Long overdue post.

 Yes, it’s been a while since I typed some words on here. With today’s newer formats I just wonder if people even have the patience to read anything a bit lengthy. Last weekend the daughter and I took a road trip to Iowa. It basically rained the whole way there but we were in good spirits. We arrived in Dubuque and hit up a couple of great record stores. Then we went to a Goodwill, where I picked up a fleece since I was freezing. We left town and took Rte 52, along the Mississippi. 

We stopped in St Donatus at Kalme’s for lunch, then took some photos by the Lutheran church. We then drove further south to 308th street to visit the tiny Chapel of St Fritz, then further south to Bellevue, where I rode my bike briefly , just to say I rode in Iowa. We then headed to Sabula for more photography and Ice cream. We travelled south to Clinton and started on our way home. A long day of traveling but worth it. It was TransIowa weekend and I had this urge to be in Iowa. 

3/29/2023 a short update on the old blog

Today the birds were in full swing.The bird feeder we have was empty and I could hear the complaints thru the window. I went out there to smell a wonderful morning. Bulbs are starting to sprout and push out their antennas.

I thought about how this winter was so mild, never really wore my lake boots. Only toe covers a couple times.I feel things are changing. Don’t seem right. 

The piles and piles of winter gear sat idle in the closet as I wore regular civilian clothing most of the time. 

We’ll see what this spring brings. I plan on keeping the riding up. I have some ideas in mind that will require some degree of fitness. 

I’ve been enjoying my various Single Speed bikes. Completed a 45miler the other day with Kill Stevenson. We had a great ride out to Lockport and enjoyed coffee at a new cafe. 

Welcome to 2023!!!

Welcome to 2023. No, I haven’t just realized that it’s 2023. What I have realized is that we need to start talking and communicating with one another. I know for a fact that many riding groups in this area kinda disolved. The individuals disappeared some hiding behind screens pedaling in eutopic parts of the world. This pandemic has caused so many varied negatives that it’s mind boggling.

With a few people I have given up. Too comfy in their silk cocoons. I have some plans this year and once I solidify stuff I will post it here. I’d like to find a new vehicle to be able to get to places. In the meantime keep riding your bikes and call your friends. Maybe even text them. 

Out, Ari

 

Works for me

Bike Specialties Bridgestone I spotted at Supermarket

 A few, many moons ago we would get the real Chicago winters around here. I’d be cooped up inside going nuts. We had dumb trainers with a fan or magnets to create the resistance needed. So, we bundled up and tried hiding in the woods or on trails. We rode the so called “heavy cruisers”. Basically 26” wheeled mountain bikes with smoother tires, fenders, a rack and primitive lights. 

We rode those beasts everywhere. We froze on them and then would stop at the white hen pantry for coffees and doughnuts. Nowadays the roads are pretty empty of winter riders. Indoor training is a lot more convenient and efficient . 

I used to have this rule back then. 1,000 miles would loosen up the legs. 1,000 miles would get me some fitness and get rid of that heavy feeling on the saddle. It really isn’t the saddle that causes the saddle pain. It’s one’s weak legs, not strong enough to support one’s weight. We also used quill stems on our bikes and it was customary to raise up the bars a bit in the winter. 

And… my theory still works for me. It’s almost the middle of May and I’m hovering around 750 miles. I feel a twinge of fitness. But that kind of mileage for this time of the year is pretty poor. 

We’ll see how I fix that. In the meantime I gotta hit that 1,000 mile mark. 

Thanks for reading, 

Ari

Looks like we made it

 Good morning to all. Yesterday I was really thankful that our Chicago weather decided to change. We had been in this dark, cold, rainy pattern for weeks. Yesterday, being Mother’s Day, was beautiful. I awoke at 448 am and plowed thru the day. I walked , barbecued , walked, cut the grass and filled the day. I didn’t want it to end. 

I guess the nasty weather really made me realize to not waste the good days. I even found a nice Cannondale mountain bike in the trash. 

I guess it’s gonna be a great summer. Take advantage and feel good about it. 

Ari

Another post in May

 Yes, it’s nice to remember the good old days but some might be wondering: what now? I think at this point everyone is trying to find some kind of normality . This epidemic has really done a lot of damage in so many ways. Friends and family that were introverted became even more so. Nobody has time anymore?? What the heck? Doesn’t make sense to me. 

So, I’ve been hoping to literally drag people outside. I will be persistent cause I know that outside is the right thing. Calling a family member/friend is important. In a world of texting maybe give a shot to actually talk to that person. Something has to give. 

I’ve been working quite a bit as usual and transporting our daughter to school. I have been commuting to work by bike or tandem with my daughter. I have been doing longer rides on the weekends and my day off on Thursdays. We walk the dog almost every night if it’s not raining. Trying to hit 20k steps a day. If you have any ideas please leave them in the comments. I’d love to read them. 

Keep rolling, 

Ari

Fruit Loop photos found !!!!

Thanks for your patience on this blog. Whatever happened to having time to write stuff? I don't have an answer to something I have been thinking about for a long time. The days and weeks just keep flowing like a creek. I was communicating with Slender Fungus member Sucharski asking whether he had any Fruit Loop photos he hadn't shared. 

After a few days I get a massive email full of images I had not seen. I was really happy that he found them. The fruit loop was a ride we did a long time ago. Over 10 years now. We started the ride out of my then house in Sycamore. The group was great and featured a lot of people who have now moved out of state. We basically left Sycamore, rode to the Mississippi river, up to Galena, north along Wisconsin border, down back towards RTE 64 and back to Sycamore. About 255 miles worth of riding. 

Hills, more hills, lots of heat and humidity and more hills. A good time was had and its a ride we often reminisce about. With further ado, here are the images. Thank you for reading and I hope to ride with you again. There is so much more to say. Too bad the words don't come out. Maybe next time.

ari