Memorial

When I saw this bike from a distance I thought it was some kind of public art. Then I got up close and I realized it was a tribute to a cyclist who died with a "warning plea" to drivers. 

Look over your shoulder when you exit your car.

Clinton Miceli June 27, 1985 -- Died June 9, 2008

Cleanup

Spent the afternoon organizing the garage so I can park my car inside during the winter. The challenge was finding ways to store the big items (bike, kayak, wheel barrow) without taking up floor space. I still need to put up the pulley system for my bike. Tomorrow I'll put give away items outside and next week will make a donation to the local resale shop.

Hanging the kayak on the wall took a bit of ingenuity. 

My new neighbor took one look at my space, just as I was starting to organize, and said, "You don't park your car in the garage?"

Wisconsin, Here I Come

Ready to go: biking, hiking, kayaking & camping. Headed for Wilton, Wisconsin to ride the Elroy-Sparta Trail.

In case you are wondering, my bike is inside.

Ranger Bike

I found this cool vintage bike in Wheaton at the Friday night Vintage Rides car show.

Blue Bike

A shiny retro bike I found at the old Bartlett train depot.

Foldable Bike

This is the 2nd time in 2 weeks I've seen a bike that folds up. I'm wondering if I want one.

Biking

It's been really warm so far in January and I had the itch to ride my bike today. It turned out to be the dirtiest ride I've taken in 3+ years on this bike. I hadn't figured on mud, but considering it was in 54°F on Friday and it's only been below freezing a few hours at night, it's not really surprising there was a thin layer of mud over much of the 6 mile path I rode. 

I had so much mud on my winter jacket it went right into the washing machine. Here's what my bike looked like after the ride.

Snow Biker

I woke up this morning to the first snow of the season. This dedicated commuter didn't let that stop him. He emerged from the Illinois Prairie Path through Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve. On the way home (after dark) I saw another committed bike commuter. I love to ride but I'm not that committed.

Fox River Trail

Today I rode my bike (round trip) on the northernmost 11.5 miles of the Fox River Trail from South Elgin to Algonquin. In East Dundee right along the bike path there's Diamond Jim's Bar & Grill with live music. I just had to take a picture of the decor by the door to the outdoor beer garden.

Bike Pack

It's a bit worn, but the owner of this bicycle proudly displays the American flag on her pack.

Garden Seat

Restful stop after a long ride.

Bike Theft

This bike was locked, at least the frame and front wheel were. Everything else seems to have "walked away."-Lombard, IL