A new year (and a little help)

When I started writing this blog I said it would probably involve four things, my family, hot air ballooning, bicycling and Purdue sports.

Today is the time to add the first post about one of those topics. About 4 o'clock I looked at one of the TV channels that said the local temperature was 68 degrees. I decided that it was time to get out the bike. I did some streching and added air to the tires and proceeded around the neighborhood just to see if I could remember how. A whole whopping 4.4 miles in 18:45 for a average of only 14.3 mph. But after not riding since October not so bad. It got the juices flowing and I sure didn't want to overdo it and regret it in the morning. Once I get in "shape" (I know it doesn't look like I have been in shape for the last twenty years) I should be able to ride my nine mile loop in just a touch over 30 minutes (or almost 18 miles an hour) and for longer rides (30+ miles) at 16.5 or 17 mph. Looking ahead it is supposed to be near 50 next weekend too. If it is sunny I might get another ride in then. So my total distance for the year so far is 4.4 miles. I'll see what I can do to add to that.

On another of the four topics the IU Hoosiers got creamed by Michigan State today. This was their third loss in the conference. Purdue and Wisconsin still only have two losses apiece. There MIGHT be a conference championship in the Boilers future. I am looking forward to the game on Tuesday :-)