considered an extremely large lot for the city (approximately ½ acre.) It once felt like I could be on the open road in the country in a matter of minutes by bicycle. Realistically though, it is a minimum of something in the order of 20 miles before I would be anywhere I would call remotely close to rural.
Some of my longer rides have taken me considerably further away from my house into what I would truly call rural areas. My loose definition of rural being: Can not see more than a couple of homes or structures from any one given location. There are portions of Washington County or Dakota County that might qualify, but one really needs to cross the border into Wisconsin. Even there, the glory days of open roads and great riding have become more difficult to find as the border cities have grown in size too.
It promises to be a busy weekend, then heading out of town for next week. Don’t expect to read anything new until after the weekend after the 4th. Go ride your bike, give it some thought as you live your life and consider the question I pose: Given a choice: Urban or Rural
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I am Okay with That
When I grew up, I was one of those kids that upon finding something new, would often examine it carefully. If I found any screws, I would take it apart to see if I could determine how it worked. Seldom one to accept things at face value, I can be okay if I grasp concept, but often get frustrated if I do not quite understand how things work.
This morning I had the epiphany that this is not always the case. In the constant quest to understand myself better, I realized the when it comes to literature, art, and music I am very much okay with not understanding any hidden message. These are things that I enjoy very much and have an appreciation for, but never quite cared all that much to understand any deeper meaning.
Case in point the musical group Sigur Ros. They released a new album called “Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust” Um… yeah… Me neither. They are Icelandic and I cannot understand a word they are “singing” but find the sound rich, layered, and intriguing. This being I believe their 5th release. I’d have a hard time identifying songs from one album or the next. I really enjoy the sound. Free song samples are available here: http://www.sigurros.com/main/AlbumList.asp?ArID=1&AID=64&lng=EN
I’ve always enjoyed music a lot. I've managed to collect hundreds of CD's over the years from an eclectic mix of artists. I have zero musical talent and have no real desire to attempt to produce my own noise. Recently been enjoying: Orchestra Baobab, Sigur Ros, the new Coldplay, Moby, Caribou, and stuck enjoying The Polyphonic Spree. Always looking around for interesting sights, sounds, and other things I don’t understand. I’m okay with that.
This morning I had the epiphany that this is not always the case. In the constant quest to understand myself better, I realized the when it comes to literature, art, and music I am very much okay with not understanding any hidden message. These are things that I enjoy very much and have an appreciation for, but never quite cared all that much to understand any deeper meaning.
Case in point the musical group Sigur Ros. They released a new album called “Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust” Um… yeah… Me neither. They are Icelandic and I cannot understand a word they are “singing” but find the sound rich, layered, and intriguing. This being I believe their 5th release. I’d have a hard time identifying songs from one album or the next. I really enjoy the sound. Free song samples are available here: http://www.sigurros.com/main/AlbumList.asp?ArID=1&AID=64&lng=EN
I’ve always enjoyed music a lot. I've managed to collect hundreds of CD's over the years from an eclectic mix of artists. I have zero musical talent and have no real desire to attempt to produce my own noise. Recently been enjoying: Orchestra Baobab, Sigur Ros, the new Coldplay, Moby, Caribou, and stuck enjoying The Polyphonic Spree. Always looking around for interesting sights, sounds, and other things I don’t understand. I’m okay with that.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Feelings Of Impending Disaster
My time on Saturday morning and afternoon was spent in a mix of emotion; excited and nervous about the expected evening departure for a bicycling adventure. I packed up my custom Rivendell All-Rounder with a large saddlebag and supported by my newly acquired Rivendell Hupe.
Being one to over-pack, I narrowed my packing list down to the essentials with a little margin for error. Tools, 2 spare tubes, pump, long sleeve wool, short sleeve wool, knee-warmers, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, contact solution, 4 packages of Clif Shot Blocks, 2 Odwalla bars, camera, phone, and wallet. The forecast called for a 20% chance of rain, so I packed the rain jacket to ensure dryness. My medium sized Acorn bag held everything, but there was little room for anything else.
Scott showed up with lightly packed panniers and we rolled down the driveway right around 6pm. The plan was to ride south and east around Lake Pepin, possibly to Winona, then back home. Grand estimated total was going to be in the 260 mile range. We were going to ride all night and all day on Sunday.
Just east of Saint Paul, I ran over something and flatted. I replaced the tube, realized how much I dislike mini-pumps for large volume tires, and we were on our way again… For all of 10 minutes. The tube that I used as a replacement was one that I had previously patched (evidently ineffectively.)
Maybe 15 miles into our ride, I had exhausted my supply of spares. In hind sight, this is when I started feeling the sense of something being wrong, something not feeling right about our ride. I called my brother’s house thinking we could detour to his house where I could pick up at least one spare tube; no answer.
We took a detour through Woodbury to look for somewhere we might be able to find a spare tube. Spotted a closed Erik’s Bike Shop before settling on a Sports Authority where I was able to pick up a couple of presta valve tubes. Dark clouds were banking up overhead, but I felt a bit more at ease knowing I was prepared now with new spares.
We rolled east and south through Afton before the winds picked up and we received a few drops of rain. Dark clouds off to the west and south flickered with occasional lightning.
The clouds threatening overhead were a good physical indicator of just how it felt to be riding. The bike felt good, body felt good, we remained dry, seemed to be behind the storm, and were well prepared for the long adventure, but something just didn’t feel right.
We crossed the river into Prescott, Wisconsin when Scott suggested we grab some food before heading into the core of our overnight ride. Since Subway had closed at 9, we settled for convenience store goodies instead of sit down bar food.
Miles passed uneventfully in the darkness to the point of Highway 35 and 63 where we stood for what felt like 15 minutes. Something nagging didn't feel right about the whole adventure... There we were at our crossroads, both having shared with one another our unending feelings of anxiety; we finally made the decision to curtail the length of our adventure.
We rolled into Redwing just before midnight where we caught a bite to eat, shared a pitcher of beer, and looked over maps to plan an ad-hoc meandering route home.
The balance of our overnight ride took us on the Cannon Valley trail to Cannon Falls, then a combination of quiet county roads both paved and gravel to home. Although we had discussed a MORE meandering ride home, it wound up being a pretty direct ride. Our pace was certainly nothing extraordinary, interrupted by a number of map checks and clothing changes. I rolled into my driveway around 6am.
All tolled, we covered approximately 130+ miles in an all-night satisfying adventure. No regrets, glad to know as soon as we had turned back west that the pit in my stomach disappeared, glad to have not experienced whatever it was that just didn’t feel right.
Being one to over-pack, I narrowed my packing list down to the essentials with a little margin for error. Tools, 2 spare tubes, pump, long sleeve wool, short sleeve wool, knee-warmers, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, contact solution, 4 packages of Clif Shot Blocks, 2 Odwalla bars, camera, phone, and wallet. The forecast called for a 20% chance of rain, so I packed the rain jacket to ensure dryness. My medium sized Acorn bag held everything, but there was little room for anything else.
Scott showed up with lightly packed panniers and we rolled down the driveway right around 6pm. The plan was to ride south and east around Lake Pepin, possibly to Winona, then back home. Grand estimated total was going to be in the 260 mile range. We were going to ride all night and all day on Sunday.
Just east of Saint Paul, I ran over something and flatted. I replaced the tube, realized how much I dislike mini-pumps for large volume tires, and we were on our way again… For all of 10 minutes. The tube that I used as a replacement was one that I had previously patched (evidently ineffectively.)
Maybe 15 miles into our ride, I had exhausted my supply of spares. In hind sight, this is when I started feeling the sense of something being wrong, something not feeling right about our ride. I called my brother’s house thinking we could detour to his house where I could pick up at least one spare tube; no answer.
We took a detour through Woodbury to look for somewhere we might be able to find a spare tube. Spotted a closed Erik’s Bike Shop before settling on a Sports Authority where I was able to pick up a couple of presta valve tubes. Dark clouds were banking up overhead, but I felt a bit more at ease knowing I was prepared now with new spares.
We rolled east and south through Afton before the winds picked up and we received a few drops of rain. Dark clouds off to the west and south flickered with occasional lightning.
The clouds threatening overhead were a good physical indicator of just how it felt to be riding. The bike felt good, body felt good, we remained dry, seemed to be behind the storm, and were well prepared for the long adventure, but something just didn’t feel right.
We crossed the river into Prescott, Wisconsin when Scott suggested we grab some food before heading into the core of our overnight ride. Since Subway had closed at 9, we settled for convenience store goodies instead of sit down bar food.
Miles passed uneventfully in the darkness to the point of Highway 35 and 63 where we stood for what felt like 15 minutes. Something nagging didn't feel right about the whole adventure... There we were at our crossroads, both having shared with one another our unending feelings of anxiety; we finally made the decision to curtail the length of our adventure.
We rolled into Redwing just before midnight where we caught a bite to eat, shared a pitcher of beer, and looked over maps to plan an ad-hoc meandering route home.
The balance of our overnight ride took us on the Cannon Valley trail to Cannon Falls, then a combination of quiet county roads both paved and gravel to home. Although we had discussed a MORE meandering ride home, it wound up being a pretty direct ride. Our pace was certainly nothing extraordinary, interrupted by a number of map checks and clothing changes. I rolled into my driveway around 6am.
All tolled, we covered approximately 130+ miles in an all-night satisfying adventure. No regrets, glad to know as soon as we had turned back west that the pit in my stomach disappeared, glad to have not experienced whatever it was that just didn’t feel right.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Week Wrapup
Picked the wrong day to take the route down Como Avenue this morning. I should have known that something was going on yesterday when I attempted to take a different route to work yesterday and cut through the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The security guard greeted the two other commuters that had a similar plan.
Not being one with an ear to the ground concerning car culture, I was unaware that it was time for Back To the 50’s http://www.msra.com/BackToThe50s.htm Cars were lined up idling all the way down Como Avenue from Hamline to the entrance of the fairgrounds. Dan would have loved it though, they were all lined up covering up the bike lane.
Yup, nothing like starting the day with a mile of passing idling hot rods from the 1950’s. Honestly, I was starting to feel a little green from the exhaust smell.
Running behind schedule on a Friday… What’s a person to do? That’s right… Ferrari Friday. Took my Rivendell Custom road bike, slung the Timbuk2 bag over the shoulder and off on the long route to work. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/155633 It was a beautiful morning for a ride.
Took the long way home yesterday via Hiawatha Cyclery to pick up a replacement headlight. Worked a bit on set up on my Rivendell All-Rounder making an attempt to get it ready for a long ride this weekend (thus the requirement for a headlight.)
Today is the 3rd day this week of riding a “nice” bike to work. Perhaps I should make it a regular thing to actually make a point of riding all of the various bikes that I own back and forth to work at least once in a while. Perhaps if I did this, I could actually have some merit to my arguments for owning them? Hmmm….
Have a nice weekend, hope to have a good ride report by Monday?
Not being one with an ear to the ground concerning car culture, I was unaware that it was time for Back To the 50’s http://www.msra.com/BackToThe50s.htm Cars were lined up idling all the way down Como Avenue from Hamline to the entrance of the fairgrounds. Dan would have loved it though, they were all lined up covering up the bike lane.
Yup, nothing like starting the day with a mile of passing idling hot rods from the 1950’s. Honestly, I was starting to feel a little green from the exhaust smell.
Running behind schedule on a Friday… What’s a person to do? That’s right… Ferrari Friday. Took my Rivendell Custom road bike, slung the Timbuk2 bag over the shoulder and off on the long route to work. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/155633 It was a beautiful morning for a ride.
Took the long way home yesterday via Hiawatha Cyclery to pick up a replacement headlight. Worked a bit on set up on my Rivendell All-Rounder making an attempt to get it ready for a long ride this weekend (thus the requirement for a headlight.)
Today is the 3rd day this week of riding a “nice” bike to work. Perhaps I should make it a regular thing to actually make a point of riding all of the various bikes that I own back and forth to work at least once in a while. Perhaps if I did this, I could actually have some merit to my arguments for owning them? Hmmm….
Have a nice weekend, hope to have a good ride report by Monday?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
For Sale
Her loveliness, my partner in this confusing experience we call life, my wonderful wife is on my case about the number of bicycles that I own. As much as it might pain me to admit it, she’s right. I have too many “bikes.” (Not all of them quite qualify as bikes, some fall well into the “project” category.) So, here’s the beginning of the list of potential sellers.
The first step in solving a problem is admitting it exists, right?
1993 Trek 520 Touring 23” frame, fork, headset. Long horizontal dropouts with derailleur hanger installed by Bob Brown. Spaced for 135mm, cosmetically challenged, needs paint. An otherwise fine and very functional machine. $100. SOLD
1960’s? $h!+-Brown Schwinn Varsity. Size, way too small, like a 17” frame. Complete, almost as-new condition complete with original matching translucent brown plastic bar “tape.” Why do I own it? That’s a really great question… Because the 60’s and 70’s were cool and everyone needs to own a Varsity at some point? Nope, I was thinking that the mint chrome fenders could be used on something else that I own. Yours if you want it for the low, low price – Free.
Co-Motion custom mountain bike frame 2001? Orange. Warranty replacement of headtube by Co-Motion. Cool frame, but why do I need 4 off-road bicycles? $300
2007 Raleigh XXIX Size Large 29’r singlespeed complete bike. As new condition, ridden less than a handful of times. No pedals, no saddle, otherwise complete… $500. http://www.morcmtb.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=558&cat=2
Kick some Asphalt – 1989 Trek 7000 “mountain bike” 19” frame. Good commuter potential. Needs tubes, chain, and cables. Sticker on top tube says "Kick some Asphalt" You can have it as-is or $50 and I’ll make it ready to ride.
1950’s Hawthorne cruiser. Rust color. 1” pitch chain. Very cool bike, broken weld on seat-clamp, somewhat bent handlebars, but they have too cool of a shape to replace. $50 or best offer.
Mid 90’s Diamond Back “mountain bike” Ancient geometry, super looong wheelbase, horizontal dropouts. About a 20” frame. Wald basket up front, singlespeed conversion, fenders, riser bar. No pedals, no saddle with sale. Great grocery getter, liquor store runner, or commuter. $50
I’m going to refrain from listing more right now. Due to the overwhelming response guaranteed to generated by the whopping 5 or 6 people likely to encounter this, I am bound to busy negotiating the terms of sale. If I cannot manage to generate any interest here (very likely the case) perhaps you will be morbidly curious enough to read if I plan to feature each one and explain my rationale behind obtaining it or hanging on to it?
The first step in solving a problem is admitting it exists, right?
1960’s? $h!+-Brown Schwinn Varsity. Size, way too small, like a 17” frame. Complete, almost as-new condition complete with original matching translucent brown plastic bar “tape.” Why do I own it? That’s a really great question… Because the 60’s and 70’s were cool and everyone needs to own a Varsity at some point? Nope, I was thinking that the mint chrome fenders could be used on something else that I own. Yours if you want it for the low, low price – Free.
Co-Motion custom mountain bike frame 2001? Orange. Warranty replacement of headtube by Co-Motion. Cool frame, but why do I need 4 off-road bicycles? $300
2007 Raleigh XXIX Size Large 29’r singlespeed complete bike. As new condition, ridden less than a handful of times. No pedals, no saddle, otherwise complete… $500. http://www.morcmtb.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=558&cat=2
Kick some Asphalt – 1989 Trek 7000 “mountain bike” 19” frame. Good commuter potential. Needs tubes, chain, and cables. Sticker on top tube says "Kick some Asphalt" You can have it as-is or $50 and I’ll make it ready to ride.
1950’s Hawthorne cruiser. Rust color. 1” pitch chain. Very cool bike, broken weld on seat-clamp, somewhat bent handlebars, but they have too cool of a shape to replace. $50 or best offer.
Mid 90’s Diamond Back “mountain bike” Ancient geometry, super looong wheelbase, horizontal dropouts. About a 20” frame. Wald basket up front, singlespeed conversion, fenders, riser bar. No pedals, no saddle with sale. Great grocery getter, liquor store runner, or commuter. $50
I’m going to refrain from listing more right now. Due to the overwhelming response guaranteed to generated by the whopping 5 or 6 people likely to encounter this, I am bound to busy negotiating the terms of sale. If I cannot manage to generate any interest here (very likely the case) perhaps you will be morbidly curious enough to read if I plan to feature each one and explain my rationale behind obtaining it or hanging on to it?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hard on Parts
Awake late, I celebrated the moment on Friday figuring if I am late, why not be really late. Not only did I decide to pack and ride the parade bike, but I took the long route to work. In doing so, I stored my key to my lock in the bag, which of course meant that I forgot the key this morning when back to riding the regular commuter.
So, into the building, up the freight elevator, and into the adjacent cube went the dirty old Quickbeam. This of course offered a key prop for part of show and tell today. There were many questions and comments having been able to see the bike that make me a bit of the "office celebrity." Okay, right, more like the company eccentric nut...
In an effort to explain the beauty of generator powered lighting, I attempted to demonstrate how wonderful it is to have lighting present whenever you need it. Spinning the wheel and attempting to show how bright my headlight was... Nothing. Oh well, the first rule of visual aids is that they never quite work when you want them to. This one bugged me though...
When I got home, I inspected a little more closely to find the cause for all the ruckus while riding. Something was rattling and I couldn't quite pinpoint it, thinking it was something to do with my handlebar mounted coffee cup. Nope:
If you look closely at the photo, you can see what appears to be the LED loose in the bottom of the inside of the light. I cannot recall what the mounting point is supposed to look like, but it appears that the LED simply broke off inside.
As impressed as I had been with this light, this is now the second one that has had a problem for me. The standlight on the first one stopped working, but the light still worked. This one, well... it no-worky.
Seriously, I really like bikes. I obsess about getting good stuff. I take "reasonable" care of things, while admittedly my maintenance has something to be desired. The toll of commuting is seriously wearing out a lot of bike parts. It'll be almost 11 months of daily commuting and I should add up the parts:
2 rims
2 Shimano Dynamo Hubs (Now on third and it is beginning to occassional pop like other two.)
2 IQ Fly head lights
1 headset
1 Phil Wood Bottom Bracket
2 Panaracer Pasela Tourguard Tires
4 Chains
1 Chainring
2 Phil Wood rear cogs
3 set of brake shoes
3 rear brake cable housings (kept cracking in the same place during the winter.)
I'm approaching 4,800 miles so far this year, 'round the point that this light was mounted. Figuring an average speed of 12mph (I'm anything but fast) and that would mean that this light has only lasted about 400 hours on the bike. Fatigue from vibration? Not easily avoidable, and with the exception of the studded Nokians, I ride pretty plump high volume, low pressure tires.
So, into the building, up the freight elevator, and into the adjacent cube went the dirty old Quickbeam. This of course offered a key prop for part of show and tell today. There were many questions and comments having been able to see the bike that make me a bit of the "office celebrity." Okay, right, more like the company eccentric nut...
In an effort to explain the beauty of generator powered lighting, I attempted to demonstrate how wonderful it is to have lighting present whenever you need it. Spinning the wheel and attempting to show how bright my headlight was... Nothing. Oh well, the first rule of visual aids is that they never quite work when you want them to. This one bugged me though...
When I got home, I inspected a little more closely to find the cause for all the ruckus while riding. Something was rattling and I couldn't quite pinpoint it, thinking it was something to do with my handlebar mounted coffee cup. Nope:
If you look closely at the photo, you can see what appears to be the LED loose in the bottom of the inside of the light. I cannot recall what the mounting point is supposed to look like, but it appears that the LED simply broke off inside.
As impressed as I had been with this light, this is now the second one that has had a problem for me. The standlight on the first one stopped working, but the light still worked. This one, well... it no-worky.
Seriously, I really like bikes. I obsess about getting good stuff. I take "reasonable" care of things, while admittedly my maintenance has something to be desired. The toll of commuting is seriously wearing out a lot of bike parts. It'll be almost 11 months of daily commuting and I should add up the parts:
2 rims
2 Shimano Dynamo Hubs (Now on third and it is beginning to occassional pop like other two.)
2 IQ Fly head lights
1 headset
1 Phil Wood Bottom Bracket
2 Panaracer Pasela Tourguard Tires
4 Chains
1 Chainring
2 Phil Wood rear cogs
3 set of brake shoes
3 rear brake cable housings (kept cracking in the same place during the winter.)
I'm approaching 4,800 miles so far this year, 'round the point that this light was mounted. Figuring an average speed of 12mph (I'm anything but fast) and that would mean that this light has only lasted about 400 hours on the bike. Fatigue from vibration? Not easily avoidable, and with the exception of the studded Nokians, I ride pretty plump high volume, low pressure tires.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Conflicting Opinions
This morning on the bike ride to work, I passed by a parked car this morning and the bumper sticker caught my eye:
Several miles later I passed by a church and they had
What’s a person to do with such profound but conflicting ideas?
I consider myself a wanderer, sometimes to a fault. Decisionless, lacking direction, no clue as to where I am going. I’ve missed the mark on life-occasions where I’ve wandered too far from where I knew I should have been at the time. I now know that I have tackled that part of my character flaw, but as for knowing where I am going in life? Well… I will continue to bumble along trying to figure that one out.
Following the straight line? Well, I have to think that’s most definitely not the answer either. Akin to the out out and back ride, the lonely stretch of straight road. The mind is only “so entertained” by the occasional sprint. The entertainment value and thrill of going straight cannot be fun for long. There may be some comfort in at least knowing which way to go.
While seeming to be mindless dribble, once again this morning’s bicycle trip offered much in the way of being applicable to life in general. I’m faced with the current thoughts of pursuing a large life altering decision or sticking put where I can take comfort in knowing and being familiar with all of the things that I know I don’t enjoy.
It is said that sometimes the devil that you know is better than the one you do not. So, I can see merit in the idea of keeping my head down and following the same road I am on. While wandering, particularly on bike rides, I’ll often turn down a road just because it is there. Sometimes these decisions lead to very pleasant surprises, other times they do not.
So, which is it? Take the straight road or wander?
“Not all who wander are lost”
Several miles later I passed by a church and they had
“No man ever got lost on the straight road.”
What’s a person to do with such profound but conflicting ideas?
I consider myself a wanderer, sometimes to a fault. Decisionless, lacking direction, no clue as to where I am going. I’ve missed the mark on life-occasions where I’ve wandered too far from where I knew I should have been at the time. I now know that I have tackled that part of my character flaw, but as for knowing where I am going in life? Well… I will continue to bumble along trying to figure that one out.
Following the straight line? Well, I have to think that’s most definitely not the answer either. Akin to the out out and back ride, the lonely stretch of straight road. The mind is only “so entertained” by the occasional sprint. The entertainment value and thrill of going straight cannot be fun for long. There may be some comfort in at least knowing which way to go.
While seeming to be mindless dribble, once again this morning’s bicycle trip offered much in the way of being applicable to life in general. I’m faced with the current thoughts of pursuing a large life altering decision or sticking put where I can take comfort in knowing and being familiar with all of the things that I know I don’t enjoy.
It is said that sometimes the devil that you know is better than the one you do not. So, I can see merit in the idea of keeping my head down and following the same road I am on. While wandering, particularly on bike rides, I’ll often turn down a road just because it is there. Sometimes these decisions lead to very pleasant surprises, other times they do not.
So, which is it? Take the straight road or wander?
Monday, June 02, 2008
Wraps on May
Cycling takes time, sometimes a lot of time. In order to squeeze my longer rides into the life-schedule, I often leave early in the morning. Saturday was no exception. What was abnormal was the fact that my friend Scott was willing to join in the fun. It was his seeming willingness to meet at 4am that caught me off guard.
We had talked to one another back in March or April, maybe as part of TransIowa about the informal goal of doing a century a month. Saturday was our last chance to squeeze in a century ride for May and neither of us had done one for May.
We rolled east through Saint Paul and out through Afton to cross into Wisconsin in Prescott. The scenery was stunning. A humid and cool morning, fog had accumulated in the low areas. The views were spectacular, the smell of spring was in the air. With a slight wind at our backs we rolled our way south and east on the county roads into East Ellsworth to make a pitstop at the creamery.
We each picked up several pounds of dairy products, repacked our bags, and began our ride back home. North and east through Beldenville, River Falls, and Hudson to cross back into Minnesota. Returning to home by 1:30 or so with almost exactly 125 miles on the odometer.
So, that put the wraps on May with 887 miles for the month and a total of 4,376 for the year.
We had talked to one another back in March or April, maybe as part of TransIowa about the informal goal of doing a century a month. Saturday was our last chance to squeeze in a century ride for May and neither of us had done one for May.
We rolled east through Saint Paul and out through Afton to cross into Wisconsin in Prescott. The scenery was stunning. A humid and cool morning, fog had accumulated in the low areas. The views were spectacular, the smell of spring was in the air. With a slight wind at our backs we rolled our way south and east on the county roads into East Ellsworth to make a pitstop at the creamery.
We each picked up several pounds of dairy products, repacked our bags, and began our ride back home. North and east through Beldenville, River Falls, and Hudson to cross back into Minnesota. Returning to home by 1:30 or so with almost exactly 125 miles on the odometer.
So, that put the wraps on May with 887 miles for the month and a total of 4,376 for the year.
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