Joliet Road Crossing

This is traveling Eastbound on the OPRT, just about to cross Joliet Road in New Lenox. Make a serious attempt to slow down and look for vehicles. It's not easy to see traffic in advance, and sometimes the cars and trucks can sneak up on you. Especially in the summer when the grass and bushes are fully grown.

Frankfort Station

A view of the Frankfort Station in the park. OPRT runs behind the Station. The Plank Road Cyclery is behind the station and to the left. In the summer months there is usually a sign marking the bike shop on the edge of the trail. Mostly on the weekends.

Katy Trail Dispute

Well another fine mess for bicyclists in the Midwest. Katy Trail in Missouri could very well on it's way to the grave, thanks to a move on Govenor Blunt's part.

For the record the trail is the longest bike/hiking trail in the Rails to Trails genre. It attracts over 350,000 people a year. It is 225 miles long, and covers a good portion of the state from east to west. Economically it is a godsend to the business community along the trail, and the towns adjacent to it. Many bed and breakfast, restaurants, and bike shops rely on it's visitors. Also it is a beautiful trail to transverse.

The bridge is not used by hikers or bikers, and remains in the up position to allow barge traffic to move freely along the river. The trail uses a roadway bridge to allow users to move across the river. Now the problem. In simple leaglize, the Gov has sold the bridge in Boonville back to the Union Pacific RR to be dismantled. Once it is gone the rail line is no longer intact. Big deal you say? It is since it has to remain for the rail line to be intact.

Under federal law, railroad lines no longer needed for active use can be converted to recreational trails, as long as they are "banked" for future restoration as rail lines. This allows the public right-of-way to be maintained. Otherwise, the land would revert to former owners. If there is a break in the line, Kucera said, private property owners along the trail could challenge the state and try to take their property back. Property-rights advocates have vigorously fought trails projects around the country.

From all that I have read it looks like the little guy taking on a Mega Corporation, and it's elected Govenor. Democracy at work in it's finest form! Another uphill battle for the little guy, and that's ok, because America is founded on this concept. All except for one small detail. If you don't have the money, your out of the running. You would think with the economic value the trail brings to the state, that the Gov would have left this one alone. But then again it stirs speculation, when you review what Union Pacific has dontated to the Gov's agenda, it makes one think, that something stinks, in Missouri.

To read further on this see: http://www.waveflux.net/archives/001613.php

Wandering the World - Jim Damico

On a cold winters night in January, I ran across a cycle travel log written by Jim Damico called "Show Me America" . I was hooked! It took me two nights to finish it, and when I was done I wanted to read more. This man has resolve. Not only does he go from coast to coast, but keeps going on, to finally cover 9,720 miles, in a fund raising effort directed to the Nancy Johnson- Coyle Endowment Fund that was established as a memorial to his cousin at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She died after a long illness while studying at TWU.

The log was written and posted while he was on his quest, by using computers at local libraries along his route. It is a frank account of people he met, problems that arose, personal insight and struggles both physical and mental, and adventure! Pure and simple. What amazed me most was the people he met along the way. It restored my faith in the human race, in a sense that there are still kind, trusting, helpful, and honest people left out there in America!

I don't mean to cynical, but lately it seems that in my neck of the woods, it's the "leave me alone, and don't bother me" kind of humans that I run into, especially on the urban trails. I always tell my wife maybe it's the beard and tattoos, that scare them... I am a friendly person and like to greet most people I meet, but a lot of them stare at the ground, or ride by like they couldn't be bothered. Although this doesn't discourage me as I have met several nice people along the trails, and continue to chat with them as we meet. Sometimes it good to ride with them, and enjoy good conversation.

So if you like to read about other cyclists adventures, go to Jim's web site and see the places he has traveled, I don't think you will be disappointed.

wanderingtheworld.com

I&M Canal - Channahon

This is the trail going West from Channahon State Park. Surface turns from asphalt to Limestone screenings. Two miles to McKinley Woods where there is water, and toliets, at the center of the woods, after you go over the bridge. Also a canoe landing, for the canal.

Basso excels at Giro Time Trial Stage

I watched the time trials at the Giro d'Italia on Sunday and was impressed by the performance of Ivan Basso and the CSC team. He was a formable challenge to Armstrong, in last years Tour de France. Dainelson dropped out of the Giro with a knee problem. I hope this is a minor injury, as he is a up and coming American cyclist. Another exciting team member is Jose Azevedo. He is such a powerful climber as he proved last year in the Tour de France. He was fifth in the overall standings. The year is warming up! Cycle racing at it's finest...

Bike the Drive - Chicago

May 29th is the annual "Bike The Drive" event. The Outer Drive in Chicago is closed to Motor vehicles, and only bicycles are allowed. Both directions of the Drive are included. No exhaust, smog or crazy drivers. An organized event covering a 15, and 30 mile ride. It starts early and ends early. Follow the link below for more information.

http://www.bikethedrive.org/

Friends on the trail...

I was riding on the trail last year for 3 weeks or so, and on my way through Hobbit Woods (Between Pfieffer Road, and Harlem Ave.) I was nearing Milepost 7 when I heard a hissing sound going around and around. I knew this was my first flat tire on the OPRT. Well I stopped as fast as I could to keep from damaging the rim on my new bike. I summed up how fast the leak was. PDF! So I resigned myself to swapping out the tube, with the spare I had along. Faster to swap than fix.

To work I went loosening, pulling, twisting, and replacing. Then as I was finishing up the job, an older gentleman stopped and asked if I had any trouble. I replied that I seemed to have picked up some glass but it was under control. This was the first person on the trail that had said more than one word to me since I started. He introduced himself as "Partee". We started to chat and review each others mounts when up pulled another rider. Partee introduced me to the new arrival, and his name was Jim. Well in five minutes I have met two fellow riders, all because I had a flat. It seemed amazing that three weeks produced a few nods and several friendly hellos, but here I was having an all out conversation with not one rider but two! Realigning the tire on the rim to my satisfaction, and then topped off the tire with 60 lbs of clean fresh air. Flipped the bike over and took a breather.

Conversation was light and cheery, as I learned how many miles Jim had ridden so far this year, and small talk of the trail. I said it was time that I had to start back, and have a time table to meet, so I can prepare for work. (2nd Shift Person) Jim said he was on his way east, and we said our goodbyes. Partee was going my way, so we decided to ride together. I learned that Partee was retired and in his early 70's. He looked pretty fit to me, and I found out that he had been riding the trail for a while. We peddled and talked, and I was enjoying his company. Pretty soon we reached Schoolhouse Road and he said he should probably turn back as he hadn't been this far in a while. Well he then said a little farther wouldn't hurt as we rode on and chatted about everyday life and of course Biking.

We were approaching Lions Den Park in New Lennox, and he told me about a friend who used to live close by and used to ride the trail. We came to the stop sign and Partee said it was the end of the line for him. We stopped and shook hands. I told him I had really enjoyed his company, and the conversation. I told him that I hoped we could do it again. We parted as I rode west and Partee rode back east. As I rode on towards the end of the trail for me, I couldn't help thinking that this is what life was all about for me. Being outside in nature, meeting other people, and enjoying each others company, and having pleasant conversation. It was like I knew him for a long time. I looked forward to the next meeting, and there were a several.

I haven't come across Partee yet this year, as I have been riding later in the day until I get on my summer schedule, both mentally and physically. Afternoon shift in the winters, is an all night thing. Spring and summer I love to be outdoors, and switch to a earlier schedule so I can get the most out of the sun filled days. Hence earlier days on the trail.

I have met several people on the trail through my rides with Partee, some names I remember, some have slipped away from me, but I remember the faces. I hope to see my friend soon, and continue on riding and conversing with him. It does make me feel that we are all connected to each other in some manner, you just have to be open and willing to see and accept the invitations, no matter how slight they seem.

Saturday Ride on the OPRT

70° and partly sunny, and I need to ride. I had to acquire a set of tire levers, since down sizing my tire sizes from 1.95 to 1.50. A trip to Sumbaum Cycle, and I obtained 4 levers that were a good fit into my seat bag, and looked like they could handle any tire repairs on the trail. I will not go onto a trail with out the proper tools. I go out to ride, not walk. Flats are a way of life for a cyclist, so be prepared, and yes I was a scout. My round trip mileage average is 20 miles. This is a must, unless the weather, mechanical woes, or my physical condition dictates otherwise. Depending on how I feel, I will usually add to this distance, on a day to day basis.

I arrived at my favorite parking place, which is in New Lennox. Unloaded, mounted up and away I went. I start out easy to warm up, peddling slowly for a while to get the blood flowing and the muscles loose. It was sunny but a slight chill was evident, I knew this wouldn't last, as the warm up faded into a steady cadence. Passing Lions Park, the pace quickens, and I ask myself each time, what are you doing? You could be at home relaxing in the yard with a cool drink watching the barbie. Well I have this discussion each time I go out, with my lazy side. I pushed on knowing it was a losing conversation, and I really do enjoy riding. The trail was quiet and the traffic was light. I stopped at Frankfort Park for a few power bars, and a supply of water. Still very few people were on the trail. This is unusual for Frankfort on a Saturday afternoon with the sun shining.

I rode to Central Avenue and did a turn around. The trail is in excellent condition, with very little debris on it. The flowering trees that are along the path are in full bloom, with no wildflowers yet. I had the wind at my back on the return trip and the sun really came out strong. I saw very few birds along the trail, only 1 Cardinal, and only a few Robins and Finches. Several weeks ago the Cardinals were abundant, especially between Pfeiffer Road, and the Frankfort Park. Seems like they were playing tag with each other. Towards the end of the ride, near Joliet Road I ran across a rider with a flat tire. Offered to help with a repair kit and air pump but he declined, stating he didn't have very far to go. Like I said I hate walking when I can ride.

26-1/2 miles and a slight sunburn was worth the trip. Hopefully the weather will remain warm and the wind will slow down and the 4 days a week riding the trail will commence. I need the workout...

See ya on the trail!

P.S. The drinking fountian at the park at Elsner Road is on and giving up the the best drink of the all, Water!

Bicycllinois - Cross state Bicycling tour

I ran across this web site tonight. It is a cross state bicycle tour of Illinois. The length of the tour is 495 miles. It covers 7 days and 6 nights, starting on July 2nd, and ends on July 8th. The tour begins in Cairo and ends in Chicago. Here is the link to the web site.
Registration ends on June 1st, and can be done thru the web site.

http://www.bicycllinois.com/index.htm

Bone Bike

This is what I call a Bone Bike, it was on the corner of Duvall Street, next to "Sloppy Joe's" in Key West.

Date Shot: February 2004
Tool: Olympus Camedia C-3000ZOOM Digital Camera.

Convert Road Bike

I have acquired a Raleigh Technium Road bike, for the perfect price, Free! I love the way it rolls, and the weight is superb. It is in good working condition, and I have rode it a few times thru the hood. I haven't really taken it out on the Old Plank Road Trail, and don't think I will just yet.

My problem is that the seat it really uncomfortable, and I not wild about the body position, when using the roadbars. I am going to change some of these features to accommodate my aging body. Maybe I'm crazy, but a softer seat will be added, for my posterior. I am looking at different handlebars. I enjoy the upright position much better, and I am not looking to break any speed records. Don't get me wrong, I have days where I feel strong after a slow warm up, and gradually I find myself riding in the 15 mph bracket for some time. Some road riders would say this is slow, but considering that I was riding an Aluminum, 30 lb comfort bike, with 1.95 tires on it, I feel this is a decent workout. Let's face it, on the down side of the Rte 45 overpass in Frankfort, in top gear, spinning flat out, has only has put me at the mind bending speed of 23 mph! I'm sure Lance would be impressed, if I was riding backwards...

I also have made a change on my asphalt trail bike, and went with slimmer tires. I purchased a pair of Kenda KWest 1.50 street tires, and replaced the 1.95's. I kept the heavy duty tubes, as OPRT can be contaminated with thorns, and hidden glass at times. Since I changed to the heavier tubes, no flats! So I'll live with the extra weight they add. I hope to gain a little less rolling resistance, since I have been doing a lot of time on paved trails. I want to get a extra set of wheels so I can change over quickly, in the event of new trails, that dish up rougher terrain. I love to try out new locations with my wife, on those Sunday summer afternoons!

This weekend seems to hold some promise of some good warm weather. I hope to see you on the trail...

Branson and the bikes...

Larry called from St Louis today, and gave me the low down on the campground we are staying at for Operation Homecoming in Branson, Missouri in June. I am going to take both bikes (Harley 1200 - 4 speed :-) , and the Del Sol - 21 speed Hybrid). I thought it will be cool to tool around the campground, and maybe through Branson on my HPV. They have a few state parks I will check out, and shoot some pics of the area. I was there once before, but is was a while back, and only for a few hours. We are both going to be sporting our motorcycles for a tour around the countryside. Ironically we both have 79 Lowriders, that are black.

Definitley going to do some serious riding, and hope to see some old friends from the RVN. .....

Bicycle Quote by Einstein

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving."

Albert Einstein

Quote on Bicycles by Henry Miller

"After a time, habituated to spending so many hours a day on my bike, I became less and less interested in my friends. My wheel had now become my one and only friend. I could rely on it, which is more than I could say about my buddies. It's too bad no one ever photographed me with my friend. I would give anything now to know what we looked like."

—Henry Miller, My Bike and Other Friends

Shaftdrive Bicycles

I ran across this on the web tonight. It is called Webbicycle.com and they feature shaftdrive bicycles. I was interested in the weight, but saw no specs on this. The bikes a called Incline, and they have several models, with different applications and various speeds, depending on the model. Check it out...

ShaftDrive Bicycle