Rainy Days and Mondays

Don't like riding in the rain. Never have. However, there were three times when I got caught out in the rain.

First time was during the Sierra Century when I lived in California. The route went up to Skyline, down to the Pacific Ocean and up Tunitas Creek Road. The rain started on the climb up Tunitas Creek. When I stood up to pedal, it felt like my feet were in buckets of water. Not a fun climb.

The second time was during the Tierra Bella, a ride sponsored by the Almaden Cycle Touring Club. We were on the way back to the start of the ride when the sky just opened up. We ducked under a tree along the road until the heavy downpour moved on.

The third time was during the Trek Tri-Island, a ride from Seattle up into the San Juan Islands ending in Victoria, B.C. I was on Whidbey Island heading for the ferry dock in Anacortes when the rain started. It got very foggy at the same time so riding over the bridge at Deception Pass was like riding through a tunnel. Got to the ferry dock and went into the mens room and used the hot air hand driers to dry my sock, shoes, and gloves.

Riding in the rain? I'd rather not.

Earth Rider

On a recent trip to New Glarus, I went through Brodhead and stopped by Earth Rider Cycling Boutique and Hotel. http://www.earthridercycling.com/

Earth Rider is owned by Sharon Kaminecki who rehabbed an historic building for her bike store and hotel. The hotel has five rooms each named after a five time Tour de France winner, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Lance Armstrong. The photographs of the rooms on Earth Rider's web site were done by me.

Sharon is very active in cycling in Brodhead and Green county. There's a Sunday ride from the store when weather permits and she has information on road and trail rides in the area. So when you're in Brodhead, stop by Earth Rider.

Here's a photo she took of me when I stopped by on my way to New Glarus. As they say, it was a cold and windy day!

My Clone

Most days, riding is a breeze. It feels like I'm flying.

Other days the cold headwinds and misty air make riding a struggle.

That's when I call on my clone to help me push the pedals. Here we are taking a break on the Sugar River Trail on our way to New Glarus.