From Heat to Brrr.

 It's been awhile but I didn't ride Thursday!  Mostly because we had an all day soaker with temps in the upper 40's but I had some errands to do as well.  This morning we are at a balmy 36 degrees.  I'm pretty meh on riding this morning.  But this afternoon is Brinna's graduation so if I want to ride this is my time.  

Next week at this time I will be in Emporia gearing up for 350 miles of the Flint Hills.  With the race not too far off I shouldn't do any crazy rides but I'd like to get one long one in this weekend.  I put some new tires on the Cutthroat, Teravail Rutland 700x47, for the event.  I'd like to get some rides in on those to wear off the "newness".

Brinna and Avery are done with school.  Harper has her last day today while Jen goes back on Tuesday for one day.  Then early morning rides can start back up!  Hopefully this cold snap is gone by then.

Short and sweet.  Happy Long Weekend.

More Heat mixed with Wind.

 Monday morning we were in a deep fog.  Not wanting to be out on the roads with poor visibility, I hit the dirt.  While it hadn't rained there was a thick layer of dew over everything.  I got and the bike got lots of spray from the tires.  I kept it to the SE side, so the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  I kept it a chill ride at 1.5 hours for 15 miles.  

Tuesday I had off from work.  It was sunny but crazy windy, 15 mph with gusts later hitting 40.  Once again I took the Cutthroat and headed down county road 8.  The wind was SW, later moving to mostly West and NW in the late afternoon.  

I made my way to Kimball before I made my push West.  I stayed South of Hwy 55.  Several sections of gravel had freshly laid gravel.  Combined with the previous nights rain and the headwind I wasn't setting any speed records.  Eventually I hit Lake Koronis.  From a previous trip out this way I knew where a Casey's gas station was, which was perfect as I was getting low on fluids.  After topping off I headed North of Hwy 23 and made my way back East.  Much easier this way!

On a bit of a time crunch I took a bike path for part of the way, making great time.  I needed to get home to get Harper and head over to the High School and get ready for the senior parade.  The seniors decorate up their cars (we had Jen's mom's convertible) and drive through the parking lot to cheering teachers and staff.  It was pretty cool actually.

The Ride.  The temp isn't correct as it was in the sun.  It was more like 85 degrees.

Another 8% increase! Ha.

The NW winds did come and cooled things off dramatically.  It's still windy as well.  Another day for the dirt!

Heat Acclimation.

 Saturday was hot and muggy.  While not my favorite riding weather I don't hate it and it's good timing if I hope to get acclimated to the heat before Unbound XL.  I headed out around 7:30 on the Cutthroat.  S/SW winds were pretty strong already at the start.  I decided on Darwin once again, trip #5, but took a different route.  I went further South, flirting with Hutchinson, before crossing Hwy 15 and making my way back up to Darwin and the Ball of Twine.

I popped the 100oz bladder into my hydration pack, previously 70 oz, before I left.  Good thing.  By the time I hit Darwin I was ready for more.  Couple Gatorades, liter of water, and a Coke later I was good to go.  I stayed East of Powder Ridge before making a push West.  The tailwind was amazing but created many "dead zones"....so hot!

The Ride.

Sunday I had to work so I was up and out riding before 7:00.  This time on the T6 Rando.  The winds were E/NE, more East, so I headed out straight East on pavement.  It was super thick.  I was sweating instantly. It felt more like Mid August that May.  But by the time I passed Foley the wind picked up and the dew points fell, almost instantly.  I got a bit chilled!

On the way home I took gravel with now whipping tailwind.  I got home early enough I didn't have to rush off to work, which I enjoy.

The Ride.

So racing...

I'm not feeling it anymore.  I love riding and will always ride but I'm not so sure how much racing I will do anymore.  I'm even contemplating bailing on Unbound XL.  Maybe it's because I ride a bunch already being gone for races seems too much?  Maybe I put too much pressure on myself?  Or maybe I just don't want to race anymore?  

Unbound is falling at a busy time for us.  Brinna is graduating and work is busy.  Grad party stuff needs to get done and bikes need fixing and to be sold.

What to do?!

Not as Planned.

 Monday and Tuesday were gorgeous days to ride.  At least in the morning.  Tuesday afternoon clouds rolled in and started to spit rain every so often.

Tuesday I met up with Jim to so some mountain biking.  We met at the River Bluffs, which we rode, and continued on to Plum Creek, the Dirty Beaver, Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  Fun times.

Jim riding the Field of Dreams.  It's more of a winter loop so this trail will mostly be grown in soon.

Wednesday I woke up to wet roads.  It's so humid they are taking forever to dry out.  I headed out on the Evergreen once Harper was on the bus.  The bike got a little dirty and I hit some mist but not bad.  I did the Silo (shortened) Loop.  It rained a most of Wednesday evening.  Thursday was looking meh.

A scan of the radar and hourly forecast Thursday morning made it appear I had a 3-4 hour window.  Not my typical Thursday ride but better than not.  I started out on the Dirt Bag course but skipped some side loops in favor of going further South, into the wind.  Mostly so I'd have more tailwind on the way home and to switch it up some.  About 1.5 hours in I hit rain.  It wasn't bad so I figured I had time to make my turnaround point, basically Maple Lake.  

I made the turn and the skies opened up.  I stayed on gravel as much as I could as it was soaking up the rain.  It rained solidly on my way back.  I and the bike were pretty messy.  About 45 minutes from home it had stopped and the roads were back to being ok.  I figured the damage was already done so I headed back South for more.

I basically did the start of my Darwin Loop but cut it short and came up to Powder Ridge from the South and stayed West of it.

About an hour in from when I turned back South it started raining again.  Not as long as before but much harder.  Even the gravel roads were becoming saturated, thus messy and SLOW!

It didn't come across as well as I hoped but I and the bike are covered in gravel.  This is before the second round of rain.  We got worse.

My 4 hour ride turned into 6.5, so yeah...I got my 100 in.  Ha!  I went straight to the back yard and hosed myself and the bike off.  The Evergreen is already in need of a new BB so I wasn't too stressed of riding in the rain.

The Ride.

The plan is to do and easy Silo Route this morning.  More South winds.  I'll take the T6 Rando and spin.  Saturday we are flirting with 90 degrees and high humidity.  A good day to try and acclimate to Kansas heat!

Top 10 Wx Weekend.

 The wind on Saturday was all over the place.  Every time I checked the weather app it had a different prediction.  In the end "light and variable" won.  Charlie met up at my house around 8:00 and we were off.  The wind direction was no longer conducive for a ride to Darwin so we switched it up and headed East and North.  

Benton County gravel is still Benton County gravel...chunky and soft.  Once we hit Mille Lacs County it changed.  We crossed Hwy 169 to do some exploring in the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area.  Such a great spot.  Too much to explore in one day.  We had a bit of a time constraint so it was back across 169 to home.  

It felt like we had a headwind most of the day.  Nothing bad, as the wind was low, but enough to let you know it was there.  The temperature was perfect.  It really was a great day for riding.

The Ride on the Cutthroat.

Sunday the wind was mostly SE.  Starting out light and picking up though out the day, but nothing bad.  I grabbed the T6 Rando and headed down County Road 8.  I rode the entire stretch of 8 to Becker.  I changed my route a dozen times!  I finally settled in on a route and made a go of it.  

From Becker I headed over to the Sand Dunes.  I proceeded East to County Road 1, which I took into Elk River.  Here I started making my way for home through Monticello, taking 75.  This route was 99% pavement.  I hit a stretch of gravel off of 75, Dirt Bag stuff.  I love gravel but sometimes the paved roads call.

It was another gorgeous day.

The Ride.

The rest of Sunday flew by.  We planted a bunch of plants, watered, cleaned up our alley prairie grasses, had dinner at my folks, and grocery shopped.

I though about taking today off but both Wednesday and Thursday look to have potential rain (which we desperately need).  Fingers crossed we get it!

80 degrees today?!

Back to Darwin.

 Yesterday I met up with Onyx Jim and headed South, into the wind.  Damn it was windy.  Plus the gravel is getting pretty soft.  No rain, farm traffic, and/or freshly laid gravel.  All this made for some slow speeds at time.  I was on the Cutthroat, which was the right choice for this gravel.

Around two hours in Jim had to cut for home and work.  I pushed on to Darwin.  I stayed to the East of Darwin so I could come at if form the South and continue on home.

Love this bridge.

Trip #4 of the year to the big ball.

I topped off my fluids at the gas station in Darwin and was on my way home with the tailwind.  I needed to be home 2:30-3:00 to have enough time to get Harper form school and to gymnastics by 4:00.  I had some time so instead of heading straight home I took some runs to the West before committing to a homeward route.

The Ride.

Rain is predicted this morning, right around the time I hoped to ride.  I have to bike to work today as well so I may be getting wet.

Sounds like I have another trip to Darwin planned for tomorrow?!  Love me some South winds!

Brrrr.

 Monday I did get out in the afternoon for a ride.  I was greeted with overcast skis, cool air, and wind.  I was a bit chilly a good portion of the ride.  I could have used a wind vest for sure.  Riding in the afternoon just reaffirmed what I already knew...riding in the morning is soooo much better!  But I was riding and it was good.

Yesterday I was able to get up and out early, started riding around 6.  It was below freezing but sunny and very little wind.  What wind there was was out of the South.  It has been a long time but I got my "mini" Dirt Bag ride in.  This time I was on the Evergreen.

I passed a house with it's sprinklers on.  The blades of grass were all mini icicles!  But the sun has power this time of year and made it feel warmer than it was.  It was a great ride.

Harper gets to go back to school today so I'll head out once she is on the bus.  More South wind means The Silo route.

Cutthroat.

 Unbound XL is getting close, first weekend in June.  The problem with having more than one (or two) bike that would work for the race is deciding which bike to use.  I've done the 200 on a Surly Long Haul Trucker (canti version) and the Evergreen.  I also used the Evergreen on the XL.  The Evergreen was the likely choice once again.  But I keep going back to the Cutthroat.  I can run a bit bigger tire (still deciding) and I have a bigger gear choice.  Plus it's a damn comfy bike.  The hang up has been the Evergreen seems faster.  But I'm leaning towards the Cutthroat.  Comfort trumps speed in 350 miles for me.

Knowing this I've been spending more time on the Cutthroat.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were all on the Cutthroat.  The wind Saturday was S/SE!  I haven't been on the Dirt Bag course all Spring!  It was time.  A bit over an hour in I ran into Onyx Jim.  We rode together the next hour and half before he had to head for home.  That was a nice reprieve from just my and my brain!

Not wanting to do the last section of the DB around Lake Sylvia and beyond I deviated from the course and headed south on gravel roads.  Just before Cokato, or Dassel...not sure, I headed back north to connect back with the DB route.

The Ride.

I felt really good on the ride.  No pains and everything appeared to be clicking along the right way.  

Sunday I got up with Toby and let everyone sleep in, mostly Jen as it was Mother's Day.  We had caramel rolls and hung out a bit.  Jen said I should go for a ride.  You don't have to tell me twice!  The wind was back to a Northernly direction.  

I headed up to Gillman.  Benton County has "freshened" up their gravel so it's rocky, chunky, soft, etc.  So perfect for the Cutthroat.  The wind was much stronger than I anticipated.  I didn't have my Garmin on the data screen but I must have been going 13-14 mph.

At Gillman I headed North on Cty Rd 3 a bit before making the move East and South...tailwind.

The Ride.  Slow but good.

Friday morning we got a call from Harper's school.  Someone in her class was exposed to Covid.  Thus she too had been.  She has to quarantine for 10 days.  If she gets tested, she did yesterday, and gets a negative result, still waiting, she can go back on the 12th.  So I am home with her today.  My plan was to get up early and ride but not "having" to get up had me scheming of ways to ride later.  The plan is to roll out this afternoon...on the Cutthroat to the North!

Saddle Time.

 Thursday is an off day from work for me.  More times than not I put in a longer ride.  While I still get a long ride in, recently I've had commitments in the afternoon that had me on a time constraint.  Yesterday I was free!  Well sort of, I still wanted to be home to cook and such.

I usually procrastinate a bit, letting it warm up, but yesterday I was out pedaling the Evergreen by 7:30.  Mostly to get some miles in before the real wind kicked in.  Per our status quo the wind was out of the NW with a bit more West.  I made my way up the River Road to 450th street.  About here the wind was really whipping.  I took 450th to it's end and headed North and West.  I didn't have a real destination in mind, just turn for home at 12:30...about 5 hours in.  

For whatever reason I didn't want to cross hwy 71.  Thus I eventually stuck to a more Northern path.  12:30 came and I made my way for home passing through Browerville, Long Prairie, not quite Grey Eagle to Melrose.  Battling the wind and soft gravel much of the day I opted for the Wobegon and a tailwind for the last stretch. Ahhhh.

The Ride.

All was good on the ride.  No knee pains or other types of pains.  Good motivation as well.  I didn't push it as the avg speed indicates but was more for time in the saddle, which I guess is what I usually do.  I should incorporate some sort of speed into my riding...someday?!

Happy Friday. 

Hiding from the Wind.

 Both Monday and Tuesday mornings were a bit chilly (mid 30's) with a solid northernly wind.  Not feeling like battling the wind I took to the woods both mornings.  Monday I hit up the River Bluffs, Plum Creek, the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich Park.  Yesterday I did the Race Track, North Loop, and Friedrich.  Sometimes mountain biking is the right call.  I had a blast both days.  

I've been riding the Krampus a bunch this year.  Really enjoying that bike.

It's chilly again this morning (will be all week) with yet another North wind.  But it's sitting at 2-3 mph.  So I plan on riding the Evergreen for a couple hours before biking into work.  

Now I just need to figure out what to wear!

Two days....two different weather patterns.

Finally got some "heat" training in this weekend.  Unbound (Dirty Kanza) is coming up the first weekend in June.  Kansas can and usually is damn hot that time of year.  I'm ok in the heat if I can get acclimated to it.  Not much for that has been happening around here until Saturday.  It was the first ride of the year that I started out with just a jersey, bib shorts, and fingerless gloves!  I'm not sure on the official temp but I'd say 85 degrees.  While not Kansas hot it was hot enough for this guy.

I took the the Cutthroat down county road 8.  After that I made my way West, into the wind.  While not my fastest bike I sure do love the Cutthroat.  It cruises through all the loose gravel and such with ease.  I ended up refueling in Paynesville.  I had already sucked my hydration pack dry.  

On my way from Paynesville to Rosco I found this abandoned railroad.  Kind of rough but fun.

In Rosco I jumped on the Rocori Trail to Coldspring and home. 

The Ride.  Garmin has a high temp!

This was the best I felt on a ride in sometime.  Everything was clicking.  Plus my knee pains have seemed to all but gone away!  

After riding Saturday and doing yard work for a few hours I was a stuffed up boy (allergies) Sunday morning!  Plus it was overcast, much cooler, and a east wind.  After checking the weather and the radar I figured I could stay ahead of the rain and ride around the incoming cell.  Nope, not this time.  About 30 minutes in it started to spit.  About an hour in I had to stop to put my rain jacket on.  30 minutes after that my feet were soaked...ugh.  It rained on me for about half or more of my ride.  I stuck to pavement as to no totally destroy my drivetrain on gravel.  I rode out to the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.  I had planned to ride the Wildlife Loop but it was raining so I did a loop around the refuge and made my way home.

The Ride.

I'm still deciding on what I will ride this morning.  It's another North wind so leaning towards some mtbing.  Nice and easy.

Happy Monday.

SUN!

 Starting on Wednesday the sun has come out to play!  I'm usually not one to long for the sun but we've had a long stretch of gloomy days.  Thursday I grabbed the Twin Six Rando and headed up the River Road to Little Falls.  Yep, we have sun but still that NW wind.

In the open sections the wind was kicking my butt.  Slow going for sure.  From Little Falls I made my way to Randall, crossed hwy 10, and proceeded West for a good chuck.  It was here I decided to find the Dos Pistolas (house with two larger than life pistols used as a gate).  Last weekend I ran out of time getting to the guns.  Plus the road they are on seemingly separates, making two 270th streets.  I was on the wrong one.  This time I found the right 270th and found the gate.  No pictures, just a ride by.

The grumbling and cursing heading into the wind was now gone and I was cruising home with a tailwind. I wasn't in a huge time crunch but did have an appointment at 4:40 for my 2nd vaccination shot.  

The Ride.

Today is a bit nuts.  It's Harper's birthday.  She has gymnastics at 4:15.  Brinna and Avery have a track meet at 4.  Post track meet Birthday celebration at our house with grandparents.  With only two cars we are doing a juggling act today.  I'm biking to work but the big girls are picking me up on the way to thte track meet.  I'm dropping them off, getting Harper, bringing her to gymnastics, then over to the track meet and so on.  Zoom!

Happy Weekend....it's going to be hot!

More of the same weather.

 Our fun weather pattern continues.  Saturday morning, letting Toby out, I was hit in the face with snow!  Albeit not much, nor was it sticking, but it was snowing then raining.  Ugh.  A quick look at the weather app showed it was to end soonish and eventually become sunny.  But none too warm and again with the NW winds.  I did some chores around the house and took Toby for a ride.  It's about a 2 mile loop that I do with him but I extended this one an additional two miles or so.  By now it was mostly sunny, the roads were drying up, but still on the chilly side. 

About 11:45 I shoved off on the Evergreen.  I took the westside River Road towards Little Falls.  Before LF I jumped on some gravel heading West.  I continued West and North, crossing Hwy 27, Dove Road, nearing the Dos Pistolas.  I was getting close the the Double Guns used as a gate so figured that would be my turn around point.  I knew the general area and the road, 270th street.  I hit 270th street and rode the duration of it.  No guns?!  I guessed 270th would start up further West but I was running low on time.  No Dos Pistolas.  Looking at a map when I got home confirmed my suspicions.  I was a mile or so from them when I turned for home.

Grader I encountered on the way out.

The tail wind was very welcome and helpful.  I stopped in St Stephen for a refuel on the liquids and finished the ride around 7:00.  I much prefer to ride earlier but this was a good ride.

The Ride.

Sunday was dry in the morning but precipitation (rain and/or snow was predicted later) but very gloomy.  But hey...it was a SE wind!  After cleaning up the kitchen, making cinnamon rolls, and taking Toby for a ride I headed out on the Evergreen once again.  This time much earlier, 8:30.  I took cty road 8 to the Silo, Becker, and almost the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.  I cut North beforehand.  

Lots of tree farms out this way.  Feels closer to Christmas than Summer.

Not much for gravel on this route so I made quick time getting home.  For being a gloomy day the ride sure was good.

The Ride.

The rest of the day was spent watching baseball on and off, cleaning, and getting ready for the week.  We all went for a walk at some point.  We were hit with some snow squalls.  Crazy!  Took Toby for a ride to my folks and back as well.  Damn dog doesn't tire!

It rained some overnight and is lightly raining now.  I'm taking an easy week.  May ride, may not ride it the motto this week.  Thursday is looking nice and I'm off so yes I will do a longer ride that day.  

Go time.

Top 10 Weather Day!

 I lucked out having Thursday off and the weather being the best it's been in a couple weeks.  Full sun, topping out in the mid 60's, albeit was a bit breezy...but not out of the NW!!

I let it warm a bit before heading out.  But I was anxious to get going so only waited till 8.  It was still in the 30's but the sun made a huge difference.  I wore a jacket, knee warmers, headband, and warmer gloves...knowing I'd ditch them all later.  The wind was W/SW.  It was actually a bit odd.  I couldn't seem to ever pinpoint the direction it was coming from.  I think it was oscillating between West, Southwest, and South.  

My plan was to hit up Darwin and the Ball of Twine for the 3rd time this year.  I wanted to come into Darwin from the South so made my way to the Luce Line Trail.  I took the trail to Hutchinson.  I had planned on jumping off here but opted to push forward on the trail some more.  East of Hutchinson it switches back to crushed granite, or something similar.  It obviously doesn't see much use.  There was moss growing on the trail, ruts from previous rains were abound, plus it was a bit soft.  At Cedar Mills I jumped off and made my way North and West.  Tailwind!

I did find Darwin and the ball is still there.  I topped off fluids and bought something salty at the gas station.  From Darwin I'm always a bit perplexed which route to take home.  My options are limited as there are dead end roads, too busy of roads, or the roads start to head back the wrong way.  I inevitably end up on routes I've taken previously.  I try to switch it up but that usually doesn't work out too well.  I stuck to familiar roads as time was ticking by.

I got a bit beat up on this ride.  I slept on my neck wrong a couple days ago.  It was getting better each day.  On the Luce Line I stopped to remove some clothing.  Getting back on the bike my foot slipped off the pedal.  Not a big deal but apparently my neck didn't like it.  It proceeded to tighten up much of the remainder of the ride.  I'm not sure if that had something to do with my knees, but both started to ache.  A different hurt than I was experiencing with my left knee and it was both knees!  I checked my seat height and it was good.  Weird.  I was an old man the rest of the night.  This morning everything seems better!

The Ride.

I like to get an easy ride the day after a long ride.  Letting Toby out this morning, punk got me up at 4:50, I noticed it had rained.  We will see what it looks like once Harper gets on the bus.

Our one day weather reprieve is gone, back to crap weather.

If this was Fall I'd be stoked.

 I know I've been complaining about the weather a lot lately, but damn it's been bad.  Every morning this week, including today, has been below freezing with a NW wind.  Because of this both Monday and Tuesday I went mtbing on the Krampus.  Monday I did the River Bluffs, Plum Creek, the Race Track, the Spring Loop at the North Loop, and parts of Friedrich.  Yesterday I did the Race Track, Sand Prairie, the North Loop (spring loop) and Friedrich.  As I typed this I realized I had great fun so what is there to complain about?  I guess I should be happy I'm riding!

Monday at Plum Creek

I know I say it all the time but when we built this trail

these trees were thigh high.

Sand Prairie on Tuesday.  So much wildlife yesterday.  More than I normally see, but then again I usually only ride in the winter.  

I'm still deciding on what to do today.  It's 26 degrees with a feels like temp of 18.  I want to ride the River Road Loop to Rice and back but I'm being a baby about it.  Maybe back on the Krampus or maybe just commuting to work.  I have 45 minutes to decide!

Tomorrow looks like the one good day of the week.  Plus the wind is finally a new direction! Woot!

Weekend Riding.

 Saturday my plan was to ride about 4 hours, leaving me a bunch of time to do some yard work and such.  I left home about 8:00 on the T6 Rando.  Once again we had a NW wind, so it was back up the River Road to Rice.  The thought was to take 450th to the Soo Line/Wobegon.  Jump on the trail to Holdingford, Albany, and home.  But at the intersection of the trails and 450th I opted to push on to the end of 450th.

It was a really nice day and I was feeling good.  Onward I went.  I basically made it to Gray Eagle before making a turn South.  I popped out in Freeport, where I jumped on the trail. Well now I was getting close to 100 miles.  Not the plan but when one gets close to 100 miles one has to finish the deed!  Thus I ended up going further South than needed to stack on some miles.  

Mission accomplished.

I still had plenty of time for yard work.  The blisters on my hands can prove it.  

Sunday the wind switched to the West with a bit of SW tossed in.  Saturday I had got the Cutthroat ready (removed studded tires, etc) for a ride.  So around 8:30 (I took Toby for a ride first) I was off.  I made my way to Rockville, Cold Spring, Richmond, and Rosco.  I took the Glacial Lakes Trail for a good portion of that.  It's a nice way to get West fast and easy.  At Rosco I jumped on Cty Rd 16.  I usually turn off it fairly early but I rode it out into the increasing wind.  Eventually it turned to gravel and onward I went.  When I got near Belgrade I made my way North and a bit more West.  I jumped on the Dairy Land Trail (non paved path) and took it to it's end a bit past Greenwald.  

The wind was really whipping now.  Tailwinds were great but if heading any other direction than with the wind and I was leaning into it.  I was trying to avoid the Wobegon Trail as it was sure to be busy but time was getting away from me and that would be the fastest way back.  I managed to avoid it till Avon.  In St. Joe I jumped off and headed in the STC the back way.  Go figure...a 3 trail system ride.

The Ride.

I got some chores done before heading back out to clean the Seven that was used in the rain a couple weeks ago.  The predicted afternoon front was moving in.  Crazy NW winds, dropping temps and rain.  I managed to get the bike clean and put away but while power washing the porch steps (Jen's wish) I was getting wet from the rain and back spray of the power washer.  But I must admit the steps do look much better!

While letting Toby out this morning there were flurries in the air.  Monday is looking cold and windy.  Thinking some MTBing this morning, plus the commute into work.

Happy Week.

Gloomy Day Riding.

 Finally a Thursday I didn't have to wait for it stop raining, to warm up,  or have obligations on the front or backend of the ride. Harper got on the bus and I got ready to ride.  I was out riding a bit past 7:30.  

The wind was once again out of the NW.  A new wind direction would be nice someday.  Having done my "go to" route with NW winds several times already I opted to switch it up a bit.  I headed East first before heading North.  Jen's parents have a cabin they rent seasonally on Platte Lake north of Hillman. Seemed liked a good destination.  I stayed just south of their cabin and hugged the south shoreline.  

The further North I got the sloppier the gravel got.  They received much more snow than us.  I actually saw snow in the ditches in a few spots.  Zigging and zagging did put me north of Platte Lake.  From there I made a push westward and eventually south.  I crossed HWY 361 at Camp Ripley.  I stopped to top off the hydration pack and grab some food.  I had a pizza with meat!!  Not that I "wanted" to, I would have gladly had cheese but gas stations never have that available, but I figure it's a form of training.  At Unbound XL (formerly DKXL) we are on our own and use gas stations for food.  I craved something hot and savory so much last time but the middle of Kansas isn't too vegetarian friendly, ha!  So I skipped any food last time.  I decided I will eat what they have this time but don't want my stomach to "freak" out and give me issues.  So yeah...I was "training"!

Training.

From the gas station it was mostly a tailwind ride home.  While I didn't have an early afternoon obligation I did have to get Harper from KidStop and to gymnastics for pictures by 5:45.  At this point I headed home the most direct route.

The Ride.

Once again the wind is out of the NW, albeit lightly...at the moment.  I plan on riding up to Rice and back on the the other side of the River.  NW winds tomorrow as well.  But...West winds on Sunday.  Plus, get this, maybe some sun?!!

Happy Weekend.

Enough Already.

 Maybe I'm back to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday posting...or just whenever?!  Our weather continues to be less than ideal.  At the moment the grass is covered in snow, ugh.  

I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning so I was short on time.  Jen offered to get Harper on the bus so I got out a bit earlier.  The wind was strong out of the West and not all that nice out.  I grabbed the Krampus and headed for the River Bluff trails.  The trails were amazing.  Not messy, soft, muddy, or any of that.  While not a a bunch of trails it was a damn good time.  If we could get a day or two of sun and have the rain stop a bit our club managed trails should be able to open.  Apparently the sun has taken April off however.

I'm leaning towards taking today off.  NW winds, wet roads, and cool temps have me less than excited to head out.  Who knows, I've changed my mind before.  Once daylight hits I'll reassess.  Regardless I have to bike to work today.

Fingres crossed for better weather...soon!

Dreary Day Riding.

 Man last week was wet, dreary, chilly, and a bit windy.  At the start of the week it didn't look like I'd get much for riding in.  But as the days came and the forecast tightened up I was able to sneak rides in here and there.  I am ready for some sun and warmer temps however...but not this week.  More of the same is on tap with a bit of snow tossed in.  Ugh.

Thursday I did get out on the Evergreen.  The wind was NE of sorts so I headed out that way.  Usually I do a bunch of gravel on the way out and not as much on the way back.  But since it's been raining and literally just stopped I opted to flip it, pavement first and gravel second.

My route kept changing in my mind.  Which is part of the joy of riding a gravel type bike.  Any road, anytime.  Surprisingly the gravel wasn't that bad.  We had received a bunch of rain so it was a bit soft and the bike was getting dirty but it was passable.  I hadn't planned crossing hwy 169 but it seems all roads lead that way in Mille Lacs County, or they are dead ends.  After my jaunt on the East side of 169 I made my way for home.

I finished with 113 miles and a very dirt bike and Ben.  I headed straight to the hose to wash the worms and gravel off the bike.

Saturday I ended up working for an employee so I got up around 4:45 to get my ride in before hand.  While it's a struggle to get up at that time it's truly my favorite time to ride.  Usually the wind is low, low traffic, and riding while the sun rises is invigorating.  I only had time for 3 hours before I had to get to work.  I ended with 50 miles, to which I received plenty of grief for only riding 50 miles, ha!

Sunday was yet another overcast, dreary day.  It also appears we are stuck in a Northern wind pattern for a good spell.  Sunday it was basically out of the North.  I took the River Road on the East side of the Mississippi River up to Little Falls.  I then continued on to Camp Ripley, Randall, and Cushing.  At Cushing I crossed back over hwy 10 heading West for a good chunk.  

On the way back I was in search of the Dos Pistolas.  To the SW we have the Ball of Twine.  To the N/NW we have the Dos Pistolas.  I encountered them a few years ago but never remember exactly where they are.  I was just alternating between Southern and Eastern roads and bam...dos pistolas.

Good 'ol Todd County.

With the tailwind I made good time getting home.  The ride was bit more than initially planned but I got on a few roads that had no way off and/or turned back the wrong direction.  

The Ride.

I was riding the T6 Rando for both rides this weekend.  So far I'm really digging that bike.  Super comfy.  Plus my left knee doesn't hurt when riding this bike.  I have road pedals on this bike versus mtb, which I'm attributing to the pain reduction.  The other bikes will get road pedals once the weather is more consistently nice.

Chances for rain exist today and tomorrow, with maybe snow tomorrow.  I'm still trying to decide about riding today or not.  I have a dry window for riding before work but I'm a bit lazy right now.  Decisions!

Happy Week. 

Wet.

 Despite the rain I've managed rides every morning this week.  Nothing crazy, just around the 2 hour mark.  With the girls in track I've been biking into work two of the the days as well.  I drove yesterday as it was a pretty wet day.  

Even with 2 days of rain the gravel, for the most part, is riding really good still.  We were so dry!  I'm off today.  It wasn't looking too good for a ride at all.  But as of this morning the chance or rain dissipates after 9.   Even if it was going to rain I figured I'd ride some.  I have all the gear, a single speed bike with fenders, and the temperature wasn't going to be too cool.  I'll head out prepared for rain but hope it doesn't.  The bike will become a mess either way.  Looks like I'll be breaking out the Muc Off washer this weekend.  As of now I'm planning on taking the Seven Evergreen out.

Hoping for a dry weekend.