A memorable ending to May

On the final weekend of May, the Chicago area was blessed with some great cycling weather. I took full advantage of these circumstances and rode each day for a combined 55.7 miles. On Saturday afternoon, I followed a south and western route that brought me through Bartlett, along the Elgin Spur of the Illinois Prairie Path, along a segment of the Great Western Trail, and northward back home. On Sunday afternoon, I went the opposite direction, riding eastward and northward through Schaumburg to the Busse Woods bicycle trail. The 7.8 mile loop within the Cook County Forest Preserve in Elk Grove Village was crowded with pedestrians, cyclists, and in-line skaters, but there were fleeting moments when my travels took me through serene forested sections devoid of people. Very relaxing . . . very Zen. After each ride, I felt strong and pain-free, which indicates to me that I am well prepared for my next official challenge -- the 36 mile section of the Trek 100, which takes place next Saturday morning in the rolling landscape of southern Wisconsin.

The annual Trek 100 bicycle ride supports critical pediatric cancer and related blood disorder research through the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund. The primary beneficiary of the Trek 100 is the Midwest Children's Cancer Center of the Medical College of Wisconsin. This year, the Trek 100 returns to the birthplace of Trek Bicycles in Waterloo, Wisconsin. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain-free weather forecast holds true.

My 2009 mileage now stands at 319.4 and I have so far raised $181 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.