The temperature was 32 degrees this morning but I didn't need to fret about that since the plan was to drive up to Rachel's soccer game in Bella Vista and then bike ride home from there to here. And, with a 10:30 start time, that meant things would warm up nicely by the time I left at noon.
It was probably about 55 when I took off with a slight wind from the south and west, which wasn't the best since those were the two primary directions I would be headed. But the sun was shining and I felt good and glad to be on the bike. I was a bit concerned about a sudden drop in energy like I experienced the past few days. Only time would tell. I was hoping to get in between 50-60 miles.
Within the first mile, a German Shepherd seemed to appear out of nowhere down a driveway.
A quick beat of the heart but it became quickly apparent that he was very friendly and he ate up to the attention I gave him.
About another half a mile, another ferocious killer took to the streets...
...and I had to stop and give her a few pets as well. So far, a great start to the day. I was taking some back roads (Price-Coffee, Rocky Ridge Rd & Trail) that would lead me to Little Flock, a tiny hamlet of a town. 8 - 9 miles of very quiet and scenic roads.
This sculpture was in the lawn of a house on the way to Little Flock. I was curious if the pipes produced sound when the wind blew hard enough.
I passed a couple of others dogs that were content to just lie in their yard and watch me pass.
As I passed through Rogers, these occupants were definitely not afraid to break from the beige and tans that dominated the colors of the other houses in the nieghborhood.
The miles were going nicely and it seemed as if the fatigue I had been suffering from the past few days had abated. I still wasn't quite sure of my route home but decided on the one that would possibly have me cross paths with Carol and Anne who went for a hike at Pigeon Roost that morning. The route took me east on Hwy 12 out of Rogers, which I had never been on before...and for good reason. The road is narrow, curvy and a decent amount of traffic. It was a bit precarious for about 10 miles with the traffic thinning the farther I got from Rogers. It was also VERY hilly and gave me a good work out especially since I was really hoofing it, eager to get off of that stretch of road. However, it was very pretty, the wind was at my back and there were never any close calls.
I was very glad to reach 303 which led down to War Eagle.
I had no idea if Carol and Anne had already left for home making my efforts to cross paths with them for naught. But as I made the steep climb up from War Eagle, there, in my rear view mirror, was Carol's blue Honda. What an ideal place to meet up. Carol pulled alongside me and I kept pedaling and we exchanged a bit of conversation as I crept up the hill.
A bit further up, I stopped to have a quick snack and take in the War Eagle River and valley below.
The wind picked up and I was heading south straight into it. The wind does get weary. Today's ride consisted of riding into a headwind about 80% of the time. Nothing to do with the wind, but I was also amazed at how much color the trees had lost since just yesterday. It seemed as if colors were fading throughout the day.
I stopped about 10 miles further along for a quick rest and, as I was about to get back on the bike, I noticed what seemed to be the remnants of a small chimney in the field nearby. I moved for a closer look. Seemed to small for a chimney but it seemed to have an almost religious or spiritual aura about it, standing quietly and resolutely in the field.
Not too far from home and the muscles were complaining about another steady climb (lots of hills today). Just five miles from home and the horses standing a good ways off in the pasture caught my eye. Actually, it was their tails that grabbed my attention. As they would flick them to get rid of the flies, the tail hairs glistened in the sunlight like fairy dust tossed in the air. Being so far away, I didn't know if I could capture any good photos but I thought it was worth a try.
Off Habberton Rd, the dog day afternoon continued. This is a dog I regularly encounter who comes chasing after me. But, today, I decided to stop and sweet talk to him and call him over; he was totally baffled and kept his distance, tossing off an occasional bark.
Just down the road is another fella who likes to come charging out once in awhile but he eats up the attention when I stop and pet him.
I always get a kick at the way he starts barking at me again when I begin to ride off.
A few miles later, and still ONE more 1/2 mile hill to climb, home!
Full day and, in a little bit, I head over to Joe's to spend the night since Ann Marie is out of town.
A very good dog day afternoon of bike riding.
Today's Ride: 4hrs. 30mins. 52.03 miles. 55°-60° Miles YTD: 8,129.28
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 29.69 (under 30!)
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
To see older postings, search the Archives listed on the right had panel.
To see postings before 15 August 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike2.blogspot.com
To see postings before 11 June 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike.blogspot.com
