Fall 2013 October 16

66 degrees, rain.  Able to walk, but couldn't cycle outside (did do the stationary bike).  I miss it when it rains, but after a fall several years ago (just some scrapes and scratches, but I was surprised at the number since was a low speed fall), I decided to avoid riding in the rain, although I will need to learn to ride in the rain.  The fall several years ago occurred when I hit a wet manhole and the wheel slid.

I am still planning my "ride with the summer" some year when I start in Texas and "ride with the Summer" to Canada.  I have a lot of practice to do yet.  While I ride almost every day, will need to get my daily distance up.  

Of course, my major concern is a good route to follow.  Fortunately there are more and more off-road trails I can take, which would help.   There is a "Ride Across Tennessee" (not known as "RAT" I hope) that I can take.  I should have gone this year, it was close to Lakeland but I didn't feel prepared and it feel on a bad day.

Went to the dental surgeon yesterday, he advised my tooth implant area was doing good, but he wanted me to continue an antibiotic and see him next week.  

Rain continues.  I know we "need rain", but....

Summer 2013 August 4

73 degrees this morning, a little cool.  Out on the patio, but a cool breeze is making it a little cool.

Birthday days are upon us!  Mary Anne, John and I.  It was always a fun time. (As I remember it anyway)

Weekend has been busy in spite of myself.  My "books to be read" list keeps growing.  I did finish "Watchers" yesterday, which is for our book discussion page.  I read an "e-book" version of it, and read it in moments when I had time.  

School starts tomorrow here.  In a way it signals the end of Summer, and is, for some purposes.  However, here, the Summer really continues into almost November (sometimes up until Thanksgiving) and the true Winter seems to hit around Christmas and last until late February and then an extremely long Winter/Spring of coolish weather that seems to last forever until mid to late May. 

Not a lot planned this weekend, working on some items for work (letters to applicants, memos, planning etc), going to the last of the Redbird ball games for the season.  I was surprised at myself that I really enjoyed attending Redbirds ball games, I have been attending (in sporadic fashion until about 4 years ago) for almost ten years now.  

While I ride my bicycle daily (except when it is raining), I haven't resumed my long distance rides (hour or more), mainly due to time.  I will need to start training soon since the time is coming for my "ride with the Summer", either in 2014 or 2015.  Perhaps I just need to go out and do it.  I am trying to figure out how long it will take me and the best routes.  My experience with biking in the same lanes as cars indicates it is NOT a good deal for the bike rider!  That is my primary concern