Slender Fungus Indian Summer

Sunday’s Slender Fungus riders were given the warmest weekend in over a month. A ride to Lake Shabbona was in order as the wind was coming out of the south. And lucky we did ride in that direction because there is a lot to see; wind turbines, harvest, combines, fishermen, forest preserve/future casino, hillbillies and tall winged creatures. It was a complete morning.

Lake Shabbona – we rode across the dam and checked out the spillway which slightly resembled a canyon.

There’s a tall bird in picture. An Egret?

Here’s the route. Cue sheets can be provided upon request.

I picked up the Salsa Casseroll a month ago and only have great things to say about it’s ride qualities. Nitto Randonneur  handlebars, Ostrich front and rear (not attached today) bags, Brooks B17, Thomson seatpost, Shimano Dyno Hub and a Busch and Muller headlamp.

Sunday

A Sunday group ride is a rare occasion in these parts which cannot be missed. So we decided to go all out and ride some serious miles.

91 miles with temps in the high 30’s at departure and upper 40’s at finish. The return leg was a slog into headwinds.

Garden Prairie Grain Elevator

Genoa

Haircuts for the Modern Man

Poplar Grove Grain Elevator

Turkeys

Harvest

Long Prairie Trail

River’s Up

Almost 3 inches of rain this week.

Wednesday Night

We made our way north and then east. Emily and I, limited by time constraints, got 43 miles in.  Jay and Ari continued to Campton Hills mixing the Great Western Trail, gravel roads and pavement. I am curious about their mileage and route. Hey Ari post the route!

The ride to the Dekalb County courthouse was mostly on trails. Old State Rd. east takes you into the interior of Kane Co. Please disregard the diagonal line – first gen GPS.

Dekalb County Courthouse

Short Spin to Buy Coffee

Went to Duck Soup Coop to buy some coffee last night. Despite the clouds the weather was somewhat pleasant.

Bike Path Near NIU

Halloween View of the Kish.

 

Retrieving Ari

Ari rode to Galena on Sunday. Seven hours thirty five minutes to cover 125 miles – good time considering a cross wind and then head wind.

In the Shop

Surly Big Dummy - Chris King Headset and Hubs

Master Trike Technician Evan Tackling Trek

Eric Master Trike Technician Contemplating Wheel Assembly

Dave Moulton – The Evolution of Frame Design

Hey all you frame heads, aspiring builders, check out The Evolution of Frame Design courtesy of Dave Moulton frame builder pioneer.

Sunday Gravel

Mostly sunny and 47 degrees was a rather hopeful prediction. 28 degrees mostly cloudy when we started and 32 degrees at the end. 40 miles -  west on Twombly Rd., Rte. 251 south through Rochelle and east on Malta Rd.  We sought out gravel because Ari is preparing for Trans Iowa.

Pig Sculpture at Hog Farm

More roadside sculpture in Rochelle. Vinny’s Pizza! And it’s a rather good pie.

Russ Ninja

Rat Ride B43 Re Up