2023 Summary

2023 was a non-cycling year.  A severe back injury in early March resulted in strict guidance from my doctor to stay off the bike for 18 months. This was disappointing news, but the few times I did head out for a ride the pain and numbness were palpable. Cumulative riding time for the year was less than two hours for not quite 20 miles. Dismal.

Accordingly, the fleet has been culled by one bike (the Surly Cross Check was sold to a coworker), while two others are currently for sale (Nordavinden and Volae). If/when I can return to cycling, I'm going to stay on familiar, comfortable bikes with wide tires.

Not all cycling news for the year was bad, however. In early October I was able to visit Rivendell Bicycle Works in Walnut Creek, CA. It was a fun-filled visit that I won't soon forget. Test rides on  a Platypus and Roadini gave me a feel for their bikes, which - despite being brief - I enjoyed immensely. I hope a Rivendell bike will have a prominent place in my cycling portfolio someday.

(All smiles on the Platypus)

On the commuting front, I invested in a Honda CT125 this summer for my trips to and from work. Unlike my previous Honda scooter, the CT125 can keep up with traffic while boasting an impressive 142 mpg in a little over 600 miles of commuting. The riding experience has been excellent, demanding a heightened awareness similar to randonneuring.

(Honda CT125)

2022 Summary

There was a substantial increase in commuter mileage over 2021, thanks in large part to a return to normal at work resulting in fewer days teleworking. Higher fuel prices and favorable weather also helped.

The new RUSA Rouleur Program afforded me the opportunity to participate in a 125k in May, which turned out to be a perfect fit for our normally busy weekends when we visit Minneapolis. I hope to do another in 2023 and possibly a 200k with the Minnesota or Montana Randonneurs sometime in late summer.

Nothing new on the bike front, other than a couple of them are not getting much use. Seems gardening has taken over riding during my non-work hours, limiting opportunities that’s not categorized as commuting. While it would make sense to cull the fleet by two or three bikes, I believe they each will have a greater role when I have more free time.

Mini City Slickers - A RUSA Populaire

Last weekend I participated in my first RUSA Populaire, the Mini City Slickers 125k. The event closely followed the route I rode in 2018 for the ACP brevet with the same name (minus the 'Mini'). The shorter distance was ideal as April proved to be a horrible month for training, plus there were planned activities later in the day that necessitated I be off the bike by mid-afternoon.

About 25 riders arrived at the East Lake St. Dunn's Brothers for the start of the ride. The weather was fantastic, with clear skies and a light wind from the southeast. Following a group photo (the first for the Minnesota Randonneurs since 2019) we were off, heading south along roads and trails running parallel to the Mississippi River.

(A great morning for a ride)

(Randonneuring again!)

(Trails next to rivers...   ...a common theme on this route)

(A short stretch of gravel on the way to Afton)

(River Road to the west of St. Croix River after an exhilarating descent)

(A wonderful bike/ped bridge heading into Stillwater)

(Heading north on Brown's Creek State Trail)

(On the way to North St. Paul on the Gateway State Trail)

(Bumpy trails loosened a fender attachment. All fixed following a quick stop!)

(Biking in the Como Park neighborhood)

(Crossing the Mississippi River with downtown Minneapolis in the distance)

All went well on this excellent early-season ride. I'm really happy the populaire option was available, as the shortened distance allowed for ample transition time for a return to St. Paul that evening.

(Enjoying time with Susan at Allianz Field.  Go Loons!) 

2021 Summary

There was an increase in cycling compared to 2020, with all bikes seeing more time and miles except for the Rawland Nordavinden (road) and Volae (recumbent).  Participation in a September 200k in Minnesota was scuttled to make time to see family in Nebraska. Hope to get back in the ways of randonneuring in 2022!  A trip to Montana is planned.

One cycling-related highlight was the publication of an amended version of a previous blog post in the Fall 2021 issue of American Randonneur. The response was positive, and I thank Janice Chernekoff (editor) for encouraging me through multiple edits of the article.  I found writing for a cycling magazine as challenging as preparing a paper for a peer-reviewed journal!

Favorable fall temperatures and a cessation of gardening activities provided space for a couple lengthy rides.  The gravel roads west of Mandan are a favorite for the variable landscapes and limited, courteous automobile traffic.

(The Surly Crosscheck sporting new handlebar tape and Compass tires)

Brompton World Challenge Photo Entry

(The Heart Follows the Path, by Paul Noot)

(Brompton M-6, by Brompton Bicycle Ltd)

 

When Brompton announced their categories for the 2nd annual 'Brompton World Challenge', there was no doubt about where I'd go for the 'Brompton Geographic' photo...  Paul Noot's state mural near 5th and Main in downtown Bismarck.

Not sure if it'll be recognized by the judges, but if it is, all credit goes to Mr. Noot.  Most thankful for his artistic gifts, and for making them accessible (and even interactive!).

2020 Summary

Putting a wrap on another year with meager cumulative mileage.  Intentions of local commuting and brevets in Minnesota gave way to a telework reality in mid-March.  As COVID  cases climbed through the year (with some of the highest per-capita rates in the country here in Bismarck) my aversion to risk kept me close to home, usually on foot via lengthy walks/hikes/jogs using nearby trails.

One new wrinkle of significance for 2020 were my two forays on the Volae recumbent late in the year. The experiences were humbling, as my start-stop and handling skills left much to be desired.  However, the comfort - or rather, the lack of discomfort - of recumbent riding was unmistakable.  No neck pain, numb hands, or sore knees and ankles.  Definitely looking forward to more miles on the Volae in 2021!

 

Birthday Ride

Enjoyed some rare sublime weather yesterday with a lengthy bike ride on the Mandan side of the Missouri River.  Few pedestrians and cyclists were out, leaving the trails mostly open for worry-free riding.

(Confluence of Heart and Missouri Rivers)

(Looking north on Infantry Post Hill)

Had just enough time to cover a distance equal to my age.  I guess I'll know I'm officially 'old' when I celebrate this annual milestone with kilometers instead of miles.  ;-)