Hey, sunrisers...

Scott E had a late night, really an early morning, and did not make to meet me at 730 am at the Chevron.  I understand that completely since late nights working stage crew for Cinderella, some illness, and just the need for some rest kept me away from the Sunrise for the last several weeks.

So, this morning I got to take the ride by myself...poking along at 17-18 mph.  Two deer and a raccoon on MH Road.  Pileated woodpecker pair as I made my way north up 241.  The clouds started to give way to some sun.  Did any of you know that the dip on 241 that creates those magnificient hills is called Bellamy Valley?  If you look west just at the bottom of the dip, through the trees you can see the main house of the Bellamy Valley Farm.  Did you know there is a Borzoi breeder who has a big place on 236?  The entrance is just at the top of the hill on the north side.  We have talked about adopting a racing greyhound...but a Borzoi would be real cool.  No doubt, also real expensive.

BTW: Warning...between the 241 intersection and the valley on 236...on the south side of 236...I got chased by two large dogs...probably Rott/Lab mixes...one was black and tan like a Rott...but general body shape of a Lab on steroids...the other more aggressive and faster one, was golden sand colored...also built like a heavy bodied Lab.  Made for an exciting sprint to the valley.

Do you know the color differences between turkey vultures and black vultures?  Got to closely compare the two species as I pushed south into a nasty head wind on 239.  Then yards past whatever the vultures were feasting on...was a fresh ripe skunk...seems even the vultures do not want a piece of that.  Whew!  Arrived at 235 to make the ride up past the Krishna compound. That has really become quite a place.  Thank goodness for that brief push by a SSW tailwind.  Then it was a case of hiding from the wind, low on the bike, for that last stretch south to 441, just focusing on spinning home.

That was my first ride over ~45 min-1 hour in at least 6 weeks.  2h45m doorstep to doorstep for 47 miles ~17 mph.  Arrived famished and ate lunch at 11 am.  Then snoozed in my big easy chair.  I did miss you guys...it would've been a faster ride...but not as scenic. We are real lucky to be where we are and to have this country to ride in.

I will ride a lot this week before Christmas.  Leaving on the 26th for a 25 year wedding anniversary trip, back on the 30th...and immediately continue training.  Maybe I will see some of you on Sun 4 Jan '09, 730 am to resume our Sunrise tradition.

Spin the hills, Bob Howland