Super Sunday Century - Lincoln to Nebraska City and back.

Patches recently had the idea that we ride another century yet this year and wanted to go to Nebraska City. I was game and invited others to come along for part of the way, or the whole day. Six of us met up at Holmes Lake at 7:00 this morning even though it was only 35'F.

We took the Antelope Creek Trail out to Highway 2 and turned east. By about 9:00 all but Patches and I had peeled off to ride to Eagle or back to Lincoln.

Patches and I rode into a light headwind to Nebraska City and made a b-line for downtown. We found a great restaurant and had dinner (not to be confused with supper). Then we rode around Nebraska City a little. We made our way to Arbor Lodge and the Lied Lodge then rode down some of Nebraska City's bike path.

We got back on Highway 2 and with a breeze at our backs we rolled back to Lincoln. We got back a couple of miles short of a century so we rode a lap around Holmes Lake to hit 100 miles for the day. It was Patches 3rd century after the one on TDN and Gravel Worlds earlier this year. Today was my 2nd for 2010 after the one I got on TDN. This was the first time either of us had rode to Nebraska City. It was a great day to spend on bikes and definitely the easiest century I've ever done. Today's miles = 101.3

Fox-Hole 100 Fall Edition Day 2

We left Patches' family's motor-home this morning and rode to the Fox Hole Tavern for breakfast. It was misty and 51'F. It didn't warm up during the entire ride back, we turned into the wind and headed for Crete.

There we stopped at DQ and after a blizzard I was ready for the final leg into Lincoln. We stayed on highways to Roca, then took the Homestead back into town. It's been a fun 3-day weekend on bikes and I got home today with 44.4 miles for today.

Fox-Hole 100 Fall Edition Day 1

Patches and I met up at 8:30 this morning and turned toward downtown for the start of the Fall Fox Hole 100 2-day ride from Lincoln to the Fox Hole Tavern in Wilbur.

We began with breakfast at Bread And Cup then went South on the Salt Creek Levy Trail to the Jamaica North Trail then the Homestead trail to Cortland. We had lunch in Cortland then took gravel to Clatonia. Took another break and went West into Wilbur.

I got the flat today. We avoided the rain that was forecasted for today and lucked out with a good tailwind. It was pretty cool and the group was small. But we had a great ride and were treated to supper and goodies from the Fox Hole Tavern. We'll head back tomorrow. Today's miles = 49.5

2010 GPBC's Heatstroke 100.

Almost exactly 3 years ago we moved to Lincoln and started biking. We did the annual Kool-Aid Days ride that summer. Last year my whole family did the BBC Rolling To The River Ride. And this year we decided to ride the GPBC Heatstroke 100 together.

With me on my loaner Surley Cross Check from Bike Pedalers, the wife on her new Ruby, our oldest on his hardtail Marin MTB, our daughter on her Marin comfort bike and our youngest on his Felt MTB we set out along with my brother-in-law and hundreds of other cyclists on today's ride.

We decided to do loop #1, from SAC, through Ashland across the Gretna - I-80 exit, to the SAG stop at the LIED bridge and back to SAC.

I somehow got a flat just before the end. It's my 6th of the year. Otherwise it was a perfect ride. The kids weren't used to the hills or wind, and today was the longest ride any of them had done. But we took our time and really made it a great way to spend the morning. Today's miles = 24.5

Looking sharp for a road ride to Cortland for water.

I met up with Chris and Council at 7:30 mmm, er, ah, make that 7:36 in Council's case. I should feel lucky I got a chance to ride with him since he often bows out of ride opportunities, so I won't write about my deep disappointment in his tardiness.

He made it up to me by letting me suck wheel all the way down 77 to Cortland. There were questions concerning my steel steed. And my humor that was as stinging as today's South wind, was just as well received.

I was dressed to the nines for the trip, and offered to reach up for a drink for the boys. After stopping for water we turned back to the star city and let the tail wind push us home.

Back in the city I continued North down the Rock Island Trail where I ran into the infamous barkeep himself from the Legendary Fox Hole Tavern who was promoting the upcoming Fox Hole 100 2-day bike tour from Lincoln to Wilbur on September 18th and 19th. The Fox Hole 100 is an awesome ride that you should make plans to be on!

Later back at home I went for a short spin with Ruby and her rider. I got along well with the Surly Cross Check today, it was comfortable and predictable. I'm still struggling to get used to the bar end shifters and miss the quick acceleration of my Felt. But once it's up to speed it floats like a Cadillac. Today's total miles = 50.2

Ceresco - Raymond ride.

After seeing a sweet sunrise over Holmes Lake I rode North. Craig, Ashleigh, Council and myself met up at Hy-vee on 84th at 7am and headed North on 77 to Ceresco, at that point Council left us for Ashland and we turned West.

County Rd A was scenic and fast, we took some breaks then hit Raymond in time for dinner (not to be confused with supper). After Raymond we had a headwind and heat, as well as quite a bit of traffic from the lake. I got baked and should have used sunscreen. But the route was well planned and made for a fun day. Once back in Lincoln I went to work for a couple of hours before going home with 67.2 miles for the day.

2010 Tour De Nebraska 5 day bike tour.

It's in the books. What a great time!!! See you next year. Today's miles = 54.5

Almost done!

Grinding into this headwind.

One last SAG stop.

The headwind is murder, but we keep grinding into it, we're less than an hour from the end.

A break in Nelson from the tough headwind.

We're 31.4 miles into the last day of TDN, but we're spinning into a headwind from the North.

White knuckle riding going into Knuckles county.

The breakfast line stretches outside this morning in Red Cloud.

Riders eat their final breakfast before starting the last day.

The annual TDN awards banquet.

Tonight we had the TDN awards banquet in Red Cloud. We had a big supper then the awards began. I nominated Patches for a Sophie Trophy. And Di White won the coveted Spirit Award.

Rolled into TDN Day 4 overnight stop in Red Cloud.

We started at 6:30 and got here at 10:30 with 45.1 miles for the day.

A Down Home Breakfast in Franklin.

Patches and I snooped around downtown and found this neat little place for some food.

Tackling some hills from Alma to Franklin.

We left at 6:30 and got to Franklin at 8am. Everyone is looking strong today.

Day 4 on TDN starts with breakfast in Alma.

Everyone is feeling good and getting ready to go.

Supper and entertainment for TDN in Alma.

Their taking good care of us tonight with some great food and young talent.