Very much enjoy all the entries you all have provided -- great to see the everyday cycling venues.
Being in eastern Illinois, scenery certainly isn't our forte, but oh well, the roads are normally quiet.
Look forward to more and more entries from all of you, I do have a few over on BL -- in Bill's Day Rides, and one journal.
Not that kind of Can-Can This kind of can (can) After a winter of collecting cans of all sorts, the ditches here are resplendent with various examples. Wisconsin may have been out drinking us since 1848 but it looks like we are running a close second. HERE is a look at what Mixtie found … Continue reading "Mixtie Does the Can-Can"
And the Huffy Puppy looks like a good candidate 🙂 Arrival at the North Fork Previous flooding has receded And then, on the return to town . . . . . . Huffy turns mile 3000 🙂 🙂
Yes its heavy! — It’s my Huffy 🙂 Re-routed the gear cable to the 3 speed hub which necessitated an adjustment to the gear indicator at the rear hub Time for a road test! Not a bad morning 30’sF but gentle breeze Rode out to the Conservation Club which is actually a mile and a … Continue reading "I’d like to ride huffy to the conservation club"
So I did 🙂 Nice morning, a little chilly, a light breeze from the south Up the backslope and down the fore slope and reverse South on 1550E to 3800N and pretty much ascend the backslope of the Ellis Moraine from the North Fork valley southward That is another moraine running thru town Here we … Continue reading "I’d like to go moraine surfing"
The I’ds of March Pretty simple wide open challenge to start of this month Do something on or with your bicycle you would like to do For example: I’d like to ride my bicycle to the North Fork River I’d like to ride my bicycle to . . . . . ???? Then, go do it, … Continue reading "The I’ds of March"
And good Riddance Febberery! The Raleigh finally got back in the action HERE is what the Royal Heron found . . . March is almost upon us and the new Challenge will be posted shortly Thanks for the participation!
The “Hoofy Poopy” as it is affectionately known (because it IS a crappy bicycle even by my incredibly low standards) — But, I like it 😉 Did I mention my incredibly low standards? Prepares to go on the hunt for B’s and R’s with its Red Blinky and Red Reflector Huffy finds Boulders and notices … Continue reading "Huffy Goes B ‘n R ing"
While other areas received Snow and Ice, we stayed in the ‘warm sector’ and got lots of rain. Lots of rain Fortunate for us — not so much so for the ice storm areas in N Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, or the inundation of snow in Minnesota Centurian about to set off to investigate … Continue reading "Winter Storm Olive — You were Bad"
Beautiful morning for a Ride Stopped at a Bridge and stream Banks Blurry photo of leaves Below the water Rubbish pitched into the stream valley 🙁 Bicycle Bark and Branches Later that day a Ride on the Kickapoo Rail Trail w/Bright Blue sky Gnarly Bark and sawed off Branches White Bark of … Continue reading "A Few B’s and R’s"
Ride!! R you ready for March and Spring? I certainly am! So, for the second half of Febberery include anything beginning in R R we ready for March and Spring? Yes we R!! (Those of us in the Southern Hemisphere . . . maybe not) Anyway, no problem still posting B‘s — they are still … Continue reading "The B’s Continue . . . . Adding R’s"
Bridge Railing Bolt Blue Beer Can Bleachers Basketball court, Blue Barrel, Blue door Tree beginning to Bud Sycamore tree Bark Shagbark Hickory Bark Shaggy Bark, Bifurcation, Branches Bait Box Utility Boxes Happy Birth-Year Huffy!!
After nice sun-shiny albeit breezy ride to the Post Office in the morning, when the time came to head to Danville and CEO’s appointment, the clouds rolled in and the wind became ferocious Took the opportunity to go to Kickapoo State Park anyway with the hope that staying in the wooded areas would abate the … Continue reading "B is for Bark and Blocks"
CEO has a few Valentine Cards to mail What ever cards I send, I get at the Dollar Store, and note on the back . . . .”I didn’t care enough to send the very best” 🙂 The Post Office is about 8/10ths of a mile Photos taken approximately every block going there and a … Continue reading "Ride to the Post Office"
High 30’s F which isn’t so bad, but the wind sinks the wind chill into the 20’s Diamond Back sets off in search of B‘s At the park with flags in full fly The Black top paving is suffering freeze/thaw Blue Street Sign / Bluish Sky Blue Dumpster Blue Bird Busses (Seriously) Burl Boarded-up Former … Continue reading "Brrrrr Finding B’s"
Black Diamond Back leans against the ‘warty’ Bark of a hackberry tree Small Blister on the decal has been there since new Back then, 1994, Diamond Back was two words A Barren Bean Field A Blue Bud Light can between little snow Banks Jersey Barrier Bridge – Stream Bank – Branches Blurry photo of a … Continue reading "February Challenge #1"
Putting the B in February -or- Febberery if you are from around here 😉 I’m thinking with all the Bareness around this time of year for most of us, we should look for denuded View Blockers that display: Interesting Branches, Bark, Bumps, Burls, or even a Bare area devoid of much of anything (Helen suggests … Continue reading "February Challenge"
The Diamond Back was so exuberant to get out for another ride it went off road blazing thru a ditch full of snow! Here it stands quite proud of its Ogre-like accomplishment
Holy Smokes!!! What is THAT?? The Sun?? Better take advantage, even though its cold and windy — they say a winter storm is coming Short ride south to the North Fork Diamond Back just west of the North Fork on 4000N There goes Skinny Schwinny headed back to town — the greenish tinge is winter … Continue reading "A Short Ride!"
When Illinois gives you a 50F sunny afternoon in January, it best to take advantage of it Parked at the Visitor Center and rode most of the roads and alcoves north of there Diamond Back got the call to duty today Riding into Hickory Hollow View of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River … Continue reading "Kennekuk Park Revisted"
(Posting early to provide some lead time) Bill suggested we do a Waterfall Wednesday, similar to what his ace support crew’s hiking group does Illinois has 16 (count ’em 16 waterfalls, none of which are around here After posting that miniscule waterfall emanating from a drain pipe I decided to go big time with our … Continue reading "Waterfall Wednesday"
Wishing All the Best to Everyone!! Its been a great time following everyone with their cycling adventures Particularly since everyone has such beautiful places to cycle and interesting things to see Looking forward to 2023 and your riding adventures The year in review/stats
For most of us, riding in January IS a challenge Just back from a ride across town, around the park, and home — first time out in many days — the weather was just uggsome (technical meteorological term) but any ride is better than no ride at all 🙂 Initially, the January Challenge is to … Continue reading "January Challenge(s)"
The Meyer-Guilmet Bicyclette Though it never saw production, this chain drive, and nearly equal-sized-wheels bicycle, predates HJ Lawson’s chain drive and JK Starley’s Rover by at least a decade or more History of the machine HERE Bicycles[edit] Main article: Bicycle chain Chain drive was the main feature which differentiated the safety bicycle introduced in 1885, with its two … Continue reading "The FIRST Safety Bicycle?"
Dear Santa, I’ve done my best to be a good farmer all year long, But with fertilzer prices SO high . . . . . All I want for Christmas is some NH3 Some NH3 Some NH3 All I want for Christmas is some NH3 Please park it underneath the Christmas tree Thank You Santa!! … Continue reading "All I Want For Christmas is Some NH3"
It was just as cloudy, cold, windy, and miserable as it looks Strong wind from the south was generally a crosswind, so would not be all that bad riding west/east Winds predicted up to 40mph and they were getting a good start Nevertheless, Raleigh heads across town to the park to see what might … Continue reading "December Challenge 1"
The challenge for the month of December is anything and everything related to the Holiday Season Specifically look for the following items and see how many you can find: Include your bicycle when practical to do so Nativity Scene Community Christmas Tree Snowman 🙂 @ Greg Sleigh Bells Ornamental Snowflake Tree Stump Decorated for Christmas … Continue reading "December Challenge Holiday List"
And probably doesn’t belong here on 365 at all Forums would be a good place for it but they seldom are utilized So As we all await the December Challenge . . . . For what is worth — a 2000 year old carving of a bicycle Maybe it belongs in Ripley’s Believe it or … Continue reading "Totally Off Topic"
Holiday Challenge hosted by Nancy With Thanksgiving just a few days away lets participate in Nancy’s Holiday Challenge Anything and Everything Thanksgiving related counts Thank You Nancy!! Not forgetting CRANKSGIVING — participating in a food drive for local pantries via bicycle Iowa PBS Presents | Bike People: Holiday and Winter Riding (#113) | KPBS Cranksgiving … Continue reading "November Challenge Subset"
Some very uninteresting photos and videos of Eastern Illinois Just experimenting using my phone’s camera which I’ve never tried After many By Guess, By Gosh, and By Golly moments, and I do mean many — I got it figured out — I think! They might think its all intuitive, I don’t!! t Raleigh ready to … Continue reading "Warning!"
At the North Fork They may want to consider a NO DUMPING sign A very popular spot to dispose of . . . you name it That is a warning Cirrus clouds tell of an approaching weather system And did it ever! Wind gusts the following day of 50-60 … Continue reading "November Challenge 2"
The North Fork Conservation Club doesn’t appear to be an inviting place if you are not a member Except on Saturdays — weekly fish fry invites the public Several Warnings Blurry little sign on the pole: No Dumping Allowed Small print at the bottom: “Do not remove or damage under severe penalty” Proceed slowly with … Continue reading "November Challenge"
November Challenge Part 1 Gefhar!!! Warnung!!! That would be Danger and Warning in German Thanks again to Suzanne for suggesting this topic We are looking for Danger/Warning signs Include your bicycle when practical to do so The sign above threatens Prosecution — or as two youngsters in southern Illinois once said to a trespasser , … Continue reading "November Challenge"
Hand Made stilts With many thanks to Suzanne for suggesting this topic some time ago . . . . For Part 2 Look for things that are Hand Made Most, if not all of the time, this will be a one-off object Suzanne’s input is requested if any clarification is needed Include your bicycle when … Continue reading "October Challenge Part 2"
Fireball guy has really upped his game! Caps still fastened to the bottles Lots of stuff fastened together in there Several types of fasteners on these dual Garceaus Quick release fastener Part 2 of the October Challenge coming soon! Beautiful afternoon suggested a ride through Kickapoo State Park:
There are more than 200 billion fasteners which are consumed every year in the U.S. market. More than 10% of the fasteners produced in the United States are used within the automotive industry. (Industry Today) How many bolts hold the trucks of a rail car together? Highlight for an unexpected answer: —> A … Continue reading "A Few More Fasteners"
An almost perfect morning for a longer ride Dave, Dwight, and myself met up and headed west to Range Line Road So called because it is the north south road between two townships The photos pretty much depict the ride — lots of corn and soybean about ready to be harvested https://richscyclingphotos.blogspot.com/2022/10/le-tour-range-line-loop-10522.html
Raleigh at the North Fork east of town Looking along the side of the bridge we see this: Odd fastener that came unfastened Someone apparently chipped in their 2 cents worth
This month will again be divided into 2 or 3 challenge topics Beginning with . . . . . . Fasteners There are many ways to fasten things together going all the way back to the Bronze Age when people learned the art of metal working The next problem for them was — how to … Continue reading "October Challenge Part 1 Fasteners"
Leaning road signs/Stop sign used for target practice Wind! That is a good sized flag in full fly (Unless of course its a tail wind) 🙂 The tangled up blue flag may peeve someone — not me Thank You Wind!
We all have some degree of everyday annoyances, some small, some not so small Part 3 of the September Challenge is: Pet Peeves Find any and all you can and post a photo and include your bicycle when practical Grass blown onto roads and streets Just back from a ride and saw several Pet Peeves … Continue reading "September Challenge Part 3"
Crossing gates rolled into position as train approaches 7901 rolls across in the old CSX paint scheme Tank cars rolling north Raleigh rolled into Cheneyville, Illinois Vintage International tractor ready to push snow, or drag gravel roads or driveways A Raleigh and Le Tour at Heaton, Illinois Playground with inclined planes (for kids who would … Continue reading "Rollin’ ‘Round Vermilion"
The ride resumed after a hiatus of 2 years due to the Covid pandemic. When it was announced the ride would resume this year, it was looked forward to with anticipation. 4 routes were available: A 7.5 mile loop that stayed within Kennekuk County Park, a 30 mile route that included the eastern section of … Continue reading "River to Rail Ride 2022"
Le Tour rolled south to find CSX rolling north Ball bearings make lots of things roll easier Cyclists rolled into the fire station at Greer, Illinois Travel trailer ready to roll Portable lights rolled to the park for the Festival Balls rolled out on the lawn Farming implements roll to fields Round bales can roll … Continue reading "Rolling Rolling Rolling"
Legend has it that humans conceived the concept of the wheel by observing lions rolling rocks The logo above was that of Holden Automobiles Australia Continuing the simple machine concept. . . . sort of . . . . . . Part 2 Anything that ROLLS Special emphasis should be placed on those that are … Continue reading "September Challenge Part 2"
Even that is composed of simple machines Most obvious are the wedge shapes to cut thru the atmosphere Levers Wedges Wheel and Axles Pulleys and held together by screws What appear to be inclined planes do not actually function as one Labor Day Weekend is the Sweet Corn Festival No sweet corn packed … Continue reading "They are Everywhere!"
Screws securing bridge rail Reverse side of the screw Black wedge on the red log splitter Inclined Plane on the loader Pulley just below the flag pole finial Several Wheel and Axles Crossing Gate Lever (raising a lowering arm and lamps) Inclined Plane rising to railroad grade Screws attaching base of the standard Track bolts … Continue reading "Simple Machines"
Couldn’t ask for a more beautiful morning for a nice long bicycle ride. Cool temps, almost chilly to start, and low humidity, and blue skies Met up with Dave and Dwight and after our usual amount of indecision, probably the poorest leader of all was selected to lead the way. South we went, seems like … Continue reading "To The Country Club and Back"
B decal is fracturing 🙁 Fabric Fusion is wonderful stuff, but, yeah, it could be time . . . . . Trash Tote seems to be having issues with its Wheel and Axle Long abandoned TRW plant has a few imperfections to deal with — not the least of which is lack of a roof … Continue reading "Impurfektions"
This month’s challenge will again be divided into 2 or 3 topics. Part 1 Simple Machines There are 6 simple machines sometimes acting on their own, or more often combined with others to form complex machines A simple machine incorporated as part of a complex machine is perfectly acceptable Take a photo of the simple … Continue reading "September Challenge(s)"
Culverts at the Township Yard Long abandoned telephone junction That is just . . . . Disgusting Telephone cable marker shredded by a mower and set back up Gully in a repaired roadside Morning Glories climbing corn stalks Imperfection or not, they are purdy 🙂
Disturbed road surface where new culverts were installed Tilted road sign and stop sign with bullet holes Weathered and abraded concrete culvert w/brass plate Patina on brass plate WPA Built 1940 Pre-dates me by 7 years Maybe a little Brasso would help 🙂 At 82 years old it comes close to being perfect!
Fence at the land fill continues to experience imperfection producing events A once perfect container has become . . . . . . A now imperfect Stop Sign has been modified by Luwian hieroglyphics for those who still read Luwianish Imperfect casting technique results in lures caught in overhead wire Gray skies, but pleasantly cool
August Challenge Part 3 This one was suggested by Suzanne some time ago — The topic is Imperfections A fault, blemish, or undesirable feature: defect · fault · flaw · deformity · discoloration · disfigurement · crack · break · scratch · chip · dent · pit · notch · nick · blemish · stain … Continue reading "August Challenge Part 3"
Offset brick paving east Maple Street At intersections, the pattern becomes herringbone To prevent the bricks creeping as turns are made? North facade of the post office building Detail Flemish pattern in bricks at a school Detail Blocks of Indiana limestone Grooved concrete blocks Concrete block building with Indiana limestone chimney
Beautiful morning in eastern Illinois Dave, Dwight, and myself set out for a ride to Heaton, IL Grain facility, a church, and two houses — that’s Heaton (and a horse that belongs to someone we know) The featured image is a revisit to the tree in a truck I posted a few years ago Early … Continue reading "Tree in a Truck Revisited"
Patterns, normally are symmetrical but not always I guess? Having read about the Vitruvian Man it seems proportion is an important issue in design? Question marks because I really don’t have any or much of an idea of what they are talking about. “A perfect human form can fit within a circle and a square” … Continue reading "Abstract/Asymmetrical Patterns"
Finally! The oppressive heat and humidity abated Very pleasant ride to Cheneyville, IL east of Hoopeston At one time quite the booming little place — got a tour of the church and some history from a neighbor who saw us taking a break there — Church photos HERE So, here is the story of the … Continue reading "August Challenge — Blocks"
Before we get to the flags . . . . Dave and I took a ride through Cheneyville this morning Stopped at the abandoned church for a break and got a tour inside Founded in 1891 Photo from 2020 when Dwight was along No tour that time Everything pretty much as it was That’s ‘Pastor … Continue reading "US Military Flags"
August 10–20 Flags Pennants Banners Windsocks remain active For the second part of the Challenge we are looking for: Patterns in Bricks, Blocks, and Stones Bricks as in pavement, buildings, or other structures Blocks as in as above Stones as in above or any surface or structure consisting of pebbles to boulders Include your bicycle … Continue reading "August Challenge Part 2"
Chicago Cubs Fan Lives There Flags North End of McFerren Park Flags at Buy Here/Pay Here — No Credit/No Problem — Used Car Sales Banner at Dollar General on Chicago Road aka Dixie Highway Flags at Memorial for residents who lost their lives in Vietnam and Iraq Sort of Unusual Crop Duster making … Continue reading "Flags and Banners"
A medical appointment for CEO left some time for another venture to Kickapoo and the Rail Trail Positioning the start to avoid any steep climbs proved a good idea, albeit, shortening the distance A parking area exists between ravines and is not far from the entrance to the Vermilion County Fairgrounds and access to the … Continue reading "Le Tour Goes to Oakwood, IL"
With 99.999% confidence in her projection Helen has stated the following: “Due to somewhat unfortunate developments, I have now concluded Hoopeston would not be an appropriate destination for our winners The new destination is Brattleboro VT And further, resenting the representation of being an HOB (Heartless Old Bitty) I have reversed the awards for the … Continue reading "Congratulations to the Lamp and Reflector Challenge Winners!!"
This morning, Dave, Dwight, and myself joined up for a ride. Beautiful day for cycling, and with no destination in mind we took off west and just let whatever turned up decide our direction. Ultimately, that turned out to be Rossville, Illinois by a rather circuitous route. Part of that route involved a mile of … Continue reading "Unusual Challenge"
Thanks to everyone for participating in the July Challenges This month will consist of 3 challenges divided into 10 days each As previously, all challenges will run concurrently, as each new challenge is listed August 1 – 10 and beyond Flags Pennants Banners Windsocks or anything similar (A plastic bag caught in a tree even) … Continue reading "August Challenge(s)"
Folded paper and cardboard Always a treat to find a little snack along the road 😉 Yes, simply recycle along 6th Avenue The township guys appreciate your support of their job security a Lots of bends in the tire marks at the end of 6th Avenue AKA “Dog Pound Road” Monical’s has just got to … Continue reading "Wrinkled Crinkled and Sort of Strange"
Back to Kickapoo, this time to ride the entire route around the park Turns out its only 4 miles, (from where I started) but, lots of scenery and some fairly steep (read very steep) slopes to ascend/descend Being from the north of the county, steep slopes are not something to be dealt with to any … Continue reading "Kickapoo Part 4"
Bent over Stop Sign Nothing new for this one, happens several times a year Dents in a shipping container now used for storage Bends in the spoke at the hub flange QR lever has a bend Rim and tire are a continuous bend Bent and Folded Twisted Tea can Fuzzy Paint Roller Izzat crinkly? — … Continue reading "Bends and Dents Mostly Bends"
Throwback to Part 1 — Various lamps around the neighborhood and here and there on various rides. Some are date stamped 6/22, so Helen got me there, I did have prior knowledge 🙂 Variety of Lamps HERE
Following a golf car (cart) down Wilson Avenue Lady driver fosters dogs and cats and gives the dogs rides Blue lamps supporting law enforcement Handcrafted reflector shining in the waning sunlight Wrinkled? Wadded up? Cycling Gloves The denim patches add a certain amount of class dontcha think? Wrinkles or Folds in plastic protecting bags of … Continue reading "Lamps Reflectors Wrinkles Folds and Bends"
When used as nouns, bend means a curve, whereas fold means an act of folding. When used as verbs, bend means to cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means, whereas fold means to bend (any thin material, such as paper) over so that it comes … Continue reading "Folds and Bends"
July Challenge Part 2 Part 1 of the Challenge remains active This challenge was suggested by Suzanne some time ago. This makes Suzanne your Co-Host for this part of the challenge For Part 2 we are looking for things that are: Wrinkled – Crinkled – Folded – Creased – Dented – or … Continue reading "July Challenge Part 2"
Beautiful ride this morning with Dave (left) and Dwight (ahead) Somewhat unusual — doesn’t happen often enough What is unusual is the way Dwight’s Novara Rondonee coasts With a moderate tail wind Dwight coasted almost the entire mile from IL Rte 9 to 4000N south of town. We were coasting a lot too, but not … Continue reading "Somewhat Unusual"
Uncertain of the physics involved Lamps illuminating patterns at corrugated plexiglass greenhouse As angle and distance changed, so did the patterns Diamond Back propped against the wall Crawling Monkey? With Flash Riding back home Landscape lights — too zoomed in, and way too unsteady What I really wanted was a photo like the Featured Image … Continue reading "Reflection/Refraction"
Not something seen every day, not totally unknown either Intersection of 1550E and 3800N Vermilion Co. Illinois if interested 😉 Not certain if that is a lamp or not If it is . . . . . its a loooooooooooooooong reach to the pull chain
Mazda tail lights, back up lights, and reflectors as chipmunk eyes robin and retreats to culvert under the drive Parking lights and fog lamps Head Light Tail, and backup lights, and reflector License plate lamp Entry Lamp Code Lamps Door sill lamp Interior Lamps Dashboard Lamps 3rd Brake light lamp Strayed from the challenge — … Continue reading "Automobile Lamps"
Cool shaped reflector that fell off a vehicle on 1500E Note little reflector on the Schwinn — many years ago those were used to attach license plates Huffy sports a fender mounted reflector Pedal Reflector Being a reflector can be a rough life Reflective signs Caution: Culvert Reflector and Reflective Logo on Seat Bag Caution: … Continue reading "Upon Reflection . . . ."
Railroad Crossing Lights Lamps and Reflective Stripes on the Crossing Gate Arms Raleigh Stops, Looks, and Listens regardless of what the warning lights indicate Signal lamps shine through those little round windows to allow the train crew to know the signal is operating properly Fault indicator lamps on power lines Should the line go dead, … Continue reading "RR Lamps/Power Line Lamps"
Not all that unusual, but someone is organized with their fireworks along 4000N This one IS unusual: Ragwing Ultralight on west Washington street (assembly is required — anyone seen the engine and prop?)
A rarely seen modification to a classic globe street lamp Lamps at the (now closed) Casey’s Route 9 east Head lights and Ditch Lights on CSX storming thru town …………………………………………………………………………….. For Bill, Metaverse Muralist came to town Sneak peek . . . for Greg Yes! This is the .0000005 Star accommodation for our lucky winner … Continue reading "July Challenge"
Not really, was surprised to find hub shiners available today on Amazon How effective the reflector is is open to question since it faces the rim and tire Lamps atop the Benton County wind turbines 9 miles east in Indiana
The Raleigh croons , , , , , ~~~~~~~~~~”I’m leanin’ on the lamp post Starin’ at the street Hopin’ that Bianchi goes by! Oh me! Oh my! I hope that sizzlin’ Bianchi goes by!!”~~~~~~~~~~ It is officially July 1st at 0 degrees longitude so I’m going for it! Lets see LOTS of participation in all … Continue reading "July Challenge Commences!!"