It’s the last day of April and it sure is a beauty. Sunny, mid-sixties, minimal wind — so far, the best day of the year, weather-wise. Oh man, I am in for one heck of an awesome bike ride. [At this point, please try to imagine the classic sound of a cartridge needle sliding across … Continue reading "Forced Labor In Times Of Sociable Distance"
We’ve had so many great rides during our stay in John Day, but our ride north up US 395 from Mount Vernon to Fox Valley ranks high on the list. With abandoned and weathered log cabins, grazing cattle, rusting implements, split rail fences, and a near ghost town, it’s really a slice of the old … Continue reading "Fox Valley"
After more than a month, Sonoma County’s lockdown has been slightly relaxed. Can you tell I’m smiling about being back on the Greenway? Read more at Bill Bikes Musical accompaniment. I’ve lost track, but I think no one has used this one.
There’s the golf ball. No recent cases of covid-19 in Northern Tasmania. In the north-west it is another story with a large cluster focussed on the North-West Hospital and a patient returning from the Ruby Princess Plague Ship. This is a ride I put together for the Melbourne Brompton Club’s blog. Hi Dayna,In these isolated … Continue reading "Still here, still riding"
There is rain coming. A fair bit, if forecasts are correct. By Friday, it should be downright wintry with a high forecast of only 11C (that is a cold day for us, even in mid-winter). But today is pretty perfect – clear skies, light winds of 7-12kph out of the west southwest, and a temp … Continue reading "Double E Ride"
Another locked down day, another cruise around a nearby neighborhood, just a couple of blocks over (and slightly uphill) from home. Read more at Bill Bikes
Doing some saddle swapping and fine tuning the adjustments. There are some videos on Youtube about reupholstering/re-padding bicycle saddles — may give that a try — what’s the worst thing that could happen that hasn’t already happened? Since Illinois is now under the Stay in Place order until May 30, might be a project to … Continue reading "2 Raleighs – Rides"
I’ll keep this one mercifully short. I went out into the country again today with no intention of posting anything. That changed when I snuck up on a big horse and managed to trick him into posing for a picture. I’ve heard horse owners speak of the height of their horses in terms of “hands.” … Continue reading "OUT IN THE COUNTRY, A BIKER SEES HORSES AND PUFFBALLS."
My ace support crew insisted she needed to take a drive today to visit an old friend of ours. It wasn’t exactly essential travel, but I decided not to debate. Instead I said, sure, you can drop me and the Ogre along the way and we’ll find our way home. Read more at Bill Bikes … Continue reading "Tour de Livestock"
A day late for Earth Day but thanks to Rocky’s encouraging email, I’m posting. The pictures are from rides on a couple of different days. We have been having great weather, sometimes a bit too much wind but okay, not quite so many cyclists out again, thank goodness. Isn’t it great to see so many … Continue reading "A Dandy Earth Day"
Seems I’ve been gone so long that I can’t figure out how to make a post!! Let’s hope I figure this out so my iPad doesn’t end up against the wall…..this is my third attempt. We (mostly me) have been riding north more. They are trying to keep folks off the trail. Today we made … Continue reading "Hello From Monterey Happy Earth Day"
Happy Earth Day 50th anniversary of Earth Day, so off I went looking for things to appreciate about our planet. The Weather Channel showed an ESE wind at 2 mph — Heh! I turned east and if what I hit was a 2 mph wind, I don’t wanna see what they would call a 20mph … Continue reading "Earth Day Ride(s)"
Well the cover picture is me with a friendly squirrel or road kill that some one had placed on the bridge (I’ll let you decide) in Yosemite NP in 1986. I went on a three month journey doing the west, south and east of USA and across Canada. It was an amazing experience which I … Continue reading "Squirrels and windows"
After several dreary days, it feels like the weather pattern has shifted. It must be spring. That means I need to slip out of lockdown and push pedals. With parks and paths still closed, the only route east requires riding along the shoulder of Highway 12. I usually take the back way, but it’s blocked. … Continue reading "Tour de Fleur"
Wind, Wind, and More Wind A few days, just totally too windy to ride anywhere — 40mph with gusts over 50 Semis being blown off the Interstate windy Some days were at least tolerable wind wise, but below normal temperatures didn’t make for particularly pleasant riding But then, if the perfect day had to occur … Continue reading "Windy Rides"
Coloradans will laugh at its insignificance compared to their gallery of fourteeners, but Strawberry Mountain is plenty impressive for us. Topping 9,000’, its the highest Oregon peak east of the Cascades other than Steens Mountain and the Wallowas. Today anyway, when it’s covered in snow, I might argue that it’s the most impressive because of … Continue reading "Strawberry Mountain"
Today I had some great cycling plans. I was going to ride down to Galena via The Great River Road and take in some nice river scenery. Then when I got back to MY Town, I would get my growler filled up at the local brewery, and I would cap off the day by picking … Continue reading "Down To Galena . . .NOT!"
I posted the song first thing so that you can listen to it as you look at the pictures from my ride out in the country. As you listen, you should also try to imagine ME singing the song as I pedaled along. In truth though, you’ll have to picture me singing just the refrain … Continue reading "OUT IN THE COUNTRY"
What is it with this month and the damn dogs, anyway? Is this what Eliot meant when he said April is the cruelest month? Are we in the dreaded dog days of April that everyone talks about? Being chased by three dogs today really does seem unfair, considering. No bites at least, but it’s enough … Continue reading "Three dog day"
Greetings from Lockdown Day 31 and Counting. Due to all the closed parks and bike paths, I need to be creative in order to find safe routes and interesting destinations. Today I worked my way through traffic and pedaled north on Santa Rosa’s main drag, then kept going into the countryside. I swear the streets … Continue reading "Town and Country"
No bicycling today – it’s too cold and windy here in John Day for that to sound appealing. Instead we drove back to Picture Gorge for a second look, this time on foot. No bike, but I’m posting it here anyway, in honor of our intrepid Navigator and our wishes for her quick recovery. Get … Continue reading "Who let the dogs out?"
Wandering routes seldom or never visited on two wheels, I stopped by the old, boarded up hospital on the hill. Perfect setting for a horror film. For real horror, I spied this along the street: Read more at Bill Bikes
Many, perhaps most of you will remember Bill Walton: the star center of the UCLA basketball team from 1972-74, he led the Bruins to two straight national championships and an 88 game winning streak, while being named the college basketball player of the year for three straight seasons. After college he of course turned professional, … Continue reading "The Bike for Humanity challenge"
Rain and wind and cold are almost tradition on Easter, but ironically this year when all activities are restricted, we had a beautiful Easter Sunday. Fortunately we are allowed out for exercise. We took a wonderful ride on almost empty roads. Leaving in the morning meant that there weren’t even many cyclists out. Not much … Continue reading "CLC Spring 2020/7: Happy Easter!"
I have ridden my bike every day for the past 28 days. I have a lot of oom pah pah for that, but not much for writing or posting here (or anywhere). I guess my mind is too wrapped up elsewhere. So I am on a little bit of a hiatus for now. But here … Continue reading "HOLIDAY CHALLENGE: EASTER 2020"
Three days ago, we rode about twenty miles up the Silvies River, to its source near the base of the Aldrich Mountains – at least, as near to its source as you can get from the road. Yesterday, we started from the same spot and biked about twenty miles down the Silvies, south toward Burns. … Continue reading "Up and down a lazy river"
You will not believe this post. I almost can’t believe this post. I have taken one for the whole cycle365 team. I have saved all of you except Scott and Rocky substantial pain and hospital visits. I have ‘thirded’ myself so you don’t have to, since everything happens in threes. Yes, on an absolutely gorgeous … Continue reading "Because everything happens in 3’s"
“Hi everybody, Ken Burns here. Greg’s back with another damn documentary. It almost didn’t happen, but he was encouraged by a couple of people who offered words of assurance that his films aren’t all THAT stupid and boring. Boy, are they going to be sorry after seeing this.” Wow! I must be doing SOMETHING right … Continue reading "MASK HYSTERIA–A MULTI-MEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA"
Easter Messages by Presbyterian Church along Route 9 (Speed Limit is 45 BTW 🙂 ) Easter Bunny has been very busy here Little chick survived yesterday’s 40 mph winds better than T-Giving turkey did Happy Easter
Mrs. G and I moved back to Oregon in late February, after about 15 months in the Denver area. She was able to spend a lot of time with her 88 year old mother and we are grateful that. We don’t know when we will be able to get back there. But we are happy … Continue reading "Shaking the cobwebs off in the Willamette Valley"
Yesterday was a very long day. I ran the gauntlet of police checks (they are pulling over people to ensure they are driving for one of only four reasons you are allowed to leave home) to get up to Nigel’s (1 hour 20 min drive) in the morning. I took all the ingredients and kitchenware … Continue reading "Music challenge and Good Friday"
I didn’t get out on my bike until late afternoon, around five. Not that I was expecting there to be less people out, I just didn’t get my act together sooner. But that was perhaps a good thing. The late afternoon light was lovely. My plan was to do a standard route through the woods. … Continue reading "CLC Spring 2020/6: Solitary Trails and a Purchase"
Part One Yeah, damn it, I’m bored. That’s the reason I’ve been posting a bunch of crap every couple of days. According to my skewed reasoning, if I’m bored, others should be bored too. You Cycle365-ers have been chosen. I keep writing this stuff because I’m bored; You’re bored because I keep writing this stuff. … Continue reading "I’M BORED: A Story With Two Parts"
Although we are having another day of sunshine and blue skies, I got stuck at the computer writing up another tour from my past. But the day’s not finished yet so I will get out for a short ride. I took a few more noteworthy bike tours before I started writing up my travels online, … Continue reading "Bicycles Memories – Southern France 1986"
I had several songs in mind when I set out pedaling today, but this one kept coming back to me over and over again. Last night my buddy Steve and I (he’s on the east coast, but we’ve been causing trouble together since our rooms were across the hall from each other in the dorm … Continue reading "When I die let my ashes float down the Green River"
Sad to say, one of my favorite singer/songwriters died last night from Corona Virus related complications. I’ve hated that dirty rotten disease from the first day I heard of it, and now I have another reason. John Prine wrote songs that were sometimes funny, sometimes dead serious, sometimes philosophical, sometimes thought-provoking, and sometimes sentimental. Sometimes … Continue reading "A RATHER SAD POST FOR THE APRIL MUSIC CHALLENGE"
Nine days after the stealth attack by this cute little guy, Rodriguez tells me he can’t stand being shut in the back of the Jetta any longer and demands that I get him out and on the road. I can hear him howling from inside our cottage! It’s terrible, and embarrassing. I’m afraid we’ll get … Continue reading "Back to the front"
The Raleigh is ready for some action Looks as though riding partner Dave is sequestered for now, so its solo for the duration, which, appears to be a considerable amount of time So off we go, solo, around the neighborhood, across town to the IGA store, circle the park and then the normal route thru … Continue reading "Around the ‘Hood/Across Town"
We’re having beautiful weather, cloudless skies, temps around 20°C, a most gentle breeze. The dilemma is to get out at a time and to a place that isn’t too full of others who also want to enjoy these wonderful days. Sometimes I have the impression that all those people who own bikes but never ride … Continue reading "Challenge of the Month: A Dilemma"
My apologies for submitting a post without even a single photo of a bike in it. I appealed to the Cycle365 Rules Committee and explained my situation, and they granted me an exception this once but cautioned me not to make a practice of it. so, no bike; but let’s take a hike: to the … Continue reading "Ain’t no mountain high enough"
Work continues to throw me 10-hour days. There is a lot to do in the background to keep your water and electricity running and your garbage services flowing… and there are a bazillion scenarios you don’t want to know about that have been planned for in the current crisis and upcoming months. In between all … Continue reading "Cycle Life Purchase 4"
Instead of celebrating yesterday’s victory, the Psycle Killers went to bed early. Their weary bodies needed some serious rest in preparation for the final showdown with the Corona Virus Queen. The team planned to attack at dawn. Unfortunately, dawn came and went as the Psycle Killers overslept by about three hours. Actually, they didn’t oversleep … Continue reading "THE LAST DUDE IN MINNESOTA, FINAL CHAPTER: Psycle Killers vs. The Mother of All Cornonas"
Another day, another ride. Set out in a different direction this time, a flat ride through woods with nice smooth surfaces. What else is there to say? It was sunny but a cold wind was blowing. Um – let’s look at the pictures. Okay, where’s the contribution to the local economy? I thought chocolate might … Continue reading "CLC Sping 2020/5: Be Prepared"
That is not a sign of spring — hopefully the last we will see for the season March was a pretty miserable month, cold, wind, rain, and at one point that snow Riding was limited Weather finally looking better, and today was 20 degrees above average Various rides, and photos HERE Warmth of the Sun … Continue reading "Looking for Signs of Spring"
[PARENTAL WARNING: Due to violence, strong language and disturbing images, some content may not be suitable for children under the age of 14.] The dude continued his search for life in Minnesota for several days since the last episode. He was positive there were people out there somewhere and he never lost hope of finding … Continue reading "THE LAST DUDE IN MINNESOTA, CHAPTER 3: The Rise of the Psycle Killers"
What a nice ride again – spring weather and a fine route planned by Janos. There’s not much of a story to tell. We are just starting to piece together sections of different routes we have done here so far. This loop is a real favorite. We will be doing it often. There are big … Continue reading "CLC Spring 2020/4: Surprise, Surprise"
Still able to get out and cycle in this State, I cycled a short loop out of Longford and on the way back headed to the shops. Click Here for the story. Stay well everyone.
We’re not biking yet of course, but we’re starting to stir. Rachael’s been keeping fit by burning up the miles on her cycle trainer and dancing to Zumba videos; and I’m staying trim by – Er – typing and scrolling. Today though, we both got out for a walk and started exploring the neighborhood on … Continue reading "Get up, get up, get up!"
A Month without Precedent No need for explanations as we all know what has made this month unique in the worst way. The effects of the coronavirus and the measures to prevent its spreading are omnipresent. That said, I have been riding my bike where it is safe, and that is on the empty paths … Continue reading "Cycle Days Challenge: March"
We had almost zero rain prior to the lockdown. Now that we’re under orders to stay at home, we’ve had several rainy days, which actually seems like reasonable timing. Back to sunny weather today. I was itching to get out for a ride, but our lockdown has been extended and some additional bike paths and … Continue reading "Tour de Murals"
The dude continues to pedal his bicycle — his only surviving friend — across the desolate landscape formerly known as Minnesota. He can’t think of it as Minnesota anymore because it has lost its vibrancy, it’s beauty, it’s zest for life. Maybe because there IS no life. As you may recall from Chapter 1, a … Continue reading "THE LAST DUDE IN MINNESOTA, CHAPTER 2: The Holiday Challenge"
After a break of eleven days, I was back on my bike. Eleven days! I don’t think I’ve been off my bike for that long for years, except when we were on trips without our bicycles. We have been having cold days now and I’m getting more cautious about catching any kind of cold or … Continue reading "CLC Spring 2020/3: Back in the Saddle"