All Club Ride

Before the Ride

This morning was the annual Twin Cities Bike Club All Club Ride and you couldn't have asked for better weather.  The temperature started at 75° and slowly climbed from there.  By the end it was a cookin' 95° and I was ready to be done.  Of course it feels much better when you're moving so while riding it was rather pleasant.

Tomorrow I take my bike to a local bike shop and ship her west.  She will arrive in about a week and be assembled and waiting for me on June 14th.  Then one week of making sure everything is OK, then I'm off.  It's going to be great.

Bike About

You couldn't ask for any better weather. At 8:30 this morning, the temperature was about 70 degrees with only a light wind. As the day progressed, the air gradually warmed to a very pleasant 80 degrees (or so).  I had a great ride with new biking buddy who I was able to show my Victoria Loop ride to.  I was even able to make it to work and put in a productive few hours.  Summers in Minnesota are the best.

TCBC-HarMartian V

This HarMartian course was the fifth of (I think) six different routes starting from Erik's Bike Shop in Roseville. I know I haven't seen all of them so it's a real treat going to the ride each Saturday to see what you're going to get. For this ride, I rode my bike to the start adding about 11 miles (one way). The idea was to finish the Twin Cities Bike Club ride back at Erik's and then ride back home for yet another 11 miles. But the forecast of 75 degrees and afternoon sun was supplanted with a crashing thunderstorm. I tried to beat it home but made it only as far as Mendota Heights where I waited in the foyer of Lucky's 13 Pub until Pam came and saved me. I could have made it (really, I could have) but I wasn't dressed for rain and I don't like lightning (even though my fear is probably unfounded).  At least I got in an extra 11 miles on my way to Erik's before the ride.

Beautiful Day

It was a beautiful day today, too beautiful to go to work, so I got on my bike and rode. Because of a little glitch in my Garmin, today's map shows only part of the route. Add another 5.89 miles and you have today's total of 54.26 miles.  I think I may actually survive the Northern Tier... at least the western portion.

TCBC - HarMartian

Another funny Twin Cities Bike Club ride name. This one derives from the nearby mall, HarMar, which got it's name from the original owners, Harold and Marie Slawik. Although I didn't bike to the start of the ride, I found a good route from home and am anxious to try it next week. That will add about 20 miles to the ride and give me a little more confidence when it comes to riding through Glacier National Park.

Cruisin' on the Crow

I figured out why the Ironman Ride was so tough for me. The next day I had a lovely flu and was out of work for almost the entire week. I think I'd rather have the flu than be out of shape so soon before my trip.

Three Crows Cafe

The folks at the Twin Cities Bike Club come up with amusing names for rides. Today was Cruisin' on the Crow - that would be the Crow River. Despite a sun that never came out, and occasional sleet, it was a lovely ride in areas I hadn't been to. I am very fortunate to have such a great club to ride with.

The weather has been lousy the past week but I still biked to work several times. It's good practice for what to wear, especially when going over the Rocky Mountains (I just like saying that). Next week is supposed to be sunny and warmer so enough sitting around... it's time to ride.