Gravel, skunks and the 4 lane

We went another 12 miles last night. This weather is just awesome for the end of June, beginning of July. Today we are expecting storms so probably no bike ride after supper.

When we left the drive way, Jan says where do I want to go. I said I didnt' care but not East, so which direction does he begin to turn...east of course! We corrected that and headed south then west into what little wind there was (mayb 5 mile an hour). There was very little traffic so we decided to try the parking lane of the 4 lane highway. What wonderful riding! Smooth, no traffic, wind at our backs and down hill! Too bad there always has to be an uphill.

When we turned off we ran into gravel after 2 miles - either turn around or three choices of gravel. Jan said we can do this, just stay in the tack. Well, of course the track disappeared and we were on a very rocky gravel road. Quiet, no hourse, no traffic, no dogs...but our first major spotting of wildlife...a skunk. I about paniced, rode to the other side of the rode, holding my breath. It seems the skunk was doing the same thing. He quickly headed off the road and into the corn as fast as his little legs would carry him....no time to spray....just hide from those humans. I am gladd that was his thinking!

When we finally found blacktop we headed out on it and reached the 4 lane again. It worked wo well the first time, we though we'd try it again. Well...the one was all up hill and I kept slowing down. However, I did not stop and I had no trouble breathing, just kept losing speed. When we turned off to head home I knew we had one big hill in the last mile. And it didn't take long to get there. I made 24 miles an hour going down, but I barely made it up. I realized I could do long slow ascents better than fast climbs. I was tired, out of breath, wanted to be home, but we found a turn off at the edge of town so I could get my breath by riding a different direction before tackling the hill again.

Home by 8:50 for a brief cooldown on the front porch. Jan would rather cool down in front of the TV watching the White Sox. When I cam in they were tied with Cleveland. It took extra innings, but Ramirez came through and some other new guy I don't remember to get something going to win the game. Another fun evening - biking and baseball. Seriously, I enjoy them both. Next week, Chicago. We'll see where that ends up!