Monday, April 19, 2010

Watch Out for That Ditch!

St. Charles & Home: 11.76 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 54 minutes, average speed: 12.9


Not every ride goes smoothly—today was just one of those days. The weather was great but my mind was just not in the game. I mounted my bike and began pedaling down the drive when I hear an awful noise behind me—I forgot to release the kickstand. Oh well, minor detail. My plan was to bike to the St. Charles Public Library to pick up some bike books I ordered and then head home. I reached the library in good shape and decided to use my new lock to secure my bike while in the library. Returning back to the bike, I noticed that although I took precautions to lock my bike, I left my loaded bag open displaying all the goodies inside. But this is small town St. Charles so all was well. I mounted back on the bike and continued on home. I was almost home when I was forced to the side of the road by 2 passing vehicles while trying to maneuver around rumble strips. I couldn’t keep it on the road edge so took the ditch. I kept the bike under control and came to a slightly less than graceful stop. My trip was riddled with minor distractions but I did make it home without a scratch and sat down to enjoy my library books only to realize I must have dropped my library card somewhere along my journey between St. Charles and home—will have to make a trip back to the library to cancel activity to the lost card but that’s a trip for another day.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Double the Miles, Double the Fun



St. Charles & Home: 14.21 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 1 hour 8 minutes, average speed: 12.3

What to do with a day to myself? Go biking, of course! It was a gorgeous day—temperature in the high 60’s with slight wind out of the NE. I decided to head towards St. Charles and see how my legs felt after pedaling to the Amish Market. Would I have the endurance to bike down the hill into St. Charles and make the climb out so early in the season? No problem! My extra training in the gym prepared me well for this biking season. I’m not getting as many miles on the Bacchetta this spring due to the increased miles we have been putting on the tandem. It matters little to me which seat I am sitting in, I am just thankful for this wonderful spring weather we have been having in Minnesota.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Life is Good!

County Road 35 South: 10.92 miles
Comments: Ride Time was 57 minutes, average speed: 11.4


It’s Easter Sunday and I was itching to ride. The temperature was in the 60’s and the winds were mild so I went out for a short ride south on County Road 35. The ride was so peaceful, with nature all around and uplifting music playing to coax me up each hill. Life is good!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

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.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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.

Monday, October 26, 2009

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?