Sat. 8/21/10

A group of 10 from Dunn Brothers South decided to head NW today.

We made our way to Byron, one rider turned back as we neared Byron, then the remaining 9 headed west past the golf course and on to Mantorville.

After a quick water stop, we continued west toward West Concord. The winds started to pick up a bit as we rolled along. After West Concord, we turned north for Kenyon. By now the skies looked a little darker.

Kenyon was getting ready for their Rosefest, so we made another quick water stop and headed east out of town back toward Pine Island.

Now with a tailwind Big Jim and the several others decided to up the pace a bit and it wasn't long before we were rolling into Pine Island.

After our third water stop we headed for Douglas and at Douglas the group split a bit as Bruce wanted more miles and the rest hit the Douglas Trail for Rochester.

I parted ways at 7th Street and cut across town and headed east to home.

Sat. 8/14/10

Well, I made it (again).

The annual Dawn to Dusk (number XIV) was this past Saturday.

We had 16 riders roll out of Lakeville just after 6:00am. This year Pat followed along in his truck, so with a SAG we all packed a bit different (except Steve, who went ole school and carried most of what he needed).

We picked one rider on the way to Northfield and another 10 riders at Northfield, now 27 riders headed south and east toward Pine Island.

As we neared Pine Island most of the short-timers turned back, so we were now down to our 13 original riders (one of the starters turned back at mile 55 and a couple of others headed back with the Northfield group) and five other Northfield riders who were continuing on a bit further.

We rolled in and out of Mazeppa and up toward Chef's. We passed Big Jim going the opposite direction, on the way. After a quick stop and regroup at Chef's we headed for Lake City.

At Lake City three Northfield guys headed for home and the rest of us 15 headed for Wabasha. At Wabasha, Ted's in-laws were there with a terrific lunch all setup and ready for us. Not only delicious, but a very fast and relaxing lunch stop. Great idea, Ted. And many thanks to the in-laws for the much appreciated lunch.

Then i was on to Nelson and up the Wisconsin side of the river. Here is were I first felt my left calf start to complain. And it continued to complain until we reached Red Wing. So, needless to say I suffered up the big climb after Maiden Rock.

The group split a bit as we left Bay City, but we caught back on just as the group rolled into Red Wing. Then is was onto the Cannon Valley trail for the 20+ miles of high tempo riding to Cannon Falls. Again, the group split a bit, but we eventually all regrouped at the Econo Foods in Cannon Falls. Even Pat eventually found his way there, so we could all get stocked up on water and gatorade. Except Shad had to get some roasted chicken from the store.

Then is was westward and northward back to Lakeville. We got just some very light sprinkles and had some nice cooling cloud cover as we rolled back to Lakeville. A much welcome rest after the warm sun of most of the day.

With the fantastic SAG support and the terrific lunch in Wabasha, we made record time back to Lakeville and were easily back before 8:00pm.

I vote for SAG support and the picnic lunch every year!!!

I'm really spoiled now.

Tues. 8/10/10

Got out for a quick 20 miles in this hot and humid weather.

I took it easy because of the heat index and the fact that the D to D is this Saturday (I'm tampering).

Then the storms rolled through as we were eating at BW3's with Marie.

Hopefully, I can get one more easy day in then it's "rest up for the big day".

Sat. 8/7/10

The boys from Dunn Brothers were heading out at 8:00am, so I made my way down there.

Unfortunately the sky looked a bit dark to the west and sure enough the weather was predicted to be unfriendly to bike riders.

But like fools, we still decided to head out and if it didn't clear up we race back in.

We headed SW out on cty 8 past the airport and on to High Forrest, but by then the sky was really not looking very nice, so we decided to turn back for town.

I hung on with the group (as the pace got turned up a bit) until the airport road, where I turned east and headed for Simpson.

Just out of Simpson, I felt the first little sprinkle and it wasn't too long before I was on some pretty wet roads. The rain was mostly light, but enough to get me good and wet.

I got in just over 40 miles and now I have to clean my bike...

Tues. 8/3/10

Man, it was hot and humid today.

I decided to take it easy, drink lots of water, and get some spinning time in.

I headed east to Eyota and then on to Dover. There were several other riders out as I neared Eyota, (I think it was Jeff and Chuck?, and I also spotted Martin out there). I continued to Dover feeling strong until I turned around and realized I was getting some help from the wind on the way out.

So, I did my best to keep the RPMs high and cruised back home against the wind.

At least I got a nice cooling breeze for the ride home.

D to D is on the horizon...

Sun. 8/1/10

I made it to Dunn Brothers this morning, where we had 9 riders ready to head south.

We made our way to Simpson and then onward to Spring Valley.

We lost a couple of riders who had other commitments before we arrived in Spring Valley.

After a quick water stop, we continued south to Ostrander, then Leroy, and finally the Iowa boarder. From there we turned back to Leroy for more water.

The ride back to Rochester was a brisk pace as the group rotated nicely.

I peeled off and headed for Stewartville as the group turned toward High Forrest.

I finished the day with 97 miles and very sore legs.

Sat. 7/31/10

I rode up to Jeff's from my house.

Then Jeff, Steve, and I headed NE toward Hammond, Millville, Elgin, then toward cty 9 and finally back to Rochester.

I finished with 57 miles. It was getting warm out by the time I rolled into the driveway.