We’ve been biking steadily through the month of July, although there hasn’t been much coming out on the page. This is symptomatic of an over preoccupation with the Tour de France.
On Sunday, July 29th, we followed butterflies out over the big hills to Galena and 112 miles of glorious suffering.
On the first Saturday in August, it was time to shake off the lactic acid of Galena and head northeast out of the Upper Left Hand Corner.
Our destination was Brodhead, Wisconsin which is the southern gateway to the Sugar River Trail. It is a cycle friendly community with a very nice town center where we found a bike shop with a bed & breakfast above.
Our route took us up through Clarno, Twin Grove and Juda. A lumber yard in every town in case we would require a 2x4. The roads were in great condition and traffic was light—nearly nonexistent. Unlike the previous Sunday where the incessant sunlight sucked the life out of my legs, the weather was overcast and cool.
Out of Juda, we headed north to Greenbush Road and followed that east to County F. Here we took a detour towards Albany in order to catch a lovely “Rustic Road” called Park which we followed back down to Brodhead.
Brodhead has spruced up the old limestone buildings in its center. We found a friendly sandwich shop and tavern at the southeast corner of the piazza and settled into a nice lunch. My guest, Geno Sapinski from Downers Grove, very nearly spoiled my prime rib sandwich when he asked if my lively Salsa cycling jersey was available in a mans’ color.
Afterwards, our route back to Freeport took us south along Mount Hope Road past the go cart track where Indy Racing League star Danica Patrick launched her meteoric career. Mount Hope carves through the flat rich bottom land and eventually rises up to meet State Line Road.
Turning west, we hugged the state line over to Davis Road. We rode south on Davis Road to Walnut Grove Road and turned west again. Walnut Grove, though freshly sealed and overly chipped, was a welcome alternative to rough treeless boring Rock Grove Road. So we crunched through the chips over to Juda Road and Rock Grove.
From Rock Grove, we continued west towards Afolkey Road along Hickory Grove Road. Hickory Grove is another “preferred” route to Dakota Road which is in terrible shape.
We stopped at Berner Cheese in Afolkey to see if we could get Geno some cheese to take back but no such luck. So, we continued down Afolkey to Angle Road and took that over to Henderson Road and the home stretch to Freeport.
In spite of a light drizzle, this is a great 80 mile ride over some beautiful scenic rural roads.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Rain Rain Get Out a Here
I rode 75 miles back from Williams Bay, Wisconsin through a warm (ish) rain last Sunday. South of Davis, along Farwell Bridge Road, the clouds thinned, and a warm breath blow dried me and my pannier laden Las Cruces.
Since Sunday, however, we have had nothing but rain, soak and soggy.
Makes one think of our Irish friends.
Since Sunday, however, we have had nothing but rain, soak and soggy.
Makes one think of our Irish friends.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Adventures in Thompson?
On Sunday, July 29, suffering from Post Tour Anxiety, I followed two butterflies over the hills to Galena and back to Freeport. Jill Whiting, Colleen Neary and I had a glorious 115 mile ride, although the sun sucked the life out of me legs. More about all that later.
The Tour de France and the PTA has really put the brakes on my writing. So, I share Jill's trip to Thompson this past weekend with you now.
"Still HIGH on the ride Dave took us on last Sunday (which I did AGAIN on Monday – but on the back of Kenbob’s motorcycle – I found I did a LOT less heavy breathing the second time around), today Colleen, Michelle and I (Jillyf!sh) started from Freeport and went out East Loran to 78 North.
At this point I had a not-so-pretty blow-out. Left a quarter-inch hole in my tire, right in the center where “the rubber meets the road”. I put in a new tube along w/ a dollar bill to cover the hole.
As I attempted to pump it up, it blew again. Colleen generously donated her only tube and I tried again. George Washington was staring out the hole at us, so I took one of Colleen’s patches and covered the OUTSIDE of the hole (if I would have thought about it BEFORE pumping, I’d have put it on the inside of the tire. At least George was blind-folded now.)
We were thinking maybe it best to start heading back though we were really psyched to do the planned ride. I said, let’s see if I get 5 feet down the road, and,……if so, we’ll go to Massbach Rd (if I make it that far) and re-evaluate. Well, the patch was still on and the tire still held air, so I felt cocky and said let’s keep going.
We rode Derinda south to Scenic Ridge Road along the east side of Pallisades.
We hit Savanna and Michelle took off down Rt 64 to head back while we took the path down to Thompson. There we found a delightful bike shop called “Arnold’s Bikes and Embroidery” -- REALLY!!! Too funny! He had quite the inventory – a fun shop.
We stopped for lunch and the rain hit! By the time we were ready to hit the road, it subsided a bit but still rained on us all the way to Freeport. We were soaked but happy! We zig-zagged through Chadwick, Lanark, Shannon and back. Clocked 104 miles. Michelle did about 20 less and later wished she rode the extra 20 just to have someone to paceline with and take turns blocking the headwind. NEXT time!
Once I got home the patch was still there but pretty much worn through and George was peeking out again. I really think ol’ George made our ride possible.
For those interested, the 2006 Hawaii Ironman will be televised again tomorrow (Sun) from 4 – 6.
Andrew, gotta tell you about a fun bike gadget I saw at the Embroidery Shop – OOPS, I mean BIKE Shop J, that you’d find interesting as a commuter.
No Italian from me, except CIAO!"
__~O
-\ <,
(*) (*)
~ Jillyf!sh
The Tour de France and the PTA has really put the brakes on my writing. So, I share Jill's trip to Thompson this past weekend with you now.
"Still HIGH on the ride Dave took us on last Sunday (which I did AGAIN on Monday – but on the back of Kenbob’s motorcycle – I found I did a LOT less heavy breathing the second time around), today Colleen, Michelle and I (Jillyf!sh) started from Freeport and went out East Loran to 78 North.
At this point I had a not-so-pretty blow-out. Left a quarter-inch hole in my tire, right in the center where “the rubber meets the road”. I put in a new tube along w/ a dollar bill to cover the hole.
As I attempted to pump it up, it blew again. Colleen generously donated her only tube and I tried again. George Washington was staring out the hole at us, so I took one of Colleen’s patches and covered the OUTSIDE of the hole (if I would have thought about it BEFORE pumping, I’d have put it on the inside of the tire. At least George was blind-folded now.)
We were thinking maybe it best to start heading back though we were really psyched to do the planned ride. I said, let’s see if I get 5 feet down the road, and,……if so, we’ll go to Massbach Rd (if I make it that far) and re-evaluate. Well, the patch was still on and the tire still held air, so I felt cocky and said let’s keep going.
We rode Derinda south to Scenic Ridge Road along the east side of Pallisades.
We hit Savanna and Michelle took off down Rt 64 to head back while we took the path down to Thompson. There we found a delightful bike shop called “Arnold’s Bikes and Embroidery” -- REALLY!!! Too funny! He had quite the inventory – a fun shop.
We stopped for lunch and the rain hit! By the time we were ready to hit the road, it subsided a bit but still rained on us all the way to Freeport. We were soaked but happy! We zig-zagged through Chadwick, Lanark, Shannon and back. Clocked 104 miles. Michelle did about 20 less and later wished she rode the extra 20 just to have someone to paceline with and take turns blocking the headwind. NEXT time!
Once I got home the patch was still there but pretty much worn through and George was peeking out again. I really think ol’ George made our ride possible.
For those interested, the 2006 Hawaii Ironman will be televised again tomorrow (Sun) from 4 – 6.
Andrew, gotta tell you about a fun bike gadget I saw at the Embroidery Shop – OOPS, I mean BIKE Shop J, that you’d find interesting as a commuter.
No Italian from me, except CIAO!"
__~O
-\ <,
(*) (*)
~ Jillyf!sh
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
This is our Bigdaddy—the Tour for Cancer Century. The route was originated by Dennis Robinson to touch nearly all the clinics in our health network, and it is one of the premier long rides in the Upper Left-Hand Corner of Illinois.
We start from our YMCA located on the Highland Community College campus and cycle north by northwest through the villages of Lena and Warren. The route then swings southwest down gorgeous Fiedler Road to Canyon Park Road—a wide blacktop which rolls south towards Stockton through a broad valley.
Our destination in downtown Stockton is Karen’s Restaurant for an early lunch. Our right of passage is a beastly 15% grade on Binkley Road which we call the Binkley Bonk. Pray that a dog doesn’t chase at your heels on the way up as it did me the first time I climbed the Bonk. Once on top, your reward is a spectacular westerly view from the summit.
Karen’s has humongous sandwiches and yummy pie. We tucked into piled high turkey clubs and bacon cheese burgers. Darrell Windell lured us to the rhubarb pie, and this prompted Andrew “Diet Right” Soria to proclaim that we were “an eating club with a bike disorder.”
From Stockton, our Century heads east over to the borough of Kent. My legs felt like lead with all that lounging and eating at Karen’s. But my tum was pleasantly full with fresh warmed homemade pie.
South of Kent, we tackle some big rollers and swing into another beautiful valley which meanders southwest along Loran Road towards Mount Carroll. We lovingly call this the Valle de Loran.
As we approached Mount Carroll, the pace quickened. Evidentally Karen’s pie wasn’t enough to satisfy our craving for sweets. Dr. Mike Perry and Chuck Garrett were locked in on Hawaiian Pineapple and other Blizzards at the Dairy Queen. Their flying P-38 recumbents set us up with a nice draft down to Mount Carroll.
Our route from Mount Carroll to Lanark runs off Route 40 onto Cyclone Ridge Road. Praise Almighty, the winds were out of the southwest. We set our spinnakers on Cyclone Ridge, and flew over the rollers to Lanark. From Lanark, it’s back to Freeport and Highland College via the village of Shannon with a short stop at Casey’s if called for.
Wanna ride this fabulous Century? Drop me a note. The course markers should remain visible for the next few months, and I’ll send you a map and detailed directions.
Better yet, come ride with us on June 28, 2008. All contributions go directly to our Ferguson Cancer Center here in Freeport.
We start from our YMCA located on the Highland Community College campus and cycle north by northwest through the villages of Lena and Warren. The route then swings southwest down gorgeous Fiedler Road to Canyon Park Road—a wide blacktop which rolls south towards Stockton through a broad valley.
Our destination in downtown Stockton is Karen’s Restaurant for an early lunch. Our right of passage is a beastly 15% grade on Binkley Road which we call the Binkley Bonk. Pray that a dog doesn’t chase at your heels on the way up as it did me the first time I climbed the Bonk. Once on top, your reward is a spectacular westerly view from the summit.
Karen’s has humongous sandwiches and yummy pie. We tucked into piled high turkey clubs and bacon cheese burgers. Darrell Windell lured us to the rhubarb pie, and this prompted Andrew “Diet Right” Soria to proclaim that we were “an eating club with a bike disorder.”
From Stockton, our Century heads east over to the borough of Kent. My legs felt like lead with all that lounging and eating at Karen’s. But my tum was pleasantly full with fresh warmed homemade pie.
South of Kent, we tackle some big rollers and swing into another beautiful valley which meanders southwest along Loran Road towards Mount Carroll. We lovingly call this the Valle de Loran.
As we approached Mount Carroll, the pace quickened. Evidentally Karen’s pie wasn’t enough to satisfy our craving for sweets. Dr. Mike Perry and Chuck Garrett were locked in on Hawaiian Pineapple and other Blizzards at the Dairy Queen. Their flying P-38 recumbents set us up with a nice draft down to Mount Carroll.
Our route from Mount Carroll to Lanark runs off Route 40 onto Cyclone Ridge Road. Praise Almighty, the winds were out of the southwest. We set our spinnakers on Cyclone Ridge, and flew over the rollers to Lanark. From Lanark, it’s back to Freeport and Highland College via the village of Shannon with a short stop at Casey’s if called for.
Wanna ride this fabulous Century? Drop me a note. The course markers should remain visible for the next few months, and I’ll send you a map and detailed directions.
Better yet, come ride with us on June 28, 2008. All contributions go directly to our Ferguson Cancer Center here in Freeport.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Lanesboro
Where is Lanesboro, and what is so special about it? To find out, we ventured out of the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. Our destination was the Lower Right Hand Corner of Minnesota and their smooth bicycle trail which has been in existence for over twenty years.
Lanesboro is the centerpiece of this tarmac trail system. It is an enchanting enclave surrounded by limestone bluffs with the Root River running through it on its way to the great Mississippi.
“What happens in Lanesboro stays in Lanesboro.” So say the T-shirts on sale there. This must refer to cash receipts from visiting tourists, because Lanesboro is an economic tourist engine-- like the Wisconsin Dells but much more quaint and classy. And it’s all because of a bike trail.
The town also draws tattooed Harley riders and scantily clad river tubers who seek the cool ripples of the Root River. On Saturdays and Sundays it resembles Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with its cacophonous parade of two and four wheeled chrome machines.
But the majority of folks arrive with bike racks on the backs of there SUVs and vans. They come as families and friends to ride the Root River Trail. They come, as we did, to enjoy the après biciclette when the bikes are in the barn, the sun is over the yardarm, and extraordinary wine is lovingly uncorked. They seek the succulent slightly pink legs of lamb arched delicately over beds of couscous graced with mango jalapeno chutney. Peddle pusher or not, this is gastronomic heaven.
Our appetites were fed by the fresh out-of-doors, as we rose early in the morning sparkle to ride bicycles. During midday, we poked into an array of smart shops and lunched on a shady deck overlooking the river. Following lunch and the Schell’s pilsner, we napped in the afternoon with Wallace Stegner’s “Angle of Repose” by our bedside.
In the early evening, we rose to observe Doctor Mike “Sparky” Perry assemble a great wood fire on the lawn and sample the wines he had carefully chosen for this magical weekend.
Who says bicycle riders are boisterous barbarians? Admittedly, we were a loud as we pulled our vinyl Adirondacks around the roaring “Sparky” Perry fire. As the vino flowed from our throats to our brains, we leapt from our seats to dance and chant like Sioux warriors.
Here we were on a splendid weekend-- long married couples sharing our love for life and cycling in this special place. I say long married, because we couples together represented over 200 years of devotion.
Thanks go to our beloved Commodore to for arranging our weekend in Lanesboro. We may have been too hard on him of late complaining of his appalling routes through the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. But he showed himself to be a cultured gentleman along the banks of the Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Lanesboro is the centerpiece of this tarmac trail system. It is an enchanting enclave surrounded by limestone bluffs with the Root River running through it on its way to the great Mississippi.
“What happens in Lanesboro stays in Lanesboro.” So say the T-shirts on sale there. This must refer to cash receipts from visiting tourists, because Lanesboro is an economic tourist engine-- like the Wisconsin Dells but much more quaint and classy. And it’s all because of a bike trail.
The town also draws tattooed Harley riders and scantily clad river tubers who seek the cool ripples of the Root River. On Saturdays and Sundays it resembles Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with its cacophonous parade of two and four wheeled chrome machines.
But the majority of folks arrive with bike racks on the backs of there SUVs and vans. They come as families and friends to ride the Root River Trail. They come, as we did, to enjoy the après biciclette when the bikes are in the barn, the sun is over the yardarm, and extraordinary wine is lovingly uncorked. They seek the succulent slightly pink legs of lamb arched delicately over beds of couscous graced with mango jalapeno chutney. Peddle pusher or not, this is gastronomic heaven.
Our appetites were fed by the fresh out-of-doors, as we rose early in the morning sparkle to ride bicycles. During midday, we poked into an array of smart shops and lunched on a shady deck overlooking the river. Following lunch and the Schell’s pilsner, we napped in the afternoon with Wallace Stegner’s “Angle of Repose” by our bedside.
In the early evening, we rose to observe Doctor Mike “Sparky” Perry assemble a great wood fire on the lawn and sample the wines he had carefully chosen for this magical weekend.
Who says bicycle riders are boisterous barbarians? Admittedly, we were a loud as we pulled our vinyl Adirondacks around the roaring “Sparky” Perry fire. As the vino flowed from our throats to our brains, we leapt from our seats to dance and chant like Sioux warriors.
Here we were on a splendid weekend-- long married couples sharing our love for life and cycling in this special place. I say long married, because we couples together represented over 200 years of devotion.
Thanks go to our beloved Commodore to for arranging our weekend in Lanesboro. We may have been too hard on him of late complaining of his appalling routes through the Upper Left Hand Corner of Illinois. But he showed himself to be a cultured gentleman along the banks of the Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Rodmanson’s Meyers Road 60
Meyers Road is a five and a half mile chip sealed surface stretching between Route 78 and Loran Road. It is a lovely sequence of hills and valleys introduced to us by Ron Mattson of the Freeport Bicycle Company last year.
You can start up Meyers Road from the south off Loran Road as we did last autumn under Ron’s recommendation. The fun begins after you roll three miles along a plateau in the company of a westerly belvedere. Thereafter, you commence a series of four plunges followed by five sharp 10% grade climbs before arriving at Route 78.
Our first encounter with Meyers Road was unforgettable for its beauty and pain. It was punctuated by emerging fall color and a nasty northwest wind uncharacteristic for September. This year, we longed for another dance.
That occurred on June the third, and this time we approached Meyers Road from the north and Route 78. For extra fun, we were obliged to ride over to Route 78 via East Loran Road. This knee buckling prelude was orchestrated by none other than Dennis Rodmanson our beloved Commodore.
Yes, we know Dennis’ real name is Robinson. But we prefer this moniker, which combines the idiosyncrasies of former NBA bad boy, Dennis Rodman with the dark persona of Charles Manson.
Admittedly, our Commodore was fresh from his huge ride on Memorial Day weekend (See Mean Ole Skene.). He really does arrange the most interesting, and appalling, bicycle rides in our Upper Left Hand Corner.
So, to get to Meyers Road the Rodmanson way, depart Highland Community College, and head west on Pearl City Road to Block Road which is just around the big “S” turn about five miles. Follow Block Road down past the Emerald Acres campground to Mill Grove Road. Turn left, and ride Mill Grove down through Owl’s Glen to Loran Road.
Turn right on Loran Road and ride out west about seven miles across Route 73 over the big hill into the Valle de Loran. A very short mile south of Loran, turn right on Althoff Road. Althoff becomes East Loran Road and six miles over the knee bucklers into Pleasant Valley and Route 78.
Along the way, we received an extra adrenaline pop as we approached our final climb around a big sweeping turn at 20 miles per hour. Dennis and I were in front with Yoric Knapp hot on our tail in his titanium Bachetta. Yoric screamed “Deer,” and Dennis and I braked just in time to avoid a big White Tail flying full tilt across our path.
This magnificent creature hurtled over the barbed wire fences on each side of the road ahead. He hung his hind quarters on the second fence, but his momentum scraped him off the barbs, and he was gone. Twang!! OUCH!!
We didn’t much mind the final climb over to Pleasant Valley after witnessing that.
East Loran Road ends at Route 78. Turn left and ride two miles south towards Mount Carroll. At the top of the long grade on 78, turn left on Meyers Road. Enjoy the next five and a half miles over the big rollers.
When you arrive at Loran Road, turn left and ride back to Freeport through the beautiful Valle de Loran. We thank our Commodore Rodmanson for this 60 miles of June nirvana.
You can start up Meyers Road from the south off Loran Road as we did last autumn under Ron’s recommendation. The fun begins after you roll three miles along a plateau in the company of a westerly belvedere. Thereafter, you commence a series of four plunges followed by five sharp 10% grade climbs before arriving at Route 78.
Our first encounter with Meyers Road was unforgettable for its beauty and pain. It was punctuated by emerging fall color and a nasty northwest wind uncharacteristic for September. This year, we longed for another dance.
That occurred on June the third, and this time we approached Meyers Road from the north and Route 78. For extra fun, we were obliged to ride over to Route 78 via East Loran Road. This knee buckling prelude was orchestrated by none other than Dennis Rodmanson our beloved Commodore.
Yes, we know Dennis’ real name is Robinson. But we prefer this moniker, which combines the idiosyncrasies of former NBA bad boy, Dennis Rodman with the dark persona of Charles Manson.
Admittedly, our Commodore was fresh from his huge ride on Memorial Day weekend (See Mean Ole Skene.). He really does arrange the most interesting, and appalling, bicycle rides in our Upper Left Hand Corner.
So, to get to Meyers Road the Rodmanson way, depart Highland Community College, and head west on Pearl City Road to Block Road which is just around the big “S” turn about five miles. Follow Block Road down past the Emerald Acres campground to Mill Grove Road. Turn left, and ride Mill Grove down through Owl’s Glen to Loran Road.
Turn right on Loran Road and ride out west about seven miles across Route 73 over the big hill into the Valle de Loran. A very short mile south of Loran, turn right on Althoff Road. Althoff becomes East Loran Road and six miles over the knee bucklers into Pleasant Valley and Route 78.
Along the way, we received an extra adrenaline pop as we approached our final climb around a big sweeping turn at 20 miles per hour. Dennis and I were in front with Yoric Knapp hot on our tail in his titanium Bachetta. Yoric screamed “Deer,” and Dennis and I braked just in time to avoid a big White Tail flying full tilt across our path.
This magnificent creature hurtled over the barbed wire fences on each side of the road ahead. He hung his hind quarters on the second fence, but his momentum scraped him off the barbs, and he was gone. Twang!! OUCH!!
We didn’t much mind the final climb over to Pleasant Valley after witnessing that.
East Loran Road ends at Route 78. Turn left and ride two miles south towards Mount Carroll. At the top of the long grade on 78, turn left on Meyers Road. Enjoy the next five and a half miles over the big rollers.
When you arrive at Loran Road, turn left and ride back to Freeport through the beautiful Valle de Loran. We thank our Commodore Rodmanson for this 60 miles of June nirvana.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Report from the Mean Ole Skene
This week, Cycleupperleft is proud to offer a guest feature from none other than the Commodore himself and his riding pal Peggy Badgett. Andrew Soria provided the photos.
Well, three of us actually got up early to try a challenging ride from Stockton to Galena and back--Andrew Soria, Peggy Badgett and I. We started at 6 AM sharp and went out on a south route toward Massbach. As I have mentioned, since I learned Skene Rd had been paved, I've wanted to get the bike out there. Skene Rd goes between Massbach Rd and Derinda Rd--the road delves deep into a valley, and then, naturally climbs just as dramatically back out.
Ok--you all know Andrew is an experienced cyclist who has logged many miles. His previous top speed was 46 mph. On Skene Rd, he hit 52.2!!! I hit 53. What a descent--unbelieveable and breathtaking. Speaking of breathtaking, then we had to climb back out to Derinda Rd. We took Hanover Rd on over to Hanover and then headed out Blackjack.
I had noticed a few roads had been seal coated over the past several years, and wanted to explore, and Peg and Andrew were game. After we climbed up Blackjack out of Hanover, we took Sawmill Rd to the N (I think--the roads do not go any particular direction out there as you know). After we dropped down into the valley, we took a left onto Rodden Rd, and this undulated threw a magnificent valley for quite a few miles.
Essentially we were riding in a valley between Blackjack and US Highway 20 toward Galena. Rodden Rd eventually breaks off to the north to meet US 20, and we continued toward Galena on Irish Hollow. Some of us have ridden a bit of the west end of Irish hollow in the past, but the east end is really spectacular. We followed it along and eventually it meets up with Blackjack about 2 miles from Galena, which we road on into town.
We hit the nice coffee shop that we tried last year, and once again, Andrew produced a smoked salmon from his bag--and they set him up with sandwich fixins, so he was set. Peggy and I ate the regulation turkey--we realize fish have feeling too.
The trip back was our usual favorite--Guilford--Rawlins (ugh), Schapville, Townsend, and then the grand finale--Aunt Binkley Hill. The consensus among todays riders was that Rawlins was the hill du jour as far as a climb--tougher than Binkley. and the descent du jour had to be Skene.
Total mileage was 70, and I have no idea how many feet we climbed (of course Andrew insisted we include a side trip up Gras Rd) At any rate, by the summit of Binkley, my hamstrings were on the verge of cramping up on me--I was glad to be done.
Peggy and Andrew were kind to not get too far ahead of me. I was on my old bike (Lightning P-38 recumbent), cause I was getting a little back pain last few days. Regarding Peggy--do not let her drink caffeinated beverages when you are riding with her--she had a latte in Galena, and Andrew and I paid all the way to Shapville, trying to keep her in sight.
I
promise to incorporate all these new roads into our one way trip to Galena on June 24. The plan is to ride to Galena from Freeport, then have our spouses drive out to pick us up and drive us back after we shower, hit the sports bar in Galena, and take them to dinner.
Hope you all had a great holiday.
Dennis
PS: Now I'm going to bed.
"I second everything Dennis said (except for the caffeine - I needed it!) - of course he kindly did not mention the fact that they had to wait on all of the downhills for me since I tend to hit the brakes, but towards the end of the ride I figured what the heck and gave the bike some rein.
Talk about truly beautiful scenery - we are incredibly lucky to bike this area. My favorite climb was Rawlins - that is such a fun hill, but they were all great. I am one tired girl, but did manage to get a horseback ride in, go to a party, and get some landscaping done after the ride. I'll be asleep by 9!
Dennis - if I can't ride Rawlins on the June ride, maybe I can go back uphill on Skene and catch up with you guys at a snack break. I'll have to drink some coffee BEFORE that ride!"
peggy
Well, three of us actually got up early to try a challenging ride from Stockton to Galena and back--Andrew Soria, Peggy Badgett and I. We started at 6 AM sharp and went out on a south route toward Massbach. As I have mentioned, since I learned Skene Rd had been paved, I've wanted to get the bike out there. Skene Rd goes between Massbach Rd and Derinda Rd--the road delves deep into a valley, and then, naturally climbs just as dramatically back out.
Ok--you all know Andrew is an experienced cyclist who has logged many miles. His previous top speed was 46 mph. On Skene Rd, he hit 52.2!!! I hit 53. What a descent--unbelieveable and breathtaking. Speaking of breathtaking, then we had to climb back out to Derinda Rd. We took Hanover Rd on over to Hanover and then headed out Blackjack.
I had noticed a few roads had been seal coated over the past several years, and wanted to explore, and Peg and Andrew were game. After we climbed up Blackjack out of Hanover, we took Sawmill Rd to the N (I think--the roads do not go any particular direction out there as you know). After we dropped down into the valley, we took a left onto Rodden Rd, and this undulated threw a magnificent valley for quite a few miles.
Essentially we were riding in a valley between Blackjack and US Highway 20 toward Galena. Rodden Rd eventually breaks off to the north to meet US 20, and we continued toward Galena on Irish Hollow. Some of us have ridden a bit of the west end of Irish hollow in the past, but the east end is really spectacular. We followed it along and eventually it meets up with Blackjack about 2 miles from Galena, which we road on into town.
We hit the nice coffee shop that we tried last year, and once again, Andrew produced a smoked salmon from his bag--and they set him up with sandwich fixins, so he was set. Peggy and I ate the regulation turkey--we realize fish have feeling too.
The trip back was our usual favorite--Guilford--Rawlins (ugh), Schapville, Townsend, and then the grand finale--Aunt Binkley Hill. The consensus among todays riders was that Rawlins was the hill du jour as far as a climb--tougher than Binkley. and the descent du jour had to be Skene.
Total mileage was 70, and I have no idea how many feet we climbed (of course Andrew insisted we include a side trip up Gras Rd) At any rate, by the summit of Binkley, my hamstrings were on the verge of cramping up on me--I was glad to be done.
Peggy and Andrew were kind to not get too far ahead of me. I was on my old bike (Lightning P-38 recumbent), cause I was getting a little back pain last few days. Regarding Peggy--do not let her drink caffeinated beverages when you are riding with her--she had a latte in Galena, and Andrew and I paid all the way to Shapville, trying to keep her in sight.
I
promise to incorporate all these new roads into our one way trip to Galena on June 24. The plan is to ride to Galena from Freeport, then have our spouses drive out to pick us up and drive us back after we shower, hit the sports bar in Galena, and take them to dinner.
Hope you all had a great holiday.
Dennis
PS: Now I'm going to bed.
"I second everything Dennis said (except for the caffeine - I needed it!) - of course he kindly did not mention the fact that they had to wait on all of the downhills for me since I tend to hit the brakes, but towards the end of the ride I figured what the heck and gave the bike some rein.
Talk about truly beautiful scenery - we are incredibly lucky to bike this area. My favorite climb was Rawlins - that is such a fun hill, but they were all great. I am one tired girl, but did manage to get a horseback ride in, go to a party, and get some landscaping done after the ride. I'll be asleep by 9!
Dennis - if I can't ride Rawlins on the June ride, maybe I can go back uphill on Skene and catch up with you guys at a snack break. I'll have to drink some coffee BEFORE that ride!"
peggy
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