Easy Rider!

Wasn't planning on doing anything today except rest after yesterday's long ride. However, Rob wanted to try and get some kind of ride in, so we went to the downtown airport and rode three laps around the complex. One loop actually figured out to be 3.8 miles and after three laps we called it good. Weather super! A nice easy ride on concrete sure did feel good after the trail ride yesterday........Mike

Prairie Spirit Trail Experience

Finally found time to drive down to the Prairie Spirit Trail on the Kansas side. Sean Joyce, a Knights of Columbus Brother, and I, drove the 75 miles (from where we live) to Ottawa where the trail head began for us. My goal was to ride 60 miles which would have been my longest. We ended up riding 61.25 miles and actually I felt that I could do more ONLY IF I HAD TO! The ride was enjoyable for the trip down to Welda, KS where we made our turnaround. We stopped on our way back and had lunch at a cafe in Garnett, on a recommendation, from some old geezer at the McDonald's in Ottawa. Not sure how many restuarants this geezer had ever been in before, but he really should get out more often, and I don't mean McDonald's. Actually, McDonald's would have been a 4 star compared to this place, but Garnett has two or three restuarants and this was right on the square about 100 feet from the trail. Easy, peazy, but next time I'll pack a sandwich.

As stated, the ride down was great, but coming back we had to fight the wind and a lot of soft fine chat or crushed limestone that was just too deep in places. It was like riding in quicksand at times and it was hard to control the bike, as well. On top of that, there was a bunch, and I mean a bunch of what I think was dog feces to deal with. Most of the time I was able to miss it but not always.

Would I go back? Probably, but not this year.....Mike

Short Ride!

Just a 21 mile ride but it was tough! Rode from the house down Roanridge to 56th St. west on 56th and around Houston Lake. Came out of Houston Lake and continued west on 56th down through Misty Woods to 9 Highway. West on 9 Highway a short ways to the Riverside Trail. Rode the trail until it connects with the dike and returned only in time to have a train cross. Instead of waiting out the train, I repeated the trail ride which added another 2.25 miles. Better than staring at dirty box cars!

Came out of the trail and crossed 9 highway to continue west to Parkville. Rode one full lap around English Landing and headed north on 9 Highway. Jeez, what a nerve racking ride!! I didn't realize there wasn't a shoulder on 9 highway between Parkville and 45 Highway. I couldn't take any more of 9 highway so I turned into Riss Lake and rode around until it connected with 45 highway. From there it was a fairly easy ride back home...MIKE

Great Run - Big Mo's

With the mild temperature this morning, big Mo (Maurice - the standard poodle) and I enjoyed a run by the other Big Mo (Missouri River - at Berkley Park). We completed our 5 mile run in 47 minutes and had a great time. Maurice was ready to head home as I think he did get a little warm. - Ken

Great Morning to Run!

Being still sore from yesterday's bike ride, I was going to just rest, but since I won't be able to ride or run tomorrow, I decided to get in an easy four miler today. Started in the 12:00 to 13:00 minute pace range and ended up in the nines. Seems like the slower I start, the better I feel after a couple of miles. Work tomorrow, but will ride 30-40 on Sunday after the Chiefs/ San Fran game.

Still planning on a 50-60 miler on the Prairie Spirit Trail this Thursday. Looking forward to that ride. I'm hoping to get in a 100 miler before the snow hits me in the butt, but it's unlikely... Mike

Run and Ride

Monthly MRC gathering on Tuesday was one of our best! Initiated a new member, Dan Lara, who was a member of our HTC team as well. Had a good run averaging right at 11:00 minutes for five miles, but the best part was the eating and drinking afterwards! Lots of laughs, jokes, comments and reflection.

Today I rode 28.78 miles. Weird distance but I was riding with a friend who had a time issue so we rode on the clock rather than a distance. Nice change of pace. Actually, the change of pace occurred when we made the turnaround a few miles past Camden Point. Coming back, the wind was right in our face AGAIN at 25-30 mph. Had more of a workout than I anticipated! Still a nice ride.....Mike

Unexpected and Dangerous Surprise!

Had a terrific 51 mile ride on Friday! However, on the way back, about 35 miles into the ride, I saw a dead snake in the road. As I rode past it, I just about jumped out of my bike shorts realizing it was a rattlesnake! I stopped and dismounted my bike and walked it back to where the snake was in order to get a closer look. When I got to within a few feet from the snake it started to slowly coil. Holy crap, the damn thing was alive and was just sunning himself on the concrete! I kept the bike between myself and the rattler and circled around him. It was truely fasinating to just watch this piece of nature. The snake kept his head on the concrete and I'm not sure if he was even concerned with my presence. However, I figured it was time to move on and did so. I really wanted to get him off the highway, but didn't have a 100 foot stick to do it with! Still, it was kind of neat to see a rattlesnake that close......Mike