October Total

Total for October 2006: 135.3 miles
Same month last year: 165.0 miles

I've got some catching up to do in November. Last year's number was 52.9 miles. The cold weather this week isn't helping me get a good start!

Time Change

It's been a while since my last ride, and I blame rain, illness, and other obligations for my absence from the saddle. However, today presented great weather and good scheduling for a ride to work, so how could I NOT ride?

The switch back to standard time made the morning a little brighter, so I didn't need the headlight. While there was much traffic, no one was driving crazy, so it was a good ride in.

Horses in the Early Morning Fog
After work, I had hoped to try out my new rear view mirror that hooks onto the sunglasses, but it was too dark to wear shades. I guess that extra light in the AM was stolen from the evening.

Miles Ridden: 10.8

Fall Color

What a great day for a ride!

Wabash River to the East
The neighbor and I got out around 4:30 today, and followed most of the Lilly Road Route, part of the Wabash Avenue Route, and a quick ride through campus to get home.

He doesn't care for riding in traffic, so as we were coming off the west end of the Myers Pedestrian Bridge, we had a choice between Williams, State, and North streets to get up the hill. He chose North Street. This actually took us through some pretty busy post football game traffic on North River Road, Northwestern Ave, and State Street. I love riding amongst the autos, so I took the lead in grabbing lanes. I think he may choose Williams next time.

Wabash River to the West
Miles Ridden: 19.3

Traffic

For some reason, there was more traffic than usual along the North Work Route. It wasn't until I reached 400W where the roads emptied.

Miles Ridden: 13.8

When a car hit this tree last year, it left behind a little souvenir

Hiccups (or do you prefer hiccoughs?)

Despite the cool temps and windy conditions, I decided it was time to try out my new cold weather jersey and tights, so I headed west on Division Road.

The headwind was kind of strong, but I was temperature comfortable in my new cycling togs. I was getting a little tired, but I new there would be a nice tailwind on the return. It wasn't until I was near the top of Indian Creek Hill ('Alpe du Kerber' is painted on the asphalt), when I really felt the energy being sapped from my legs. And then, the hiccups started.


I've been susceptible to hiccups in the fall and winter for a long time. I think it has something to do with cold air in my lungs, and maybe fall and winter allergies. Regardless, once they start, it takes a long time for them to stop.

I ended up walking up the last 200 feet of the hill trying to catch my breath while barking like a croup afflicted retriever. After waiting at the top for several minutes for them to stop, I decided to continue west hoping I would eventually get back to normal breathing. I didn't.

At the county line, I turned back and had a nice ride with the wind. Pedaling in the tops gears was nearly effortless, and I made it back home in record time.

The hiccups didn't stop for five more hours.

Miles Ridden: 15.4

Powerball

I picked up the tickets for the office lottery pool on the way home.



Miles Ridden: 8.9

University Ave Bike Lane

Notice the narrow lane with the drain grate
Miles Ridden: 11.8

Pink Flamingo

Errand Boy

My wife had a booth at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon this weekend. Instead of going for a ride (or two) in this great weather, I provided logistical support. I made two trips on the bike to the Fort to deliver supplies today.

Miles Ridden: 6.1

Bald Eagle Dance

Commute

South Work Route

Miles Ridden: 8.3

I Was Wrong About Marsh!

I've been ragging on Marsh (here and here) about not having a bike rack. Well, today as I was driving through the parking lot, I found it!


Regular patrons (and possibly the fire marshall) will be interested to learn that this bike rack totally blocks the fire exit in the dairy section (near the orange juice).

Plus, it is pretty far from the entrance, and is therefore sheltered from view. Bike thieves would find it private and inviting with plenty of undisturbed time to pull out the bolt cutters.

Work, plus Ross

Indian summer has started, and I was able to ride to work today. What a great morning!

After lunch, I headed up to the Ross Building (as seen on the left in this photo) for a meeting. I got a little warm, but the ride was nice.

Came home on the South Work Route.

Miles Ridden: 17.9

Looks like it may be too wet to ride tomorrow.

Patches of Dense Fog

The neighbor and I decided to head south early today. The temps were in the low 40s, and there were patches of dense fog reported. We found the reports to be very accurate.

It was a little cold at first, but I warmed up well after 30 minutes or so. We rode west to Granville, and then south towards West Point. We stopped short of the town and instead turned east on 400S. A turn north on 500W revealed chip-n-seal turning to gravel. We happily turned east again onto 300S, and then north on 250W. This took us to Lilly Road. East found us at Wabash Avenue, which we followed downtown. A quick trip through campus and west on Newman Road brought us back home.

Because of the fog, I didn't get any pictures good enough to post.

Miles Ridden: 23.0

September Total

Miles This Month: 225.5
Miles This Year: 1,220.5