I borrow this title from a novel by Wallace Stegner.
We have dear friends who just returned from a cruise of the Danube. They left the country while Judy’s mom was sick with pneumonia. She needed to stay in touch, and thanks to the rapidly developing digital world, she was able to pop into an internet café or otherwise borrow a laptop from a shipmate.
One rainy afternoon, I shared a beer with Mida Smith. Among other things, we talked about a bicycle ride she and Tim took across the USofA in 1999. Mida reminisced that, “It was the greatest feeling of freedom I’ve ever had in my life.”
On one hand, we have the digital connection on the Danube, and on the other a near independence from that sort of thing across the Kansas plains.
When I ride my bike, my mobile is always on in my back pocket. But I beg only a silent comfort. Otherwise, when it rings, the aggravation level rises to distraction. Jilly Whiting’s phone invariably rings at least three times while we’re riding. Then we must endure repeated reminder beeps.
We are children with digital toys. We must have them, and yet we reject these tools when we seek our freedom of solitude.
The other day, a young man rode his hot crotch rocket past my condo. Looking like Tom Cruse in Top Gun, he dismounted and immediately pushed up his shades and flipped open his phone. Solitude done; back to the world. Or one's internal vision of one's world?
Here’s a thought. We could ride our bicycle from Freeport to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Certainly, some of those rural roads run through hills inaccessible to the cellular net. Then if we have a problem, we must seek out a stranger to visit with. Perhaps this is partly what Mida meant by feeling freedom.
Is it an opportunity to solve problems on one’s own or approach a stranger on a personal level and gather a smile. How self satisfying this can be as opposed to a raucous too familiar flip phone stuck in your ear and a vacuous too familiar conversation.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sandals for US
August 17, 2009
Shimano American Corp.
1 HollandIrvine, CA 92618
We love your first generation cycling sandals and are terribly sad they were discontinued.
Please consider bringing back the original design. It was better looking, much lighter and stiffer than the big bulky thing that succeeded it.
We love it far more than any other sandal we’ve owned. Jilly particularly likes the open toe, cause she can tan her tootsies.
Best wishes,
Dave Fonda and Jilly Whiting
Chainlink Cyclists Cycling Club
Freeport, Illinois
Shimano American Corp.
1 HollandIrvine, CA 92618
We love your first generation cycling sandals and are terribly sad they were discontinued.
Please consider bringing back the original design. It was better looking, much lighter and stiffer than the big bulky thing that succeeded it.
We love it far more than any other sandal we’ve owned. Jilly particularly likes the open toe, cause she can tan her tootsies.
Best wishes,
Dave Fonda and Jilly Whiting
Chainlink Cyclists Cycling Club
Freeport, Illinois
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Fausto the Obsidian
The Cash for Clunkers is on, and we’re all taking (or being taken on) a ride.
I have a few ole Clunkers in my stable—my trusty, slightly rusty, 2001 Chevy Blazer for one.
Then there are: my 1981 Trek 412 (my own first bicycle purchase); a recently restored late 70s Motobecane Grand Jubilee (a gift from a barn in New Hampshire); an in progress Raleigh Record (a gift from Joe Dadez, which has been across the United States three times); and a dormant Schwinn Varsity (a gift from Eleanor Chance, which weighs as much as the other three bikes combined).
What am I to do with all these clunkers? The only one which has any hope of fetching clunker cash is the Blazer. But to give that up is to acquire another thirty grand of debt to a Japanese Toyota Prius or the new sleeker Honda Insight.
No. We need to buy American and take nary a farthing from our struggling fellow taxpayers. And, mark you, we need to remain fit and fulfilled into the bargain.
As we approach sixty two and enter the great internal struggle, which would it be?
The American-made carbon fiber wonder of the Pro Cycling Tour or the artistically lovingly hand-shaped steel from the Mecca of custom bicycles to the east Waterloo?
In June’s Tour for Cancer Century, I had the delight of riding with Dave Wages who crafts bicycles in his Ellis Cyclery shop in Waterford—once the home of Schwinn’s Paramont custom shop. Dave luggs at the hearts and desires of those who adore what only a true artisan can provide.
However, time is rolling rapidly away from my body’s ability to keep pace. Technology, spinning, and abstinence from Blue Moon and vino may be the only answer to the grim advance. Spinning is too early in the AM, and abstinence from golden foam and fragrant red is unthinkable. Trek held hope—and not just any Trek, but the Madone endorsed by the Great American Armstrong himself as customized by their Project One programme— a simply obscene Obsidian Blue Red Carbon 6.5 in all it’s elegant simplicity.
This bicycle greets one with a paint job which is free from graphic distractions and appears as deep and mystical as Lake Tahoe. Obsidian has the power to heal and make young. Faust (Fausto) himself could ask for no more. And the new Madone comes with the endorsement (viz. peer pressure) of more than a few of our fellow Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois riders.
“It is the best investment I’ve ever made,” claims Eric Helm. Eric passed his beloved Serotta down to his son and found new wings on his 6.5. Fred Shappert strapped on a new electric blue Fizik saddle and tactile bar tape on his 6.5 and sold his 5200 on Ebay even to the envy of that greedy Cote from Huh knee well.
Then came Rick Long, who only two years ago was on an old steel Columbia with enough weight and road rash to make one groan on or alongside the saddle. First, Rick bought a suitable LeMond aluminium. Then, he trekked to Madison only to return with a Baccetta recumbent. Finally, the Lorelei Madone lured Rick smack dab into the promise of carbon fiber.
Now, that same siren has claimed the Fausto within me. And so, not unlike Doktor F. himself, I traded a small portion of my trust for the hope of continuing (pray lingering) youth. Ohh, to be swifter, fit and free from the dread of what lies ahead!
Mind you, this is the ultimate stimulus package: A USA made in Waterloo, Wisconsin Trek Madone Obsidian Blue frame & fork replete with Sram Force components from a company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois USA and Race X Lite wheels, tires, brakes, stem and handlebars made by Bontrager— owned by Trek USA.
Perhaps this isn’t really as risky as Goethe’s tragic obsession. This could be a patriotic celebration of all that is good and clean about the American dream. For what is the risk if the return on investment is at hand or peddle.
I recall purchasing an IBM Personal Computer back in the early 80s. As advertised by Charlie Chaplin’s silhouette, that piece of windowless word-bound technology cost me well over five grand. Imagine what its power represents by today’s standard. And instead of getting me out of doors into the fresh air, this technology drew me into its royal blue vacuum tube.
Basta! I will not further remorse this decision. The deed is done. I have turned my back on the Clunker junk money and struck a deal with my local Freeport Bicycle Shop on a pride of America purchase. It is my fantasy, my trust, my life. Now, it truly is time to lick the plate clean
I have a few ole Clunkers in my stable—my trusty, slightly rusty, 2001 Chevy Blazer for one.
Then there are: my 1981 Trek 412 (my own first bicycle purchase); a recently restored late 70s Motobecane Grand Jubilee (a gift from a barn in New Hampshire); an in progress Raleigh Record (a gift from Joe Dadez, which has been across the United States three times); and a dormant Schwinn Varsity (a gift from Eleanor Chance, which weighs as much as the other three bikes combined).
What am I to do with all these clunkers? The only one which has any hope of fetching clunker cash is the Blazer. But to give that up is to acquire another thirty grand of debt to a Japanese Toyota Prius or the new sleeker Honda Insight.
No. We need to buy American and take nary a farthing from our struggling fellow taxpayers. And, mark you, we need to remain fit and fulfilled into the bargain.
As we approach sixty two and enter the great internal struggle, which would it be?
The American-made carbon fiber wonder of the Pro Cycling Tour or the artistically lovingly hand-shaped steel from the Mecca of custom bicycles to the east Waterloo?
In June’s Tour for Cancer Century, I had the delight of riding with Dave Wages who crafts bicycles in his Ellis Cyclery shop in Waterford—once the home of Schwinn’s Paramont custom shop. Dave luggs at the hearts and desires of those who adore what only a true artisan can provide.
However, time is rolling rapidly away from my body’s ability to keep pace. Technology, spinning, and abstinence from Blue Moon and vino may be the only answer to the grim advance. Spinning is too early in the AM, and abstinence from golden foam and fragrant red is unthinkable. Trek held hope—and not just any Trek, but the Madone endorsed by the Great American Armstrong himself as customized by their Project One programme— a simply obscene Obsidian Blue Red Carbon 6.5 in all it’s elegant simplicity.
This bicycle greets one with a paint job which is free from graphic distractions and appears as deep and mystical as Lake Tahoe. Obsidian has the power to heal and make young. Faust (Fausto) himself could ask for no more. And the new Madone comes with the endorsement (viz. peer pressure) of more than a few of our fellow Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois riders.
“It is the best investment I’ve ever made,” claims Eric Helm. Eric passed his beloved Serotta down to his son and found new wings on his 6.5. Fred Shappert strapped on a new electric blue Fizik saddle and tactile bar tape on his 6.5 and sold his 5200 on Ebay even to the envy of that greedy Cote from Huh knee well.
Then came Rick Long, who only two years ago was on an old steel Columbia with enough weight and road rash to make one groan on or alongside the saddle. First, Rick bought a suitable LeMond aluminium. Then, he trekked to Madison only to return with a Baccetta recumbent. Finally, the Lorelei Madone lured Rick smack dab into the promise of carbon fiber.
Now, that same siren has claimed the Fausto within me. And so, not unlike Doktor F. himself, I traded a small portion of my trust for the hope of continuing (pray lingering) youth. Ohh, to be swifter, fit and free from the dread of what lies ahead!
Mind you, this is the ultimate stimulus package: A USA made in Waterloo, Wisconsin Trek Madone Obsidian Blue frame & fork replete with Sram Force components from a company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois USA and Race X Lite wheels, tires, brakes, stem and handlebars made by Bontrager— owned by Trek USA.
Perhaps this isn’t really as risky as Goethe’s tragic obsession. This could be a patriotic celebration of all that is good and clean about the American dream. For what is the risk if the return on investment is at hand or peddle.
I recall purchasing an IBM Personal Computer back in the early 80s. As advertised by Charlie Chaplin’s silhouette, that piece of windowless word-bound technology cost me well over five grand. Imagine what its power represents by today’s standard. And instead of getting me out of doors into the fresh air, this technology drew me into its royal blue vacuum tube.
Basta! I will not further remorse this decision. The deed is done. I have turned my back on the Clunker junk money and struck a deal with my local Freeport Bicycle Shop on a pride of America purchase. It is my fantasy, my trust, my life. Now, it truly is time to lick the plate clean
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Pour Cercle les Vignobles
Most Chicagoans think of Illinois as farm country flat. On weekends, thousands stream out of the Windy City for the lakes in the North Country. We bike riders haven’t yet mastered the miracle of riding across water, but we do know there are spectacular roads in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois closer to Chicago than Wisconsin’s lakes.
The choicest of these routes meander around the Galena, and some of the most scenic pass by three vineyards which have grown to maturity in the Upper Left during the last decade.
Last autumn, I had it in mind to ride my bicycle along these peaseful roads and visit each of the wineries on a kind of tour I’ll call Pour Cercle les Vignobles, or Circle the Vineyards. The Saturday on Memorial Day Weekend seemed the perfect time to reconnoiter la route. The weather cooperated with moderately warm temperatures and light winds—a splendid day to explore les vignobles, meet nice people, and enjoy a wee taste at each destination.
Leaving the trusty Blazer at Galena’s park on Stagecoach Trail just east of town, I rode immediately to Kayte’s Coffee shop to fuel up on a cappuccino fortissimo. No artificial additives please; just two shots of rich espresso and foamy whole milk.
From Kayte’s we headed out the south end of town on Blackjack Road. Blackjack can be tediously busy and not at all pleasant for biking unless you have a shiny chromed Vee Twin between your legs. So, we detoured left on Irish Hollow Road which flows into Rocky Hill Road and rises up upon a ridge line above Blackjack. To get on top, prepare to climb a 15% to 18% grade which might put you off the bike if you aren’t suitably geared or trained.
Your reward is to roll easily along beneath the shade trees free of traffic with an occasional belle vue over the Mississippi Valley. Cross over Blackjack Road near the ski hill and ride towards Blanding Landing. As you drop off the ridge, squeeze your brakes for a hard left turn on to Batey Hollow Road. This is another lovely bucolic road which will take you back up to Blackjack. From there, ride Blackjack down to Hanover and follow Route 84 through town.
At the southern edge, as Route 84 fades to the right, ride straight ahead and prepare to climb up Hanover Road—about 11%. After you crest the hill, the large limestone gate marks the entrance to Rocky Waters winery. The Spahn family has been growing grapes here for nearly 12 years and just recently opened their handsome tasting room which overlooks the vines and majestic river valley to the southwest. The setting looks like it dropped out of Oregon, but from here you can definitely see Iowa.
Departing Rocky Waters, continue east on Hanover Road over to Derinda Road. At the top of the hill, turn right and ride into one of the most beautiful valleys in the Upper Left, and peddle out on a long steady grade to Massbach Ridge. The road surface is smooth—an excellent opportunity to settle into a nice tempo and pray not to be unnerved by the raucous Vee Twin Harley’s.
Roads like this are Hog Heaven on weekends. But no matter; they pass by quickly, and we’re back into our thoughts and the rhythmic rotation of peddles.
As Derinda tops off, turn left at the sign pointing to Stockton and Mount Carroll and left again towards Stockton. Massbach Ridge winery is just up the road. While not as spectacular as Rocky Waters, this winery has developed a great following over the years.
Today, Peggy Harmston’s tireless work on her terroir is paying off with a remarkable Reserve Red. And that is exactly all I tasted for the day. Peggy was entertaining guests, but took time for a photo with the Chianti Kid. Thereafter, it was time to face the challenge of the route to our final winery.
Continue towards Stockton about a mile or two, and hang a left on Skene Road to take you back over to Derinda Road. The descent off Massbach Ridge on Skene is a total scream. My friend Dennis Robinson has easily topped 50 MPH down this hill on his Baccetta recumbent.
Not surprisingly, the climb back up to Derinda is equally steep. On top, turn right for more steady climbing north to Terrapin Ridge and busy US Route 20. Cross over 20 and plummet into the Apple River Valley on Becker Road.
At the bottom, Becker flattens out and rides easily over the Apple River on a concrete deck which was once an old steel “pony trussed” bridge. We’re now on Goose Hollow Road which narrows and serpentines through yet another picturesque valley up to Shaw Road. Turn left, and climb Shaw over the only gravel stretch to the Elizabeth Scales Mound blacktop.
Like Derinda Road, Elizabeth Scales Mound is smooth tarmac, and has been surprisingly devoid of traffic the last three Saturdays I’ve ridden it. The tree line also scrubs off the stiff northwest winds we’ve been braving in the Upper Left this Spring. We’ll continue north on E-S Mound to Rawlins Road and turn west.
This was one of the few times I’ve had the pleasure of going down Rawlins Road. Instead of slugging up the18% face, we flew down and continued west over Gilford Road to Ford Road. Turning right on Ford Road, we trudged back north up to Stagecoach Trail for our final vineyard.
I had considered a couple extra climbs en route but passed, as I had never been on Ford Road or to Galena Cellars for that matter. The next few miles confirmed a wise decision.
I arrived at Galena Cellars off a sharp hill on the north shoulder of Stagecoach Trail. This oldest of wineries in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois was more humble than I expected. And the view to the Northwest across the vineyards and the Galena River valley is lovely indeed.
Galena Cellars was a buzz with visitors packed inside the tasting room, touring the winery, or otherwise sitting in the shade outdoors enjoying the splendid view. I dearly wanted to flop down in one of the vinyl Adirondacks and join them, but legs stiffened their warning to respect the steep hill back up to Stagecoach Trail.
Unlike Derinda and Elizabeth-Scales Mound Roads, this stretch of Stagecoach is well populated by vehicles of all kinds. So, we cautiously glanced over our left shoulder on our decent into Galena.
Our departure on this journey round the vineyards began with coffee at Kayte’s. If you haven’t tasted enough along your Cercle les Vignobles, may we suggest Jamie Carroll’s Wine Studio? Jamie’s is on the north side of the street a block or so west of Kayte’s.
You can sit in her tasting room, or browse for a bottle to take home.
So now the seed has finally been sown, and we’re planning to organize our first Pour Cercle les Vignbles during the fall harvest. If anyone is interested, please send a comment or email me at cycleupperleft.il@gmail.com.
The choicest of these routes meander around the Galena, and some of the most scenic pass by three vineyards which have grown to maturity in the Upper Left during the last decade.
Last autumn, I had it in mind to ride my bicycle along these peaseful roads and visit each of the wineries on a kind of tour I’ll call Pour Cercle les Vignobles, or Circle the Vineyards. The Saturday on Memorial Day Weekend seemed the perfect time to reconnoiter la route. The weather cooperated with moderately warm temperatures and light winds—a splendid day to explore les vignobles, meet nice people, and enjoy a wee taste at each destination.
Leaving the trusty Blazer at Galena’s park on Stagecoach Trail just east of town, I rode immediately to Kayte’s Coffee shop to fuel up on a cappuccino fortissimo. No artificial additives please; just two shots of rich espresso and foamy whole milk.
From Kayte’s we headed out the south end of town on Blackjack Road. Blackjack can be tediously busy and not at all pleasant for biking unless you have a shiny chromed Vee Twin between your legs. So, we detoured left on Irish Hollow Road which flows into Rocky Hill Road and rises up upon a ridge line above Blackjack. To get on top, prepare to climb a 15% to 18% grade which might put you off the bike if you aren’t suitably geared or trained.
Your reward is to roll easily along beneath the shade trees free of traffic with an occasional belle vue over the Mississippi Valley. Cross over Blackjack Road near the ski hill and ride towards Blanding Landing. As you drop off the ridge, squeeze your brakes for a hard left turn on to Batey Hollow Road. This is another lovely bucolic road which will take you back up to Blackjack. From there, ride Blackjack down to Hanover and follow Route 84 through town.
At the southern edge, as Route 84 fades to the right, ride straight ahead and prepare to climb up Hanover Road—about 11%. After you crest the hill, the large limestone gate marks the entrance to Rocky Waters winery. The Spahn family has been growing grapes here for nearly 12 years and just recently opened their handsome tasting room which overlooks the vines and majestic river valley to the southwest. The setting looks like it dropped out of Oregon, but from here you can definitely see Iowa.
Departing Rocky Waters, continue east on Hanover Road over to Derinda Road. At the top of the hill, turn right and ride into one of the most beautiful valleys in the Upper Left, and peddle out on a long steady grade to Massbach Ridge. The road surface is smooth—an excellent opportunity to settle into a nice tempo and pray not to be unnerved by the raucous Vee Twin Harley’s.
Roads like this are Hog Heaven on weekends. But no matter; they pass by quickly, and we’re back into our thoughts and the rhythmic rotation of peddles.
As Derinda tops off, turn left at the sign pointing to Stockton and Mount Carroll and left again towards Stockton. Massbach Ridge winery is just up the road. While not as spectacular as Rocky Waters, this winery has developed a great following over the years.
Today, Peggy Harmston’s tireless work on her terroir is paying off with a remarkable Reserve Red. And that is exactly all I tasted for the day. Peggy was entertaining guests, but took time for a photo with the Chianti Kid. Thereafter, it was time to face the challenge of the route to our final winery.
Continue towards Stockton about a mile or two, and hang a left on Skene Road to take you back over to Derinda Road. The descent off Massbach Ridge on Skene is a total scream. My friend Dennis Robinson has easily topped 50 MPH down this hill on his Baccetta recumbent.
Not surprisingly, the climb back up to Derinda is equally steep. On top, turn right for more steady climbing north to Terrapin Ridge and busy US Route 20. Cross over 20 and plummet into the Apple River Valley on Becker Road.
At the bottom, Becker flattens out and rides easily over the Apple River on a concrete deck which was once an old steel “pony trussed” bridge. We’re now on Goose Hollow Road which narrows and serpentines through yet another picturesque valley up to Shaw Road. Turn left, and climb Shaw over the only gravel stretch to the Elizabeth Scales Mound blacktop.
Like Derinda Road, Elizabeth Scales Mound is smooth tarmac, and has been surprisingly devoid of traffic the last three Saturdays I’ve ridden it. The tree line also scrubs off the stiff northwest winds we’ve been braving in the Upper Left this Spring. We’ll continue north on E-S Mound to Rawlins Road and turn west.
This was one of the few times I’ve had the pleasure of going down Rawlins Road. Instead of slugging up the18% face, we flew down and continued west over Gilford Road to Ford Road. Turning right on Ford Road, we trudged back north up to Stagecoach Trail for our final vineyard.
I had considered a couple extra climbs en route but passed, as I had never been on Ford Road or to Galena Cellars for that matter. The next few miles confirmed a wise decision.
I arrived at Galena Cellars off a sharp hill on the north shoulder of Stagecoach Trail. This oldest of wineries in the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois was more humble than I expected. And the view to the Northwest across the vineyards and the Galena River valley is lovely indeed.
Galena Cellars was a buzz with visitors packed inside the tasting room, touring the winery, or otherwise sitting in the shade outdoors enjoying the splendid view. I dearly wanted to flop down in one of the vinyl Adirondacks and join them, but legs stiffened their warning to respect the steep hill back up to Stagecoach Trail.
Unlike Derinda and Elizabeth-Scales Mound Roads, this stretch of Stagecoach is well populated by vehicles of all kinds. So, we cautiously glanced over our left shoulder on our decent into Galena.
Our departure on this journey round the vineyards began with coffee at Kayte’s. If you haven’t tasted enough along your Cercle les Vignobles, may we suggest Jamie Carroll’s Wine Studio? Jamie’s is on the north side of the street a block or so west of Kayte’s.
You can sit in her tasting room, or browse for a bottle to take home.
So now the seed has finally been sown, and we’re planning to organize our first Pour Cercle les Vignbles during the fall harvest. If anyone is interested, please send a comment or email me at cycleupperleft.il@gmail.com.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Jilly's Trek 5500 Now On Sale
One spin on this bike, and I ask myself, why is she selling it. Compared to my 2100, this 5500 is a rocket. It probably is a combination of lightness, stiffness, and drivetrain. Duh!
The 56cm frame is just a bit cramped but not at all uncomfortable. This bike has a dream ride compared to my 2100. The bumps just melt away.
The JillyTrek has a 52/39 DuraAce crankset, and the arms are a shorter 172.5mm compared to my Bontrager 50/36 compact with 175mm crankarms. So, when I step on it, the bike really shoots ahead.
Joe Dadez and I did some basic clean-up of the bike. I had a nice Bontrager saddle, and we installed new cables and cool carbon fiber lookin housings and retaped the handlebars black. I also added a nice Bontrager black bottle rack with black bolts.
The DuraAce gruppo feels more positive than the Ultegra on my 2100, and the Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels are light and tough. But the paintjob on this bike is really cool. It was done by Metal Specialties with a mirage dual tint metalic paint that changes color in the light from green to purple.
This is also the first time I've ridden a bike with real aero bars, and it is slick feeling like Lance or Levi in the TTTuck.
All in all, this is bike will bring a lot of smiles to someone for a Mille Cent.
The 56cm frame is just a bit cramped but not at all uncomfortable. This bike has a dream ride compared to my 2100. The bumps just melt away.
The JillyTrek has a 52/39 DuraAce crankset, and the arms are a shorter 172.5mm compared to my Bontrager 50/36 compact with 175mm crankarms. So, when I step on it, the bike really shoots ahead.
Joe Dadez and I did some basic clean-up of the bike. I had a nice Bontrager saddle, and we installed new cables and cool carbon fiber lookin housings and retaped the handlebars black. I also added a nice Bontrager black bottle rack with black bolts.
The DuraAce gruppo feels more positive than the Ultegra on my 2100, and the Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels are light and tough. But the paintjob on this bike is really cool. It was done by Metal Specialties with a mirage dual tint metalic paint that changes color in the light from green to purple.
This is also the first time I've ridden a bike with real aero bars, and it is slick feeling like Lance or Levi in the TTTuck.
All in all, this is bike will bring a lot of smiles to someone for a Mille Cent.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tour for Cancer Century - 2009
This past Saturday morning was busy around the Pretzel City. The Pretzel Fest was in full swing all over the city, and the Kids Triathlon at the YMCA were the headliners.
It was also the sixth year that avid cyclists straddled their bikes and headed into the west country on our Tour for Cancer.
Most rode the beautiful 115 mile course through the communities of Lena, Warren, Stockton, Mt. Carroll, and Pearl City. Some opted for a shorter 30 mile ride through McConnell, Buena Vista, and Scioto Mills.
This year, the Grand Century reached further southwest into the hills along Massbach Ridge and Elizabeth Roads into Mt. Carroll. It was a scenic tour de force, as the sun broke our cloud cover, and the southerly winds intensified, as the heat of the day rose into the 90s.
Thankfully, the wind pushed us back up Loran Road towards Pearl City. I slapped on more sun block and packed extra ice in my water bottles. On the way home, I poured as much water over my head as I drank.
As a side note, custom bicycle builder, Dave Wages of Ellis Cycles, joined us from Waterford, Wisconsin astride his beautifully repainted steel cyclocross bicycle. Dave won the best lugged bicycle award at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this year. It was fun riding with Dave and hearing him talk about his craftsmanship.
We would like to thank all our riders who came out and graciously contributed to the Ferguson Cancer Center. Our Tour doesn’t require an admission fee, and we don’t hand out Tee shirts. Our riders come for the love of peddling long challenging miles in our lovely Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. They come for the camaraderie, and each helped our local Ferguson Center combat Cancer.
Because of the absent mindedness of yours’ truly, nearly half of our contributions were temporarily lost. But a very thoughtful honest gentleman returned them to us through the Freeport Police Department.
Thanks once again to mio amico, Chuck Beichel, for helping mark the course, and a special thanks to Joe Dadez and Ann Mattson from the Freeport Bicycle Company for their technical assistance and support for this year’s event.
Hope to see you all again next year.
It was also the sixth year that avid cyclists straddled their bikes and headed into the west country on our Tour for Cancer.
Most rode the beautiful 115 mile course through the communities of Lena, Warren, Stockton, Mt. Carroll, and Pearl City. Some opted for a shorter 30 mile ride through McConnell, Buena Vista, and Scioto Mills.
This year, the Grand Century reached further southwest into the hills along Massbach Ridge and Elizabeth Roads into Mt. Carroll. It was a scenic tour de force, as the sun broke our cloud cover, and the southerly winds intensified, as the heat of the day rose into the 90s.
Thankfully, the wind pushed us back up Loran Road towards Pearl City. I slapped on more sun block and packed extra ice in my water bottles. On the way home, I poured as much water over my head as I drank.
As a side note, custom bicycle builder, Dave Wages of Ellis Cycles, joined us from Waterford, Wisconsin astride his beautifully repainted steel cyclocross bicycle. Dave won the best lugged bicycle award at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this year. It was fun riding with Dave and hearing him talk about his craftsmanship.
We would like to thank all our riders who came out and graciously contributed to the Ferguson Cancer Center. Our Tour doesn’t require an admission fee, and we don’t hand out Tee shirts. Our riders come for the love of peddling long challenging miles in our lovely Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. They come for the camaraderie, and each helped our local Ferguson Center combat Cancer.
Because of the absent mindedness of yours’ truly, nearly half of our contributions were temporarily lost. But a very thoughtful honest gentleman returned them to us through the Freeport Police Department.
Thanks once again to mio amico, Chuck Beichel, for helping mark the course, and a special thanks to Joe Dadez and Ann Mattson from the Freeport Bicycle Company for their technical assistance and support for this year’s event.
Hope to see you all again next year.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Peggy in the Rockies
Our diva of ladies cycling fashion was spotted recently as she flew across the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Our man on the scene caught up with Peggy, but only briefly as she dusted him up to Monarch Pass.
Lyle hung on, caught Diva at the top, and sent back a couple of great photos. Now the entire cycling world knows of her haute couture. Instead of strolling down a runway at the House of Chanel, Peggy gave new meaning to the French word haute by peddling up the big Rocky passes.
Formidable, Mme. Badgett.
Lyle hung on, caught Diva at the top, and sent back a couple of great photos. Now the entire cycling world knows of her haute couture. Instead of strolling down a runway at the House of Chanel, Peggy gave new meaning to the French word haute by peddling up the big Rocky passes.
Formidable, Mme. Badgett.
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