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How disappointing. All geared up in rain pants and rain coat and ready to face the certain precipitation in the 30 degree weather and, alas, not a drop of rain for the entire ride.
The challenge of December is here. Well, it was more challenging this morning when several days this coming week would only see highs in the 30s. Now, there only two days with highs in the 30s and the remainder are in the low to mid 40s; that's not much of a challenge.
With the threat of rain imminent when I departed this morning, I left the Canon Rebel at home and just took the Canon Power Shot. Even though I used the smaller camera extensively for most of the bike ride, how quickly one can forget how to navigate the various functions. Even though it's been a short time, I've enjoyed having the larger camera and felt naked leaving it at home.
I parked at the Old Missouri Rd trail head and headed north along the trail and eventually on to the surface roads north and east of the Botanical Garden. The first 10 miles went slowly as I felt encumbered by all the gear I had on. I looked for pictures to take but inspiration seemed hard to find. So, I stopped and befriended some dogs whose barks were definitely much bigger than any bite.
The white lab was the first to approach but kept eying the brown dog for approval. The brown dog was the most aggressive barker but wanted the most attention once he came over. The Shepherd never came very close, which might have been just as well.
After that, the pace picked up and the ride breezed along.
I have mentioned several times how I think of this year-long journey as a poor man's Antarctica expedition. It seems as if someone is actually pursuing that feat right now. A 33-year-old British adventurer has set out on skis to attempt a historic solo crossing of Antarctica. Felicity Aston aims to become the first woman to make it across Antarctica alone. She expects the journey of more than 1,000 miles across the frozen continent will take about 70 days. I believe she left around November 26. Hmmm. It seems as if I need to think of a solo expedition across the Antarctic on a bicycle; that should be a first! At least I won't have to worry about dogs or cars.
Back on the trail, I thought I came across a Seal Six in training but it turned out to be my neighbor John.
I put in another 10 miles after seeing John. I thought of doing more but home errands beckoned.
Tim (jokingly?) expressed outrage yesterday that there wasn't a Mercedes Benz dealer in Fayetteville. As fate would have it, my ride took me right by one on Drake St. Though, they do seem to be all used vehicles, excuse me, pre-owned.
Some urban poetry. Looks like a flat screen TV.
Front view.
Rust always catches my eye. I like the accompanying leaf.
Today Fayetteville, tomorrow, the Antarctic!
Today's Ride: 2hrs 43mins. 31.12 miles. 38° Miles YTD: 9,676.63
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 11.98
Donations for Biking for Food, which support the Community Meals at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR, can be sent to: Biking for Food, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Or, make a pledge per bike miles ridden at www.stpaulsfay.org/bikingforfood.html.
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To see postings before 30 November 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike3.blogspot.com
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