May Total

Total for May 2006: 203.6 Miles

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Morning Bridge

Granville Bridge Route today.

Miles Ridden: 9.0

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South Side

New Bike Wheel
My New Wheel

I haven’t been able to take many morning rides for recreation this year, but today was an exception. Knowing that the heat was coming later in the day, I started out at 7:00 am.

It was a pretty simple route: East on River Road, south on US231, east on 350S, north on 18th, west on Main, over the Myers Bridge, west on State Street, WSW on Newman Road, Division Road to home.

Farm on River Road
Farm on River Road

While riding around the south end of Lafayette, I had the urge to detour onto some of the other roads I used to travel when I lived down there. However, with my time limited, I stuck to the planned route. When I was waiting at the light at Main and South, I noticed a formed co-worker of mine in her SUV in the next lane. We chatted for about 30 seconds waiting for the light to change.

Miles Ridden: 17.2

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Aborted Ride

I tried to ride this morning, but little piddly things seemed to be working against me. Distance was limited.

Later, I took my rear wheel in for yet another broken spoke, and decide to replace the wheel. The bike shop promised to have it done by tomorrow.

Miles Ridden: only 3.5

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A Little Windy

I rode to work today, and came home on the North Work Route. A pretty strong south wind pushed me up the hill on Grant Street, and slowed me way down on 400W.

Miles Ridden: 11.7

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It’s Getting Warmer

Today felt like a real spring day with the temps in the low 70s. I came home from work on the reverse Wabash Avenue route.

I had some trouble getting over the river. I planned to cross on the Myers pedestrian bridge, but with all of the 5:00 after work traffic I couldn’t get over to the left lane to turn onto Tapawingo Drive. Instead, I took a right into the River Market parking lot and waited for a break in traffic.

US231 Bike Lane

Bike Lane on 231 South of West Lafayette

Miles Ridden: 12.2

GMaps Pedometer Route

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Drafting the Cushman

I rode to work today along Harrison street and was motioned through the 4-way stop by a Physical Facilities worker driving one of those little golf cart type vehicles that they drive to work sites – sort of like something a parking enforcement officer (meter maid) would use. He passed me half a block down the street going around 5MPH faster than I was. I thought about dropping in behind him to catch the draft.

After a hair cut, I traveled home using the direct route.

Miles Ridden: 7.6

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Potluck

Sometimes these posts discuss the setting in which I ride, or include a story about the ride. Not today. Nothing really came of this one, but I did get some interesting photos as I rode to Granville Bride and came back passing the Gourd House.

Indian Creek
Indian Creek

Remember, this shot of Indian Creek from February? Here it is after this month’s big rains.

Ross Camp Sign
Caution, Party Ahead!

There must be a wedding reception at Ross Camp today.

Blue Sky

The blue sky and the interesting clouds caught my eye.

Miles Ridden: 9.8

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Bike (Back) to Work Day

I drove to work this morning, but I was able to ride back after lunch.

When I pulled up to the bike rack at the office, I noticed that I didn’t have my keys with me. Then I realized that they were back in the ignition of my car at home. The weird part was that I wasn’t worried that the house was unlocked and the keys were in my unlocked car in the driveway. However, there was no way that I was leaving my bike in the rack untethered. I took it downstairs to my office.

Egret celery bog west lafayette
An Egret?

I saw this white bird flying around the Bog as I rode the North Work Route home. Is this an Egret? I don’t know.

Miles Ridden: 12.3

(I still don’t get why this route has such a variation in length. It comes back anywhere between 11.8 and 12.4.)

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Thinking of an Accordion Player

I didn’t ride to work today (the Greater Lafayette assigned day to observe Bike To Work Day) for a couple of reasons – one was the thunderstorms predicted for late afternoon. Well, by 4:30 they were still 30 miles or so away according to the Weather Channel radar, so I came home early to grab a quick ride.

I was able to leave early because my employer put on the Spring Fling – sort of a grown up field day. A lunch is provided, and activities including softball, swimming, euchre, and a nature walk are organized (I didn’t participate – too much work to do). The best part is that no one really watches the time clock, so working until 5:00 not expected.

Anyway, I decided to take the Granville Bridge Route before the light show started. When I was about halfway to the bridge, a little sprinkle started, but it never developed into anything. I guess the big storms kind of petered out.

Now, after 8:30, we’re seeing a little bit of lightning in the distance.

Miles Ridden: 9.0

P.S. Why the accordion player? Back when I was in college, I knew a girl who was a virtuoso accordionist (don’t laugh – she was quite good – plus, she was kind of hot). She played lots of classical music, including the piece that played in the Wizard of Oz movie during the tornado. I always sing that song when a storm is brewing.

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