Back in the Saddle Again

County Road 35 North: 3.57 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 26 minutes, average speed: 8.2

My little yellow Bacchetta has returned from its checkup so I took it out for a short spin to test adjustments Kevin made to the shifters. No parts needed replacing but Kevin decided to replace the seat which never seemed to fit quite right on the frame. I was happy to know I didn’t forget how to ride the bike and really felt very comfortable in the seat. I'm looking forward to many happy miles on the Bacchetta this biking season.

Short But Sweet

CR 35 South: 7.11 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 36 minutes, average speed: 11.7

Biking this beautiful day in November now makes 9 months of biking on my Bacchetta. We have been blessed with an Indian Summer in Minnesota this season and I plan to take advantage of it. The ride today was windy but warm. I really do dislike the wind especially when climbing hills but today I knew I would be rewarded when I turned for home, and it was a fabulous trip home! Unfortunately, the wind factor does affect my average speed but that is offset by the enjoyment of being out on the bike.

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!

Journey along the Root River Trail

Root River Trail—Lanesboro to Preston: 21.17 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 1 hour 32 minutes, average speed: 13.6

Today I drove the van down to Lanesboro to see what the Bracchetta could do on the Root River Trail. I started out very sluggish for the first 10 miles and then as I neared Preston, I became rejuvenated. Picture this: as I neared Preston, blue birds formed an arch above my head as the theme song for Free Willy began on my headset—you know the tune. What a remarkable welcome to Preston! I rested a bit in Preston and then headed back to Lanesboro. I never do tire of the young bicyclists that exclaim as I pass, “Mom! Look at that bike.” I then ring my bell and adults and children alike grin ear to ear. I came upon a racer-type cyclist and decided to see if I could keep up with him for a time. We were sprinting about 20 mph as we neared Lanesboro but then I backed off as the trail became more congested and I became more cautious about my riding. It was a great day on the trail. Temps were in the 70’s and wind was slight. The skies did threaten rain but not a drop fell. So, as usual, the urge to bike won out again and I finished, feeling good about the day’s journey along the Root.