A beautiful day was in the making and I wasn't going to let a bit of wind get the best of me. My approach was going to have to be entirely different from the past few days when I felt as if I was battling what felt like gales. I needed to get in what I called "tourist mode," where I have a very laid back attitude and meander through the day and the city.
I was out on the road by 9:30 and it indeed felt good to be out, despite the fatigue of the past few days. I moved casually, stopping a couple of times within the first mile for some pictures.
The first scheduled stop to celebrate Will's birthday, was at Joe and Ann Marie's house.
Happy birthday, Will, from Jack and Joe.
From there, I worked my way to the next scheduled stop, pausing for a close up of a leaf with the sun behind it.
Another Happy Birthday from Angie, my good friend at Harp's Grocery.
A couple of shots from the trail before the next scheduled stop.
A big Happy Birthday from my neighbor John, who was thrilled by the Cardinal's victory (he does have a Boston Red Sox hat in his trunk somewhere, Will).
I have taken a picture of this oak before, but it was most appropriate for today. Will once sent me a framed calligraphy message, that he penned himself, that read:
Don't worry if your job is small
and your rewards are few––
remember, the mighty oak
was once a nut like you!
(from the SF Chronicle)
The oak below is the Arkansas Champion Black Oak with a 14' circumference. As far as I know, there aren't any plans to bore a tunnel in it for cars to drive through.
I had no further planned stops but I did come across a couple blocking the trail and I held them hostage until they would hold the Happy Birthday sign and pose for a picture. I ended up having a great conversation with Melissa and Todd who turned out to be sheep/lamb farmers.
Melissa and Todd
Below is there facebook link and below that is a blog entry by a local foodie. I'm looking forward to having some locally raised lamb.
http://nwafoodie.blogspot.com/2011/10/field-trip-to-olive-ewe-sheep-farm-in.html
I road some more on the trail, stopping at one point to get a burrito before heading over to the high school where I would meet Rachel. The day was perfect and it was just what I needed after being so wind-blown. I reconnected with my love for being on the bike and the discovery that it entails; re-discovering what this year-long journey is all about.
So, thank you, Will, for giving me a great day of riding while I was creating this birthday posting for you.
And, one more very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish, Will.(taken by Todd)
Oh, yes, Below is this year's Will and Val's pumpkin creation.
Today's Ride: 3hrs 24mins. 35.39 miles. 55°-72° 15-17mph Miles YTD: 8,285.88
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 28.57
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.
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
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