Cycling on a beautiful July afternoon

Today was a rarity for the summer of 2009 -- a nearly perfect weather day. Having anticipated this, I opted to take 1/4 of a personal day to ride my bike, my ride starting at about 4:45. For only the second time this year, I headed east to the Meacham Grove and Spring Creek preserves, which were frequent destinations in prior years. I then turned north on Medinah Road and coursed my way along neighborhood streets to Weathersfield Way, which I then rode westward for very nearly its full length. I next rode through parts of Streamwood and Bartlett before returning home, with the total mileage for the ride reaching 27.5.

I also take pride in the fact that my average speed for this ride was 14.2 mph, which matches my previous fastest pace for 2009, which took place just eight days ago. However, today's ride was twice the distance of that earlier ride, which confirms the fact that my average riding speed is improving.

This is probably my last ride for July, so it's time to review my riding statistics to date. My total mileage for July was 216.6, which is my best month for 2009 and my third best month ever. [My three best months have always been Julys -- #1 in 2008, #2 in 2007 and #3 in 2009]. I also completed my second "age in miles" half-century ride, which boosted my seasonal total over the 700 mile mark. With today's ride added in, my total mileage now stands at 739.7. My July contribution to the Lance Armstrong Foundation will be $55 and my total "One for All" contribution for 2009 now stands at $337.

Looking ahead, I need 152 more miles to crack 3,000 miles for my three-year "One for All" total and I need 261 more miles to surpass 1,000 miles for 2009. I am confident that both milestones can be achieved -- almost certainly in August for the former and probably early in September for the latter. Although my July 2009 total fell nearly 95 miles short of my all-time record month of July, 2008, I am still very pleased at where I currently stand.

Most importantly, there are still many more miles to ride and more money to raise. Onward!