Celebrating 500 Miles

CR 35 to Amish Market: 11.15 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 52 minutes, average speed: 12.7

I enjoy each ride even more than the last as I know the season will soon be ending. I celebrated my 500th mile on the Bacchetta today so reached my season goal. The temperature was in the low 50’s tonight with slight winds. I feared I had a tailwind as I headed towards the Amish Market and I was proven correct when I turned to journey for home.

Not Giving Up Yet

CR 35 South: 8.9 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 42 minutes, average speed: 12.6

The sun was shining and we were home from work at 4:00 p.m. allowing time for a short ride around the neighborhood. I dressed warm and headed south on CR 35 out past the Masonic lodge and then turned for home. My ears got a bit chilly but the rest of me was warm which is to be expected for a 42° temperature. Just 11 more miles to go—will I make it?

Fall Biking

CR 35 to Amish Market: 9.29 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 44 minutes, average speed: 12.4

I’m inching closer to my 500-mile goal—just 20 more miles to go. After yesterday’s snow dump, it was looking pretty unlikely that I would meet this goal and I had the skis all ready to go but the biking weather returned on Saturday with temps in the mid 50’s and no precipitation predicted for the day. I waited until 2:00 p.m. to capture the day’s estimated prime biking conditions. The SW winds applied a slight force and combined with my extra clothing for comfort (actually overdressed), caused my ambition to dwindle. I reached the Amish Market outside of St. Charles and then turned around to head for home. I hope to have at least a few more chances to gain miles on the Bacchetta before I hang it up for the year.

North Dover Loop

North Dover Loop: 20.47 miles
Comments: Ride time was 1 hour 37 minutes, average speed 12.5

I dressed in my ski clothing and jumped on my bike to get a few more miles on the Bacchetta before the snow hit. My plan was to bike up the road and back then jump in the hot tub once home. I set out towards the Amish Market and realized I was not cold at all even though the temperature on my bike computer read 42 degrees. So, I kept going. The wind was constant and no matter which direction I was going, it always seemed to be in my face but the only part of my body exposed to it was my nose. The extra clothing did slow me down but I wasn't out for speed today. I reached the stop sign on County Road 10 and decided to continue into Dover as I had 3 dogs waiting for me if I chose to reverse the route and head back the way I came. I took Hwy 14 into St. Charles and just prayed that I had the energy to climb the hill out of town--I did it! Now all I had to do was keep the pedals moving. I made one stop to stomp my toes awake and that gave me what I needed to make it home. I always feel exhilarated when I make it home after such an adventure. Many times today I thought of calling Dennis to come pick me up but being stubborn does have its advantages sometimes. And now it's hot tub time!