Perfect weather

I know for many of you it's too hot and muggy. But I love to ride in this. I'd say today provided almost perfect conditions for me to ride in.


Sunny and hot 94 degrees
Humid
Light wind
Three Bridges, 35 miles


Despite dealing with a right foot that is at about 75% I was in a hurry to get out there and soak up some of this heat and sun. A bout of gout is lingering and my foot is a little swollen and sore to the touch. One thing is clear...there would be no riding out of the saddle. The one time I tried it was an adventure in pain. It's OK other than that, except my toes go a little numb from time to time. Like I said, not a 100% yet.


The story of this ride came while in the parkway heading south toward Loomis. I was riding along minding my own business when I swore I heard voices coming up behind me....female voices. 


Figuring I was about to be passed by a couple of women I decided to pick up the pace a little and give them a steady pull. They'd either grab onto my wheel and work together or blow past me.


Riding with a little cross wind and feeling pretty good and fresh yet, I was able to provide them a steady 20.5 pace  for a good section. As I crossed Loomis I didn't hear any voices and began wondering if the whole thing was just imagined. But as I looked back to check on traffic as I approached the Franklin path entrance there they were. I saw two bikes riding together coming off Loomis. They were now going to still be behind me


I rode the path enjoying the sunshine and wondering if they were still somewhere behind me. A few miles in....sure enough...I thought I could hear talking back there again. I rode up to the Milw. Co. Sports Complex and waited at the intersection. I figured if they came up behind me and went straight I'd hook up with them and keep going. If not, I'd turn around. They never showed. They must have turned off at some point behind me.


The path was dead, both on the way down and on the way back. I did see "The Knave" down there however, sporting the same old bike and the same old look as he did years ago when we had our epic battles.


Also at one point I looked up only to see a big deer about five feet away from me on my right. It never moved.


The new path UNDER Bluemound is almost done and it is going to be sweet. But for now I am still having to walk the bike over gravel to take my routes.

Season Miles: 1,229