Author Archives: leastbest

Was able to get on the bike again, two days in a row!

Right now I’m not worried about distance or pace.  Just trying to get some miles on my legs.  It was a beautiful warm if windy day.  I headed south and soon relaxed.  It wasn’t that far away that I saw these dilapidated barns.  I don’t know why but I love the look of barns.  The more beat up the better.

My wife and daughter worry about me out there with all of the crazy drivers.  There is little reason to worry.  This is what most of my rides look like.

The farther out I go the less I see of cars and people, with the exception of Amish buggies.

As I ride I relax.  I notice the red-winged blackbirds, the vultures and the small things that I never notice in a car.

I didn’t go that far, only 16.5 miles but it was a great ride.  The way back was all headwind but even that is good after a long winter.

It will shock the people who read this but I actually rode the bike today.  I have been so busy.  I’ve been busier than when I worked twelve hour days at UPS.

It was a beautiful day and unfortunately I only had time for a short ride.  I need the miles badly.  I can’ t wait until riding becomes effortless again.

Headed east and into the country.  This is mostly what I saw.

A few McMansions scattered between the farm houses. This one stood out.

It was a short and almost perfect ride.  Some goober passed me within six inches of my elbow.  I should have smacked his car.  Next time.

I had planned to get on the bike last week.  Monday came around and I had a couple guys come to my rental property to install tile.  I was told they would be there between eight and ten.  I got there at 7:45 figuring they would get there at 8:30 or so, get it done by one and I would be on the bike.  They showed up at 10:30.  I asked how long it would take and they said a few hours.  After three hours I asked how long and they said a couple hours.  Two hours later they said one hour.  They finished up at 5:30.  Just in time for me to go to my guitar lesson and then pick up my daughter.  No cycling.

The next day the carpet people came.  This time I was smart and brought my guitar.  At least I could practice some Blind Boy Fuller tunes like Untrue Blues or Rag Mama Rag.  They were there past 6pm.  All day the temperature dropped.

The next day I was at the house doing the small things that needed to be done before my renter moved in  Finally I was done.  Then it got cold and it rained.  And it rained.  The weekend was busy and all day today it has been cold with very high winds and rain.

But, the renters are in and I have nothing stopping me from riding.  I went to my quarterly doctor’s appointment today and on the way home spotted this mailbox in North Ridgeville.  I believe it to be an omen.

The house is nearly done.  Weather is consistently in the fifties and sixties for the next ten days.  It is time.

Yesterday it snowed all day with a lot of wind.  Mostly flurries but it eventually stuck.  Now there is a thin layer of it everywhere.  Temperatures hover in the low 30’s and I’m waiting for a consistent 45ºF or above before I get on the bike.

The refurbishing of my rental property is nearly done.  A few minor issues, carpet and tile, that is it.  Then I get a couple months off until I tackle the outside of the house.  That will be a lot easier as it is merely some repair and paint.

Since I’m not riding I’m spending my time with my hobbies, chess, guitar, banjo, poker and writing.

This isn’t bike related but one of my favorite websites is called Life’s Rich Pageant.  It has page after page of goofy pictures from the past.  The most addicting site I’ve ever seen.  Be warned.  Many of the pictures are for adults.  Check it out.  That is where I found the gif below.