Cindy's Cycle Journal

June 29, 2005

2005-06-29T23:05:00.000-04:00

A mid morning ride windy and in the high 90's. The wind was out of the n-w, So we decided to bike into it and have a tail wind coming home! We fought the wind going and stopped at the Bartley Park. Sheryl needed to get some water and we rested in the shade of the beatiful park! We turned around there and headed back towards home! We ran around 20 mph the whole way back that is what I call riding!!!! We are going to wait until the busy weekend is over and try to get a few more miles before our big ride this Sat.
Miles Logged: 28.0

June 27, 2005

2005-06-27T22:55:00.000-04:00

A afternoon ride I headed out from my corner and Sheryl meet me this time! We turned around and decided to ride south of town this time. It was hot and windy in the 90's and the humidity was high! The wind was out of the s s-e so we biked into the wind going and got just really hot we stopped at a farm place and cooled off and headed back for home! It felt good to cool off I think the flies were even starting to gather we sweat so much!Ha!! I wanted to lay down in the cool water but I thought I wouldn't want to go back home then! We turned around and had a little tail wind and we felt better and soon we were back again.Sheryl biked back to the Tahoe with me and I gave her a ride back home and we stopped for a cold icey pop, it was great!!I found a 5/8 wrench and a 1/4 inch drive socket along the road today!!
Miles Logged: 27.0

June 27, 2005

2005-06-25T22:44:00.000-04:00

A late afternoon ride, heat was getting up there in the high 90's! I biked in to get Sheryl and we biked to Indianola. It was really hot with gusty winds out of the south. So it seemed it was in our faces both ways. We stopped at the local station for a poweraide to get some energy back in us and we had a nice visit with a few people in there.One guy offered to buy us a ice cream cone, I guess we looked like we needed something cold! One lady had just gotten out of the hospital with complications from cancer of the pancreas! We told her and her husband to go out and do some things that they like and to enjoy the time they have! I told Sheryl again and she had heard it a million times from me that we have to live each and everyday just as darn hard as we can, she agreed to! We said goodbye and was on our way back towards home agian but we did feel cooler and had more energy! We were tired but we felt good in our legs a good ride
Miles Logged: 41.0

June 23, 2005

2005-06-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

Well here we are training for another ride! Sheryl and I are going to ride the Cornhusker games this year. We will ride from Lincoln to Beatrice and back again it will be a 100 miles. This is on July 9 and we will take off at 6:30 in the morn. Mick and Justin will take us so they can drive us home we will be ready to rest I am afraid! Anyway we are riding a morning ride biked in to get Sheryl and we biked to past Bartley and back. We had a headwind going s s-w and very hot 95*.This is our fisrt ride since home from BRAN and it felt good to get going again!
Miles Logged: 33.0

June11, 2005

2005-06-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

We have returned from the BRAN ride 25. Yes, it was a ride to remember I think if it was there this year we rode in it!! We had to finish early several days because of weather. We had one total day that you could call pretty good! You know we trained in all kinds of weather this year, I guess it has been unpredictable. We had a good time and ran into alot of old friends some that we have made along the way! Iam sure they were some I had met on my first ride, and not in the bathroom Sheryl!!Kurt and the boys had a great time they did some carp shooting with there bows at several different lakes! They got to see the tornados come down out of the sky at Arnold!While Mark was coming to our rescue as he had many a times on this ride! Thank You Mark! The country was so beautiful this year everything was very green and lush with the rain they had been getting. I would say it is one of my most favorite places to get to ride, with courthouse and jailhouse rock! The boys and Kurt climbed to the top of courthouse rock and let me tell you things looked mighty small from the pics they took! Then when we were in Arnold we traveled north of town and looked at the most beautiful look out over the town called devils den! We enjoyed our trip again this year and we had fun even though it stormed us out!! We met our ol friend Roger Paine AKA Jugs, He remembered us from last year we picked on him about his huge snow cone and that he would have his tent zipper going all night and we didn't want to camp by him! We have had a million laughs over the last couple years! I know that if laughing makes you live longer Sheryl and I will live to be old Grandmas!!Ha!! A fun time was had by all and we are ready for next year, maybe through Cambridge?!!

May 26, 2005

2005-05-26T13:58:00.000-04:00

Sheryl and I are trying to get a few more miles before BRAN, so we decided to go again today! I headed from my corner to catch up with Sheryl! yeah!! The wind decided to blow again out of the n-w mostly west at about 14 mph or so. The day was in the 70's but partly cloudy and felt cool! To the point coveralls would have felt good and I had an icicle in my ear!! We soon got warmed up and went to past Bartley to our 15 mile mark and turned around. It was so nice to have a tail wind coming back I had almost forgot what that was like!! We are going to wait now until after Memorial Day to ride again it is camper and boat and trailer crazies out there! Some of them first day behind a wheel of one , no thanks but I will pass taking any chances!!
MIles Logged: 31.53

May 24,2005

2005-05-24T15:10:00.000-04:00

Not hardly a whisper of a wind and ready to ride again! I drove in to Sheryl's I had her helmet from the last ride. We took off from there and went south out of Cambridge the wind seemed to be in our faces we thought! The sun was warm in the 80's and really humid. We enjoyed the ride and felt good, we always enjoy the ride to the junction it is so pretty the birds singing and the cows in the pastures with new babies! We got to the junction and I swear you could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet and peaceful!! We needed a couple of lawn chairs I think we would have stayed all day! Anyway we left for Wilsonville and went a little past and turned around and headed home. It was a little windy but not to bad until we turned north. Then oh boy it was a slow climb from the junction up but we made it! It was starting to get pretty hot so we had to drink plenty of water!We did eat a few bugs, maybe helped a little with energy! We had a good workout in the hills and wind today!!!
Miles Logged: 32.0

May 22,2005

2005-05-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

Sheryl and I decided to wait until a little later in the day to ride! The wind was out of the s s-e so we headed to McCook! It was warm in the 80's and a nice evening ride. We had some flat runs and a few good hills to end the ride! As we got to McCook Sheryl was a little nervous about the traffic! I think If I would have let her she would have keep on going north to the dirt roads to avoid traffic!! I guess we did get to see some good flower beds though!!! We got to Wal-mart just in time the crew was there to meet us there! We are becoming stronger everyday and will be ready for the BRAN ride!! Ya Hoo!!
Miles Logged: 33.58

May 18, 2005

2005-05-18T23:25:00.000-04:00

A nice morning seemed like hardly any wind!! Sheryl and I decided to go as soon as we could. I biked in around 9:00 and picked her up at her house. You might think this is easy I yelled two times and nobody, checked out the whole yard. Looked at the flowers, noticed new ones blooming and no Sheryl. So one more time I yelled and she was inside after all. I was almost wore out and hadn't even got started yet.I needed to get back for a funeral and so we stayed on the highway and just watched the time. The wind was a little cool at first but really starting to pick up out of the n n-w. It worked us pretty good but we went on to Indianola and turned there. Coming back we had sort of a tail wind but the wind was gusty from all directions today!! We got some good miles and and it was sunny and 73* and felt good to ride!!
Miles logged: 40.00

May 19,2005

2005-05-17T10:42:00.000-04:00

Today we ride a bike again!!! Sheryl and I planned to take a bigger ride today. We started out before dinner and headed south out of Cambridge to the junction. It is a nice road and usually not much traffic. The wind was a little gusty but not bad. We headed west over to Lebanon which was into the wind but just a flat and then turned North to go on to Bartley. It was a pretty ride alot of good hills we got along fine. The heat was the only thing that kind of worked on us, we really aren't used to it yet! Anyway headed on to Cambridge and I went on home then! We had a good time and a good ride!
Miles Logged: 55.0

May 10, 2005

2005-05-10T11:06:00.000-04:00

Was a really warm day in the high 80's and great day to ride a bike!! I got off work came home changed and biked in to get Sheryl! The wind had picked up really good by then and it was getting late so we just took a ride to past Bartley and back. It was great going the wind seemed to push us it was out of the s s-e and we biked around 20 mph and having fun, but the the going back was not so fun. It had clouded up which helped but we headed into a really good corner wind which had changed to the n-e. It worked us hard but we made it back in good time anyway! It was way to windy to talk which just about killed Sheryl and I, we just put our heads down and peddaled anyway!
Miles Logged: 31.70

May 9, 2005

2005-05-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

My bike rolled over 5000 miles today yahoo!!! I think it may had a few more than that I didn't get the speedometer on right away but still I felt like celebrating!!! Anyway we took an afternoon ride! It was pretty nice but of course Windy, it was out of the s-sw with pretty good gusts. I biked in to pick up Sheryl and we biked to Indianola and turned around, We noticed the wind had seemed to change in direction imagine that!It was now out of the s s-e. Anyway we struggled with it both ways, we made good time though.It was a nice day and the temps was in the 70's!
Miles Logged: 40.0

May 4, 2005

2005-05-04T00:44:00.000-04:00

A afternoon ride with the wind blowing at 19 mph out of the south!! A nice day a little cool in the 70's. I biked up but Sheryl was busy so biked alone stayed on the highway and stayed with the wind a ways and turned back home! I felt strong and still averaged good time!
Miles logged: 20.19

May 5, 2005

2005-05-02T00:48:00.000-04:00

Today is Sheryl's birthday so what better way to celebrate but to ride in the wind!! Yah baby! Anyway we took an afternoon ride to Indianola and back the wind was in the s sw when we biked out but coming back it seemed to change and was out of the s se. It was around 16 mph with gusts up to 19 mph was some pretty hard riding today. It was really warm in the high 70's. I know one thing when the wind ever stops blowing we will be riding great after fighting the wind so much!! We have more birthdays to celebrate our oldest son Jesse will be 16 tomorrow, hard to believe! He weighed only 4lbs5oz's when born, he was a premie baby. We had to order special diapers for him they didn't have such things to buy ! He was born on my parents wedding anniversary it will be there 43 year! So we will celebrate again tomorrow!
Miles Logged: 35.0

April 18, 2005

2005-04-18T23:39:00.000-04:00

What a great day to be a biker girl!! We couldn't ask for a better more perfect day to ride the hills!! I worked today and after work Sheryl and I headed for the hills south of town!! It was real nice riding a little wind out of the s-e but not bad at all!! We visited all the way and really enjoyed the great veiw of all the green rolling pastures! We ran into Gene and he was getting a good ride in too! We went to the juction and turnned around we had to get back the boys were getting out of track soon! It was pretty unevenful as far as Sheryl's allergys and dogs this time! We had the wind at our backs going home and it was a great ride, our max speed was 30 mph at one point!! I always say, nothing like the wind at your back and the sun in your face!
Miles Logged: 26.48

April 17, 2005

2005-04-17T23:40:00.000-04:00

We had a club bike ride today, yah I know it was pretty windy, but we went anyway!! We had first planned to ride out to the lake and then decided to ride to Bartley instead. Linda and Kim picked me up at my corner and the wind was out of the s-w and gusty to 30 mph I would say! The sun was warm and it was fun to ride with the group! I seemed to ride real strong today and didn't seem like the wind bothered me much! We caught up with the rest at the health club. We had quite a few come to ride which was great! We headed out to Bartley and the wind was really strong by then, Linda and Kim were drafting from me, which made me feel good!! We had a corner tail wind coming back and boy was that fun! I clicked in my big ring and ran 20 to 21 mph the whole way back, now that is riding in my books!!! Everybody stopped at the Deli and had goodies and we peddaled on back. We all had a great time and a ton of fun, I am ready to go again!!! Even though it is the most wind I have peddaled in a while!
Miles Logged: 28.36

April 16, 2005

2005-04-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

To good a day to pass up for a ride!! Biked from my corner to get Sheryl at her house. She wasn't feeling well so went on with out her. I had no idea where to go and decided to see if I can handle the lake road hill! It is always hard for me I think the angle and it is long! Anyway I went up the lake road and then back to just past Bartley to my 15 mile mark. I ran into Gene on the road and he was getting in a 100 mile ride, Wow I felt kinda bad then!! Anyway headed on home a pretty good breeze from the S-W and it gave me a good work out!!
Miles logged: 40.0

April 7, 2005

2005-04-10T19:19:00.000-04:00

It looked like it would be a nice day Sheryl and I made plans to ride! I left my from my corner and caught up with Sheryl at her house! The wind was still a little cool but was in the low 70's! We decided to stay on the highway and went to Indianola and back. We felt strong in our legs and had a really good ride and of course a million laughs!! The wind was out of the n-e when we left and changed to the south coming back. I headed back to my corner to finish my ride! We had gotten a nice rain last night 80 was in our gauge!!
Miles logged: 40.10

April 4, 2005

2005-04-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

We made it home from the big weekend all in one piece! It was a long ways there but a pretty ride! The layers of limestone along the banks are neat and the dogwood trees are blooming there! I didn't know it but it is the state tree in Mo. For the tractor pull the boys finished good for the first year! Jesse got a 2nd in the nation in 3750 lb class and Justin finished 4th in the nation in the 3500 lb class! Wow!! the best tractors in the nation were there so we felt pretty good with the pull!! They called them up front on the day of the Nationals and were congratulated on the way they pulled and keep up the good work!! The boys got plaques amd won some money for the winter pulling! We had a great time while we were there, we got to go to a New Bass Pro Shops that just opened.The boys wanted to buy some stink bait and a duck call, they have watched to much of the Cable Guy! It was the grand opening weekend and everybody just loved it , way cool!! Then there was a corevette show there and we stopped and got to see some great cars! Wow, one that was the favorite was a red 62 vette convertible ,fueley! He had done a frame up restore on it and Boy was it something else! I think that was my most favorite, but then there was that 63 big block that was awlful sweet too!! Colombia was a neat place but wonldn't want to live there, to crazy for this small town girl! On the way back home we went by the Kansas City Royals Stadium and the big Kansas Speedway! We noticed a shadow of a helicopter and it was a Schnook I got a pic of it ! It was pretty close to us I think maybe from Topeka air base! We had a great time and were glad to be home!!
Well it was nice today so I took a bike ride! Sheryl couldn't go so I went alone, wasn't near as much fun. Anyway went from my corner to past
Bartley to my 15 mile mark and then back to Cambridge and south and then back to my corner. It wasn't near as much fun with out Sheryl along! I was kinda tired from the trip so didn't take to long a ride. It was nice in the high 60's and a little windy out of the south east! It was good to get out and ride!!
Miles logged: 33.89

March 30,2005

2005-03-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

A Hint of Green and the Sweet Smell of Rain!! Spring Must be here, the pastures are rolling with a blanket of green, the wheat is blowing like ripples in the water, growing inches everyday! The Perinial flowers are poking their heads out of the ground, yes Spring is Here!! The rain has filled the terace channels to the brim reflecting a bright blue from the sky,a rooster pheasant sounds in the distance and the birds are singing a happy song, what a pretty time of year!!
Packing, and getting ready to go, the tractor is loaded and we leave in the morning!! Keep your fingers crossed we need to pull our best ever! Looks like it will be nice here this weekend and no biking for me in a while! I did get in a 3 and half mile walk today!

March 29, 2005

2005-03-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

Full moon on Easter, was the coolest! I don't know when I have seen a more pretty one it was so orange and bright sneaking up out of the horizon! I tried to take some pic's but couldn't hold my camera still enough! I think I could have watched it all night!! We had a great Easter we went into Dad and Mom's and my brother Mick was home too! Mom had a great dinner and I brought the pies! Of course I had enough for everybody in town. I made two Apples two Pumpkin's, a Cherry and a French Silk!Everybody told me which one was there favorite so I made them each what they had requested! I love to bake pies so I always go crazy, but we shared with all Mom and Dad's nieghbors, they are all elderly and enjoyed them so much! We had a great day the boys brought the nitro pickups to town and ran them around the park!
It is grilling weather today, that is what we did for supper! I worked got home kinda late, and had to go back in to get Justin from track. So I decided to take a big 4 mile walk instead of riding! I walked north of our house on a dirt road and enjoyed it so much everything is so so green, the wheat is lookin great now!
Jess went to the eye doc today he had got a piece of steel in his eye yesterday it watered out but scratched pretty good! He got some eye drops and has to wear his glasses for five days, other than being a little uncomfortable his eye will be fine!
We will be getting ready to go to Colombia MS.this Thur. we leave for the big city. The boys are so excited, they want to win National Tractor Pull Championship for the year! We will start cleaning and put a spit shine on the tractor, that you could put your lipstick on in the shine of the chrome!! It should be a great time!!

March 25, 2005

2005-03-25T20:47:00.000-05:00

GOOD FRIDAY! I have another task that I do at the Church at this time of year. I am the only one that has tackled this task for quite a while. I really don't mind but I always need someone to help me. I hang a really long black cloth inside on the cross at our Church, sounds simple really! First you need to go over to the old parsonage for the big extention ladder and carry it over to the church and get it propped up at the alter to the cross. It is around thirty feet high, just a guess! My Dad helped me with it today and held the ladder which made me feel better! Anyway this cloth is long from the floor to the ceiling and I wrap it around my neck as I try to climb the ladder to the top of the cross! Wow! Then to drape it somehow to look even and nice! Then I have to go back tomorrow and take it down and put up the white one and go through the same thing! I do have to say being at the peak of the Church is pretty cool! Makes me think really clear about GOOD FRIDAY! I hope someday when I can't climb the ladder that someone else will take over and feel the same as me about being that high near this huge cross!!
Any way I am ready for the sun to shine SOON!

March 22, 2005

2005-03-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

IT RAINED!!! YaHoo!! What a well needed rain, it smells so fresh and is making things green up fast! I didn't get to bike but oh well it is worth it!! We had 2.20 in all of rain fall. It is funny how a rain can change everybody's attitude toward daily challenges! I know it sure worked on me that way!! We had a very busy weekend on Sat we pulled at Kearney. The boys both full pulled right out the end of the track!! Which is good they are tied for first place in the National Championship in their weight divsions. We have one pull left , the Winter Pulls which is in Colombia MS. The first day is a points pull and the second day is for the championship! We will be pulling on April 1st, which is right around the corner!
Today at work Sheryl got her new espresso machine in, we were like a couple of kids at Christmas time!! Had to have a little electrical work done and a little set up and we were good to go! Man Oh Man does it make a nice pour and steams milk Great! We wore the old one out, because there was no comparrison, the new one sure worked great!! We had a good time and a ton of laughs doing so! It will sure be nice, I can't wait to make some more Latte's!
I think I may start a project in the morning of painting our bedroom. I really don't like to be in a mess.I have a couple of days to work on it. I need to get it done before I am cycling everyday, which I wish I was now. We need the rain so I won't even complain this time!!

March 18, 2005

2005-03-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

Well it has been so long since I have biked I will have to train all over again. You know I don't mind wind really, in fact I can ride in pretty good wind speeds, but combine it with the cold is another thing! I didn't get in much health club time , I worked this week and was spent when I got home. Justin had a ton of homework each night along with wrestling toun. I do really miss getting to ride and think about Sheryl and her roll of toilet paper! Shes goes through one a ride blowing her nose every chance she gets! Then her nose looks so sore it makes mine even hurt! We will have some club rides where we can all go together and that will be a blast! I have talked to several people about getting started biking this week! Getting going is the hardest but once you get started you are hooked just like that!! Well I guess no riding tomorrow we antique tractor pull at Kearney, it will be cool they will have the V-8 modified tractors there!I hope they guys pull good! Then on Sunday they are going to Hasting to a gun show and I am going to stay home and clean house, maybe get a workout in Yah baby!

March 12, 2005

2005-03-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

It was a windy cold day again, had to work this morning. So after work the guys were gone to the Lions club sale. I went into the health club and worked out. I worked weights then went upstairs and worked the eliptical. Was a good workout!

March 10, 2005

2005-03-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Well guess what the wind blew like something else today! Just shy of a hurricane forces, I would say! Man, am I tired of that!! I went in and tanned again,ran some errands in town and then headed for McCook to run some more! Had to hurry back, Justin and Andrew Man, and Alec, wrestled in the youth tournement there! We took Andrew with us there and were just in time to check in! We had quite a few Cambridge boys out and almost every time one on the mat! Andrew and Alec and some bad luck but chalk it up to experience! Justin stuck his fisrt guy and one by one point the second match. He was sucking wind hard, next time he needs to eat more before! Andrew is spending the night with us tonight and they are watching Flight of the Pheonix, pretty good movie!

March 9, 2005

2005-03-09T23:04:00.000-05:00

Went in to town and tanned for the first time today. I wanted to get a start, so I don't get a bad burn when I ride. Was a nice day but didn't really have time to ride. I had to help with the Lenten supper at Church. I am Chairman of the month of March,and in charge of such things. So I went up to the health club and worked some upper body on the weights, then went upstairs to work 30 min. on the eliptical. Boy did I have the water pouring out then! I felt good was a great workout!

March 8, 2005

2005-03-08T23:38:00.000-05:00

We had a bike club meeting tonight at the Bartley Com. Building. Justin road along with me, we needed to be there by 7:00. We had a good turnout, we discussed club rides. We will try to do two a month and have our meetings then. We also talked about our own web page so we can send e-mails to everyone that way. I told them about Sheryl's idea about the BRISK ride and they were all in favor we need to put the plan into works! We also elected officers, Harold Beebe is our new President! We talked about a ride where we can meet the group from North Plate halfway sometime, maybe Curtis?! We paid our dues for this year they are 10.00 for a single and 13.00 for a family. We also discussed our century ride that we have put on in the past are we going to do that one again, Postie said the Beth has inquired about it off and on!So we have lost to put into plans and make them work, hopefuly we can!

March 7, 2004

2005-03-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

We all went to the health club and worked out tonight! I worked the upstiars machines, a level 6 which is the highest level on the eliptacle trainer.

March 5, 2005

2005-03-05T00:16:00.000-05:00

I met at Sheryl's and we had decieded to ride the section South that goes around from Lebonon to Bartley and back in Cambridge. The wind was really strong out of the S S-W. It was a pretty nice day in the 60's. We of course peddled right into a head wind which was really hard going. We had some pretty good hills that challanged us! Sheryl's nose acted up the first hill. I heard this shrill sound in the air and looked back and happened to see her pick up her bike! S0 I pedal back and sure enough she stopped to blow her nose and feel over. Pretty much ok a few scraches though! Then she said the only thing to make this ride better was if we had a dog to chase us! I t seemed hard to ride the hills but I was strong today and things worked good for me! Except one time when I was showing Sheryl if we went back to the North it would be easy riding.... silly me started leaning and the wind was just strong enough it pushed me right over in the middle of the highway! I fell so hard it knocked the stuff right out of my nose, let me tell you I couldn't get up Sheryl was laughing so hard at me and got me laughing!! I thought I would be there forever before I got up! Of course she didn't worry if I got hurt.... only a skinned knee and elbow. Hey we were having fun!! We got to the junction and said poop on this wind and headed back to Cambridge, it was nice not having the wind in our faces and ears! That is my kind of riding! We got back to town it was a pretty ride, the cows were calving, and there were running all over the place kicking. They were enjoying the nice day too! I felt great when I got back, but Sheryl and her red nose was ready for home! HA!
Miles: 26.0
Time: 2.15
Average: 12.0

March 4,2005

2005-03-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

We worked together today until after 2:00. We met at Sheryl's changed and went for a ride! We are always excited when we get time to ride on a nice day! We headed to Indianola, it was a day in the 70's but a strong wind out of the N-W and gusty so it was out of all directions it seemed! We had a good ride no dogs Sheryl's nose didn't act up, and it was a good day! Sheryl is gettin trained she spotted a 20mm socket on the road. The guys were excited to see some road treasure! We got back to Sheryl's and felt good!
Miles: 28.32
Time: 2.15
Average: 12.3

March 3, 2005

2005-03-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

A pretty nice day but the wind was really strong. Sheryl and I decided to go anyway! I met with Sheryl at her house and we made a game plan to ride to McCook. Well it started out so bad with the wind directly in our face we could only travel about 10 mph tops. Sheryl's nose acted up a mile out of town, she would have killed for a klenex , but we had nothing of the sorts! We stopped so she could blow her nose she had it so red and raw by the time we reached Bartley. We then decieded to ride the road north out of Bartley two miles to get our 10 miles. We turned around and it was so great to not have the wind in our ears we could hardly believe it. we turned on the highway thinking it was going to be a piece of cake! When all of a sudden we heard a dog growl and boy did he! He came from around the shed with teeth showing and meant business. He was so funny a Corgy, I think maybe he had shorter legs than me! We laughed we wondered what he would have done if you would have caught us, bite our tires!? I told Sheryl she could't have gave him the boot she would have broke an ankle! I don't think the ol boy had missed many snacks! We poured on the steam and Sheryl and I keep saying oh no, oh no, the dog chased us a good block for he gave it up. Let me tell you we were warmed up by then and we laughed so hard we cried tears, we stopped a bit to get our bearing to go on! It was great heading home with the wind at our backs but we couldn't get our average up with such a slow start! We alaways have something to tell and laugh about our rides!
Miles:20
Time: 1.46
Average: 11.6

March 2, 2005

2005-03-02T23:48:00.000-05:00

A nice day in the 60's to went for a ride! Went to just past the monument by Bartley and turned around. I needed to get back so I made a short ride today. It was a nice ride but had the wind gusty in both directions it seemed!
Miles: 20
Time: 1.20
Average: 13.8

March 1, 2005

2005-03-01T23:37:00.000-05:00

We all went to the health club again! The guys worked weights and the wrestled with Aaron and Cody, they had fun! I worked on the machines and did a level 5 on both it felt good but I was sore , it is a different workout for me!

February 28, 2005

2005-02-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

Our whole family worked at the health club. I worked the weights and then went up to the tread mill and the stair climber. I worked 20 minutes on each one.The boys went down on the wrestling mat and went over some moves for Justin's matches coming up!

February 25, 2005

2005-02-25T23:17:00.000-05:00

This is our Anniversary today we have been married 22years! It was a lot different day then. It was cloudy and drizzle turning to snow. Boy Iam glad it turned out nice today! A nice day I thought I would take a ride, Sheryl had to work. So started up Frank's hill just to try things out went realy well! My knee felt good so I turned around and went towards Bartley to my 15 mile mark and headed back. On the way about the Cambridge Coop my phone rang. I thought it was Justin he is the only one that usually calls me. First thing I say is I am about to town, and then the voice which is Kim says great we want to ride with you back home! I was excited they had met Potsie and were having coffee, so I joined them and we discussed our next meeting for our bike club! We headed back and I said good bye to them at my corner! It was great riding with them it has been a while! We went out for supper with Aaron and Colleen it was her birthday too! We took everyone to the Cornhusker in Oxford and had a great time!
Miles: 31.36
Time: 2.12
Average: 12.8

Bike Miles for 2005

2005-01-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

A nice day in the 70's so Sheryl and I decided to take a bike ride! We left Sheryl's and headed towards Bartley. A little windy but not bad. We got to the lake road and noticed road construction so we turned around and headed to Holbrook. We stopped and looked in the old cabin at the park there and wondered what kind of stories the cabin could tell! We biked on the new walking trail in the park. It is to bad when they have to chain down park benches because people steel. What a shame but it is a nice path anyway! We headed back to Sheryl's! We had a nice time and it was good to get some miles in!!
Miles: 23
Time: 1.40
Average:13.0

July 31, 2004

2004-07-31T22:35:00.000-04:00

a Sat morning ride to my 15 mile mark, past Bartley, and headed home. A gusty S-W wind warm in the 80's! Coming home a tail wind sometimes!
Miles: 30.11
Average: 15.7
Time: 1.54

July 12, 2004

2004-07-12T22:26:00.000-04:00

An early mornig ride very hot and humid an a slight breeze S- S-E. I had intended to ride a 30 mile ride. I had a scarry thing happen a truck blew a tire out right after he had passed me and the tire just went to bits , with flying rubber everywhere! It made me think what would have happened if I would have been beside him. Anyway I turned around and headed home, I didn't feel like finishing my ride.
Miles 25.18
Average: 15.5
Time: 1.25

July 8, 2004

2004-07-08T22:19:00.000-04:00

An afternoon ride, Justin was playing youth football in McCook. I headed up on my bike to meet the guys there! I had a tail wind and it was Great!It was hot but then later clouded up, which made for a nice ride! My fastest time ever I was at the edge of McCook time, 1.35 which it my fastest time ever I felt good!! I peddled to the practice field and meet up with Kurt and Jess to watch Justin play!
Miles: 32
Time: 1.52
Average: 18.0

July 3, 2004

2004-07-03T22:13:00.000-04:00

Was an afternoon ride, Sheryl and I left from her house. Was pretty hot and we stopped at the Bartley Park and cooled off. We went on to Indianola and headed home a storm was on the way, we hopped we could beat it home! Just as it was it was just starting to blow and light rain when we pulled into town! yikes!! I headed home fast to avoid hail! Everybody was battening down the hatches when I got here!
Miles: 32
Average 15.5

June 6, 2004

2004-06-22T22:07:00.000-04:00

An evening ride with out sheryl, went after work. Got to past the lake road and meet Dave Burton. He biked to the Monument and back to Cambridge with me. It was great we visited and talked about biking! We said good bye at Cambridge and headed home. A S-W wind warm!
Miles: 22.19
Time: 1.27
Average: 15.5

Saturday June 12, 2004 Day 7

2004-06-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

We were to bike from Oakland to Fort Calhoun, which was our last day of riding on BRAN! Parts of me were happy it was over but sad it was! We took off in good time again and had a pretty fair ride out of town. The road was really rough and several people had flat tires.We were on highway 77 which was fairly busy the shoulders of the raod were so rough that we had to keep getting on the road to ride. So we played chicken with the traffic. We turned off by Nickerson and headed East on highway 91 that took us into Blair. Let me tell you there was one long long long hill we traveled, I thought I was never going to get to the top of that one! We made it with several more to go.We reached Blair and they were getting ready for a parade, thank goodness we made it through before it started. We didn't stay we wanted to be there, we meet up with Paul and it seemed good he helped us pass the time again! We soon were heading into Fort Calhoun Ya! We made it! Sheryl's fisrt ride YaHoo! Scott the Bike Rack Mechanic was there waiting for me to come in and I got to see his little family, he gave me a hug it was good to see him! Kurt and the boys were't in yet so we went over for our reception of a hotdog! For a hotdog it really tasted good!! We went over and waited on the curb and watched the riders come in and cheer them on! We had several that came over to tell us good bye! Kurt and the boys got there and gave us hugs glad that we made it! The sirens went off and a tornado was spotted around the area, so we skipped our shower and drove to get out of the storm. Sheryl and I didn't think it was to good of an idea but they did get us out of the storm.We didn't smell all that good , but they didn't seem to mind!Our faces looked like raccons, and we had pretty good sunburns!We looked about as rough as you could get! We slept and snacked all the way home. It was good to be home in our own bed!!
Distance 50.14
Time 3.50
Max 31.10
Total BRAN Miles! 455

2004-06-11T23:52:00.000-04:00

Friday June 11th, 2004 Day 6
South Sioux City to Oakland
We got up early and thought we would have some breakfast at the park this time. We left the crew sleeping and got ready to go!! We had pancakes and sausage hot coffee, it hit the spot this morning!! We ran into a guy that had biked the in every state and we visited with him. Boy did he have stories to tell, his name was Emery Revee's. He helped develop the balistic missile after the cold war!! I think we could have talked to him all day but we had to move on!!Wee raan on to him several times through the day!! It was a nice morning the sun was out and we went out of town in heavy traffic too!!It was a pretty good day but we knew we had some bad hills ahead!! We tryed not to think of them and wanted out of the heavy traffic. We went through the coolest Indain reservation, called Winnebago. It was so pretty ,green and lush with trees all around!! The wind was coming up but the trees blocked most of it. We had one of the meanest hills on the trip just turning into there. It was a pull very long and steep, seemed we would never get to the top. We passed several people getting off and pushing there bikes but we keep on a going!! We enjoyed the ride through there and got to visit alot!! This took us right along the Missouri River, the hills were worse to come!! We laughed and talked about everything under the sun! We went from Macy to Decatur, up and down many long hills and the wind was picking up really good by then!! We made some stops and rested the legs just a minute and headed on out!! There were a couple of Indian ladies selling home baked goodies. I knew if we stopped for them we would have to crawl in the rolaid bottle and live, so we passed them up! They had fried breads, other authentic foods, would have been great if we wouldn't have been pedalin!! Almost to Decator was this huge long winding steep hill, I think maybe the hardest one yet!! We started up that baby in the granny hole, and I new then it was going to be pure muscle and ackwardness!!! The wind was really bad by then and it made it a struggle, we did finally make it to the top, I was glad!! We stopped at a near by Sag and had a banana and filled water. We realized that we would be going right into the wind and hills as far as we could see!! Boy it was hard to take off ,our legs were really feeling the results of the hills!! I could feel the fatigue but I knew one way to get there was to take off and go!!! We traveled along ok but didn't beat any speed records, the sun was hot and the wind was bad!! We got to Lyons and turned out of the direct wind which was good. I would rather have a side wind anyday!! We were on a pretty busy highway into town and several hills to go to get there!! We were excited and couldn't wait we wanted to get to camp!! Kurt and the boys took a different way so they didn't have to contend with us riders. They were already there and had camp set up for us!! It was so good so see them, and we were glad that we had made another day!! We stayed at the Oakland City Park, a very pretty place but they grow hybrid mosquitos! We sprayed and sprayed but it didn't seem to matter they chewed on us anyway!! We fixed a lunch and Paul and his son Troy stayed and ate with us!! We rested a little and were ready to go again, so we took a drive around the town. We happened on a Bakery shop that was still open so we stopped in. We ordered a couple things and visited. They told Kurt and the boys a tractor pull was going on in Fremont, which was not to far away. I think it gave the boys a second wind. They had been a little bored with things and needed something to do. We cooked up some steaks on the grill for supper and they didn't even stay, off they went!!They were all smiles gave a kiss good bye and off they went! Sheryl and I had steaks and cleaned up. We got things ready for the last day of riding. Boyd came by to tell us good bye, he had to ride out really early to get home for something. So we were sad to say good bye , what a nice friend!! Sheryl and I turned in and had just about went to sleep when someone blew a bull horn in the park.I tell ya if that didn't wake the whole camp ground up. I think everybody in tents sat straight up! They had cars tearing around in and out of the park, they just couldn't resist!! I thought it was kinda funny really!! The boys got home kinda late and everybody tucked in and sleep good. Good- night!
Miles:50.25
Time: 3.50
Average: 13.5
Max speed: 31.10

2004-06-10T22:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday June 10th, 2004 Day 5
Crofton to South Sioux City
We got up early as usual and had a good ol breakfast bar, we would have loved a latte at this point, boy did we miss our coffee!! We smeared oursleves with sunblock because we learned the hard way and had 2nd degree burns as it was. It was so foggy and really cool!! We still didn't take any chances we knew the sun would come out sometime!! Off we went we weren't to excited leaving in the thick fog on a single lane road but did anyway.We had quite a time our helmet keep doing the slide to side thing and were soagy!! We really didn't get to visit much we had to stay single file so when we could we did!! It seemed to help pass the miles quicker we had over 60 miles to go!! We stopped for our banana breaks as usual and filled with water, we talked to many people. They got so they remembered us from the days before, which made it fun. I can't imagine Sheryl and I leaving an impression!! We had quite a time, and tried to make the most of it. By the time of the third day some of the soreness goes away, but the legs did seem to get a little fatiged by the end of the day. The hills were good, alot of them long pulls, which really made the heart pound!! Sheryl did a great job and we stayed together the whole way. We stopped at a little town ,a Church was having a lunch under a shelter house. Man, we spotted that and put on the skids we wanted some hot coffee sooo bad!!They had all kinds of home baked goodies so it really hit the spot!! As we sat there the rain started in!! Boy we hated to think of going but we did anyway!! It was so nasty and cold with the rain hitting our face. We laughed though , which was worse the rain or wind?!!! We went along and soon were almost in and we stopped at a town called Ponca for a break. We ran into Paul there and he keep us company into South Sioux City!! The sky was getting darker and it looked like it might really pour down. Sure enough we reached Jackson and it let go!! It was on highway 20 and there was a lot of truck traffic. It was a combination of rain and what was coming out of the cattle pots!! We looked like we had been eating mud pies and our butts were covered with mud from the tires!! It was a site to see I tell ya!! We laughed and I think Paul took a pic of our butts, I hope he don't show that one around!! hee hee!! It was bad but Paul made us laugh and we made the most of it we just wanted to get there. We came into town on a four lane road and we had exits to contend with too!! So finding the right one and not getting run over was interesting!! We had to cross a four lane highway without a light, Paul showed us what to do. We followed him we got off and ran to the middle and waited and ran the rest of the way!! That was good our legs didn't want to run after we had been pedaling all those miles but we made it!! We had this really long bike trail that took us into the camp grounds. We were so ready to get there and it seemed a long ways. We got into camp and found out it was right across from the gambling boats in Iowa. We stayed on the other side of the Missouri River at a Park. It was pretty there and had a pool for the boys too!! We got there and I spotted the porta pottie place, I guess I had enough fluids in me it was time. This is so funny because me and close places are not good anyway! So I went to get out and it had this funny latch that I couldn't get open! Ok by this time Iam getting a little nervous,the sun had come out and it was 200 degrees in there I swear!! Anyway I finally got it and Sheryl was sittin on the bench laughing her head off at me!! She said the look on my face was worth a million, but I wonder why she couldn't have helped me!!! She gave me the excuse she was to tired to move, yah right !! Anyway I left them places alone the rest of the trip!! Ha!! Kurt and the boys got there and we found a nice place to park near the water!! We rested and walked around and checked it all out!! Justin went swimming and I went in and sat at a picnic table and watched I was to tired to swim. We decided to eat some pizza so we found a Pizza Hut!! Boyd went along to, and we had a lot of laughs the boys really like him!! We did a little site seeing and went across this really huge bridge into Iowa. Wewanted to see how you get the the gambling boat. We didn't stop we had the boys and we just didn't feel up to it!! We stoped and visited a Lewis and Clark visitor center and took some cool pics there!! We had quite a time finding our way back across, but we did. It was pretty on the water at night and the lights off the boat glowed on the water!! We decided to get ready for bed. Would be a big day again tomorrow. A storm brewed up in the night and started just pouring and wind was really bad. Kurt and Jess went out and rolled up our canopy on the camper and I yelled at Sheryl to come in!! Her tent was doing a dance and looked like it might go into orbit!! I went back in I was in my underwear out side and thought she would be coming soon! She didn't com and didn't come, finally She was frantic she couldn't find her tent zipper!! She was so sound asleep when the storm hit she wasl ost I think she opened the window of her tent a million times!!Kurt told her the next night he would tie a string around her toe nd to the tent door so she would be sure to find it then, and you can imagine what she said!! Anyway Justin hoped up with Kurt and I and Sheryl got to get some sleep!! If you can Kurt, Justin and me in a full bed, I know scary thought!! You know when you are so tired you can sleep just about anywhere and anyplace!! We all settled down to hopefully get some good rest!! Good night!!

Miles:70.44
Time:5.40
Average: 12.8
Max speed : 26.0

2004-06-09T23:24:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, June 9th, 2004 Day 4
Verdigre to Croften
Boyd wanted to ride with us today ! We Weren't sure he wanted to go our pace but he was nice he did! We had a nice ride back out the 14 miles that we came in to town. Which was a great ride, It was cloudy and cool when we left. This is a day with short miles , and we were kinda glad for that one! We had a good time with Boyd he picked on us and we of course picked back! Boyd is a great rider and this year he got a new bike and was really doing well! We had some pretty good hills , steep and seemed we had to shift a bunch. Boyd got behind Sheryl on this one huge hill. He was working her , saying come on now shift, get going now!! Sheryl was a cusing back and telling him she wasn't in the Army! I tell you I don't remember when I laughed so hard, I couldn't even pedal! I still can see Sheryl's legs going just as hard as thay could up that ol winding hill!! What a kill, I thought I was going to have to lay my bike down, It is hard to pedal when you are laughing! Boyd would get ahead then pretty soon we would run on to him again, it made the ride alot of fun this day! It was really cool and Sheryl was about to freeze up! It was a damp cold feel, first we would take jackets off and then put them back on, kinda strange day! We got into Crofton in good time and that was good we needed some good ol hot coffee! Kurt and the boys weren't there yet so we went up town to find something hot. We went to a local Sports Bar and they were serving hot coffee and homeade cinnamon rolls that hit the spot!! We decided to not pedal up to Gavins Point Dam it was an option to do! We just wanted to be warm, we later went there. It was kinda cool , a poster in the bar that had the pictures of the State Football Playoff, we new the Trojan boys in the picture. We then had to tell then where we were from! Ya of course , ya know you don't have to go very far and everybody knows of the Trojans!! We thought that was really cool!! We ran into Kurt and the boys and went to find a place to camp. It was over by the pool area, very pretty! They are known there for their great Ball Field, which we got to see!! We set up Sheryl's tent, found a place that had no sprinklers!! Yeah , we just knew she would sleep good tonight!! Justin went swimming right away, and Sheryl and I went to watch a little. Kurt noticed Sheryl's tires were looking kinda bad and should be replaced. So we looked up Crazy Kelly, the Bike Rack Guy. We decied we wanted to do something to Boyds Bike. He didn't want anything on the handle bars. Sooooo , Jess found this pink buck tooth bunny horn and bought it! We couldn't resist we had too!! So we borrowed a screwdriver form Kelly and proceeded to put this bunny on his bike. Well we sure wouldn't make very good bad girls, we dropped the screw a million times and we laughed so hard we were going to be a dead give away!! We got it done and just waited then to see if he would notice and how soon!! The suspense just about killed us!
Kurt and the boys started in on our bikes cleaning chains, they got pretty dirty! They got Sheryl's tires fixed lubed and Justin polished them to a shine, you could have put your lipstick on!! They looked like a million bucks when they got all done. We took a little nap on a blanket in the warm of the sun that was trying to come out. Justin had a little friend, Jordan come over to see if we needed anything! It was so funny he had on an addidas hat like Justin, was wearing his hair long had the same kind of jeans, and they liked the same kind of sports! I tell you , we had to look twice to make sure it was Justin not Jordan. He was the Student Manager for the State Playoff Football game so he was there too!! They played catch with the football until I thought the arms would fall of them. Then Jordan took him for the tour of the town!! He had a great time they went back to the pool and Jess was glad to have home out of his hair for a day! We fixed Steaks and on the grill for supper and they tasted so good! We were hungry for something else besides bananas! Jordan's Dad came over and he is a truck driver for Case IH Dealership there, he gave us in full detail of what we would encounter the next day. I kinda wish we wouldn't have known , it made me a little nervous!! Kurt , Jess and Jerry had a great visit, they had things in common to talk about. We took a tour around the town and went up to Gavins Point Dam , Wow that is so cool to see at night!! Then we went to see the big baseball field! They host three amateur teams, high school teams , midget and youth teams, it is quite a site. They even had a ball game going we watched a little, the boys liked that!Well by that time we couldn't keep our eyes open and it was time to tuck in!! We still wondered about Boyds horn if he would leave it on or not!! Good Nite!!
Croften Population: 757
Mile: 43.68
Time: 3.31
Average: 12.5
Max speed: 30.0
Cold and windy

2004-06-08T12:35:00.000-04:00

Tuesday June 8th, Day 3
Butte to Verdigre
We woke up to a thunderstorm with pretty bad lightning! We were to go with Boyd but we decided to wait it out a little! Sheryl came in when it started storming. She said she had water on her tent for three hours in the night. The underground sprinklers came on and showered her tent back and forth from 1:00 to 3:00! She said at first she thought it was under her but almost just as bad she didn't get much sleep at all that night! We laughed because then we knew why it was sooo green there!! We blasted off after things settled down a bit. We even got to have some breakfast with the boys this morning. The coffee tasted good and warmed us up! Jess took a pic of Sheryl and me, we looked like we had been up all night or in a dog fight either one!! The hills were pretty tough close to Niabrara State Park very long and steep! The air was really humid and hard to get your wind good! From Verdel to Niobrara was the hardest riding but so pretty! We turned to head to Verdigre and had a huge hill then a nice 14 mile ride into town! It was pretty wet and hills covered with greens and smelled so good! We were ready for some coffee, got to town and spotted a coffee shop! Verdgre is the Koloche Capital. So we had to stop and check it out and we had coffee and a roll and brought back Kolaches, for the boys to try! We stayed at the Wildwood Acres Park. Up town we noticed this iron horse made of scrap metal. We yelled at Pastor Fred to take a pic of us with the ass!! He laughed at us and said he wouldn't just stop for anybody!! We headed for camp and it was a little ways form town, but so pretty and green!! We stayed at a place where there was a pool, ballfield, and campgrounds! Kurt and the boys were already there and we were camped back down a winding road in the trees! We had lunch and showered and went for a ride uptown! There was an Amish tent that was selling homeade candy and onion blossoms! We bought some candy and I had to get there cookbook they were selling. We thought it would be neat to see how they farmed. So we followed the address to the country and drove all over but never did find it!! We figured out that Vedigre was built on a hill everywhere you went was up or down a hill!! I really couldn't get enough of looking at the hills and the greens, wow what a site!! Justin is the only one that tested out the pool, he had fun swimming!! We went up town for supper to the ZCBJ Hall Sponsored by the Service Club, they were having fried chicken and mashed potatoes!! We had the full meal even with ice cream for dessert. We were so full we could hardly move, but man it was good! That is my boys favorite meal and they were happy for that!!We took another journey that evening. Justin , Sheryl and I took a wagon ride. An Amish fella was giving rides with a team of big Belgins and a hay wagon. We got on and it was so fun to see the valley at a slow pace. As we came over the bridge we could see the camp and there was a baseball game going on too! His team of horses were a younger and older one but they did just great , I think I enjoyed watching them work toegther as much as anything!

They were tired and it was the last ride into town ,we thanked him and gave him at tip!! We took pic's of his little family they were all stair steps in age!!We started back to camp and then took a shuttle the rest of the way home! I told Sheryl isn't is sad that people grow up so isolated that they don't know the smell of a wet horse or how hay smells after being cut . I guess I am glad that we did I would have hated to miss that!! The boys wanted to start a fire and roast marshmellows, and Sheryl was right in the middle of that!! She lives to build camp fires!! We had smores and they tasted so good!We laughed and had a great time! Kim came over to get her phone that she had charging and sat with us. The girls were all on one side and the guys all got up one at a time. Well before you know it we were doing summersalts off the bench!! We all layed on the ground just laughing our heads off!! I looked once and seen Kim flipping and before you know it it was my turn!! What a nite and we decided to end it then!! Off to bed Good Nite!
Verdigre Population: 519
Miles: 58.0
Time:3.30
Average:14.0
Max: 30.0

2004-06-07T11:49:00.000-04:00

Monday , June 7th, 2004, Day 2
Springveiw to Butte
We got up as usual and we decided to have some breakfast in the school. We left Jess and Justin sleep in and Kurt walked with us there. We had pancakes and fruit and most important coffee!! We were ready to rock and roll! Kurt took our picture in the background you can see the big wind chargers !! The ambulance went right in front of us out and we thought it might be a rider! Sheryl was ready to lend a hand in case!! We felt good a little sore but once we got going it felt right. The day was nice not to cool, so it made getting warmed up easier. We had a great ride there was some wind but not to bad.The hills were great you could get up good speed going down and not even have to shift much to the top! I love those kind of hills, Sheryl tells me I can eat the hills up! We stopped , Yes for more bananas, I was begining to know how babies feel! The scenery was so so pretty and everything was green! We made really good time and was there before you know it! The little kids from Butte were all dressed up in special BRAN shirts that they had made! They gave us an escort to the school grounds where we camped that night. When Kurt and the boys got there we found a place to park at the bus barn. It had a place to plug into so we could have air conditioning!! It felt really nice we fixed a little lunch and rested some! We then decided to put up Sheryl's tent there was a nice green lawn beside. That should have been our first clue, but it looked good at the time! Little did we think of underground sprinklers!! We lounged around the camper, Pottsie Linda and Kim came over and talked with us a little too! We went for supper at the Full Gospal Church that nite they had Mexican! The boys were horsing around outside the church. Jess knocked Justin's hat off it went flying and it was so so funny! That is when the 21 gun salute happened , we laughed so hard it was like we had done a million set ups! It was for President Ragan of course!! hee hee!! A strom was brewing and it looked kinda bad. The boys played waffle ball outside most the night. Sheryl and I took a walk and looked at the most beautiful garden I had ever seen! It was so green and pretty there it almost hurt your eyes!! The storm missed us, so we tucked in early we had another big day ahead!! Good- Nite!!
Butte Population: 366
Miles: 55.16
Time: 3.36
Average speed: 15.2
Max speed: 34.7

2004-06-07T00:19:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 6th, 2004 , First Day
Today we bike from Cody to SpringVeiw.
We got up early around 5:00 and felt like we hadn't went to sleep at all! Eyes were like tow pee holes in a snow drift. We were to excited to sleep I have a feeling that sleeping tonight will not be a problem! Kurt and the boys got up with us and Kurt made us coffee and we had a light bowl of cereal! It was really cool in the 50's so we layered our things that we wore. We got off to meet Boyd a little late, but he soon got used to that! Kurt, Jess and Justin walked us to the corner and we said our good- bye's! We wondered what the day had in store for us, if it would be hilly or windy. Boyd took off and we didn't see him much after the first few miles! He is a jet Boy with his new wheels! We didn' want to hold him up, so we told him to go on.We had a pretty good run of level roads but we did run on to the hill we had worried about! It is the hill Noth of Valentine! It was one that pulled fom the very start and was a grind the whole way. We clicked down in our low gear at least I thought I was! Sheryl and I was going pretty good but we sounded like a steam engine pullin a hill! We made it to the top but with no speed records. I discovered that I was not in my small ring so I had pulled that bad boy in my second ring! No wonder , I was thinking to myself I should have trained more for this! We asked a guy if he ran across a spare lung or maybe even a heart back there!! We laughed about it but
Sheryl went up it like she had done it before.The wind was picking up and it was starting to get really warm.The country is so pretty and green, and we found oursleves talking about everything! The time passed quickly and before you know it we went half -way. It was in the high 90's by then and the wind was out of the S-E to S at 30 to 35 mph at least! We stopped at a little town called

sparks and they were serving lunch. We didn't really want to eat much but we new we would need it for the energy.They had hamburger and fries and we waited in line forever. The longer we waited the worse the wind was getting.We had good sunburn's and would have done anything for a advil at this point. Sheryl had a bunion hurting and my knee was killing me! I had to take my rear trunk off the back, right at the first sag stop, we had raised the saddle to make it work. It was to much I could feel my knee theen pulling. So we didn't have any of our supplies with at all! We looked like we could stand in for a couple fire trucks! We were tired after we had stopped, but went on! We had many bananas and water breaks , the wind and heat was really getting to us! We then stopped at a snow cone place, and rested a minute. An older guy had the biggest snow cone in a cup I had ever seen! Sheryl and I started picking on him that we would count how many times we heard his tent flap in the nite to go to the bathroom! He got quite a charge out of us and joked back too! We found out that we had to ride straight in to the wind a ways which we did not look forward too! We really couldn't talk it was so windy and we were hanging on tight.We turnned into the wind and it was like our legs were moving but our bodies weren't! I really didn't know how we would make it but we did! Kurt, Jess and Justin drove out to check on us and they had good cold water and we took a little break. They didn't tell us what we had ahead or we might have just jumped in the pickup right then! They had been fishing a place south of Springveiw, called Keller Park. They said they would take us there later to see the huge hills to get there! I think they caught some fish but none to clean! We said good bye and gave hugs and away we went to indure the wind some more. I was starting to get a little heat sick I had goose bumps going on but I keep on drinking.

Sheryl was doing so good I was really proud of her it was a realy challenge! We had a little over 18 miles to go and we would be in. We could see two big wind chargers in the distance and it seemed we were gettin closer all the time.We had hill after hill going into town. Kurt and the boys and checked out the big chargers and read all the information about them.They keep a wind speed of 32 rpm and they the blades weighted in the amount of 30,000 lbs.It was really neat to see and really cool to bike by!I wondered then why we didn't have them around our area muchThe chargers generated enough electricity to power 400 or so homes, wow how cool!! We had made it into the school hot and tired but soooo glad to see the camp! They had everything ready for us and the camper was cool!!Boyd was there talking to Kurt and the boys waiting too!We showered and felt better, got our second wind! Mom had sent some cooked roast beef for us so we made some sandwich's. It sure hit the spot we had enough bananas for one day! We went for a drive and the guys wanted to show us were they went fishing what a pretty park!!We thought it would be a fun place to go camping sometime!We went that night and bought new bike sandals. Sheryl had to do something and that was the answer, they were so great I had to have a pair!! We put up her tent, it was hard the wind was still at it. She didn't know if it would be there in the morning! We were ready for bed early and new we would take off about 6:00 again the next morning! Good- nite!
Springveiw population: 292
Distance: 88.0 miles
Time: 7.0 hrs.
Average: 12.4
Max speed: 30.0
Windy and Hot!

2004-06-05T23:47:00.000-04:00

!!BRAN 24 June 5th , 2004
We are getting the camper packed and last minute things ready. I have again packed enough to stay for weeks!! Kurt had some last minute things to do too! In the meantime Sheryl had taken two showers and packed more stuff too!! It looked like we were running away from home! The boys took the front and Sheryl and I got the back! We stopped at North Platte and you guessed it bought more goodies even yet! We had so many things to eat it was crazy .We just looked in the cabinets at the stuff we bought and laughed!! We headed north out of North Platte and noticed things got pretty dry. The boys were excited there was even turtle crossing signs up, and fence so they wouldn't get on the highway to there end. We got to Cody and was glad to get out and stretch the ol legs! We were excited to get checked in and I was excited for Sheryl! How cool it is her first BRAN! We introduced her to Crazy Kelly the Bike Rack Mechanic, Boyd and the crew from North Platte and that is a handful in itself! There were a few that even remembered me!! Linda , always tells me that I meet people going in and out of the restrooms!! Ok I guess I do, I enjoy it alot!! We introduced Sheryl into clamping in on her bike pedals for the first time. Paul Heumphreus and Pottsie helped her get going! She did a great job and didn't have any trouble at all!! She was mad though that we were all lookin at her, Oh well!! We went to a local bar called the Husker Hub and that is where we had supper. It was spaghetti and tacos, the boys loved that. We went back to the camper and thought we better get Sheryl's tent up before dark. Jess and Justin pitched right in and it was up before you know it!! We were to meet Boyd at 6:00 in the morning so we could leave together! What a day I was nervous and excited all the same time!! You would think as many times as I have ridden this ride I would have the butterflies worked out!! Better get to bed good- night!
Cody population 149

2004-05-28T00:45:00.000-04:00

5-27-04
An afternoon ride, biked in to pick up Sheryl! It was a warm day in the 90's,pretty windy out of the N-E. We decided to bike to just past Indianola. The traffic was already heavy with the big weekend coming on. As we were riding we noticed the wind was gusty out of all different directions. So we had the wind in our face riding out and back both, I figure we had a good workout! One thing about it we will be ready to ride in the wind, because that is all we have had to train in this year! This weekend we will stay off the busy roads, and hit it again next week. the count down for BRAN is almost here now!

Miles Logged: 41.0

2004-05-26T22:44:00.000-04:00

5-26-04
A morning ride, drove into town and meet Sheryl at her house. I had both bikes in the Tahoe after our last ride. We decieded to make the trip around the loop. We went south of Cambridge to the juction. We had a pretty good wind mostly out of the south but a little to the west also! It was a nice day for riding a little cool at first but it was just a perfect day! The hills south were a challenge , but we tackled them and then headed to Lebanon! Still we bucked a head wind but boy is it a nice road and hardly any traffic.We still didn't stop any just headed right on up the big hill north of Lebanon! It really looks big starting up it and Sheryl really thought so too! We climbed it with a little huffing and puffing by the time we made it to the top! We enjoyed the nice road and the beautiful country!The Russion Olives are blooming and the air had a great scent! We laughed and talked, and I discovered Sheryl wrote one of her first poems about this road! We decided to ride this again soon! Sheryl is thinking of riding BRAN, and I hope she will, we will have a great time together! The only thing is we get to laughing and we have trouble peddling!! My family are getting anxious now, they have alot of things to see and do this time!

Miles Logged: 42.37

2004-05-24T00:26:00.000-04:00

5-23-04
A Sunday afternoon ride, a nice warm day with a S-W wind. I left home at about 5:00 and headed for Sheryl's. We decided to bike to Mccook. Kurt and the boys would pick us up at the East Casey's. The wind was a little gusty but by the time we made it to McCook it was a tail wind yah Babe!! I have always loved the saying May the sun be at your face and the wind at your back! Now that I ride a bike I really like that!! They boys came and picked us up and we went for supper,we were starving as usual!! Then went to Wal-Mart looking pretty bad but needed to get a few things!!We had a real good ride!! I think Sheryl is hooked!!

Miles Logged: 30.0

2004-05-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

5-21-04
A late afternoon ride after work! I was pretty tired we had a big day at the coffee shop. Pottsie stopped by in the afternoon, I told him I would like to ride. So quick went home after work changed and caught up with Pottsie at my corner. We had a great ride, it had been a while since I had biked with Pottsie! We went to the hill past Indianola and turned around and headed home. The daylight was going quickly , he didn't think I should go on home from Cambridge. Carla took me home and the wind had really picked up by then! It was a perfect evening and it is always fun to ride with ol Pottsie!!
Miles Logged: 36.76

2004-05-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

5-19-04
An afternoon ride with a little S-W wind. It was partly cloudy but warm! Sheryl was gone so had to ride solo! It isn't as much fun when you don't have someone to laugh with! Trust me we do alot of that everytime, we have some sort of experience to tell! Kurt put the new areo bars on to let me try. So I decieded to go on a pretty level surface first. I went to just past Bartley to a get a 16 mile mark and turned around. I had a sort of a tail wind going home and I think the areo bars will work great. I picked up at least 2 to 3 mph with them! I ran back home between 20 to 21 mph. That is what I call ridin, didn't take me long to get back! On the way though I found some more road treasure! I know Sheryl will have a cow, but I found a air chuck and a big pin that you hold with a cotter key! They guys always want me to stop for tools, so I try too! Sheryl has a fit that I know what they are, at least she wasn't along to put her foot in gum this time!! HA!

Miles Logged: 32.0

2004-05-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

5-17-04
It is my Birthday, not going to tell how old. Anyway we picked up the boys from school and went to pick the bikes up. Patty had them all done and did a great job on them as usual! She put new chains, shift cable, trued wheels and adjusted. She is in a small motel room way smaller than what she had. The boys wanted to take me to Applebees for supper, they said they wouldn't tell , it was my Birthday. You know that they did,we shared the brownie and ice cream!
We headed home and Mom and Dad were waiting here for us. The smell of coffee was great, my Birthday cake was wonderful! They brought gifts and cards! Kurt and the boys gave me bike stuff! aero bars for my bike , I can't wait to try out! Sheryl and her family gave me a whiskey barrel and plants to put in it! Andrew, Mark and Sheryl's son, gave me a solor powered turtle, that is way cool!I had a great Birthday with all lot of well wishes and cards!

2004-05-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

5-15-04
We went to Steve and Linda Pearson's for supper. Patty and George were down and they were working on the RAGBRI bus. She offered to take both bikes to service.

2004-05-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

5-14-04

A late afternoon ride, drove into Sheryl's and we left form there. We decided to try biking to McCook, but would need a way home. We would have ran out of daylight hours. Mark said he would, so off we went. It was a little cool, and the wind was out of the N-E. We tackled the hills with ease and before we knew it we were in McCook. we went North to avoid any construction and headed right for the Pizza Hut. We called Mark from there. We parked our bikes on the side of the building. We used the window that had a screen pulled for a mirror , you know to adjust things. We lookded pretty bad to be going into public. When we got inside we discovered that someone had been in the booth behind the window that we were adjusting in! Boy, were we embarassed! Knowing us we probably made a good show, just guessing!! Any way we had pizza and you guessed a cold beer! It hit the spot!Mark came and we went home! we had a great time a aand a lot of laughs!!

Miles Logged 27.0

2004-05-07T00:42:00.000-04:00

5-6-04
An late morning ride, went to town to pick up Sheryl.She was still at the coffee shop, had to get her gear yet. Anyway we started out and by then the wind was really picking up out of the N-E. It was really gusty but good going with it as a tail wind!! I always love a tail wind one problem you have to ride back into it! We made it all the way to Indianola and stopped at the park to fill bottles, and check out the grave for the little Indian Lady. Ola. I just have learned the story on how that came about kinda cool! Anyway Sheryl's nose was starting to act up and guess what of all the days she didn't take her allergy med. She found a roll of toliet paper , I think next time we will have to bring the park a new roll!! HA! We had one really, really bad head wind to go home too. Let me tell you the girls were screaming by Bartley! We keep on we were bound to finish. I said I bet we could pick up a penny with our strong buns now!! Sheryl thought it would be a grain of sand and we could turn a pearl!I guess think about that one, she had to get back to work and so we just keep our hands and heads down on the grips and went on! I left her at her house in Cambridge and went on to the Tahoe. Sheryl felt a little upset to her tummy but next time she will drink more water and we take a break once in a while! The trip from Cambridge to the Tahoe was long but boy was I gled to get there!! The wind was really bad in the 25's and gusty to 30's. I guess it will make us tough but I was sure tired. Justin had a music program tonight, it was good! Lasted to long the kids were sure tired.We celebrated Jesse's B-Day, 15 years old today, and Mom and Dad's Anniv 42 years. We had cake and ice cream and had a great time!!

Miles Logged:40.0

2004-05-05T23:45:00.000-04:00

5-5-04

Well today I didn't bike, it was really windy. I thought it would calm down by evening, then was a little stormy looking. So stopped by Sheryl's to wish her a Happy Brthday! Can you believe she has a Birthday on Cinco De Mayo, Oh my gosh we celebrated wiith the wrong drink! We will have to make up for that one maybe Sat night! She is a little mad at Kurt he called her birthday in on the radio today! She is gonna do somthin. somthin BAD! I have no fears she WILL get even! Tomorrow we will try to get a ride in sometime I hope. Jesse has a big Birthday tomorrow he will be 15,Wow where did that time go! Mom and Dad will have an Anniv. too. they will be married 42 years. Well better get a present wrapped up!

2004-05-05T10:30:00.000-04:00

5-4-04
A evening ride after work, the sun was warm and temp's in the high 80's. Started out on my way to Cambridge to pick up Sheryl. I had plans to ride the lake road, so that is where we went too! Was really warm and a corner tail wind going out. We started out on the highway and I noticed something shiny. I had to go back and check it out. Sure enough it was a SK 1/4 inch drive socket, wow what a find! In the mean time Sheryl had put on the skids and guess where, she put her foot right on a piece of melted gum. Well we didn't notice at first until she was glued to the pedal. Oh man did she gum up her pedal and shoe, we laughed so hard we could hardly pedal!! Anyway we started up the big hill and it is a mean one no matter how many times you pedal it! We did a good job we made it all the way out to the lake and turned around to head home. The lake was a sight to see, the sun was shining across it and made it glisten like silver. The silhouette of us along the road looked so cool and the scent of green was in the air! We tackled the big hill by Jackson's, it was a mean one but we got up it anyway! Here come Mom and Dad in the delivery van, they had to deliver a sofa to Joyce. They were a little worried about us on the lake road, but waved good- bye! We hit the big hill going down to the highway, and we turned her loose! I think I got up to 33 mph and Sheryl did a 31 mph. It was getting pretty dark by then so we quick got back to town. I went on home from there, turned on my blinkie light and a jacket. You could see me in the dark pretty good, in fact a patrolman was parked along he highway and told me I was good to go! Good thing I didn't think it was because I was speeding! HA! Anyway as I headed for home the full moon was coming up and glowed in the sky light a night light. It was so pretty I wanted to keep going, I could have looked at it all night. It lit up the whole shy, then I thought it would be cool to have moonlight ride sometime. I made it back to the Tahoe and headed for home! A great ride as always! I had to laugh about Sheryl and her gum though!!

Log Miles: 32.23

2004-05-03T16:56:00.000-04:00

2004-05-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

2004 Bike Log
2-19 -04 First ride with my cousin Sheryl, man you should have heard her complain about all the bike gear! I finally got her to wear the cycle shorts and I brought her all the other things the bike , helmet, gloves, sunglasses and yes even the water bottles ,filled! So It was biking 101! We both have ridden bikes as kids, but this is a new experience. We went around town a little to get Sheryl used to shifting I tried my best to tell her the things I learned. Ha, which was not much! Anyway we started out for the highway and went to Bartley and back again and around town some more both had a great time, it was in the 60's and a real nice day and not to windy.She did a great job her first ride I think she is a natural at it.This is my 7th year to ride the BRAN , Bike Ride Across Nebraska.I love to get other people to ride makes it more fun!
Log miles: 20.0

2-22-04
This was a Sunday afternoon ride in the 50's and a little cool and windy.A short 10 mile ride out and back again,wind coming home was a tail wind !
Log Miles: 20.10

3-17-04
Went for a ride in the afternoon was a nice day a little windy going and a tail wind coming back!
Log Miles: 20.0

3-24-04
Sheryl and I took an afternoon ride. It was nice in the 80's today. We decided to ride a few hills and Sheryl was a little nervous about it all! Ha! Yes, she did just fine, learning how to shift a different bike and when to shift is tricky. We went to the Rep Valley School house and turned around and came back to Bartley. We were fighting a pretty good wind coming home.We were so hungry when we got home we could have had a half of beef. I loved it Sheryl said she keep on getting something to eat all night , she just about wore the pantry door out!
Log Miles: 37.0

3-25-04
An afternoon ride with Sheryl , we got a late start. I got a flat tire at Bartley. We stopped and Dave Burton fixed me up. He had to go home to get his bike pump. It wasn't long and he had me up and going! Anyway we went on to Indianola and turned around and headed back. It seemed to be windy both ways coming and going. For some odd reason we were starving at Bartley!!!!!! Imagine that anyway we stopped at the Cafe had some pie and ice cream,man did that hit the spot!!!! It was getting kinda late by then so we needed to get our buns back. It seemed a long ways home we were fighting a good head wind the whole way home.We had a good time as usual. Again we were so hungry that we snacked all night.
Log Miles : 30.0

4-6-04
I worked in the morning at the Coffee Shop. Sheryl let me go in the afternoon to take a ride. I quick changed and off I went. It was cloudy and cool and looked like it might rain. I knew it was Nebraska and we don't get rain. Well I was wrong!!! I started out for Bartley to take my 15 miles out and it was looking darker. I thought it was just my sunglasses making it seem so dark. So it was windy and chilly got to past Bartley and turned around and by the lake road I felt a couple drops on my head. I thought oh oh, I am gonna get wet, yep by the time I got through Cambridge I was soaked. So I thought should I stop or go on?! Well I guess only one way to get there and that is to just ride so that is what I did. It was fun not really cold, but a good ride anyway!
Log Miles:30.0

4-17-04
It was a afternoon ride on a Sat. I thought I would take a 50 mile ride. I was really needing to get one in. I took out for the Rep Valley school.Decided to go on up the hill to get a 25 and a good 50 back home then! Well it was all going good, turned and was headed back and started to get really warm. Some young girls were selling Kool-aid in Indianola gave them all my change to have a drink! It was good and cold but made me really thirsty. they filled my camel bac and I was good to go! So I headed on and got the chill's by Bartley. So I stopped rested and guess what?!! I went back to my bike and had a flat tire, yes the same one as before. I am so bummed about it and I can't get any signal to call out of Bartley. Here come my recuers Dave and Cindy Burton. Gosh what would I do without those guys.They loaded my bike up and got me a gatorade to drink to help me with me goose bumps.Gave me a ride back to the Tahoe, I sure felt bad I couldn't finish the ride. I was glad cause the wind picked up and it really would have been hard to ride home in.Oh well I will try again!
Log Miles: 36.35

4-21-04
I biked into town to pick up Sheryl at Cambridge . We decieded to go south of Cambridge and ride a few hills. It was a little cool and partly cloudy that day. We headed out and it was a little corner wind in our face the hills are pretty good. It is a pretty rough road and hard to get up much speed up! We tackled one at a time and Sheryl got along really good. I tried showing her how to shift on the hills to make it easier, she caught on and did a great job. We got to almost the junction and they were floating fertilizer on the bottom so we just stopped before. We rested had a snack and a little to drink, Sheryl was having a fit to put her ol nasty gloves in the sack. I had to laugh at her she said to me where do you wipe your nose, I said on your gloves or the other way, you know blow! Man was she ever grossed out on that one ,we had some good laughs over it! She had known about me one time when I tried I went off roading and about wrecked and put a bad bruse on my thigh. I guess I won't try that one again either! Ha! We got turned around and she got the sneezes, bad allergys. so the whole way home she sneezed and sneezed! We had a good ride home and it seemed better as we went. Had agreat time and we laid alot of eggs that day!!!! I went back to Sheryl's and then headed back on home to where I parked th Tahoe on the highway.
Log Miles: 40.0

4-27-04
It was an afternoon ride really warm in the high 80's. A strong SW wind to go in. I kept riding had plans to ride more but got really tired in the wind. So I turned around and headed back to past Bartley a ways.

Coming home was so great I think I ran 19 to 20 miles the whole way home! I like that kind of riding!I sure felt it in my legs later though. I was tired and hungry!! I had a good strong ride!!!!!
Log Miles: 31.50

4-28-04
An afternoon ride warm high in the 90's a strong SW wind made it a workout. Going was hard and then turned around past Bartley and thought I would have a fast ride home. Think again-- wind changed directions and had a strong side wind coming back. So it made it a workout both ways!! I felt good and stong though!
Log Miles:33.0

2004-05-03T07:18:00.000-04:00

My name is Cindy and I ride a road bike.