Thursday, October 24, 2013

King of the Mountain

Today was group ride day. I told everyone at work what I was planning on doing so that I couldn't back out at the last second. That was actually a really good thing to do since it was another cold day with periodic rain. It was just a gloomy looking day. People were also complaining about the wind, but no one knows wind till you live in Indiana or Illinois. Anyway, after work I changed, and got on my way to the meeting point.

At this point I would like to mention that I was a little concerned that this ride didn't really exist. It was a gut feeling, but at the Go Outdoor Festival last weekend the bike shop owner told me that it was an ongoing ride and that he often went on it. I figured that was proof enough.

I pulled up to the bike shop all dressed up in my winter gear and instantly noticed that there were no other cyclist outside milling around. Of the many things cyclist are good at, are milling around and looking silly are at the top the list. I figured people were just inside. It was a nasty day after all. I went in the shop walked up to the counter and asked if this was where the group ride met. The guy looked at me and said, "Oh that ride hasn't been happening for weeks." So there I was all decked out, in a bike shop, looking stupid.

I bee lined it out of there and cut my losses. I drove up to the parkway and went on a ride out of spite more than anything else. I was the King of the Mountain on every hill that I came across. Jokes on everyone who didn't come to my group ride because it was amazing and had good scenery. The leaves were bright red, and I saw 5 or 6 deer. I also saw a groundhog and a police man, and as many people say on the internet, "picture or it didn't happen."

So here is my halfway point.




Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Suddenly cold

It's amazing how quickly the season can change some years. Just last week I was rolling around in my normal summer kit, and now I'm wearing base layers, gloves, and a hat. I thought Liz and I were moving to the south, but it sure doesn't feel like it. I guess it's time to start winterizing the house.

I am going to attend a fast group ride in town tomorrow after work. I've been going through a training program on my own, but its time to see just how fast I really am (or am not). From what people have said, this is the fastest ride around, so I may get dropped fairly quickly. We'll see what happens. Since it is so cold hopefully it will be a little bit of an easier ride.

Maybe I'll need this bike to help me out. I don't think anyone will notice

Sunday, October 20, 2013

These cows have seen it all

I don't usually take pictures of cows. Since there are so many of them, cow pictures seem about as interesting as a picture of grass. However, these guys were at mile 6 just watching the world go by. Even after I stopped and walked up to them, they just stared at me.






















They seemed content. My ride got much harder after this point, but it's done now.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Turn around point.

This is a picture from a ride last week. Even though Liz and I live way out in the country, there still seems to be pretty good awareness about sharing the road with bikes.



I got up this morning and completed my 30 miles. It is definitely getting colder out. This was the first time of the year that I had to use a base layer under my jersey. My toes are were little chilled even after a hot shower.

Since Liz's sister is in town, we went and explored a outdoor festival. The theme was outdoor activities, so all the local bike shops were there. After talking to some of the guys, I think that I will try one of the Thursday group rides. I like biking by myself, but once in awhile I get the itch to bike in a fast group.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Well, that's a new one


That's what they call fresh milk