Tues. 7/26

I did the ol standby (my 51 miles) route.

Light winds from the SSE meant the way out was more work and the way back was more fun.

I felt really good the whole ride (even though I did slow down in a couple of places).

Sun. 7/24

Got out on my 51 mile route this morning, trying to beat the heat of the day.

There was a NNW wind, so the last stretches were the worst and by the time I pulled into the driveway I was plenty tired.

I think yesterday's ride was still weighing heavy on my legs.

Man, do I need to get back in shape...

Sat. 7/23

Well I decided to take a gamble and ride with the group from Dunn Brothers South today.

The plan was to ride SE to Chatfield, so I figured I could turn off at a number of locations if I needed to.

The pace was high enough that I hung out at the back all morning.

We stopped in Chatfield for some water and stuff. Then it was up cty 2.

The pace was high again, but still not too high that I couldn't hang on.

But as we got over the top, the pace ramped up and that is where I started to feel it. About halfway to cty 1, I ran out of gas and was dropping off the back. I had come to the realization that I would be riding back by myself when the group slowed up. I told them, that they didn't need to wait, but they did anyway.

As we turned on cty 1, you could see the sky getting dark.

Everyone turned on hwy 30 and headed for Stewartville, except me and one other guy. We stayed heading north on cty 1.

As we got near Simpson, the sky really went dark. I mentioned to the other guy, that he could head to my house and wait out the storm, but at the last minute he decided he was going to push on toward Mayo High School.

I turned and hightailed it for home, but as I neared Burr Oak School the sky let loose. So I ducked into the entry way of Burr Oak and watched as it poured, hailed, lightning all around, and terrific wind gusts.

I hope the others found shelter somewhere...

Wed. 7/20

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Sat. 7/16

I got in the 51 mile route today.

The SE winds were a bit more than I expected and the heat was starting to ramp up there just as I got home.

Plenty of water along the way helped me get through it.

Sunday was a bust, as the 90% humidity and 80+ degrees already at 8:00am signaled a "rest day"...

Back in the saddle again...

Well, lots of things have gotten in my way of riding lately.

But I'm hoping most of that is behind me now.

Time to get some miles in.

So, I got in 35 miles on Sunday and again on Monday.

Next up, some longer days in the saddle...