The Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club has a system of trails at Kickapoo State Park near Danville IL This is an area that was extensively strip mined for coal for many years The mountain bike trails run amidst the various piles of spoil and ponds The trails are rated from easy to highly technical Being a … Continue reading "Rich Goes Mountain Biking (sort of)"
As the 1977 Chevrolet Ad stated: Now that’s more like it! Warm (Hot) temperatures and lots of wind have dried the fields to the point a cloud of dust trails the planter Fuzzy photo shot on the fly of the almost ubiquitous John Deere equipment Planting along 4000N A little farther west on 4000N Recently … Continue reading "Just Riding Around Looking at Fields"
This is admittedly not a very attractive photo, but February isn’t exactly the most attractive month around here. And after my poor showing in last month’s challenge, it’s time to get back in the game. So in the photo above, you will see a Parking Lot, containing Motor vehicles, and also a Puddle on the … Continue reading "It’s February — Time To Get Back In The Game"
For some reason I thought the chimney challenge would be a snap, imagining that Tucson would be crammed with colorful and interesting chimneys. I’d never actually looked around with that in mind though, and once I did I was in for a deep disappointment. Nearly every home here has some short, blah stub that barely … Continue reading "Chimney, chairs, & cheer"
Actually, those aren’t cholla – they’re some variety of prickly pear – but I like cholla because it starts with ch-, one of the magic digraphs for the month. Also I like it because it allows me to raise an important point, with apologies if it’s already been raised before but I haven’t been reading … Continue reading ""
Well’ I’m pretty confidant that my Christmas was the hottest, definitely no snow was predicted. I got up at first light, drove the car to Guildford (5am start) then rode to the beach. I got back to the car at 10.40am before it got unbearably hot. I’ve created some videos of my ride below. A … Continue reading "A Bicycling Christmas Day Evading Furious Grotesque Heat."
Are uncannily and triplicated even real words? We’ll see what the reigning Challenge Czar has to say about it. More importantly, have I lost track and used STU already in an Alphabet Quest submission? I hope not, because I think you’ll like this photo of a black stilt, his reflection and his shadow that I … Continue reading "Uncannily Triplicated Stilt"
It’s serendipitous when the dictates of the reigning Challenge Czar coincidentally coincide with my own interests of the moment; such as today, when I’m happy to see that my latest Alphabet Quest entry begins with Q, the hot letter de jour. I’ve had this sequence in mind for awhile, and finally found what I was … Continue reading "Quaint Religious Structure"
I love setting my own rules for how to interpret the alphabet game. My primary self-imposed rule is to describe a photo with three words beginning with consecutive letters of the alphabet. But I’m quite certain that I didn’t stipulate that the three words needed to be in any order. It’s a good thing, too. … Continue reading "Keen Javalina Lineup!"
Such a mortification. My latest solution to the Alphabet Quest felt like a stretch – Sleek Transport Vessel, for the ferry back from Coronado after circling San Diego Bay? I wasn’t that sold on ‘sleek’ for this ferry, but nothing better came to mind. If I hadn’t been focused so much on that, I wouldn’t … Continue reading "Scooter Trips Up!"
(A note from the management: the site isn’t going away, and if it seems to work properly as long as you use the https// access, Tuere’s no imminent need to change anything. We just want to step back from responsibility for repairing what’s broken). We’re in hog heaven, biking up Hog Canyon on one of … Continue reading "Failed Grape Harvest?"
No bicycling here, but I’ve been assured that hikes are now welcomed so this should qualify. We stopped off at Point Lobos on the drive from Petaluma to San Luis Obispo, making our way to Tucson in five easy pieces. Point Lobos is a beautiful place for a walk, with plenty of interest no matter … Continue reading "Neatly Ordered Pelicans"
Today is our last day in Portland for awhile – we’re moving south in the morning – and I was hopeful that I could bet one more challenge entry in before we leave town. I set off in the cold to Kelly Point, confident that I’d find the fencepost I’d imagined would be there. As … Continue reading "Deeply Etched Fencepost"
Portland definitely is struggling through some negatives lately, but if you admire trees it’s still a fine place to hang out. For some reason the great, majestic elm in Overlook Park has become my favorite tree in town. Why this specific tree? No obvious reason I suppose, other than the fact that it stands so … Continue reading "Completely Defoliated Elm"
I have to give the creative Mr. Garceau a lot of credit and respect. Month after month he’s coming up with new ideas that keep us motivated and moving. Doesn’t Ever Fail! Really Strange Though. Absolutely Bonkers Character, I think sometimes. He has one Great Honkin’ Imagination, that’s for sure. So I don’t know if this … Continue reading "Ball-Chasing Dogs"
I can see that this is going to be an addictive challenge. I’m finding myself biking along with a series of letters running through my head trying to think up a plausible combination I might actually see. ABC is easy enough though, as I quickly discovered on my Metric Birthday Ride. We’ll see how hard … Continue reading "Assertive Black Chicken"
I know, I know. I’m a fair weather cyclist, and quite happily so. At 75 (or nearly anyway), I feel entitled to pick my days. We’ve already got one Storm Chaser on the website after all, and who needs another? So, pretty uninteresting weather to report here, but it makes up for it by being … Continue reading "Sauvie Sunday, again"
I headed out first thing today for an early Thanksgiving morning ride down to the river. It was a chilly 22F/-6C as I headed out the door. This area is called Retreat Meadows, which I’ve featured before in winter, populated with ice shanties. No shanties yet, but there was a thin film of ice on … Continue reading "Thanksgiving Morning Ramble"
For us there have been many wonderful benefits from selling our home and going vagabond almost four years ago. One negative though is that there are some excellent rides near home that we used to enjoy often and in all seasons but now may experience only once or twice a year. Sauvie Island is like … Continue reading "Foggy Sauvie Sunday"
After a few days of dense jet-lag induced fog, I’m happy to report that more interesting weather has finally returned. There’ll plenty of more interesting weather ahead in the coming days back here in Portland, but we got a break from the rain today wide enough for a cruise out Marine Drive.
Today was supposed to be the Vaya’s turn for a ride but as you can see, it’s huddled inside sadly looking out the garage door. You might possibly remember a photo that Rich posted yesterday that looked remarkably similar to the one above. That’s because Rich was nice enough to send his weather our way. … Continue reading "And The Rain Headed East"
I woke up Sunday morning feeling extra refreshed from that bonus hour of sleep, so decided it would be a great day for an early morning ride. It was a beautiful clear, sunny morning but cold, with the temperature around 29F/-2C. I decided the best plan was a mostly gravel road ride up on the … Continue reading "Sunday Morning Ride"
The day surprises us when we wake up in Rome this morning. Weather again! The streak continues! Even better, the weather is fair. We’d come to the Eternal City as the best place to sit out an expected string of rainy days, but instead there’s all of this sun streaming in our window. Monuments and … Continue reading "The streak continues"
Well, this is good news! When we open up Weather.com today it shows that there will be weather on a daily basis for the next two weeks! It’s too soon to say what will occur beyond that, but if things go well we can expect weather for the rest of the month. So, odds are … Continue reading ""
OK,Greg. Now I feel really bad. Here’s one last post for the October challenge, to help bring the team up to quota. PLEASE DON’t GO! Today’s post is from a ride from two weeks ago, our ride to Acqui Terme, an interesting hot spring spa in the Italian Piedmont region. The decorated bike shot is … Continue reading "Guide bikes"
So, good so far. Our challengemaster is grudgingly cool with posts about someone else’s bike, and with toon bikes. How about implied bikes? This submission of a brown marmorated stink bug that hopped on the back of my bike during our lunch break on our ride to Bassano del Grappa surely will be greeted with … Continue reading "An implied bike?"
So let’s test this slippery slope a bit further and see how far we can slide. A decorated bike but not your own squeaked past the judge’s table without getting the hook. How about toon bikes? You’d think this particular judge would look approvingly on this, but one never knows. Who knows why these fish … Continue reading "Fish on bikes!"
Thanks to Suzanne for slapping me beside the head and pointing out that I could post submissions for this month without decorating my own bike, something that’s not quite in my comfort zone for some reason. So today, from the Italian Piedmont region, I can offer up this wonderful vegetable stand we passed by on a … Continue reading "Vegetable stand"
A very roughly cobbled together soybean title on the top tube of the Raleigh Just when the Illinois State Police report sighting of strange phenomena of unknown origin the fields at night, and luminescent corn kernels align on bicycle frames . . . . . Look what appears!! Click HERE for a photo essay of … Continue reading "Rides/October Challenge"
Nothing of huge importance or interest, just stuff seen along the way Pretty ho hum stuff, but always good to see such while pedaling Video: Riding north on CR990E aka Range Line Road
Weather was beautiful, bright sun, cool temperatures, light and variable winds Doesn’t happen often in Illinois but occasionally it does and this morning and a few preceding mornings it did. Take advantage when it happens. Next decision was: Where to go? Decided to head down 7th street to CR 4000N and make the decision then. … Continue reading "Perfect Morning for a Ride"
So what’s the most uplifting thing we saw today? So much to choose from: cows, a pigeon, sheep, a lovely young lady on her bike taking her pony for a walk? The thirteenth straight day of fine cycling weather? Maybe seeing a Bixnmacherie, which of course we all know is a Bavarian ritual to shower … Continue reading "Spoiled for choice"
Happiness is getting out for a ride in the morning while the sun is still low in the sky and the air is fresh. By the way it is the 14th beautiful sunny day in a row (if I count the day when the sun didn’t come out until 4 p.m. and Scott says that’s … Continue reading "Happiness is … (14)"
I’m so happy because My Beautiful Wife BJ has that famous trike grin back on her face. She has a brand spanking new trike pimped out with electric assist that I find hard to keep up with. She used to have a trike and we loved riding together, but for various reasons she had to … Continue reading "Happiness is … a riding partner back in action"
Well, you already knew what a fine visit we had with Suzanne and Janos. That was old news yesterday, so it’s really old news today. You’ve even seen video for the second day already, because Suzanne has been so hot to post first and hog all the attention. if you’ve still got any attention left … Continue reading "Gals and gulls"
I’m sure you all remember a few months ago, we had the face challenge. I really enjoyed all the faces that people found, but I never really got into a groove finding my own. I just couldn’t seem to see those faces when I was out and about riding. So today, I was very happy … Continue reading "Better Late Than Never"
By now you know that at long last we met up with Suzanne and Janos yesterday and again today. I feel remiss in seeing that Suzanne has already posted three times about our visit these last two days, and we’re finally getting around to our first one. We have our excuses though: the WiFi in … Continue reading "Some old news"
Happiness is when you see those two vagabond cyclists appear on the horizon. I was very excited (and didn’t get the best pictures) when we finally saw Rachael and Scott riding down the road. For three years we had been talking about meeting up some time some where. So here they are, my cycling heroes, … Continue reading "Happiness is … (9)"
Two storks in the field, naturally. We know they’re around the region in the summer but had about concluded they’d all flown south for the winter when we found these two on the way to Dinkelsbuhl. The highlight of the day.
A rogue shower had just passed thru town, and after the sprinkles stopped, a short ride down 7th street sounded like a good idea That’s the shower down there, but not going that far right now, so all is good 🙂 On the way south on 7th I noticed an interesting plant/weed and made a … Continue reading "Ride Down 7th Street"
If we don’t count the political arena and that forty percent of our country has gone stone cold crazy I don’t get sad or angry that often; but I’ll be on the watch for the next time and let you know about it. In the meantime though we have so many things to be happy … Continue reading "Lunch buddies"
If being in Bacharach doesn’t pop at least a few ear worms into your head, you don’t know your Bacharach. Biking down the Rhine as we left Bacharach I had three of his infectious tunes rotating through my head as we hoped the rain would hold off until we reached our next hotel. We did … Continue reading "Leaving Bacharach"
No no, not that kind of streaking. This isn’t the 1970’s after all. I’m talking about the consecutive days of riding kind of streak. I haven’t mentioned this up to now, not wanting to jinx things, but the last day that I didn’t ride was back on April 27th. That makes today’s ride day 120. … Continue reading "Streaking"
We’ve heard from the best authorities that wallabies make a great snack, so we were excited to spot one on our ride to Hasselt. Unfortunately it was safe behind a chain link fence, and we couldn’t find any on the menu when we cruised the restaurants for dinner. We’ll keep watching though.
OK, I shamelessly copied and pasted Greg’s last post title with a few alterations but doing something as easy as you can appeals to me. I rode my bike up to Kalamunda’s Sunday Growers Market yesterday hoping to get some fresh Blue Mana Crabbs but they’re not in season so I ended up going into … Continue reading "“Cyclist’s Favourite Treats, And Where To Find Them In Lednar’s Town”"
We’re staying in Belgium for the first few days of our tour, but it’s close enough to the border that we were able to bike to Hulst in the Netherlands on a day ride. I’d wondered how we’d find food in the Netherlands, but an Italian pannenkoek (pancake) for lunch was quite nice. There’s a … Continue reading "Pannenkoek: our Dutch word of the day"
Friday was scheduled to be my last day at my son’s house, so I decided before I left to take one more ride on the local rail trail before heading home. Just north of Millerton, NY, I see a couple of touring cyclists approaching me, riding some sort of interesting looking small-wheeled bikes. They look … Continue reading "You Just Never Know Who You Might Run Into"
Irrigating a soybean field Riding east on CR 4000 in the afternoon The following morning, a ride across town, around the park, and back south then north revealed more rainbows at the irrigation. Thru the night, the center point had made a huge arc and was now just west of 7th street Wild fire smoke … Continue reading "Irrigation Rainbows (Updated)"
You may all remember about a year ago, I wrote a post about going to visit my son’s house in New York State to take care of his cat while he was on vacation. That was a pretty unusual getaway. First, of course, there was the pandemic. There were travel restrictions in place between New … Continue reading "New York, New York (State)"
I’ve been following lots of bike journals the last month or so, and it’s been exciting to finally see people getting out and about. It inspired me to want to get away from home for at least a minor adventure, so I decided to head up to northern Vermont for a two day, one night … Continue reading "Two Days on South Hero Island"
Looking for new territory to explore today, I remembered a recent article in the newspaper about a huge mural being painted on a building on the southwest side of town where I seldom ride. Based on that, I decided to pedal in that direction…. Read more at Bill Bikes
Janet has already posted, but I thought you’d like to see how my photos of our day came out. Here we are at lunch overlooking the sea. Here we are doing a test ride of J&J’s Transit Connect because we’re considering buying one. Here we are looking out at the sea after riding on the … Continue reading "Our Day With Jack & Janet"
Raleigh at CSX Railroad Nice morning for a ride, so the Raleigh and I headed south for 3 miles, then west to the RR. Short pause there, no trains in sight, (I was hoping to get the face of a CSX locomotive) so headed back toward town. Tried a video on the way just to … Continue reading "Well Worn Routes Close to Town"
I did not find as many things as I wanted in last month’s scavenger hunt challenges. Among other thingsI knew that I’d never find a reel mower because (1) what the heck is a reel mower? And (2) who uses those these days? When I looked up reel mower I reelized that Rich meant “push … Continue reading "Some Unfinished Business"
To make up for the squid, next up is something I think you’ll find is fun. Most of us have heard about or even used Little Free Libraries where you can take or leave a book to share. My wife BJ just heard about little free galleries, and that there was one in our town. … Continue reading "Something Arty"
While it’s true that we live by the sea, it doesn’t often smell that way. But for a couple of days recently there was a distinct fishy smell wafting – well not exactly wafting, more like blasting – our way. So I set out to discover the source of this smell. The nearby commercial fishing … Continue reading "Something Fishy"
I am finally getting around to posting a journal on our two little tours in June. I am writing up our rides a good month after the fact. I wrote hasty notes in the evenings but I will rely mainly on my pictures and the gps route to recreate the days we were on the … Continue reading "Bavarian Getaways"
Enjoyed looking for the things Rich came up with for his scavenger hunts. Here are a few more I managed to find here and there around home. Red flowers (check out the watering can) Purple Arches Footbridge Outdoor art with a decided bikey motif Interesting trees on the edge of a very deep gully
Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, sunny days are rare in my neck of the woods this time of year. We call it Gray May and June Gloom. We’ve only had a handful of sunny days since we moved out here. So below gives you a better idea what it usually looks like. … Continue reading "It’s Not Always Perfect"
A couple of my early posts here show rides around Half Moon Bay, our new home, but now that it is our new home everything is different. I knew the area pretty well for a day-tripper but of course I look at everything with new eyes. I ride the Coastal Trail most days to make … Continue reading "An After-Dinner Ride"
Out for a ride on regular routes on a beautifully clear and cool morning. We all know we see things from a bicycle that would go unnoticed in an automobile. Passing over a water way I happened to notice this: Long strands of algae in what is locally known as the Stink Ditch Once carried … Continue reading "Stringy Green"
I was more successful getting things for Round 2 on my first try at the scavenger hunt. Another cyclist: Mom and son circling the labyrinth in Quarry Park while waiting for some others to come along. This is the site of the quarry, and the labyrinth is made from leftover rocks. Somewhat granitic. Tire swing: … Continue reading "Round 2"
Now where was I … it was last year some time, wasn’t it, that I last posted. Some things have happened since then. Pandemic, fires, smoke, drought, politics, retirement. And now, almost best of all, we’ve moved out of Silicon Valley and over the hill to Half Moon Bay. We’ve spent a fair amount of … Continue reading "Round 1"
You all are putting me to shame with all the success you’ve been having with the scavenger hunt challenge. I’m feeling like I really need to get to work to get back on track. But this post has nothing at all to do with the challenge. As the title says, this post is about taking … Continue reading "Taking Care of Unfinished Business"
My ace support crew was overseeing an industrial-strength pro cleaning crew at home today. Under the circumstances, my best bet was to get the heck out of Dodge. Read more at Bill Bikes
Fresh as a sweet Sunday morning, according to the late Bert Jansch. I don’t usually ride trails around here under those conditions, because I know they’ll be packed with bikes, joggers, pedestrians, kids, strollers, dogs, and assorted roadblocks. I made an exception on this sweet Sunday morning. Snapped a few photos of some of the … Continue reading "Busy morning"
I have to admit that it gripes me just a bit that Greg rushed to get his post out first and claimed the silo that —> I <— spotted first (regardless of what he claims) as a scavenger hunt trophy. Not exactly playing the good host. On the plus side, I think I’m entitled to … Continue reading "An interesting roadside find"
It was an absolutely beautiful day for riding here today, sunny and calm with temps in the mid-70’s F. Lots of blue skies with a few puffy white clouds. Perfect. I only found one scavenger item today, although I have some thoughts on how to get a few more soon.
Heading out the Greenway as usual, minding my own business. Suddenly heard loud explosion under me. I know that sound. Bike began to wobble. I pulled over. Rear tube blew out explosively, pushing tire off rim. I carried the injured Ogre back to the Big Fish, turned it upside down in the shade, and tended … Continue reading "Bikus Interruptus"
Just some random stuff from rides yesterday and today Soybean field beginning to green over Grassy seed heads and false dandelions? Good to see green for a change Le Tour and bean field Weigh station at the end of 6th Avenue Le Tour insists that is reading 10 lbs not 220 Corn field … Continue reading "Nothing Special"
Today the weather forecast called for excellent conditions. And I had some free time, if I promised to return early enough to take part in a post-vaccination social engagement to which ace support crew and I were committed. I promise! I promise! Read more at Bill Bikes
Raleigh ready to go railroading A local short line RR is east of town Actually the original route for the RR that located town, until Mr. Hoopes donated land farther west, and a more level route Later used by a competing RR Along the route east to the RR Yielding to a train is always … Continue reading "Ride to the Railroad"
After shuttling to the top of Horseshoe Meadow Road at approximately 10,000 feet in elevation, I conducted a steep blitzkrieg down the mountainside to Lone Pine, roughly 6000 feet below. Given my speed, rough pavement, hairpin turns, and lack of guardrails, the road demanded my full attention. Fortunately, from top to bottom I encountered less … Continue reading "Horseshoe Meadow, part 2"
For the last ride from my base in Lone Pine, I chose Horseshoe Meadow Road. This, I knew, would be a little different from my other rides around here. For one thing, the road was paved. For another, much of the route would be high above the valley floor, with tall trees, cool air, and … Continue reading "Horseshoe Meadow, part 1"
Lone Pine is not exactly a booming metropolis, but I found plenty of interesting sites to photograph as I wandered around town. Read more at Bill Bikes
I continued pedaling along Movie Flat Road, frequently turning up sandy tracks leading into clumps of rocky formations. Looking in any direction revealed spires and arches and jumbles requiring photographs. I wasn’t reeling off many miles, but I was sure expending pixels. Read more at Bill Bikes
Despite the flat tire and rough road (did I mention sand, rocks, gravel, potholes, and washboard?), the climb up to South Pass was easier than expected. I was tempted to keep going down on the far side, into Saline Valley itself, but restrained myself. I remember that side of the pass as being steeper, rougher, … Continue reading "Saline Valley Road, part 2"
Given that 2020 was the plague year (and I trust it won’t be necessary to refer to 2020 as “one of the plague years” or “the first plague year”) I didn’t get out and about for as many bicycling expeditions as usual in my declining retirement years. One of my few destinations last year was the Saline Valley … Continue reading "Saline Valley Road, part 1"
Whenever I approach Lone Pine from the south, I always pass Red Rock State Park, not to be confused with Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside of Las Vegas. Today I was making good time driving up Highway 14 to Lone Pine and in no particular hurry, so I decided to stop at the … Continue reading "Red Rock"
I saw an article in the newspaper about brand new murals on the other side of town. Naturally, I had to pedal over to take a look. Read more at Bill Bikes
While we’re displaying previously un-photographed inventory, here’s more. I almost always wear a bike jersey while riding. Among other things, I like having three commodious pockets on my back, not two under my butt. In those pockets I always place the same items, always in the same order. Right pocket: wallet. Middle pocket: phone. Left … Continue reading "Pockets"
Never previously photographed! So I photographed the contents of my trunk bag. Inventory: Emergency rain jacket (extremely light weight). Camera (nestled on jacket). Spare tube. Baggie of trail mix. Gorillapod mini tripod. Two allen wrenches (for emergency adjustment of brakes). Kleenex. Bicycle “business cards.” Need to add sunscreen. Hey! What happened to the US$1,000,000 in … Continue reading "Trunk Bag"
I was knocked flat on by back for almost two weeks by acute sinusitis (self-diagnosis), my first ever experience of such a thing. Whew. Thought I was going to expire, and naturally I figured it was Covid. But I kept reminding myself I never lost my sense of small. Read more at Bill Bikes
After passing the idle snow removal equipment parked on the side of Lassen Peak Highway approximately five miles beyond the locked gate, I figured the end must be nigh. However, even when I reached the untouched wall of snow blocking the road, I didn’t let that stop me. Read more at Bill Bikes
Two years ago I pedaled across Yosemite National Park on Tioga Road after the snow had been cleared but before the road was fully opened for motorized traffic. Lassen Volcanic National Park, farther north in California, offers a similar “open to hiking and biking, closed to vehicles” experience while the main park road is gradually being cleared of … Continue reading "Snow Road, part 1"
Today was a beautiful day weather-wise, with temps close to 70, no wind to speak of, and just a few puffy clouds in the sky. The weather for the next two days calls for cold and rain, with a winter storm watch in place for tomorrow night. So, today was definitely the day to ride. … Continue reading "A Bit More Water"
I try to do this ride at least once each season, usually for the home opener and/or the play-offs. Of course, the Giants don’t get into the play-offs too often these days, so I shouldn’t skip the first game of the season. Read more at Bill Bikes
So, I almost decided not to ride today. The temperatures are pretty comfortable, but that wind that Greg showed us a day or so ago has made it’s way east, strong enough to rattle the windows in the house. But, I decided I should at least do a little ride around the neighborhood. Once out … Continue reading "Peepers"
First of all, I’ll confess that the picture above was actually from a ride two days ago. I feel sorry for the folks that live up that hill and have to battle the mud to get to and from home each day. I did ride today, but just a casual couple of miles through the … Continue reading "It is Spring, Right?"