Change in Plans

Child 2 & 3 met me for lunch for a super nutritious meal of Chicken McNuggets. You just can't beat a .99 cent 6 piece on Tuesday. The following conversation incurred:

#2: Do you want to play disc golf tonight?
Me: Sure, but I'd like to get a ride in first.
#2: Where you going?
Me: I'm not sure, probably Elk Point and back
#2: How far is that?
Me: 30 mile round trip.
#2: I've gone that far before with you, can I go with you?
Me: Let's see how the rest of my work day goes.

Well, I got home and she wasn't back from the pool and when she came in she had forgot our discussion about going for a ride. Then a friend called and conversation number two occurred:

#2: Can I go to the pool with *friend*
Me: Sure, but did you want to go for a ride with me? You don't have to, and it won't hurt my feelings, but I will go with you if you want.
#2: (to friend on phone) I can't tonight, I'm going riding with my Dad!

She was pretty stoked. She got to wear Mom's shoes -- yes, my 11 year old has the same size feet as my wife -- and clip into the Crank Brother pedals for the first time and did amazingly well at it. She also got to put on the Tandem-Com, our communication system on the tandem. After a slight -- and only slight -- dropping of the stokers seat, we were off for a quick ride to Mulberry Point, a little over 16 mile round trip. It was incredibly hot and humid with little to no air moving, which became more evident when we stopped on top of Mulberry Point.

Sometimes a change in plans is just what you need. Sure, I could have went out solo and hammered 30 miles. I've been in a rut and probably needed a good hard ride. However I also want to encourage my children to ride and that is of utmost importance to me. I want them to know and love the freedom and lifestyle of cycling.

Tonight was time well spent. I now have a weekly date on the bike with my daughter, if not more.

No matter how fast we went, we just couldn't shake these two on our ride.


All smiles as Dad takes a shot over his shoulder.



Eating a few grapes during a quick break on top of Mulberry Point.

Sometimes You Need A Release

As most of you know, I've really been babying the back as of late so I haven't really done many hard pushes on the bike and my conditioning is showing it. I needed the stress release tonight as a few computer issues that I've been working on are driving me crazy. I took off into a 10-15 mph wind on a solo ride and realized I was holding about 18.5 mph. I decided to keep pushing to see if I could kick the overall average above 20 mph.

Results: 20.5 mph average including in town riding. My back, well, it might not be ecstatic about my push, but it isn't completely disowning me either. I also had a couple thoughts about my computer issues along the way. Bike therapy complete. Cost = free. Paid in full.

Dealing With Dogs

I admit it, I've simply had it with dogs and I'm refusing to deal with them anymore. If a dog chases me on rural roads beyond their property and on to the roads in an attack mode, and do not respond to a "GO HOME" shouted at them, I'm calling the Sheriff's Department of that county to report them. I simply don't have time or the will to talk to every individual dog owner anymore.

Since CDV was bitten a couple weeks ago, he's been pretty gun shy on the roads when it comes to dogs. Today got my guard up a little as well. CDV, Kathy R., and myself were headed up towards Spink. Kathy had no more talked about dogs that had come at her last June and here they came. I was hoping they would remain on their property, but it wasn't to be. They worked damn well as a team too. While I was yelling at the one on my right to go home, I suddenly felt hot breath as I had one nipping at my left heel. I accelerated to get away but CDV had already dismounted and was using his bike as a shield between himself and the dog. That worked for one, but like I said, they were working VERY well in pairs and Craig had his head on a swivel watching both dogs. He slowly walked down the road watching the dogs, with his dog spray in one hand.

The dogs didn't give up for the better part of a half mile. I didn't settle down all day about the incident. When we got around to Elk Point I called the Sheriff's Office. There were supposedly going to contact me later. They didn't. I called back later in the evening and I received a "Um, I'm not sure, but we had a deputy in the area and I *think* he talked to them." Um...not good enough. I turned it up a notch by emailing. We will see if I get a response. The email? Allow me to make it public here for conversation:

Dear Union County Sheriff's Department:

Today at about 1:45 pm, between 317th and 316th street on the Spink Oil (473rd Ave.) we had a major dog incident. As bicyclists, we have encounters with dogs and are skilled in how to handle them. Most of them, with a simple "GO HOME" will turn tail and go home. Most never leave their yards and are just protecting their property line. These two dogs did not respond to many very loud "GO HOME" yells and were very aggressively bearing their teeth and working as a team to approach me on each side of the bike, one nipping at my left heel.

My friend, Craig DeVelder, dismounted his bike as he was recently bit by a dog in Meckling, SD and is understandably a little "dog shy". He was keeping his bike between himself and the dogs as we know as the best method from articles we have read and from other riders. These dogs did NOT tire of the chase as he continued to walk his bike away from them. The dogs were no less than a 1/4 mile away from their farm and closer to a 1/2 mile before they gave up finally.

Kathy Roberts from McCook Lake, who was also with us today, has had a run in last June with these same dogs and stated that the owner was outside and managed to get one of the two back but one still was on the road before it finally turned around.

Based on SD Codified Law 40-34-14, I see no reason for these dogs to not be on record as vicious dogs. To save you having to look it up it is copied below:

40-34-14. Vicious dog defined. For the purposes of §§ 40-34-13 to 40-34-15, inclusive, a vicious dog is:

(1) Any dog which, when unprovoked, in a vicious or terrorizing manner approaches in apparent attitude of attack, or bites, inflicts injury, assaults, or otherwise attacks a human being upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or places; or

(2) Any dog which, on private property, when unprovoked, in a vicious or terrifying manner approaches in apparent attitude of attack, or bites, or inflicts injury, or otherwise attacks a mailman, meter reader, serviceman, journeyman, delivery man, or other employed person who is on private property by reason of permission of the owner or occupant of such property or who is on private property by reason of a course of dealing with the owner of such private property.

Source: SL 1988, ch 330, § 2.

There is no doubt in my mind that these dogs are both well within the realms of being labeled vicious and I would appreciate them being labeled as such. I refuse to give up one of our training routes because of dogs. Once these dogs came on the road and were nipping at my heels, the line was clearly crossed. Attached are some pictures that Kathy Roberts took during our ride today.

Please feel free to contact me anytime for further information or to inform me of the action that was taken in this complaint. I have also cc'd Craig and Kathy so you have their emails if you have further questions as well.



Sincerely,


Kevin Brady
Vice President, South Dakota Bicycle Coalition
*street*
*town - zip*
*phone*

Return of the BBT

I wasn't sure if I'd get back in time to do a second ride with Laura last night so I suggested that we ride the Tandem (BBT) to Elk Point and back. She's been trying to do more solo rides, but ANY ride is better than no ride. Like clockwork when we ride the tandem, that means the weather will be brutal in one way or another. Well, it decided to be "interesting" both directions.

On the way to Elk Point we battled a strong headwind in chilly temperatures. Shortly before we left Vermillion, Ed F. stated "We're going to get rained on". Nah..it's not going to rain. Rule #1: Never second guess a guy with 60+ years of life experience. We had a mist on the way down and it looked like we were in the clear. Then CDV called his wife who stated that it was raining in Vermillion. Crap. Sure enough, even though we were hauling 20-25mph (quite easily) on the way home, we quickly ran into a drizzle that was with us most of the way home.

Even the rain and the wind didn't dampen our riding spirits by the time we were home. The ride was a great workout and it was great to get Laura out on the BBT. It was also great to have a couple more riders (Kwen S. and Ed F. -- and yes, they are both 60+ in age for the rest of you wusses who duck the weather) join us for this trek. Hopefully some more of the Lane Hogs will reappear from their winter biking cocoons.

Ride on. Without excuses.

Momentary Lapse of Rational Thinking

Laura and I made another trip to Brunswick, NE today. I helped Laura's Grandpa with some minor drawer details to our "Captain's Bed" that we are building and then we planed some boards that will eventually be the headboard for the bed. There will be a much longer post on this when it is done and delivered, but for now, the teaser is that the drawer fronts and the headboard are all "native" wood. The boards have been ripped down and planed from a couple of ash trees that were cut down in Brunswick. It's been amazing to me watching a "tree" become a "board". Yeah, I know...it's the simple things that entertain simple people.

On to my lapse in thinking/ability to do math. Laura was late getting back into Brunswick and after we loaded up a cedar chest and said our goodbyes, it was already getting late. I had the bike with and I really wanted to get a ride in. So, I started doing fuzzy math/logic in my head: "If you drop me off in Laurel, I'll have a bit of a tail wind and cross wind and should be able to make it home before sunset". Sounded reasonable, after all, it was only 6:15 or so when I said it. Problem was, we had 45 minutes of driving before Laurel.

By the time I got out and dressed at the Gas Station in Laurel, got the bike tires pumped up, chain lubed, and got rolling it was 7:22 (okay 7:21:59 according to my Garmin). Oh yeah, from that station to my house is 35.72 miles. I took off at a good pace, and quickly started redoing math and realizing that it was time to go into race mode. Whatever you got, it's time to use it up.

The stretch from Laurel to Hwy 12 has decent rolls in it, but with a tail wind of around 10mph, I made pretty decent work of those. Hwy 12, turning back slightly SE, I went back into the wind a bit and really had to push because NOW it was getting dark fast. Luck was on my side, because on this road with NO shoulder (white line IS the shoulder) I was passed only by one car in that stretch. A few oncoming, but overall pretty quiet.

As soon as I turned south towards Vermillion, I had to take my sunglasses off, even with the orange lenses in them. It was getting THAT dark. I got passed shortly before the Missouri River bridge and I went as fast as I could so I would not get passed on the bridge. When I turned off on Dakota Street heading towards the airport, my cell phone rings: "Where are you at?". Luckily I was in coming-in-for-landing mode because the Mrs. was in worry-mode. She's usually pretty calm about my riding but this time she was justifiable in her fears.

Oh well, I made it. I'm alive. Now I have one more story to tell over beers with the biking buddies.

Dear cycling class...tomorrow may be a pretty easy day for you all. I'm sensing parts of my body that may not be happy with me.

LBL Recap

What a great weekend away from Vermillion. Ride Vermillion and I, along with our families, headed to Omaha on Friday night in preparation for our short jaunt to the "Hell of the Midwest" -- LBL -- on Saturday morning.

Looking at the weather guess on Friday night it wasn't looking too promising. Never throughout the day was the chance of rain less that 60%. Upon waking up in the morning, it was indeed already raining. We headed out to Lincoln anyway and in a couple spots it was really raining hard.

As we pulled into eDLoNNie's house, it was not raining as hard. By 9:45, it had quit completely, the skies opened up, and the sun was shining beautifully. After a wonderful breakfast and a Schmaltz He'Brew Pomegranate Ale, we rolled out towards our first destination of the day: Denton, NE. After suffering through one frosty mug of Miller Lite, I asked for a little tomato juice to make it bearable on the second. I found out that went down very well. Too well. Order a second (red) pitcher well. You guessed it, that wasn't such a grand idea.

The rolls between Denton and our second stop, Crete, allowed me many opportunities to relive how wonderful those red beers tasted. I started getting that "beer headache" between Denton and Crete, so I opted for Coke at our lunch stop to get my caffeinated life back on track.

After a great lunch we rolled back to Lincoln where we found out that the MuSCLe had a flat and they had to go back and get him, and that eDBiLLy and John were "lost". Shortly after eDLoNNie left for the MuSCLe, eDBiLLy and John showed up after taking their "alternate" route. All was well in the universe again.

After some chili, a giant cinnamon roll, and a second round of Schmaltz brewing called the Messiah Bold, CDV and I rolled back to Omaha to be with the family and go out for dinner.

After packing up in the morning we parted ways as our clan went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. If you live and the area and you've never been, you should. I'm not sure I could ever tire of the zoo there. We spent five hours walking around until everybody had hit the wall of energy expenditure and we made our way back to South Dakota.

Up next in the biking world: Bunyan's to Bob's - May 30th. More details to follow...

Back 2 Back 30 milers

Two 30 milers: One with "Craig Squared" and one solo. Both at a decent pace. I really tried not to kill Craig and Craig, but later found out that the pace may have pushed them. But...you know what...that's okay too. A day later, I bet they both needed it and are thanking me...right?

Craig T. informed Craig D. that our average once we got out of town was 19.1 and was one of the fastest "training rides" that he had ever been on. Considering he's a really good athlete, even though he qualifies for the senior games now -- not that there's anything wrong with that, I'll take that as a compliment!



Tonight was a race against the clock. I had a meeting at 7:00 and I didn't get out until just after 5:30. I had to make some good time to get in my near 30 miler. Averaging 18.1 into the wind on the way down, along with averaging 24.0 on the way back made for a 20.6 overall average. The Gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus all hurt from the hard push, but my legs feel pretty good for early season.

Good Friday Ride

I had one taker on a longer ride for a Good Friday afternoon. Reid R. came along for a 75 miler as we both were trying to get a decent early season ride in training for the 2009 Gut Check. Considering how little any of us have been able to get out this spring, it was a little more than either of us was ready for. Pushing into the wind for the first 25 miles may have had something to do with that, but by the time we hit the hills south of Irene, we were both pretty baked.

After stopping at the PIT in Wakonda for a Newcastle Brown Ale (energy drink) the last 21 miles back to Vermillion went from decent pace, to slower, to survival. Reid told me to go on that he would make it at his own pace, but it was a good excuse for me to slow down and I wanted to make sure my riding partner ended up getting back safely.

It was definitely a good early season test. The temps were a little cool and sun never really made it's way through so the leg muscles never got to warm up properly. I may have hurt the young 22 year old on this ride, but I'm almost positive that he will return the favor in the future as he has the confidence and the time to become a great cyclist.

Week of Riding Recap

March can be such a bad month for training due to it's varying temps and conditions, but for at least one week, the weather was pretty stellar. To cap off the week we had eight rollers on Saturday leave for a 50+ miler. Ride Vermillion, Cactus-Eyed Joe, Cindy L., Evie J., Reid R., David R., myself along with Kwen S. (for a short while) left Latte Da after a quick caffination process was complete. I was very pleased for such an early season ride. Granted one was back from Rapid City and another will be leaving us for the summer, but it was still a great turnout and gives me hope that group rides are making a comeback with the Lane Hogs!

Saturday we rolled to Elk Point and then on to Jefferson and looped back around. The wind was steady but we have definitely ridden in worse in South Dakota. It sure was fun once we made the turn and had it at our backs for the way home.



Overall I topped out at a little over 173 miles for the week as training for the 2009 Hwy 212 Gut Check begins in earnest!

The Sound of Two Wheels Rolling

I used a couple hours of annual leave from work today for the simple fact that it was going to be in the 55-60 degree range for the first time in about sixteen years. Alright, it only seems that long.

I actually overdressed a little, but I hammered out 30 miles to Elk Point and back on the road bike solo. Winds were out of the south at about 15 so it was a little tough on the way down as I just haven't been out in what seems like an eternity. Took me 53 minutes to bust the 15 miles there. The way home was much easier clocking in at 36 minutes. I still haven't put a computer back on the bike but could easily tell that I was flying pretty good on the way back.

Hwy 212 Gut Check training begins OUTSIDE finally. I've been dying to start doing rides that mean something to my training. Here's hoping that after the upcoming cold snap that we get back to "riding weather". Although, after tomorrow, it doesn't appear that we will see 50 again in the ten day forecast. It's time to put on my big boy pants, suck it up, and start riding anyway.

A Full Year of Bicycle Rides

It sure looks like a busy year of bicycle rides upcoming. I'm looking forward to getting out as much as possible, but I doubt I'll hit every ride I'd like to. If I could hit every one, here's what my schedule will look like:

3/14 - Yankton St. Pat's ride
4/18 - LBL - Somewhere near Lincoln, NE - CiTy BiLLy ride
5/16 - Meet in the Middle - Possible FAB/Lane Hog ride
5/30 - Bunyan's to Bob's - Vermillion - a CiTy BiLLy NoRTh production
6/7-6/12 - Tour de Kota
6/21-6/27 - Faces to the Falls (not sure if this is still in the works or not)
7/4 - Beresford 125k Ride
7/11 - FABRAD - Sioux Falls
8/1 & 8/2 - MS Pedal the Plains
8/7-8/9 - Hwy 212 Gut Check
8/15 - Meet in the Middle - Possible FAB/Lane Hog ride
8/22 - Tour de Corn (Mitchell)/Onabike (Onawa, IA) - which way shall I go?
9/12 - Margarita Ride VIII - Vermillion - You don't want to be the person missing THIS ride.
9/19 - Sanford's Biking 4 Breast Cancer
10/10 - Schnoctobeerfest - Fremont, NE - Yet another CiTy BiLLy production

Cactus-Eyed Joe is also looking at putting together weekly time trials in Vermillion. More details to follow on that.

Photos From Saturday's Ride

Quite the group of riders showed up on a day that turned out b-e-a-u-tiful, albeit with a cool beginning. Here are a few shots from the ride.





Only one of the dudes below is a true Lane Hog. It's the one to the far right...go figure!



Since I couldn't pass these dudes, I reflected on the fact that after nearly 20,000 miles on my bike that I've never read the safety warnings in the owners manual. Duly panicked, I nearly got off and walked the rest of the way. Nearly...

The Last After Work Ride of the Year

As CDV and I rolled into town at a mere 6:00 tonight and it was already pretty dark, we came to the conclusion that with Daylight Savings Time starting Sunday, this was it for our after work out of town rides.

There is more than a little depression that sets in with that admission. I would much rather wake up in the dark than to come home in it. Although I will still do my share of outside riding, and although there will be boundless amounts of taunting from Mr. Bite, it is time to set up the indoor trainer. Last year I did very little beyond Cycling Classes in the dome, but I'm doing it for two reasons this year:

1. Motivation for Mrs. Biking Brady to get on the trainer and be stronger when spring comes around.

2. Gut Check Training. I feel one of my main advantages was the ability to stay very consistent with my training for almost a year before the Gut Check '07. I really am not sure I would have made it if I hadn't had very consistent off season base on the trainer. Was the immense amount of miles I put on the trainer torture that year? Yes, undoubtedly. Was it worth it to finish the Gut Check? More than you can imagine. Now it's time to allow CDV to have that feeling in '09.

A "Casual" 70 Miler

Ever ride a "casual" 70 miler? I usually don't, but I did today. Other than being a bit cold at the start (45ish degrees) and going into a 10mph wind that did nothing but get stronger, we didn't work extremely hard today. It was great to just kick back and enjoy the company of those brave enough to come along on a cool, windy day.

I couldn't get the "younger" crowd to come along on this ride. Apparently the conditions scared them away. CDV had a meeting and was bummed he couldn't make it so I'll let him slide this time.

Just who were the takers? Ed F., proudly admitting that he is in his 60's (and retired, he LOVES to bring THAT up) and Cycling Cathy, in her 40's (see Cathy, I'm still nice!) who met us in Gayville and rode to Yankton and back with us.

The push from Gayville to Yankton was a slow go because of the wind, and thoughts of lunch started entering our mind. We decided on Hy-Vee and had a good and "fairly" healthy meal. Upon finishing and chatting for awhile, we went outside, mounted up, and I noticed that my front was flat. I'm sure this was a product of riding on the shoulders that had considerable gravel. I couldn't find my mirror to wear on my sunglasses and it's amazing you become a "Timmy" (Ed's word) when you are used to that, so I spent most of the day as far to the right as I could. I changed the tire and we headed out over the old Meridian bridge and then over the new bridge to check it out. Pictures of the day that I took on Cathy's camera can be seen HERE.

On the way home I mentioned to Ed that I'd never heard the word "Timmy" for being timid. He wasn't using the word for me, but that's another story that I promised not to tell. He said that he learned new words in the Midwest like "honyocker". I laughed and said that I hadn't heard that in quite awhile and asked where he had heard it. He look over and said "from YOU". I'm such a bad influence. A discussion ensued where we discussed the meaning of the word and we came to the conclusion that it meant "jerk" although the urban dictionary entry says that it 'one who lacks respectability or social graces'. I also learned that there is a Honyocker Furniture in Letcher, SD which made me laugh.

At any rate, the ride home was very quick as we enjoyed a 15-20 mph tailwind. I didn't ride a century as my knee is upset for some reason and I really didn't feel like another 15 into the wind. I had a blast on my "casual" 70 miler and it was fun to share time with Ed and Cathy Jo.

Dakota Days Weekend

As usual, Dakota Days (USD's Homecoming for you outsiders), was a fun busy day. First, as always is the parade. I stopped by an old 730th Med Company National Guard buddy's house for a couple beers and then watched the parade with family and friends. I had to cut out early to get to the Dome for "crew call" for the Daktronics board. The Coyotes started off sluggish before taking Missouri S&T to the woodshed in the second half.

Tomorrow is a scholarship benefit ride/run for a young lady who lost a battle with cancer. The forecast doesn't look promising at all, but if it DOESN'T rain, the Biking Brady's and the Ride Vermillion family will be nine members strong at the ride/run. No matter what I think that CDV and I are going to tough it out regardless of the weather. The ride is all of 6.2 miles, but it's for a great cause and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Not to mention the kids are pretty geared up for it.

IF..BIG IF..the weather holds after that (60% chance of rain by 1:00 with winds from the South at 25 mph), CDV and I are going to test drive his new ride at a longer distance so he can get a good feel for it. Hard to get a feel for anything with a 25mph wind though...except on the way back. Ride update(s) to follow.

The Return of the BBT

After a layoff from the arm injury and shorter ride time after work, the BBT returned to the road for a quick 17 miler with CDV last night. Laura admitted that she missed riding lately. I think she's hooked for life now.

The colors are starting to change. We stopped across the river at Mulberry Point and the scene was spectacular as always. I love fall. I don't necessarily love what comes after it.

In other news B2B Fall Colors Tour is this Saturday. Please confirm if you are going to be riding. So far I know that thE_kErnEl and Hellimat are coming from Sioux Falls. I also know CDV and I will be there along with a couple other confirm-ees. It's time to commit people!

Area Hill Work

Yesterday's "Rollers Riding Rollers" ride made me wonder how some of my favorite hill rides stack up. None of them are near the same length, but it appears that all three of these rides are pretty close in proportion.

Chad's loop is definitely an impressive one. No matter which way he goes for a training ride there is not a completely flat stretch for about 10 miles in any direction.



Next Saturday we are planning the B2B Fall Colors Ride. A one way map of that shows that is stacks up admirably as well. The catch? Most of it is on gravel, and in spots some loose gravel that makes climbing tougher. It too is a beautiful ride however.



Last but certainly not least is my favorite solo ride. An out and back loop -- more by necessity than lack on loop imagination -- is to Laurel, NE. I've never taken anybody with me on this loop for a couple reasons: Many times I get picked up along the way to Laura's Grandparents/Aunt and Uncle's house and due to narrow roads that are hilly, I'm a little nervous to encourage a group ride on it. The road is moderately low traveled, but to take many on this hilly road makes me nervous. It's definitely a "ride right" and not two abreast ride.



Analysis: They are all epic hill workouts that I'm throwing out there for your "enjoyment". Need a riding buddy on any of these, let me know!

Chad's Fall Rollers Riding Rollers Ride

Due to far too many Saturday events going on, I had to go for maximum participation points and I headed over to the early ride of the day so I had time to complete the rest of my family duties. Chad Pond sent out a ride early in the week that he's been teasing us with for quite some time and I have to say that I'm impressed. I've ridden in the area a few times, but the route he chose for us definitely had some serious rolling hills for a 47 mile ride.

It was a small group of Lane Hogs attending, but I can see this ride becoming a bigger deal in the future. It really is a great ride with some awesome views from the top of some of the hills. Other than Cycling Cathy's complete stand up comedy routine in Hawarden that had us all in stitches, the memory of the day had to come from "Frank" the combine (that a Disney Car's reference for the uninformed) chasing the riders uphill and then having the bikes pull away downhill. Running through my mind the whole time was: "That's Frank!" (again...you have to know the movie). Here is a photo of "Frank" chasing 'em down.



Here is the profile of the ride. It may not seem like much, but it is nearly constant rolls.



It was a great ride and many thanks to Chad (and his wife Cathy) for hosting!



Oh yeah...FAB boys...the "crazy tire changing chick" was there. She said she'll be there to change your tires for you in the future.

Road Test

Today's ride started out with noticeable pain in the arm but seemed to get better after about the second mile. I decided to hammer pretty hard to see if my legs can still do it. I rode hard until about 3 miles from town when I caught Mike B. on his mountain bike. I hadn't talked to him in awhile so I cruised back in with him. Even though he was on a mountain bike, he was moving right along. I had my Garmin with me (since I went all year without a computer on my bike) to see how I did. Amazingly I held 18.8 even cruising back in with Mike. Road test successful. Gut Check training can now commence.

Back in the Saddle

The arm? About 85% healthy with minor aches. The feeling of a 22 mile after work ride after a 4 week layoff: Priceless.

I had toyed with the idea of riding tonight, then talked myself out of it. When I got home and knew how nice it was, I talked myself back in. I asked Laura if she wanted to get on the Big Blue Tandem but she was already starting the grill and declined. It was at this point I said hello to my road bike for the first time in quite awhile.

It felt good to get a few hard miles in. I just rode over to Hwy 12 in Nebraska and back, but I would be hard pressed to remember when I was so happy just to be out on the bike. I was getting a little stir crazy.