Bicycling in Bloomington

 Each year, it seems that I have one ride in June that is almost perfect for weather. It comes after a rain so the trees and other green things are really full and green. The day is clear with low humidity and a little cool. I call it my “June Day” because it happens most years. I don’t think it will happen this year. 

Today’s ride was close but not it. I rode about 47 miles. Kept a reasonable pace. I rode a version of the ride I’ve been doing lately. I didn’t go down Anderson Rd and up Bean Blossom into the Forest. Instead, I stayed on Old 37. For the Hilly riders, it’s part of the difference between the 40 and 50 mile Sunday ride. In my world, I call it the Orchard Ride.

At Vernal and the Bypass, my average was 16.2.  I added a section so that I would get a few more miles. I turned right on Harrell, went to Moffet and Stipp, down to the Lake, and up Moore’s to Rhorer. At the end, I averaged 15.2. I slowed for the last part because it was darn hot and because I wanted to cool down.

I rode reasonably well. I kept my HR at 135 or below for most of the ride. When I was over 135 it, I eased up. I’m still building my base. 

I counted the cars passing me on the ride until I got back to Bloomington. Only 6 cars passed me until I reached town (about 29 miles). In town, a bunch passed me. However, from Batchelor Middle School until I reached Rhorer, only 2 cars passed me. The low traffic volumes make riding so much more fun.  

Bloomington has many good days to ride. Some are really nice, some are fine. Some winter and summer rides allow bikers to feel the extremes of weather. But, there are only different kinds of good weather. The bad weather days aren’t so bad and they make the good weather days feel so much better.