I Really Think "They" Did Not Want Me To Bike

Mary's Mothers Day gift from the children.  we dodged the rain for 17 miles to get the flowers later that day

And by "they" I mean my arch nemesis, the bastard presumably responsible for it all.

Refuge.  Still saw people biking through this storm.  And the line of cars fleeing the soccer field across the street was large.

First all, the weather.  Rain, wind and fog.  Despite having a wonderful Mother's Day meal, all the children showed up and Mary, for the first time ever did not have to share her day with anyone else.  After they kids left I glanced at the radar and determined that we could make it to the store without getting wet.  Wrongo but not bad.  We had to duck it out in a car wash for the worst of it.  But the ride was a success and we loaded the Burley with groceries and flowers and completed the 17 miler without further incident.

Bad shot but there is a bird seeking shelter underneath this dumpster at the carwash.

Monday was obnoxiously windy.  Slow going to work but at least it was dry.  For some odd reason I felt compelled to ride an extra 6 miles into the wind, 20 mph, to visit the Waukee Hy Vee on a rumor that they had copper Moscow Mule cups.  For the return trip I stopped at Caribou Coffee and slammed a small Americano, cooled down by half n half and water.  Big difference in speed.  On the way there I could muster 8 mph on the Trek Soho, Nexus 7-speed internal.  On the return more like 26 mph!

Wednesday was the day of obstacles.  Fire and construction.  On the way to work I spotted a fire underneath the SW 9th bridge along the bike trail.  Trees that get washed away in floods and rain collect on the river next to bridge pillars.  The city removes a few every year but most remain and the number gorows and grows.  Well, someone or something set fire to them.  I stopped for a photo and then debated whether I should inform the authoritons about this.  Part of me wanted the fire to continue since it would eliminate this eyesore.  But I feared the fire may damage the bridge.  I dialed 911.

Not gonna ride through that slop.  No way, no how.

Then with 3 miles left to go a resurfacing project on Westown Prky stopped me.  it looked like fresh concrete so I went around it and then went through the parking lot of Valley West Mall to avoid further construction.  It was merely scored concrete in preparation for asphalt overlay.  The powder mixed with rain and made it appear like wet cement.  Did not need that crap on the bike anyway.

Thursday morning was the rain ride.  I prepared by bringing an extra set of clothes to wear on the ride home.  Sure, the rain jacket protects the torso form rain but does not protect the shorts, socks and sandals.  No need to stop for groceries so carrying wet biking clothes and used work clothing home was not an issue.  The Tinnely shorts did dry but the pair of shorts I wore over them were still damp.  Fresh shirt, socks and shorts felt good.

I-35 6 am 

Friday a cloud dropped on us.  1/8th mile visibility.  Almost better to ride the trail without front lights since all they really did was illuminate the water droplets suspended in the air.  Deer, who normally betray their location by their reflective eyes were almost totally invisible.  That worried me the most.  Cars have lights and thus can be seen.  Deer just appeared out of nowhere.  Sunrise is earlier and earlier this time of year which helped.  But once the sun was up it seemed like the fog was worse.  Darkness covers the extent of the fog.

The cage over the freeway without a view.

After work the fog went away and the rain returned.  I took a different way home, opting for the Jordan Creek Trail instead of the Clive Greenbelt.  It was announced a week or two ago that the JCT was open and that the 3 year closure at I-35 was over.  Wrongo boyo!  First of all, where I normally get on at 60th St workers were busy resurfacing or something on the trail at that point.  No "trail closed" sign.  I continured south and hung a left on the sidewalk that would intercept the trail.  Then at I-35 the big orange and white "trail closed" sign appeared as well as an accompanying wire fence.  No one was working on the trail.  Poles were in place awaiting the reset of  the fencing and the new concrete surface was covered with dirt clods.  I was able to get around the sign and wire fence without dismounting the bike.  Further down the trail I encountered a runner who said, "it's been closed forever!"  Not happy either.

A quick stop at Grand Ave Hy Vee for chicken and vodka was next.  No chicken but they had the Pearl cucumber and plum vodka that Windsor Heights did not have.  Hence, the reason for the trail switch.  Back on the trail with a menacing sky.  The rain would hit soon.

I met a man named Mike who rides a screw and glue Trek carbon, 2120, of the same vintage as two of mine so we talked and rode together to Mullets.  He was aware of the bald eagles nest on the JCT and I informed him of another he was not aware of.  He lives near Zombie Burger and has a 2.5 mile commute so he has to add miles to get a ride in.  Then the rain hit.  Gentle but annoying.

And then I saw Mel Allison, notorious vodka thief, so I kept on going as it was wet.  Just kidding.  If my brain was working I would have stopped her and opened a bottle.  I am poor with names and recognition sometime.  She would confirm it was her indeed and admitted that she was worried about the rain but then remembered that I ride in this shit all the time and found some strength in that.  hate to tell her but snow is better for biking than rain IMHO.

Home at last wet and safe but needed to venture out once more for ginger beer, a lime and a pizza.  I finally put on the rain jacket and rode to Court Ave Brewing Co for a growler of ginger beer.  No seats available but I was in and out within 3 minutes.  Then to Scornovaccas for the pizza.  They were packed.  the fact that I was placed on hold and hung up after wasting minutes should have told me that.  But I got through and the pizza was ready in the time as promised.  I placed it in a hy Vee hot/cold bag and strapped in on back of the bike.  The rain was over and Mary just got home.  Eat, drink and be with Mary.  Work week over!

Fog Ride

Someone dropped a cloud on Iowa overnight.  We wore as much reflective clothing as we could stomach and rolled into said cloud.  Mary followed my suggestion of turning off her headlamp and using the handlebar light only.  Having quite a lot of experience in these conditions all headlamps do is reflect the water vapor back to the eyes.  From my handlebar light I could see every water particle in front of the beam.  I made the mistake of sticking my hand in front of the light and nearly blinded myself. 


Rounding the curve from Gray's Lake to the GL Bypass I noted that for the first time I was unable to see the Fleur Viaduct just over 1/2 mile away.  Gone.  Cloaked by the fog.  Everything was obscured by the cloud.


Rolling on into Water Works on the Bill Riley Trail the deer were nearly invisible as well.  I saw one to my left and instinctively turned my head to the right to look for others.  None to be seen.  Great.  Going to get killed by Bambi.


Joe Ayers was not seen but we left late.  To other bikes and a man walking a dog were out but the couple who walk their dogs on the other side of 63rd were missing.  We probably late at that point.  They were out in the rain the day before, umbrellas and leashes.  Then the tall guy with the BRIGHT headlamp rolled past.  At least he said hello while blinding us.

After 8 miles it was time to part ways and take the streets.  I switched the front light to flash since a flashing light attracts more attention than a solid beam.  I was glad to have my eFlare.  The HZ530 with its amber and white strobe mounted on back of the bike may be a bit overkill but it made me feel secure on the streets.  My red flashes were on as well.  I saw another bike at the intersection of 42nd and Westown Pkwy.  We acknowledged each other and I wished him luck.  Daylight was coming and that made the fog seem worse.


I did something I have not done since winter and that was only once.  I took the sidepath at 50th to get over the freeway instead of taking the road.  A small concession to cars but on this day with limited visibility it was the safest option.  I stopped taking the sidepath because it does pose a greater risk of collision.  I have to cut over to the left and get on the sidewalk.  This provides cars two opportunities to right hook me.  And then once over the freeway I have to cross 4 lanes of traffic to get into the driveway of my employer.  I stopped for photos today.

Made it there alive and unscathed.  I imagine there were a few fender benders in Des Moines from idiots who should not be driving.  But they missed me.

April Joins the 1000 Mile Club

This was not my intention.  Joe Hildreth put the bug in my ear when he asked if I was going to ride 1000 miles this month.  I think I laughed.  My old record was 829 miles set last year.  just needed 171 more to get the grand.  I've been beating all previous monthly records for over a year now.  Why not only beat this one but get the fourth digit?  But all one needs for a 1000 mile month is time and good weather.  Somehow I managed to find both.

My basic commute to work is 27 miles.  I can add an extra mile in the morning with getting up earlier.  I can add extra miles after work as long as there are no obligations.  When I feel the need to pile on miles I usually aim for 30 miles days instead of the 27 or 150 miles commuting instead of the 135 base.  currently I commute on a trek Soho with a Nexus 7 speed internal hub.  Heavy but suits my needs and is weatherproof.

The best time for those like me that work Monday through Friday is the weekend.  But April had some bad weekends for riding.  The first weekend was Easter and because we hosted the meal major rides did not happen.  Had to clean, cook and eat.  Saturday I managed to get 27 miles, 17 of which was pulling the bike trailer to Hy Vee for a massive grocery run.  Just 6 on Sunday.  Ate too much but rode to gray's Lake with Mary and Craig and met Lisa there too.

The RRVT Loop 111 miles.  The LeMond and Mary's Trek 1600

The following weekend was the big one.  111 miles doing the Raccoon River Valley Trail loop.  31 on Sunday on tandem, its 2015 debut, in the heavy wind with Craig and Lisa to the Lean To.  If April is to be remembered it should be for the wind.  It has been a miserably windy month.

The next weekend was a minor washout.  Rain.  No big ride on Saturday except for the Fun Haters Ride.  I clocked in with 8 miles.  Sunday was not much better but squeaked in 18 miles on the Trek 2200 with Burley on another Hy Vee run to Windsor Heights with Mary.  We saw Steve Fuller on the Bill Riley Trail and beat the rain home by 1/2 hour.

Bondurant Adventure on map

The final weekend looked bleak with rain.  We waited until 1 pm before departing for Bondurant on the tandem.  We rode to the southern terminus of the Gay Lea Wilson Trail north to the 4 Mile Creek Trail and caught the new connection from Berwick to Bondurant.  On the way home we took the Ankeny connection and the Neal Smith home.  Seemed like a a lot but 48 miles.  The next day I busted out 46 to martensdale and back by myself on the LeMond.  That was it for weekends.

When I saw Jesus and realized that I was screwed.

Monday I thought I was sitting pretty.  I had a mere 5 days of 27 miles each to the end of the month.  27 miles is the basic commute to and fro work.  Easy.  But then I looked at my calendar.  There was not a "31" in the box for Friday.  Instead there was a picture of Jesus.  I lost a day.  Quickly firing up Google Drive and looking at a saved copy of April's Bike Log revealed the truth so soon.  When I created the April 2015 log from the Excel template I mistakenly placed April 5 twice.

I had 3 days to make up the 27 miles.  No, 2.5 days to do that.  So that day I rode 62 miles instead of the 27 I thought I had to ride.  I messed around after work and did some Greenbelt and RRVT loops and finally just headed home stopping at Fareway for the extra 6 miles.  I was now at 40 miles.  Needed 14 more to complete the missing 27.  Once again I grabbed the LeMond and rode 7 miles out on the trail and 7 back.  And just as I was placing chicken in the oven I got the text from Mary to meet her on the Neal Smith Trail.  and extra 8 miles for insurance.  Yeah, I slept well that night.

The rest of the week could now be the basic 27 miles each without padding or pressure. I was about at the 2 mile marker on the Greenbelt when I hit that magic number.  Now April is up there with May, June, July and August as months that have seen me ride 1000 miles.

Riding to Bondurant on New Trails to the Chichaqua Valley Trail

Park the tandem next to the burro and the cowboy will keep an eye on it.

The rain put a damper on what should have been an outstanding celebration Central Iowa Trails.  The grand opening of a trail segment running 5 miles from Berwick, Iowa, to Bondurant, Iowa, was almost a wash out.  Mary and I planned to ride up to Berwick and then to the Chichaqua Trail and complete the entire trail.  But constant light rain, 16 mph NorthEast wind and general chilliness changed our plans.  We waited until 1 pm, assured that the rain was over, and headed north to the new trail.

Taken at Sargent Park in Des Moines.  Notice the need for a connection from Gay Lea Wilson Trail to the main and most popular trails in central Des Moines?  Jamie noticed the lack of trails in the center of the map.

Seems to me that all new trail connections of are for the benefit of those living north of Des Moines.  There are no direct connections from downtown to the Chichaqua Valley Trail.  So we did what we have done for years and took the 5 mile route on Scott Ave and rode through a rough paved industrial section of town.  Traffic was light as usual when we make this journey.  The road is rough and there are a few railroad crossings to bounce over.  The Gay Lea Wilson Trail was our relief and is approximately 5 miles from Mullets.

At Sargent Park.  I want to come back and explore this place.  It is nice and interesting.  Gem of the northside!

Normally we take this trail into Altoona, Iowa, and then take about 4 or 5 miles of county road to the Chichaqua trailhead east of Bondurant.  But to get to the new section we turned west at Copper Creek and caught the 4 Mile Creek Trail that rolls into Berwick.  It may have been 15 years since I last rode this trail.  It is out of the way and until the opening of the Berwick-Bondurant trail, leads to nowhere we have ever needed to go.  However, it is a scenic trail and there really is nothing to dislike about it.

The author and his spouse Mary.

I've never been to Berwick and really do not know what is there other than the trail, a mobile home park and a church.  The trail wraps around the town but does not go into it.  Five miles into the strong wind and we found ourselves at Founders Irish Pub in Bondurant.  The trail is concrete not asphalt and often sits high above the land it dissects.  There are a number of bridges and to answer the question that people asked repeatedly, bridge #1 would be the best stop.  There is a campground with a "country" golf course on it.  Mostly for campers not tents.  You will know it by the statues of horse along the driveway.  All the intersections are nice and paved.  I do not recall crossing a gravel road.  We came across 4 walkers, 3 people on a bench and two bikes from Berwick to Bondurant.  Remember it was only about 48F and windy and the memory of the rain was lingering in many people.  When we got to Founders we had ridden 19.4 miles.  So about 20 from Mullets or about 5 more miles than if we rode through Altoona.

At Founders.  Strip off the jackets and hats and gloves and backpack.  Leave the bike inside the beer patio.

We arrived at the pub in time to see the last of the band leave.  There was a box of swag, water bottles for the trail opening and some stickers.  After visiting for 2 beers and chatting with Jamie Heldstedt and John Dowd we rolled home.  We took the trail to its beginning near the interstate highway by accident and then backtracked to the turn, maybe 1/2 mile error.  Instead of heading back from whence we came we headed north to Ankeny.  This trail section is new, too.

Jamie Heldstedt

The Ankeny connection is probably greatly appreciated by those that live there.  It leads to the High Trestle Trail.  To me it seemed like a unnecessary polyp, not a straight shot.  It seemed to take an eternity to reach Oralabor Rd where the trail, now the HTT, turns into a suburban side path with many intersections to cross.  If you needed food, medical care or farming supplies, here it is.  We stopped at the Git N Go for Gatorade and Cliff Bars.  This is our pit stop for the HTT.  The intersection of Oralabor rd and Irvingdale Ave.  Familiar turf.  A little over 10 miles to home via the Neal Smith Trail.

Mary did a fine job leaning the tandem on Bridge #1 in Berwick.

Yes, I'd take this route to Bondurant again.  It is nice.  I doubt I'd take the Ankeny connection again since it is out of the way and added 6 extra miles for little gain or benefit except 6 more miles.  We ended up with 48.7 miles for the trip.

Outside the camp grounds.  On an aluminum horse we rode!

20 lb of Bird, 19 Vessels of Booze and a Can of Beans

Probably a stupid time to purchase chicken but hind quarters were 50 cents a pound and skinless+boneless breasts were $1.97.  New Belgium Ranger was $11.99 a 12er and the Sample Lady gave me two shots of Palm Breeze malt liquor, the Ruby Red tasting like Fresca.  4.5 but smooth and tasty.  Dangerously tasty.

So I loaded these fine fowl and alcohol products on to my bike.  Chicken in the panniers along with daily stuff I carry.  Had to strap the booze on top of the panniers along with a bag of miscellaneous--work clothes, glass and layers not needed.  61F and sunny.

Crossed University to visit my friend Anders at his store, The Rookie.  We rode home together until his turn  Unfortunately, as I leaned the bike against his business, as i threw a leg over to dismount, the bike fell over toward me and I fell backwards landing on my back.  My helmet may or may not have saved me but my back stung for a minute or two.

Gorgeous Spring evening to ride home.  The light was weaving through the tree in Water Works perfectly.  I should have stopped to photograph it.  Another time I pray.  Also saw Sam Auen riding a tandem.  Glad he could get out and have some fun.

Made it home safely.  Noting fell off the bike nor did I have to stop to adjust the load.  Nice having a friend be able to drop back and verify.  Take it easy.

PS  The 19th vessel of booze was a Merlot, Gallo.  Going to give it a shot.  I'd like to score another case while the price is right,

1st Century of the Year: Back to the Raccoon

Mile 45 IIRC.  Fat finger issue.  The depot trailhead in Dawson, Iowa.  My maternal greatgrandfather was named Dawson.  My uncle was upset to learn that the Dawson's of Ireland originated from England.  My grandfather would be pissed, too.  Up the Republic!  (Just put that in there to see if Pat reads this)

Been chomping at the bit lately.  Weather finally turned into Spring and I've been ill and busy.  Watching Steve Abraham and Kurt Searvogel gobble up 200+ miles a day does not help.  Although I said I was not planning to set a new yearly record for myself, I find myself beating the monthly records.  April is calling for 830 miles to surpass and keep this trend going.  Then Joe Hildreth asked if I was going for 1000 miles this month.  Bastard.  Do not put those thoughts in my head.

The easiest century one can do in starting from Des Moines is the new loop on the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT).  Paved, lightly used this time of year and full of towns with provisions--food, bike parts and water.  Mostly a rail grade it is relatively flat.  This was our destination.

Only two issues today.  First it is still April.  Water fountains are not turned on until May.  Restrooms are not unlocked until May.  April in Iowa means that there could be a foot of snow at any moment.  The second problem was the 14 to 20 mph wind from the south.  Although we would use this to our advantage on the way out the trip back could be difficult.

Mary and I grabbed our road bikes and headed out when the temperature was warm enough that we could get away with minimal layers.  Another April issue, it's cold in the morning.  Although the forecasted high was reached, 74F, it was 47F when we finally rolled.  A mile into it she asked if I remembered to bring the PowerBars and gels.  Nope.  Turned around to get them.  They would be needed and if I left them on the bed fritz the dog would eat them.  2 extra miles.  Jackets came off right before we rode under Hickman Rd to the start of the RRVT.

Our Route:  1/2 mile to Mullets, swing left on the Meredith Trail and took it all the way.  That trail blends into the Bill Riley Trail, Walnut Creek Trail, Clive Greenbelt and RRVT.  One could ride from Mullets to Jefferson, Iowa, without having to ride on the roads.  I love Des Moines and Iowa.  Once on the RRVT we took at right in Waukee and headed on the new 33 mile loop that runs through Dallas Center, Minburn and Perry then continued west through Dawson, Jamaica and Herdon.

Found this sticker on back of a sign in Minburn, Iowa.  Great team!

Of note.  Cheap breakfast at the Hy Vee gas station in Waukee.  Just off the trail.  $5.99 filled both of us!  And restrooms are available.  Did not stop in Dallas Center.  The depot is not finished in Minburn.  Stopped in Perry for the Kum&Go, potty break and water, and also at the bike shop, Raccoon River Valley Bike Co., for lights.  A problem Mary and I have is that the number of bicycles we own exceeds the number of lights and red flashers.  In my head if all went to plan and we rode to Jefferson it would be dark before we got home.  Mary had a red flasher on hers and I had a mount for a light.  So we helped a LBS by purchasing two lights and one red flasher.  The proprietor even installed the flasher since I lacked a screw driver.  Hex wrenches yes, screwdriver no.

The trailhead train depot in Dawson was locked but we stopped anyway and ate PowerBars.  The Pepsi machine across the street was empty but was willing to convert 2 $1 bills into 8 quarters.  We stopped at Tojo's in Jamaica for restroom and Mnt Dew. Our final warmth layers were removed and placed into the thick ISU book bag/backpack I was carrying with tools (no screwdriver), pump, tubes, battery charge for mobile phones and PowerBars.  It was getting heavy at this point.  Of note, the solar shower is still hanging in the mens room at Tojo's and the urinal still does not flush!  On to Herdon.

When we reached the end of the new loop we had to make a decision.  On to Jefferson or turn south and head home.  12 miles to Jefferson or 24 mile roundtrip.  The first 12 would be very easy since the strong south wind would push us.  The returning 12 would probably be hell.  We had not tested the south wind but had felt it as a cross wind from Perry to Herdon.  Doing my maths, it would add 2 hours to our journey.  We saved it for another time and immediately were glad with the decision.  The headwind was miserable.

Place the hands on the drops and stare at the front wheel.  Occasionally look up to see if an intersection was near.  I'd see one and place my hands back on the hoods or top of the bars and it'd take 1/2 hour to reach it instead of the 30 seconds that it would have if we were gong the other way.  Averaging anywhere from 9 mph to 12 mph in the wind.  I was thinking about getting aerobars or a recumbent.

Speaking about 'bents, Joe Hildreth was supposed to be with us.  We made plans about this the night before during our Ragbrai discussion at Gray's Lake aka look at maps and drink beer.  He said he would call us in the morning before he left.  No phone call and it was cold and I was a bit hung over so we rolled late figuring that Joe was in the same boat.  Near Pal Joey's I got a text from him that I thought read "have not left".  Joe lives in Norwalk.  My reply was "Pal Joey's."  "See you on the trail" was the next message.  We never saw him.  During the sufferfest heading south on the RRVT he texted again. "Back in Waukee heading home."  We were in Yale.  Later we received another one.  "109 miles 8 left."  WTF??!!??  He was 40 miles ahead of us.  It was not like we were doddling around.  We really did not spend much time off bike.  When did he pass us?  In Redfield I reread the the original text.  "Are you on the RRVT yet" implying that he left before us.  We were chasing him.  And after we got home we texted and talked on the phone.  He left at 8 am and did the loop but cut across on the county road at Linden instead of taking the trail to redfield, Adel and Waukee to save time and get out of the head wind.  His Barrchetta is much better on windy days than our safety bikes.  Joe had 120 miles!

The water fountain in Yale was not on.  5 minute break and then 6 more miles to Panora where we ate at Subway.  As the treeline improved along the trail the bite from the wind diminished and we were able to increase our speed.  I did have the thought that we should have done the loop clockwise i.e. head to Adel instead of Dallas Center on the way out in order to have less issues with the wind on the return from Perry to Waukee.  But then again that area has zero tree cover and I need to measure the distance.  ISO volunteers to test this theory the next time there is a 20 mph wind from the south.  Please contact.

The depot was closed in Redfield. A few bikes coming up from the Casey's  We just rested and then caught up with them.  One was walking her bike due to an old shoulder injury.  The only people that passed us were on time trial bikes.

Adel announced it's presence by the horrid bump at the intersection of the brickplant west of town and the rest of the intersections through town.  We stopped at Casey's for restroom and gatorade.  Noticed that there is a bike fixtation at the little park just off the trail as you stop for the highway crossing.

Waukee is hell.  Not that it is difficult to ride through or navigate, stay on trail be careful at intersections.  Hickman Rd/Highway 6 is extremely busy all the time.  And very loud.  Even at 7 pm it is is busy and loud.  Too many people live here with only two roads, Hickman and University.  90% of the vehicles are SUVs with 1 person inside them.  When we reached the GreenBelt it felt like paradise.  Quiet, we could hear the birds sind, and peaceful since there were not a billion SUVs going 70 mph on our side.

That is quite a statement, "the Clive Greenbelt felt like paradise." This trail is very curvy with blind spots, very rough in the section that did not get resurfaced and very busy, full of joggers, dog walkers retired couples, bicycles ect it can be a bit dangerous.  But it flet like home and I ride every afternoon when I commute from home.  Ask any bicyclist if they want to ride it and they will say no.  But it is the link from the DSM Metro to the RRVT.  And it is pretty as it follows Walnut Creek.  And it is a welcome break from the hell that surrounds the trail that follows Hickman Rd to Waukee.

The rest of the ride was ok.  Still bikes at 515 from the Fat Tire Fun Ride, mostly stick bikes and 1 bagger.  Saw a few friends on the walnut Creek and Bill Riley Trail.  Brad McIntire, someone else that knew our names but we did not recall theirs (prolly because we were tired) and Sam Gill.

Earned this!  Campfire Black Lager from Confluence Brewery.  Right off the trail.  Picked this up Friday night.  Got the growler at Hy Vee.  Glad I did because Confluence itself was out of Milk Man  Stout Friday night.  Stein curosity from my children at Christmas.

I rode the final 3 miles in the drops.  Felt good.  I still had power.  My bronchial tubes were not bothering me.  Glad I dropped $64 on lights since it was dark and I still was wearing sun glasses.  Fritz was glad to see us.  We were glad to see the shower.  Immediately our legs gave out.  Getting up and down from chairs and the couch was a bit painful.  Repair mode.  Shower eat and stare at the tv and go to bed.  111.11 miles.  Cannot wait to do it again.

Perfect!  Pulled the computer off the bike in my driveway.

March Mileage Record

What started as a stellar month quickly turned bad.  The weather finally improved and miles were pouring in but circumstance in my life planted IEDs and roadblocks.  It is not that I am trying to set a new highest mileage year for myself but I am exploiting opportunities to beat previous monthly records.  Every month last year was improved and this year January and February saw new records.  March would be no different.

The record to beat was 729 miles set in 2014.  That is a damn good month by my previous standards.  Years ago that is what I would have ridden in July, Ragbrai month.  This year I was set to shatter it.

Week 1 I rode 214 miles which included the trip Mary and I took to Polk City for pizza.  The next week had 213 miles including the 50 miler to Dallas Center with Mary.  Things then took a turn for the worse.

Week 3 was limited to 71 miles, the lowest mileage I have had for a weekly total in years.  I took three days off work for my mother's funeral.  81 miles lost.  Not that I am upset for losing those miles, I'd rather have my mother alive.  Then illness hit.  We attempted to ride to the Trestle, 80 mile round trip, but 2 miles into it I could tell that I was not going to make it.  Turn araound and go home.  Saturday was a mere 10 miles, trip to the bank and the store.  Sunday 1 mile to church and back and the rest of the day in bed in and out of fever.

Week 4 saw a resurgence.  Although I took a day off, 27 miles lost, to clean out Mom's apartment, I did make a 44 mile round trip to Martensdale on Saturday.  Easy ride not to abuse my healing lungs.  20 on Sunday.  193 for the week.  Back in the game!

Squeaked by with 757 miles for the month.  I think it could have been 1000.  Always next year or the years after that.