A little rushed today because I had to cram in a semi-annual visit to the dentist this morning for a cleaning. But I wanted to head out for a ride on my new tires and new rear Bontraeger wheel as well.

I went down to Loomis just enjoying the day. On this first day of school in Milwaukee, I had to wait for a school bus to turn around there. When I did I noticed what I thought was a lady roadie who must have been behind me, then turned around while I wasn't looking. Now I was heading the same way as her. I thought this might be a fun little carrot to carry me through the second half of the ride. But this carrot and her yellow bike was fast. I was going 18 steady and she was widening the gap.

As we came up on 76th street, I decided I would take up the chase and make a game of it once we crossed. I never got the chance. She turned toward Southridge. No chase.

I DID find my challenge on the way back though. I turned into Whitnall, just to get myself a few more miles than yesterday. For some reason I looked up and saw Barn Hill. I was never intending to climb it today, but it seem to call out to me. I turned onto it. Big ring. In the drops. Out of the saddle. Whew...that'll get your heat rate up in a hurry!

The ride was a pretty good one. I LIKE the wheel. When I free wheel now it sounds like I have a baseball card in my spokes back there. It's LOUD. I like it!

The tires feel good too. Here's to hoping that Sept. will be a nice sunny and hot one with lots of summertime rides.

FYI> My tire of choice if anyone was wondering...Schwalbe Blizzard, available at Rainbow Jersey.

CLICK HERE for tire info