Early Dark

It's the blinkie time of year.
A controlled burn in progress at Minnehaha Falls Park.

A little bit of a chill tonight. 20/16.0

The Simple Life

Woke up after the extra hour of sleep last night that fall back brings, with 16 miles to go. Yep, after yesterday's 70 mile trek with Amy and Anthony, I had 16 miles to pedal to get my 10,000 miles in for 2011. Just for reference, professional cyclists will typically ride 20,000 to 25,000 miles a year. That makes 6 years straight of 10,000 miles or more, for me, in the saddle, outside, in all types of weather, from tornado warnings, blizzards (Amy and I were talking yesterday about riding in this storm), 40 mile an hour crosswinds, lightning strikes, 105 degree heat indexes, windchills of 30 below, blinding downpours, hail, ice storms where the rain actually froze to my bike (I had to sit in my house for about 15 minutes and let my jacket thaw before I could get it off), innumerable flat tires and mechanicals repaired on the road, always with less than adequate tools, bee stings, nearly crashing into deer, running over squirrels, sunscreen and sweat in my eyes, frostbite, broken face, ribs, hand, shoulder and tail bone, not to mention all the skin I've left on the asphalt. And don't get me started on the near death experiences with those motorists that aren't paying attention.
I've been very fortunate to share some of these delightful experiences with wonderful friends. The last 4 to 5 years it's almost always been Amy, and the last 3 years it's rare if we're not spotted together on some rural road happily (at least at the end of the ride) tallying up the miles wearing off the rubber on our skinny, over-priced tires, wasting away a Saturday and Sunday.

GOD, I LOVE THIS!

Here's the evidence:
I stopped at the 16 mile mark, and although I didn't give a WOOT WOOT, or do a happy dance, the accomplishment didn't go unnoticed.
The 10,000th Mile Was Here (just north of Excelsior on Cty Rd 19)
After little to no ceremony I resumed doing what I love and seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, and tasting the joy of simply riding a bike. 44/17.4
Leaves Are Almost All Gone

A Tribute To My Mom. She Would've Been 89 Today.

Let's Call It WIsdom

Just tried to keep from letting the wind find me. There have been days when it was exciting to take on the wind, or the climb. Today wasn't that day.
Met up with Amy and Anthony and rode the Dakota Trail to Mayer. It's an old abandoned railroad right-of-way, that is flat, and has cover from the wind. Two great people to ride with, lots of fun talking, plenty of sun, and even saw some deer on this the first day of the opener. A nice fun ride, just taking it easy and enjoying the miles with some friends.
70/17.9

Full Day Off

No ride. The morning started out a little frosty. Had to get a little work done, then lunch with an old friend and his wife. It was great to catch up. Back to work for a bit, then enjoy the sunset and a beautiful half moon. Penny and dinner, homemade wild rice soup, a little wine and a baguette....

Felt Good

Very nice weeknight ride: Knickers, fast-goodlookin' bike, and lots of late fall color. 24/16.4

Along The Mississippi

Just A City Street

By Lake Hiawatha

In That Order

Ride
21/16.0

Sunset

Dinner

More Fun With Fall Colors

A little something falling out of the clouds during my ride. No problems...it wasn't white. 21/15.7
Yeah, I know, that's slow. I'll have an excuse made up in time for tomorrow's post.

Along East River Road