IL: Track and Back Bike Ride

Ocotber 18, 2008

This bike ride was in Des Moines, IA and somehow I convinced Mary to participate. You had your choice of 50 or 100 miles, including riding a few laps around the Iowa Speedway. This is how the day started--foggy and 35 degrees.



In the far distance is a huge hill. Iowa is so not flat.

My windchilled face with Mary drafting from all my hard work.

A lap around the speedway. There is a sharp incline.

Iowa speedway. We finished 55 miles total after a little detour.

IL: La Salle 5K

August 17, 2008

I decided to train for a half marathon in mid November, so I might as well start with something small-- a 5K. A colleague told me about a local 5K supporting Alzheimer's research. The funny part was, I got in a picture in the local newsletter!! Thats me all the way on the right at the starting line.
A close up, yes i'm number 34--- not too many runners there!

And the best part was, I got 1st place in my age group! With a time of 30.29 minutes, one of my worst times in a 5k. I guess that's the good part about running in a small town.

IL: Trip to Omaha, NE

October 4, 2008

I drove to Des Moines, IA in four hours then rode with Mary another 2 to Council Bluffs, IA. We went camping at a state park in Omaha.

Driving into Omaha.
At the top of a tall tower where it was very windy.



It was nice to see Mary and my first trip to Iowa. Now I can definatively say, Iowa is NOT flat.

IL: Ride Like an Egyptian

September 27, 2008

I found a bike ride in that supports a local landmark, the Egyptian Theater. You had your choice of 25,50,75 or a century ride. I wanted to at least do 50.

From the snowbelt of Erie, to the corn belt of Peru.



These are the three people I rode with most of the time. They are all from the Dekalb area and have been on many fun travel adventures. I made the 50 miles in 3 and a half hours with breaks.