From TDF to Wilderness.

Today began by waking up early for a ride over to Andrew's man cave to watch The Tour live starting at 6:30am our time on his projector.

After a few hours of watching the race and visiting with several other cyclist and one self proclaimed groupie I left and rode to the office.

I did a little work so I wouldn't have to tomorrow and I'll be free for a gravel ride we're planning to Ashland and won't have to hurry back. I made a detour on the Mopac, but it was pretty dead.

Once I got home I was able to borrow our 18 yr old's MTB and left home again to ride some single track with a cool couple I met on the NSFW ride. We went through Wilderness and then some, we had a great time out there.

Today's miles = 45.4

Staightnin' the curves, Flatnin' the hills...

Nothing like a great fall bike ride in the country to bring back old memories!

I had the day off work, so late this morning I derailed into the little ring and spun into the wind. I took the Billy Wolff to the Rock Island then South to the Jamaica North then down the Homestead about halfway to Cortland before turning back to Lincoln. Then some effortless sailing in the big ring all the way back. Back on the edge of Lincoln, I tried some single track in Wilderness Park before heading home.

Then, tonight our youngest and I took our bikes to church.

One of my most vivid childhood memories was laying on my side with one elbow on the floor and my head in my hand with the Dukes on the RCA and my orange Matchbox General Lee straightnin' the curves and flatnin' the hills of our green shag carpeted living room floor.

Then, riding my orange bike the next morning through autumn leaves as fast as I could at our rural Hall County farm, trying to get them to fly up in the air like Bow and Luke did as they tore through rural Hazard County. Yes, I would yell "Yee-Haa" too!

Today's ride reminded me of those early fall boyhood adventures. And while I denied yelling "Yee-Haa" today, I admit I did look back after plowing through drifts of dry leaves on the trail to see if they would fly up behind me like they did over 25 years ago... Sure enough, they did! "Yee-Haa!" (Oops! Did I say that out loud?)

Sure the weather is a little 'iffy' this time of year, but here's hoping you'll find some time to get outdoors for a little nostalgic fun, just be sure to get home in time to watch 'The Dukes'. Today's rural ride and trip to church = 39.94 miles.

MTB Lesson #1.

When taking kids 14 and under on trails, don't try to show off by riding through a creek that is way too technical for your ability. It's funny how they scream out "Are you all right?" before your face even hits the water. And are laughing before you even come up for air. Their quick aren't they?

My 1st endo into a creek. *ouch!*

Walk your bike through tricky creeks. Trust me!

Riding Single Track at Wilderness Park

Took the two youngest and a couple of their friends out to try some dirt riding this afternoon. Lots of fun!