Almost 300

 Been trying to push myself to get ready for a long ride. This past week I was able to clock in about 293 miles for the week. Saturday I did 100 miles and Sunday a metric century. Legs are sore but some stretching and good nutrition should be enough to get rid of that fatigue. I'm aiming to get this much thought about ride sometime late July or early August. Been playing around with tire selection and will most likely stick to riding 32 mm slicks. There might be some gravel sections and such a tire should be plenty. Heck ,I used to ride 23mm Vittoria tires on gravel back in the day. Gonna keep rolling and see if I get a chance to get another ride in that's a bit longer than 100miles, maybe a 125. Hope everyone is doing well out there. Be safe and stay hydrated. It's been a warm June here in Chicagoland. We'll see what July brings. 

thanks for reading, 

Ari 

dealing with the heat

 I basically work south of the canals and the Des Plaines river. I cross over the bridge on a daily basis and sometimes enjoy the trails that run along these waterways. They offer some relief of this heat wave that's been parked over Chicagoland and most of the midwest. Yeah, riding has not been easy and it shows with lower volume of customers coming to the shop. For a lot of people it is just way to hot for them. 

We tell them to get off the roads and hit the trails. First of all one does not have to deal with cars and short tempers. Secondly the trails offer tons of shade and it is alway cooler in there. Stay hydrated using some electrolytes in your water. Buy an Arundel Looney bin and take a thermos with cold liquid. Avoid dark clothing. These are some tips to be able to get some miles out there before the summer slips away. 

Time Management

As the days approach the longest day of the year I have been pondering this idea of a real long ride. Now is the time to do it since the days are offering a lot of light. A 5 or even 6 am start still offers enough daylight to make this trip to the Mississippi River that I have been planning for quite some time. Work and commitments with family and such have axed my previous attempts. The distance should be about 150 miles. 

Not sure if June is still feasible but maybe it will be a July thing. Doesn't really seem to be getting hot anytime soon. I'll keep you posted when I can nail that date. 

A. 

New Job for the Presidente

 Some of you might be aware that I have moved out of King Keyser in Hinsdale and am working somewhere else. I have taken a position at 2BICI Bike Shop in Willow Springs, IL. The ride to the new shop is about 12.5 miles from my house. Now this bike shop only does bikes and I am fine with that. WE are located in a central spot for several different types of Cycling. Behind the shop we have Palos with and array of Gravel and single track. Many people travel to this area since its primo off-road riding. To the south of us we have the Cal-Sag canal trail. It goes from Rte 83 all the way eastward towards Alsip, IL. 

Across the street from us is the I&M CANAL trail with an aproximate 8 mile loops of freshly paved surface. Its flat and perfect for an easy cruise. North of us is the Centennial trail which starts close to the shop and takes one as far west as the Mississippi River. 

I have been enjoying checking out all these places and a change of pace has been most welcome. The shop is owned by Joe with 30 plus years of experience with a background at Cycle Smithy and Turin in the Chicago area. We do lots of repairs and lots of on spot fixes for people riding the trails mentioned. I'm excited to be part of that shop and I think it will be a fun place to work. Stop by and visit sometime. Everyone is always welcome. We are friendly!!! 

thanks for reading, 

Ari 

2BICI bike shop, Willow Springs, IL. 
corner of Willow Springs rd and Archer