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Windy rides over the weekend

I'm finally starting to get some more miles on the bike after taking a forced hiatus because of my July accident. I still haven't done more than 27 miles at a time since the accident, but I hope to get some longer trips in before the end of the cycling season here in the Midwest.

My 27-miler came Saturday at the Gateway Council of Hostelling International's Autumn Apple Pie Ride at Mills Apple Farm in Marine, Ill. It's a nice ride, not only because of the scenery, but because of the fact I can buy an apple crumb pie after the ride. The turnout for the ride wasn't all that good. I have some theories about that, but I would rather share them privately with the organization rather than discuss them publicly here.

On Sunday, I led the Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society's Hidden Lake Winery ride near Aviston, Ill. We had options of 18, 24 and 40 miles, and I took the 24-mile loop. We had a smaller group than we normally have for our winery rides out of the Ravissant Winery in Belleville, Ill., but I think part of that was the threat of rain and the distance people have to drive from the St. Louis area to Aviston. Fortunately, almost everyone made it back to the winery before the downpour came.

We were treated to a stiff wind from the south both Saturday and Sunday. Both rides were in relatively flat areas, so we definitely felt the effects of the wind. Farmers already are harvesting their corn crops, so that took away some protection from the headwinds. I did OK with the headwinds, considering I was suffering from sleep deprivation both days because of long evenings at work Friday and Saturday.

Before the start of November, I hope to get some rides of 50 to 60 miles in. I don't know if I'll be ready for the Hilly Hundred, but we'll see.

Roger 2 comments 11:14 AM

Comments:

Is there a group from our area planning to go to the Hilly Hundred? Contact information? Thanks...

# posted by  Anonymous : 6:08 AM

 

I know what it is like after an accident. Since my accident i have never been able to do anywhere near what i used to be able to do. Good luck in going for the Hilly Hundred.

# posted by  Anonymous : 3:55 AM

 

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