Old Friend

Met up with Ron and rode through Baker. It was so nice to reconnect. His kids are really getting big. Another spectacular day, albeit windy again. 51/18.3

Back Pat

Blew off some riding buddies, and took off solo. I had a really hard time deciding where to ride, but thought that heading to Hanover first would be smart, since the wind was revving up to 20 mph from that direction.

Just so everybody else knows now. There's a 2 1/2 mile stretch of Pioneer Trail just south of Hanover that is unpaved. The less than 2 pound aluminum Orbea frame, 200 gram 23 cm wide road tires, and Ksyrium SL3 rims deserve a standing ovation for their performance for the entire ride, but their stellar performance along this stretch was remarkable.

I don't know. How do you describe this color of blue? And it was everywhere...just stunning. This was by the Crow River between Rockford and Delano.

Lake Waconia

I didn't know what to expect today. I was pretty apathetic about riding, and came very close to making this an 80 mile ride as I came into Watertown. I love the route between Watertown and Mayer, and I had the wind at my back, and I was feeling pretty good, so I kept on going.

There are so many things in life that take, or use energy from us. You'd think a solo 100 mile ride at 19.5 mph, in very windy conditions, would be one of those many things, but not today.

Feeling the road through my bike, the wind fighting against my chest, then gently aiding against my back, only hearing the growl of the wind in my ears, then the tires hum, seeing the rolling farm fields, the incredibly blue sky and lakes, the birds, horses, and the green...so much green, all this filled instead of emptied.

Most miles and best speed in over a month. My strategy from now on will be apathy. 97/19.5

Twilight Ride Pics

Went out 3 times this evening. Took these the last time. I like summer nights. 15/?

Night Lights
Sqaure In A Circle

Which Is Which?

Sun's Out.

Nice to have the sun out. 33/17.5

Harriet Reflecting Sailboat

The Duck Won

Kind of Cool

Rode with new homeowner Lynne. She's got a very nice place. We just kept it around town. 30/16.2

Ho Hum

Kind of a let down, from the spectacular weekend...a little cloudy and gloomy. I need some sleep too. 33/16.8

Windy Monday

After three tube replacements (not mine) things settled down, except for the wind, and I got into a bit of a rhythm. My riding companion decided not to push her luck any more and submitted to the tire gods.
A stiff east wind dictated a ride across the river. Who'd of figured? There's a whole 'nother city over there! Comin' home was sweet, for several reasons. 40/16.6

Veiw From Cherokee and Smith. I think this quaint little town is called St. Paul.
High Bridge

Perfection

Rode with the team this morning. Spent the afternoon with Elijah. A little solitude at Lake of the Isles this evening. 49/16.9

Couldn't Stay In

Summer Evening At Calhoun

I Liked That!

Nice, nice ride. What a good time.
Took it relatively easy (conversation pace) into the wind out to Marine. Sun was out and the scenery was spectacular. White Bear Lake was only half there. It's amazing how far it has receded. The sky was a perfect blue, the farms were fresh with green and deep, dark brown earth.
Took on a few rollers west of Marine and then flew through the tunnel and down into the St. Croix River Valley. Stopped for a quick rice krispie treat to refuel before taking on Nason, which everybody made pretty quick work of. We regrouped and then got a little frisky on some of the rollers between Marine and Stillwater, hoping for some aid from a tail wind. It didn't seem to help too much, but our speeds were up in the mid 20's. Wisdom and reason eventually prevailed and the pace moderated a bit, and we eased into St. Paul and eventually home. It was a beautiful day, great conversation, great friends, great ride. Thanks Todd, Bill and Amy! 95/18.8

Gorgeous Friday

Rode to Stella's for a little happy hour with some friends.
Just a gorgeous evening. 7?/??

On The Way Home

From My Balcony

Not Bike Related Photo Warning

Felt Good

Usual route, this time without 30 mile per hour winds, or temps in the 90's. 33/18.1

Dust And The Wind

Yeah, the title is almost an old Kansas song, (check out song 142 in Some Music I Like) but it does describe today's ride. 33/17.1

Hard to See Downtown From Lake of The Isles

Hot Water

Went through a couple of bottles of water tonight. I could have used some of that partially frozen water from my winter rides, but instead I got 95 degree water, at least that was the temp outside when I got home.
Rode over to St. Paul and then into Mendota Heights. Came back through Fort Snelling so I stopped at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and checked on my parents grave. Dirt is still fresh.


It's getting easier to deal with, but I'm surprised by how I've been effected by the idea that I no longer have parents.


Mendota Bridge From Fort Snelling

Nice ride tonight. It felt good to get some extra miles in, even if the speeds are still down. 43/16.7

Full

Just a typical Monday ride.
It's surprising to see the leaves on the trees so full. The green is overwhelming as the trees meld into one, and hide what's on the other side.
The sun works overtime during these months, and won't punch out until after 8:30 tonight.
It's easy to take all of this for granted, but I have to admit I do enjoy the rhythm of it all. 33/16.9

Solo Meander

Seems like all my rides are turning into meanders. Doesn't really matter where I go, or how fast. Just want to be out. A stunningly beautiful day. 36/14.8

Flowers At Harriet

View Of Mill Ruins From Nicollet Island

Stone Arch Bridge From Above The Falls

Recreational

High winds turned cloudy skies to all blue. It was beautiful, but dangerous, with winds so strong.
My fast hard ride days may be over. I just don't have the desire, but I love to be out. Rode for over four hours, but only cranked out 70 miles. Even when I turned and had the wind at my back, I kept the effort moderate. It looks like I might be changing from hammerhead to recreational cyclist. 70/16.9

Freshly Planted Farm Fields Emerging In Baker

More Baker

There were a couple of other things I saw, but wasn't able to get a picture.

An eight year old redheaded girl doing pirouettes in the driveway of her home, under a basketball hoop. Her single braid of hair perpendicular to her body. Her right leg formed a triangle against her left. No one was around, she was oblivious to everything, except the exhilarating joy she got from dancing. It was in her.

Two boys and a dad fishing from a bridge over a stream feeding Lake Independence. The rod was rounded and the seven year old holding it leaned back, as his brother looked over the bridge and down towards the lake, with some jealousy. The seven year old squealed with excitement as he reeled what looked like a beautiful 5 pounder up and over the bridge. His dad grabbed the rod as the boy started running down the road...he just couldn't contain himself.

No Pics

Took the day off the bike. Guys night out. My brothers and our sons. Nice!

I Think It's Coming Back

It was nice to be out. 33/17.1

A Little Sailboat Ballet on Lake Harriet

Now That Was Windy

Got out and did some hills with Amy. Very nice. The wind was really whipping it up, and I got pushed around a little coming down high bridge, but nothing serious. Just nice to be out. Thanks ! 38/16.7

High Wire Act From Sabo Bridge

A Steel Downtown

Not In The Mood

Cut it short. Lots of wind and a little rain. 21/14.8

Monday

The usual. 33/17.2

Had To Get Out Again

Around Isles On The Schwinn.

SSSR

Did a Solo Standard Sunday Ride, keeping it simple and easy. Up to Wayzata and then around Lake Minnetonka into Excelsior and home, for 45/17.7

I showed my grandson the image of this tree and asked what he thought made all those holes. He didn't even think about it, and said, "a woodpecker". He's smart like his grandpa.

Old And New

A cold northwest wind motivated me to ride my old and reliable Rockford, Delano, Watertown route. It was hard work cranking against a 15 to 20 mph wind. Sunny when I left, but the clouds took over quickly, and, of course started to dissipate as the ride ended.
I decided to check out some areas that I haven't ridden in before (must be the explorer in me). It's amazing what a few miles of previously unseen roads can do to an old route.
I've been pretty tired the last couple of weeks. It's all taking a toll on me. Saturday rides are very enjoyable, but I just don't have the energy, or desire to get out and really hammer. It may not come back for awhile. I love riding, that will never end. It's all about the ride. 81/18.2

Pretty Determined
Cool Looking Out Building. That's Not Rust Or Spray Paint

Friday Rain

How dare it rain on Friday Night Ride Pics!
I gotta get a life so I have something to do on Friday nights.

Just Miles

Got the ride in. 33/17.3

Lots

Another hectic day. Hopefully I'll be able to settle down and get some sleep. I'm kind of all reved up, as is made obvious by my average speed on tonight's ride. 31/18.7

Still Riding

Kind of a hectic time, but I was able to get a ride in early this afternoon. Beautiful sunset this evening, unfortunately I didn't have time for photos. 33/17.6

It Is Done

Up a seemingly long flight of stairs, that had a large wooden banister, to a windowed landing, turn right, the stairs now narrow and become steeper. At the end of this ascent a hallway to the left, which lead to a nursery enveloped by a home that was built before the civil war.
The home hadn’t moved, but time had changed its surroundings from farm fields, well houses, and a small water tower to asphalt streets, cement sidewalks with boulevards and a neighborhood of newly built homes. Now bordered on the north by 58th street, this home was numbered 329. To its west was Grand Ave. To its east was Pleasant Ave. And yes, life was both grand and pleasant in this magical, wonderful, beautiful home.
In the nursery was a two or three year old redheaded curly haired boy, a crib, a rocking chair, some toys, a teddy bear, and music. My first memory, of my mom, and of my life is of this nursery, and of the soothing, comforting, lulling sounds that came from a beautiful dark haired woman.

This was the beginning of my tribute to my mom this morning, before we buried her.




I did get out and ride this afternoon. 33/17.1

Green

A solo Sunday ride, with numerous cyclist sightings. The hand waves or head nods were very welcome and made the sun even brighter and warmer.
The green is new, young, fresh, and taking over. Rode up to Hamel, Medina, Baker and Wayzata. Perfect! 50/17.5