We had a sunny day for the last ride of 2011. The temperature was around 30 degrees when we began the ride at 8:00 am and warmed up during the course of morning and turned into a really nice day. Our group consisted of Dale, Felix, Paul, Elliot and his friend Andrew, and me. The snow drought allowed Felix to get in his 16th ride during December and hit his goal of 7,200 outdoor miles.
We assumed it was too cold for Cons, who only made one appearance this year on a day when the temperature dropped below 30 degrees. Of course some might think that is a sign of sanity, but anyone who made as many rides as Cons did to work in the city leaving well before sunrise must have at least one screw loose.
We went up to Bluffington's via the Skokie Valley Bikeway. With Martin in Taiwan, I had thought that today's ride might be at a moderate pace. However, having Elliot join the ride fully compensated for not having Martin along. Our trip north was at an energetic pace with a very quick sprint as we approached 176.
The adventure of the ride came right before the tunnel heading north on the Bikeway. There was a nasty patch of black ice in the midst of the left hand turn. Elliot, Felix, and I all skidded on it and just barely stayed up. Beware of this spot.
It turned out to be a good ride to finish off 2011. Here's hoping for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012 to all and lots of great bike rides.
Just counted the rides and found out that I have a record number of rides in December - 20. The two weeks vacation and the dry weather made it possible. Happy New Year to all! May we have another good and accident free year in 2012!
ReplyDeleteGreat ride everyone! Happy New Year!
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