Moving On

The original purpose behind The Fourteen Percent Ride has long since been fulfilled. So, I've decided that Mighty Proud will be the last posting. It just seems right.

But, don't worry. Or maybe you should. In any event, I plan to continue. I'll keep riding. And writing. Click here to come along in my new blog ~ The Long White Line. <-- check it out!

Thanks

As I've ridden for the last two years, I've picked up on the fact that Shirley, my darling wife, has been more worried about my safety than impressed with my "accomplishments." How do I know this? Well, when I'd come back and tell her, for example, that I'd hit 53.6 mph going down FO, she'd reply, "I don't want to hear it." Being the sensitive sort I figured out, after many such comments, that just maybe we were not on the same page here. But last week, she told me that she would "greatly reduce her focus on the 'fear for my safety' issue." We talked about the tour, looked at some maps, researched nutrition suggestions on the internet, and so on, just enjoying the idea of the ride. How nice is that? Thank you, Shirley!

Saturday, April 28, 2007

A Bee in my bonnet

Just outside of Coon Valley a bee got into my helmet and proceeded to act like it did not really want to be there. Since I shared this sentiment, I quickly stopped and removed my headgear. The hitch-hiker made a beeline away from the scene, as relieved to be gone as I was to have him on his way under his own power, stinger still attached.

Today's ride was 67.1 miles. Only 0.9 miles shy of the shortest leg of the Seattle-Missoula ride. Man, do I have a way to go to get ready. It was, however, a beautiful day. Wonderful scenery out in the rural areas east of La Crosse.

The route took me up the bluffs along Bliss Rd., around to Barre Mills, up again on County II to Anthony Rd. Then it was to Hwy 33 which I followed out to Portland. County Roads X, H, G and P got me to Coon Valley. Then 162 to Stoddard and 14 back to La Crosse. The wind was at my back on the ride to Portland. The highest part of the ride was on X, where the wind was coming at my right shoulder with such force that I was actually leaning into it to stay on the road. Coon Valley to La Crosse meant riding mostly into the wind.

I wondered during the ride, "Where does all this wind come from?" I like to think deep thoughts such as this while riding. There must be some place where the people are gasping for breath, most of their air having been sent to La Crosse to vex bikers.

Total ~ 601.5 miles

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You are a great writer, Dad! (And a great rider, wink!)

April 29, 2007 at 3:21 PM

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