Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Effingham. Population:12,400

Luckily, in that 12,400, there are about 20 cyclists. And two bike shops.

I started the morning...in bed. And then in granny's kitchen (i think i've mentioned she lives next door. like, a driveway/20 ft separate her and mom's doors. weird. believe me. i love my mom. will NEVER be able to live in such close proximity..) with my aunt, drinking coffee and listening to granny tell the same stories she told three months ago (she's 91...patience...she thinks i go walking all the time when i'm training. ha ha ha). And then I kitted up and headed out for a ride. I stopped in the LBS here in town and asked about group rides. One. Tonight. Maybe four people. 18mph avg. They recommended another shop. I went out to the country to clear my head. It's absolutely gorgeous out here. Nothing but farmland, cattle, fields, blue skies, billowing clouds. I even found a few hills. Seriously. Actual climbs!! And I think it was a prarie dog that nearly got run over. I saw farm machines I didn't even know existed! I rode on gravel for a half mile and was attacked by four dogs...


On my way back in, I found the Uphill Grind. Dick, shop dude, gave me the low down on the group rides, the riders, etc. He wants to go watch the boys hurt tomorrow night. he he he. This is good for me.

From there it was home for a quick snack and to the pool for lap swimming!! But, dude...meters are so much different than yards. I'm not used to that. sooooo slooooowww.... I got in what I needed. I laid out in the sun after.


I got encouraging words from friends. I fought the urge to call and tell him about my day. You guys are awesome.

10 comments:

Brett Peterman said...

I remember from my time living in Bloomington-Normal how nice it is there.

Judi said...

work on those tan lines girl. :)

Carolina John said...

Rock that tan baby! Looking good girl.

Kim said...

What a gorgeous ride. And you are a hottie.

Christi said...

The area looks very nice! And Kim is right you are a hottie!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, check out stlbicycling.com, trailnet.org and teamrevcycling.org. I know you are a bit far from St Louis, however they post a lot of rides in Illinois. And St Louis has a pretty decent racing scene if you are looking for something sort of close & not too much $$$$.

Tri-James said...

I used to live in IN. RAIN is coming up (ride across IN - 160 miles west to east).

You could rock that!

http://bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/tours/rain/rain.html

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Sounds like the change of scenry is going well for you. Stay strong

Aimee said...

I'm glad you had a good ride. It looks beautiful there!

Unknown said...

Saturday morning, 7 am, at Uphill grind...should be a good ride!