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Category Archives for "The Joy of Riding"
6

MN Mini-Tour: Day 8

Preston to Rochester, MN: 37 milesWednesday, September 28, 2016 I was thinking this morningThat I didn’t mention the reallyGreat thing about yesterday’s ride.Trail meant we got to ride side by side.Didn’t talk much,Just enjoyed being together on trail.Often I find that I don’t noticeSome good thingUntil it is not there.Then I realize how muchIt adds […]

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6

MN Mini-Tour: Day 7

Rushford to Preston, MN: 31 miles—all on the Root River Trail!Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Much better ride today.Rode Root River Trail.With its sheltering vegetation,Wind seldom difficult.Breakfast waitress told us,”My family rode trail yesterday.”We did, too,Even though sign said “trail closed.”One spot of buckled trail surface,Now filled with dirt, gravel,Gave us place to walk bike through.Outside […]

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2

MN Mini-Tour: Day 4

Rose Petal Trail Head outside Austin, MN to LeRoy, MN: 21 milesSaturday, September 24, 2016 Just the right length for today’s ride.Out of Austin with our bikes on back ofFred’s van. Covering those miles,Tricky instructionsVia local motor,Very helpful.Funny story Fred told:That back-up camera on vanDoesn’t like bike rack.When van backs upWith rack on rear,Warning system […]

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8

MN Mini-Tour: Day 2

Kenyon to Kasson, MN: 27 milesThursday, Sept. 22, 2016*Delayed transmission of photos means you get some of yesterday’s in today’s post. ​This has been another perfect length day.During Kenyon night,We heard much rain,Saw bright lightning,Heard loud thunder.This morning, rain continued.As it diminished we dressed in rain gear,Packed panniers and loaded bikes.Having our funny hotel window […]

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6

The Challenge of Re-entry

Life after the Adventure…Thursday, August 18, 2016 I promised I’d let you know that I’m home safely…Driving home through rainHeavy and dark,Dramatic contrast to dryness ofOur Western digs.Rain enough toRaise river level in Northfield.Folks buzzing in town squareViewing & photographing swollen Cannon River.Portion of bicycle pathUnderwater until river subsides.I’m glad to be here,Yet, I have […]

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12

Winding Up the Adventure

Monday, August 8, 2016 ​As I posed this a.m.Picture of “Tour” yellow shirt with bike bling,Then Olympic medal around neck,Reminding me of treat of in-person audience,Gifting me with attention, admiration,Truly wonderful experience!And website commentsOf encouragement, appreciation,Engaged reading of adventure.Wonderful on-line audience!My deep desire in writing,Speaking to tell story,Is that my journey can beInspiration & motivationTo […]

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4

Tour de Wyoming: Day 5

Basin to Burgess Junction, WY: 55 miles (my ride: 44)Thursday, July 21, 2016 Nearly done: One more ride day.Leaving Basin at 5:30 a.m.Temperature was sixty two degrees.FORTY degrees cooler than yesterday.I wore extra gloves for some miles,Pleased to be able to ride in cool comfort.Passing through this countryside,How extraordinary to be moving via bicycle.Never would […]

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3

Tour de Wyoming: Day 4

Meeteetse to Basin, WY: 54 milesWednesday, July 20, 2016 Out early.Such an early start from our motel,E. and I were first of 350 in line for brkfst.There was full moon,Horizon of pink clouds,Quiet roads.Minutes later,Straight angle morning sun in eyes.Not for long.Ride was fast, easy,Part of adventure, not mission.Into Basin by 10:30Before heat of day.A […]

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5

High Altitude Training Ride

Preparing for the Tour de WyomingJuly 8, 2016 One of my favorite rides, from Centennial to Laramie.Even though elevation from Centennial’s 8000-some ft toLaramie’s 7200 ft seemsAll down hill.Still good training.Some of training is relearningThings known.I set out with one water bottle.Working hard,Pedaling up long hill,Breathing through open mouth.Wyoming airDried mouth,Leaving tongue withDesiccated texture ofDesert […]

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8

60th Reunion Ride: Day 12

Alliance, NE to Gering—by Scott’s Bluff, NE: 52 milesJuly 5, 2016 Today’s limerick:Geological sculpting through many years,Created this landmark for pioneers,We’re seeing Scott’s Bluff.You’d have to be tough,To come on a bike or as wagoners!Afternoon biking on Oregon Trail, Pony Express route,Historic.Bob and I have said,”It would have been hard to trudge along side the wagon.”True.Played […]

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6

60th Reunion Ride: Day 11

Gordon to Alliance, NE: 52 milesJuly 4, 2016 ​Much better day today.Rather than introspection and pessimism;Some nice memories.As I was riding, thinking about this being July 4th,I remembered Fourth of July in Jakarta, Indonesia.During year there,I got to sing w/ American Women Singers.Program for Independence Day ,Wonderful singable patriotic songs about our country.I, who appreciate […]

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6

60th Reunion Ride: Day 9

Rest Day: Valentine, NE—23 mile rideJuly 2, 2016 “What?” you might be thinking,”Ride 23 mile on rest day?”I did ride early in day.Cool temps, quiet hwy, cloudy sky.Long views, rolling hills, open space.I liked it.Tomorrow’s end point has to be Gordon, Nebr.’Cause that is closest motel.Gordon is 91 miles away,Much farther than I want to […]

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